MASINDI — President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned 9,952 newly trained police and immigration officers, urging them to uphold discipline, reject corruption and embrace modern policing techniques as they begin service.
The officers, who completed training at Police Training School (PTS) Kabalye in Masindi District, comprise the 25th Intake of Probationer Police Constables and the 3rd Intake of the Immigration Officers’ Course.
At the same time, probationer police constables training at Police Training School Ikafe in Yumbe District also graduated through a virtual pass-out ceremony.
Addressing the recruits on Friday, President Museveni congratulated them upon completing their training and commended the Uganda Police Force (UPF) leadership and instructors for preparing what he described as a disciplined force.
“Discipline and integrity are the foundation of service,” the President said, warning the officers against corruption, which he said undermines public trust in law enforcement institutions.
He urged the graduates to adopt modern crime-fighting approaches, including forensic science, canine (K9) units and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, to enhance crime prevention and investigations.
The President also emphasised the role of security agencies in supporting national development, noting that peace and stability are essential for economic growth and wealth creation.
“Security must also support wealth creation by protecting our people and ensuring every Ugandan joins the money economy,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba described the graduation as a historic milestone, saying it was the largest pass-out parade in the history of the Uganda Police Force.
According to the IGP, the graduation of 9,952 officers increases the force’s manpower by 20.5 per cent, raising its strength from 48,417 to 58,369 personnel.
Of the total police workforce, 43,737 are male officers while 14,633 are female officers.
The latest intake comprises 6,468 men and 3,484 women, reflecting continued efforts to improve female representation within the force.
Mr Byakagaba said the increase in personnel has improved Uganda’s police-to-population ratio to approximately one officer for every 839 citizens, based on the country’s estimated population of about 49 million people.
He added that expanding manpower forms part of the Uganda Police Force’s broader reform agenda aimed at improving service delivery, strengthening community policing and responding to emerging security threats.
The force’s Five-Year Strategic Policing Plan (2025/26–2029/30), he noted, has been aligned with the objectives of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) to support national development programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and Emyooga.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Joseph Obwona urged the graduates to remain faithful to the oath of office and serve the country with professionalism and integrity.
“I urge you to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity as you embark on your journey of service to the nation,” he said.
Police Training School Kabalye Commandant Commissioner of Police Patrick Lawot said the recruits had successfully completed rigorous training that equipped them with the knowledge, practical skills and ethical values required to serve as police and immigration officers.
He said the officers had also been trained to appreciate the importance of peace, security and the rule of law in advancing Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
The graduation forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise the country’s security sector through increased recruitment, advanced training and the adoption of modern policing technologies.