Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Commissioner of Police-CP Paul Nkore, has warned police officers of all ranks to refrain from engaging in partisan politics that could further divide the citizens. Speaking at the pipping ceremony of KMP South police officers, Nkore emphasized that the police force is nonpartisan, and it is crucial for every officer to ensure that their actions do not contribute to divisions among the populace.
Nkore called upon police officers to always keep in mind the mandate of the police force before engaging in any political activities. He stressed the importance of understanding that their actions have the power to either enhance or tarnish the image of the institution.
“You must be knowledgeable. You shouldn’t be that person who doesn’t know your line minister. You must be a fast thinker and decision-maker. You must know that the decision you make or a single word you say can make headlines. The force is nonpartisan. Some of you are political but go back to the force’s mandate,” Nkore said.
Several officers were promoted from various ranks, including those elevated from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to SP, and Inspector of Police (IP) to ASP. Last month, President Yoweri Museveni promoted 1,638 senior police officers, following a previous promotion of over 9,000 lower-ranking officers by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Ochola.
Promotions for senior officers within the police force are scrutinized by the Police Authority, chaired by the Minister of Internal Affairs before their names are forwarded to the President. On the other hand, lower-ranking officers from Constable to IP undergo a thorough evaluation by the police council, with support from the directorates of crime intelligence and human resources.
The IGP then reviews its service records before making promotion decisions. The police force had experienced a five-year promotion drought, which IGP Ochola attributed to the controversies surrounding the 2016 promotions during the tenure of General Edward Kale Kayihura. The previous promotions prompted an investigation by the Inspectorate of Government, leading to a backlog in the promotion process.
SSP Charles Nsaba, the KMP South Regional Police Commander, urged the newly promoted officers to respect their titles and serve as role models to their subordinates and the public. “You’ll face challenges related to your new titles. The new titles mean you have added responsibility. Your actions matter at all times. You should not be that person whose actions will always betainting the police force,” SSP Nsaba said.
Nkore and Nsaba also emphasized the importance of showing respect to spouses and family members. Nkore acknowledged the difficulties of being married to someone in the security forces and revealed that in his 18 years of service, he has rarely had time for his family.”CP Nkore said
