A cross section of Ugandans have lashed out at the government over its creation of a private security company.
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the UPDF, has ventured into private security business, creating NEC Security Services Limited. On 14th July 2023, NEC Security Services Ltd (NSSL) passed out NEC Security Guards at Katugo Training School. Col Moses Mwesigwa, General Manager NSSL, said they will provide Guard Services, Cash and Valuable Metals in Transit, VIP Escort Services, Canine Security, Quick Response Services, Investigations and Fire Fighting and E-Security Content.
This will see NEC Security Services Limited competing with the likes of Saracen and other private security companies in providing services such as guarding private business and resident premises.
However, the move has drawn consternation from a cross section of the public, with some suggesting that the government is abdicating its responsibility of using the security agencies of police and the military to guard its citizens.
Others, using social media, said the move may result in creation of a mercenary army which the government may fail to control such as that of Wagner in Russia, which recently held a failed mutiny.
George Serugo tweeted: “Conflict of Interest; when a national army engages in private security, there is a potential conflict of interest. National armies are responsible for maintaining peace and security for the entire country and protecting national interests.”
SaveUkraine said: It is regrettable that lessons seem to go unlearned, particularly by the government. It is disheartening to witness the transformation of private security organizations into criminal gangs once they cease their operations. The whereabouts of groups like Boda Boda 2010 and other bu private military gangs raise concerns. Can anyone provide an account of their firearms? Were they properly retrieved and accounted for yiven?
Ernest Kamyuka said: “This is completely antithetical. The government cannot claim that they want to see the private sector thrive when they are it’s own competition. We have seen it, everywhere the government goes they create a monopoly -“forcefully”.
Charles Muganzi: Banange mu Uganda olemwa!!!! Who is the Private. How can government be private. Could it be that tuwuunze since our national IDs are getting expired. Are these the signs of an expired citizen. Who can explain this miracles to me!!!!!!
Andrew Ndyanabo: Wait, so who’ll be paying these lads? Because it cannot be a “private” security company and tax payers foot their bills.
Salim Hassan: Hope it won’t be like Wagner group that turned against Putin.
Bugason Aliga: Something like Prigozhin’s PMC Wagner; a mercenary-like outfit that fight battles &restores order without much govt liability? No! To guard, train private investigators for Discovery ID-like wonders. The mess awaits. Was looking for a PSC to enhance my defence &weapons skills
