By IGP Martins Okoth Ochola

Today, I presided over the scientific pass out ceremony of the Command and Institutional Leadership Course Intake 002/2021. This course, is one of the various courses provided for in the systematic career development and training of officers in the UPF.

This specific course, was intended to strengthen the Command, leadership and management capabilities of the operational officers in UPF. As Police Management, we are convinced that it will address the relevant practical requirements and gaps that exist in the policing field.

We established this College in December, 2015, to build operational, strategic and specialized capabilities of the Uganda Police Force in order to meet the increasing security and crime challenges in the policing sector.

In fulfilling the above, we have signed quite a number of MoUs with various institutions of learning and agencies such as Management Institute. On this very note, I’m appreciative of the Director General UMI & the entire UMI staff for training the first intake of our officers.

Training is one of our priorities as UPF. It is through training that, UPF as an institution can marshal& leverage our resources for SCE delivery to the communities we serve Professionalism is nurtured, built& tested thru retooling of officers in the wake of the current terror threats

We, therefore, pledge as UPF Management to continue taking pragmatic steps to provide cutting-edge theoretical and empirical training to our officers to meet the ever-changing law enforcement environment.

To the participants, the process of police training is not an event but a long and tedious process. It requires hard work, dedication, commitment and trust which are also key ingredients of the sum total of Police discipline.

I’m sure that if you conceptualized these principles, then you have received the best training instilled with the most noble values associated with policing. Now that you know better, champion the best quality of command, leadership and management practices in order to propel UPF to greater heights.

I, therefore, expect you to add value to the Police Force and to the community by being able to; 1. Effectively Plan and conduct Police operations. 2. Develop and apply institutional leadership and management best practices especially when handling the human& non-human resources under your control.

3. Acquire the ability to apply investigative& intelligence skills. 4. Effectively undertake Police staff duties at both operational and strategic levels.  5. Demonstrate knowledge of political consciousness& ideological orientation. 6. Observe, promote& protect Human Rights

7. Be compassionate. Have a clear mind and kind heart. 8. Be disciplined. Discipline is paramount& cardinal hallmark of your life as a police officer. A simple act of indiscipline, even if it relates to punctuality, professionalism, or personal conduct, should not be tolerated.

I extend my appreciation to the College Management Committee, Commandant and his team, the Director General, UMI and partners who have contributed towards the Human Resource Development in UPF. UPF Management commits its self to upgrade the College to match international standards.

I congratulate U the officers who have successfully completed the Command& Institutional leadership Course.

I thank you all and do appeal to you all to continue observing and enforcing the COVID-19 guidelines as we protect and serve.

The writer is the Inspector General of Police