POLICE TO REVOKE LICENSES OF 27 PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES DUE TO SURGE IN CRIME

By George Bukenya

Due to surge in crimes being committed by Private security guards, Police move to revoke the licenses of seven companies and also suspend 20 for some time, aimed at combating the ever increasing crime cases by the private guard offenders.

According to Police spokesperson SCP. Fred Enanga, the surge in crimes being committed by the private security guards emanate from poor management of private security companies whose workers breach the policy guidelines put in place to regulate handling of firearms.

While addressing reporters at Naguru based police Headquarters, Enanga revealed that police is now vetting Twenty-seven private security companies after the exercise this week, seven of these will have their licenses revoked and 20 will be suspended for a reasonable time although he declined to mention the affected companies.

“ We have written to the Uganda Private Security Association (TUPSA) about the poor custody and transportation of firearms by the private security guards leading to the increase in crimes  such as murder and robbery by use of guns and are yet to respond.’’ Enanga said.

He also said that police’s Directorate of Operations have come up with measures aimed at curbing down the crimes committed by private security guards and among these, include the confiscation of the gun found poorly handled , arrest  of any individual who will be got breaching the rules and regulations.

The Police’s mouth piece gave a scenario were some private security personnel had elected an illegal roadblock at Natete with intentions of robbing passers  fortunately police quickly swung into action and  foiled their trick and also had suspects arrested and detained.

He also said in an effort to combat such criminality, police’s Directorate of Human Resource have come up with a standardized notes that will be used in training these private security guards.

The chairman of Uganda Private Security Association(TUPSA) Grace matsiko while talking to our reporter via phone said that private security companies are not exceptional on what is taking place in the country as far as committing crime is concerned.

“ Police as a government security agency should look into the ultimate causes of the surge in crime cases holistically in the entire country other than sanctioning private security companies.’’ Mr. Matsiko reasoned.

“We are aware the Uganda Police Force is mandated to regulated our sector, they should carry out due diligence and proper investigations before calling for revoking of license of any private security company as such action may render many Ugandans jobless.”

He further said,“ While regretting any transgressions of any private security company, the Uganda Private Security Association, calls on police to assess the national crime situation where private security companies and the state security agencies have been mentioned.” He said

TUPSA the umbrella body of all private security companies has got a total of 326 member companies spread throughout the country which employ about 100,000 workforce.

For any comment or story idea reach us on 0756 759901/0770 845082 or email: bgbukenya@gmail.com

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