The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj.Gen.Muzeeyi Sabiiti , the four new police directors and a few other officers have been sworn in as new members of the Uganda Police Council.
Muzeeyi Sabiiti was in March 2018 appointed the new Deputy Police Chief, whereas in July this year, President Museveni appointed Brig Jackson Bakasumba, Col Sserunjogi Ddamulira, Brig Geoffrey Golooba and Col. Jessy Kamunanwire as new police directors.
On Monday, the group was sworn in during the opening function of the 25th Police Council meeting at the Police headquarters in Naguru overseen by the commissioner of oaths.
Speaking after the swearing-in, the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola urged the new police council members to articulate issues as presented to them by the members they represent on the Police Council.
Police Council
According to Section 10 of the Police Act 1994, there shall be a Police Council with the Inspector General of Police as its chairperson.
The Police Council also consists of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, all directors, commandant of the mobile police patrol unit, Regional Police Commanders’ representatives, officers at the police headquarters responsible for operations, training, finance, personnel, legal affairs, community affairs and research and planning among others.
Other members to the Police Council are appointed by the IGP in consultation with the police unit commanders and these include an officer of the rank of assistant superintendent, an officer of the rank of inspector, three noncommissioned officers and the officer responsible for the administration of the force who shall be the secretary.
Functions
According to article 11 of the Police Act 1994, the Police Council is responsible for recruitment, appointment and promotion of police officers up to the rank of inspector of police.
The Police Council is also responsible for exercising disciplinary control over all police officers through the police courts, advise the police authority on the ranks structure in the force, formulate terms and conditions of service of members of the force subject to approval by the police authority, formulate and establish standards of recruitment and training within the force and to determine the types and quality of equipment and supplies to be procured by the force.
The Police Council is also responsible for formulating and advising the police authority on the policies of the force and ensure their implementation of that policy among other key functions.
The council last sat two years ago and this necessitated swearing in of new members who have joined the force or the Council in that period.
