Police Housing Criticized by UHRC

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has voiced concerns regarding the inadequate housing conditions of Police officers.

This sentiment was expressed by Mariam Wangadya, the chairperson of the commission, during a presentation of a research report to Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
Wangadya presented a report titled “Squeezing water out of a stone? The working and living conditions of the Uganda Police Force personnel and their implications on the observance of human rights 2022,” highlighting issues including housing, office space, job security, sharing of weapons, and facilitation for duty execution.
The report highlighted instances where two to three families share a house separated only by curtains, leading to challenges such as officers being unable to have children due to shared living arrangements.

Moreover, Wangadya disclosed the inadequacy of equipment for Police officers, resulting in the sharing of guns among personnel.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa emphasized the necessity for further investigations to fully comprehend the situation faced by officers.
He urged the government to address persistent welfare concerns within the Police Force, emphasizing that the under-resourced nature of the force hampers its ability to prevent and investigate crimes.
Tayebwa emphasized the need to address issues within the Justice, Law, and Order Sector comprehensively, suggesting that a holistic approach is necessary for effective reform.
This includes not only appointing more judges but also ensuring adequate support for prosecutors and focusing on improving the investigative capabilities of law enforcement.