The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to protecting human rights, saying respect for citizens’ rights remains a key part of professional policing.
The IGP noted that human rights observance is not only a professional responsibility but also a constitutional duty under Article 221 of the Constitution. He said the Police Force is continuously working to ensure that human rights standards are included in its operational doctrines and tactical instructions used by officers in the field.
According to the IGP, police officers are expected to exercise their powers responsibly and respect the dignity and rights of the people they serve. He said the Force remains committed to improving the way officers handle members of the public during arrests, investigations, security operations and other duties.
However, the IGP acknowledged that although the majority of police officers perform their duties professionally, there are individual officers who may violate the established code of conduct.
“We acknowledge that some individuals within our ranks may violate the code of conduct,” he said.
The IGP assured the Committee that officers found to have acted improperly are not protected from accountability. He explained that errant officers are subjected to the Police Force’s internal disciplinary procedures and, where their actions amount to criminal offences, they can also face prosecution under Uganda’s criminal laws.
He further stressed that the Police Force has a zero-tolerance approach towards impunity, torture and any form of high-handedness by its officers.
The IGP’s remarks underline the need for police officers to use their powers within the law while ensuring that the rights and freedoms of citizens are respected. He maintained that accountability for misconduct is essential in strengthening public trust and promoting professional policing.
The Police leadership says it will continue embedding human rights principles into policing operations while taking action against individual officers who breach the law or the Force’s code of conduct.
