President Yoweri Museveni had only nice things to say about the Uganda Police Force affirming that it has the capacity to decisively deal with criminals since it is now composed of educated officers and has increasingly become professional.

“The Police Force we have today has the capacity to eliminate or minimize crime because you have educated people unlike the former force that was illiterate or semi-illiterate,” he said.

The President who is also the Commander in Chief of the Uganda Armed forces was yesterday speaking at the pass out ceremony of Police Officers and Constables who have been undergoing a 10 months training course at Police Training School in Kabalye – Masindi district. The officers comprised 788 Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police 218 of whom are female, 4,076 Probation Police Constables 708 of whom are female and 1000 Field Force Police Officers all from various universities.

The President advised them to diligently follow clues, investigate all sources, get the facts and not listen or rely on rumors. General Museveni pledged to enhance their methods of investigation by providing them with the necessary modern equipment.

He urged the new officers to be disciplined and committed while carrying out their duties saying these are crucial for our security and assured them of a bright future in their new career as the country is today peaceful and the economy is growing.

“Discipline and commitment by you graduands is very crucial.” He noted, “You have a bright future ahead of you. Our economy is growing and if you serve with commitment you will not regret. A good career is before you.”

The President assured the Police and other security agencies that government will work on the improvement of their infrastructure as well as welfare, explaining that currently the focus is on the provision of electricity and construction of roads that will in turn help them in the execution of their duties.

He advised the graduands not to squander their youthful lives by indulging in bad habits like imbibing alcohol and promiscuity. He commended the leadership of Uganda Police Force and the Commanders of Police Training School Kabalye for the good training given to graduands.

The Minister of State for Internal Affairs James Baba who represented General Aronda Nyakairima noted that in a democratic environment prevailing in Uganda today there was need to increase the number of police to have their presence felt in every parish.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Okoth Ochola urged graduates to be exemplary while executing their duties.

The pass out ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Uganda who is also the head of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Patrick Edwards, The North Korean Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Nyong Kyong Choi and the Algerian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Farid Boulahbel and delegations from neighboring sister countries.

Others present included Cabinet ministers, MPs’, Masindi district leaders as well as delegations from neighboring districts, Religious and Cultural leaders.

President Museveni later rewarded the outstanding students in the course. At the level of Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, the overall winners in Leadership were Mubiru Andrew and Nakatunde Winnie. Musketry prize was scooped by Keke Bilal while Matovu Kassim took the prize for being the best in Academics. The prize for discipline went to Kalikwera Patrick while that of Smartness was taken by Twikirize Carolyn and Atukwatse Alex. Innovation prize was won by Awio Morris.

In the Probationer Police Course, Awili Lilian won the prize of being the best in Academics, Discipline prize went to Mpumwire Geoffrey, while Nakityo won the Smartness prize and the innovation prize was shared by Okello Lek Anthony and Adome Moses.

In the Field Force Police course those who excelled included Mpabaisi Johnson who scooped the prize for being the best Disciplined student, Okello Jimmy Okwera took the Martial Arts prize and Akello Teddy took the Musketry prize.