Police Take Over Training of Private Security Guards

The Uganda Police Force has taken over the training of personnel from Private Security Organisations (PSOs) in a move aimed at improving professionalism and strengthening national security.

The development was revealed by Minister of State for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs during consideration of a petition by PSOs.

The Minister said more than 7,000 trainees are currently undergoing training under the police at no cost, with the first cohort expected to complete the programme in April 2026.

He explained that under proposed regulatory reforms, private security guards will either be trained in police training schools or by police instructors deployed to accredited PSOs at a subsidised cost.

Officials say the arrangement is intended to ensure standardised training across the sector.

Muhoozi added that a new curriculum has been developed to enhance professionalism and improve service delivery, with a focus on conflict resolution, surveillance, and emergency response skills.

Meanwhile, Nyabushozi County MP Wilson Kajwengye supported the move but called for the establishment of a dedicated law to regulate the private security industry.

He noted that the sector is currently governed under the Police Act and argued that a standalone legal framework would strengthen oversight and align Uganda with countries that have more structured private security regulations.

The proposed reforms are expected to professionalise the sector while ensuring that private security personnel operate within a clear and accountable system.