With just two years to the 2026 general elections, Uganda Police Force (UPF) is recruiting 2,500 Probationer Police Constables (PPCs), according to an advert under reference number HRM/ 138/160/01/VOL. 3/17 issued by director of human resources, Jesse Kamunanwire, on behalf of police chief IGP Martins Okoth Ochola.
The 2500 PPCs will help enforce and preserve law and order, protect life and property, prevent and detect crime as well as undertake any other duties as assigned by the Inspector General of Police.
Before being commissioned, the Probationer Police Constables or PPCs will undergo a year-long (12 months) police basic training.
This means that by the time they complete the training in 2025, Uganda will be months away from the 2026 elections.
While the recruitment of the constables may be meant to increase the number of police officers and replace those who have retired, the timing may raise questions among those concerned about Uganda’s chaotic elections and the deployment of security officers.
In runup and in the aftermath of the 2021 presidential, parliamentary and local elections, hundreds opposition supporters were arrested, detained and others killed by security agenceis. The issue has remained a stain on the human rights record of Ugandan President Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for probationer police constable jobs are expected to be between ages 18 and 23. They must also possess a UCE certificate or its equivalent with at least four credits including English and at least a pass in Mathematics. For these qualification, they will get paid under the UG Scale-U7 salary scale. Police has encouraged female candidates to apply for the PPC jobs.
According to Kamunanwire, each applicant must be a Ugandan citizen with a valid National ID (NIN), must have no criminal record and should be ready to undertake the requisite twelve (12) months Police Basic Training.
The candidate must also be physically and medically fit, be ready to work for long hours and at times under difficult conditions in any part of the country.
They must also possess good communication skills and must not be a former or serving officer in any of the forces.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE
“Hand written applications addressed to the IGP, accompanied by certified copies of academic documents, photocopy of the National Identity Card, three (3) recent passport size photographs, Identity Card or Introductory fetter from the previous school and recommendation letters from LCI, LCIII and RDC (from the respective districts of recruitment) in file folder should be delivered to the Police District/ Divisional Headquarters not later than 18 February 2024,” wrote Kamunanwire.
He also warned against impersonation and uttering of false documents.
“Impersonation or presentation of forged documents shall lead to arrest and prosecution in Courts of law. Applicants who conceal or provide false information shall be disqualified,” the notice further read.
“Appointment into the Uganda Police Force shall be after completion of the 12 months Police Basic Training.”
Meanwhile, you can see the list of teachers shortlisted for headteacher and deputy headteacher jobs on government payroll Here and There.
