How successful have attempts been to improve post-conflict policing in northern Uganda? This article finds that the police have achieved some successes, particularly regarding de-mining activities. However, police reform is required immediately to ensure the protection of the people’s human rights, and to combat inequality in the provision of policing services. Priorities include: providing an appropriate legal framework, establishing community policing, reforming the management of the police service, mainstreaming gender issues and creating independent oversight mechanisms.
After almost a decade of disparate, short-term projects and programmes, the GoU has recognised the need for comprehensive and joined-up SSR. This has resulted in the Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) for northern Uganda (2007-2010). The PRDP seeks to harmonise the many different initiatives undertaken by the international community through four strategic objectives and 14 priority programmes, providing a framework for implementation, monitoring and evaluation. It aims to consolidate state authority, rebuild and empower communities, revitalise the economy and promote peace and reconciliation, and it identifies policing as a primary concern.
In 2007 the GoU deployed several units of the police to restore law and order in the northern region. While some successes in de-mining activities, destruction of SALW, and deployment of Anti-Stock Theft Units in Karamoja have been attained, there is much more to be done.
- De-mining activities have impacted positively on the communities and the returnees, releasing extra land for cultivation, for example.
- Police stations have been opened at the parish and sub-county levels to maintain law and order, and it has been reported that the police have successfully dissolved tensions between IDPs and locals regarding land disputes.
- While the police have also been involved in the fight against proliferation of SALW, considerable numbers of SALW remain in circulation.
- The police service is overstretched, with a policing/population ratio of 1:2000 as opposed to the recommended United Nations standard of 1:500.
- The police lack transport, communication equipment, acceptable detention cells and adequate, regular pay.
- The capacity and numbers of police personnel remains a problem, particularly in the large Karamoja area.
Effective post-conflict policing will not be possible unless the Uganda Police Force undertakes comprehensive reform in both operational and non-operational capabilities. This will include increasing the size of the police service, and providing training, the correct equipment, and an appropriate policing philosophy. Further:
- Sections of The Police Act are contrary to the Constitution (limiting freedom of assembly, for example), and so the legal framework must be updated.
- Small steps have been made towards a community policing approach, but continuing incidents of police violence and corruption have seriously damaged the image of the police. The Uganda Police Force needs to internalise its responsibility to operate in a non-partisan and non-coercive manner.
- Human resource management systems must be reformed. A human resources development strategy supported by sound financial management is needed.
- Gender equality must be improved across the service, regarding both female employees and the female members of the population the police seek to serve. An initial gender assessment is important.
- A national-level and a local-level police liaison board (including representatives from civil society) and an independent police ombudsperson are needed.
- Partnership with civil society and local communities can enable the reform process to rebuild police-civilian relationships.
- Reforms must also be undertaken in other related security departments and Ministries, including the paramilitary forces, intelligence services, the judiciary, and legislative and oversight bodies.
