IGP suspends 39 private security companies operators’ licenses 

Kampala – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martins Okoth Ochola has halted the operating licenses for 39 Private Security Companies (PSOs).

According to Polly Namaye, the deputy police spokesperson, the affected companies failed to fulfill some or all of the necessary conditions for license renewal last year (2022) as per Regulation 14(d) of the Police (Control of Private Security Organisations) Regulations 2013.

Some of the conditions include an NSSF certificate of clearance, evidence of payment of gun licensing fees/gun rental fees and evidence of annual inspection of the company.

“A detailed list of these companies can be found at all Police Stations and Regional Police headquarters. All regional Police Commanders have been instructed to ensure that these companies halt their operations and ensure compliance with the suspension,” said Namaye in a statement on Tuesday.

She noted that a team of officers from the Private Security and Firearms Department have been instructed to conduct withdrawal/recovery of firearms from the respective PSOs.

“Uganda Police Force continues to receive requests for license reinstatement from PSOs whose licenses were previously suspended. This will depend on whether the necessary conditions for renewal of the license have been fulfilled,” said Namaye.

She added that the Directorate of Operations has developed Standard Operating Procedures for all Private Security Companies each of which has been supplied a copy for compliance.

“Important to note is that each Private Security Guard shall receive mandatory training based on a standard training curriculum,” said police adding that deployment of security guards shall depend on their successful accomplishment of this mandatory training.

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