Private Security Organizations Play Critical Role in Uganda’s Crime Fight, Says Senior Police Officer

As Uganda continues to grapple with evolving security challenges, the contribution of Private Security Organizations (PSOs) has become indispensable in the fight against crime, according to AIGP(RTD) Asan Kasingye.

In a detailed presentation drawn from the Police Annual Report, Kasingye highlighted how the private security sector has evolved from a supplementary service to a critical pillar in safeguarding lives and property across the country.

Growing Demand for Private Security

The threat of global terrorism has prompted a significant shift in mindset among public offices, businesses, and the travel and tourism sectors, with many entities reconsidering their reliance on public security alone in favor of bolstering private security measures.

This shift has been accelerated by Uganda’s rapidly growing urban population and the expansion of private businesses. The liberalization of Uganda’s economy in the 1990s led to a surge in private property ownership by individuals and organizations. However, this period also witnessed an increase in crime, intensifying the need for robust protection and driving public demand for private security services.

Pandemic and Workplace Dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of private security. With fewer people reporting to physical workplaces, many corporate offices, factories, and firms appeared deserted, heightening the risk of criminal attacks. Additionally, the need to enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the virus created an added layer of responsibility that required dedicated security personnel.

Filling Gaps Left by Police

A key driver behind the growth of the private security industry is the low police-to-population ratio in Uganda, coupled with inadequate resources within the Uganda Police Force (UPF). According to the report, it became necessary for the police to relinquish functions such as guarding and escort duties, allowing private groups to take on these roles effectively.

The results have been tangible. Companies that utilize private security firms have experienced significantly lower chances of falling victim to burglary and other property crimes.

Economic and National Security Benefits

Beyond crime prevention, effective workplace security has proven to be a sound business investment. Reliable security reduces costs associated with insurance, compensation, liabilities, and other stakeholder-related expenses. This ultimately leads to increased business revenue and reduced operational costs.

On a broader scale, private security supports national security by allowing state security agencies to focus on their core mandate: protecting the overall security of life and property, including addressing internal and external threats.

Call for Stronger Collaboration

Despite the evident contributions, Kasingye noted that the relationship between the police and private security providers requires significant improvement. He pointed out that there is currently no formal “love list”—a term denoting mutual respect and cooperation—between the two institutions.

“If anything goes wrong at a site guarded by PSOs, the way guards are treated is pathetic,” Kasingye observed.

To bridge this gap, he proposed a practical solution: Private security organizations should begin submitting regular reports to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) detailing crimes they have prevented, averted, and suspects they have apprehended and handed over to the police.

If implemented, this measure would allow the police to capture previously unreported security data, enabling them to provide more support to the private security sector—such as renting out firearms, which are expensive to acquire on the open market. It would also encourage police officers to credit PSOs and acknowledge their vital contribution.

“We all need to work and support each other to bring these crimes even much lower,” Kasingye emphasized.

Acknowledgments

In concluding his remarks, Kasingye extended gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, Directior of criminal investigations Tom Magambo, AIGP Damulira, and the entire Uganda Police leadership for their continued dedication and good work in maintaining national security.