Uganda Orders Police to Wear Name Tags for Accountability
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announces mandatory identification rule to boost transparency and public trust
KAMPALA, Uganda — In a move aimed at enhancing police accountability and restoring public confidence, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on Thursday that all Ugandan police officers must now wear visible name tags and identification badges at all times.
The new directive, which takes effect immediately, requires officers to display their name tags on the right chest pocket and their police badge and number on the left chest pocket. The measure builds on uniform updates introduced in 2025, which included stitched surnames and identification numbers.
A Step Toward Transparency
The decision comes amid longstanding calls from human rights organizations and citizens for better identification of law enforcement officers to address cases of misconduct, bribery, and abuse of power. Supporters view the policy as a practical step toward greater accountability and improved community relations.
Minister Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi praised the initiative, describing it as a tool to curb corruption and strengthen the bond between police and the communities they serve.
“This will make it easier for citizens to identify officers and report any misconduct,” Ateenyi said. “It’s a win for transparency.”
Citizens’ Rights and Resistance Clause
In a statement shared on social media, Gen. Muhoozi emphasized that Ugandan citizens now have the right to demand the name and badge number of any arresting officer.
“Finally, all Ugandan citizens have the right to demand the name and badge number of any arresting officer,” he wrote. “If they do not respond, you have the right to resist arrest.”
The resistance clause, however, has raised questions among legal experts and civil society groups, who warn that it could lead to confrontations and legal ambiguities if not properly defined and implemented.
Mixed Reactions
While the policy has been welcomed by many as a long-overdue reform, some observers have expressed concern over the practical enforcement of the name-tag rule and the potential risks associated with the resist-arrest provision.
Authorities have not yet released detailed guidelines on how the new rules will be enforced or how citizens can safely exercise their rights under the directive.
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