Minister Otafiire Declares End to Police Escorts for Pastors: “God Should Protect Them”
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, has directed an end to the common practice of the Police providing escort vehicles and officers to prominent pastors. He stated that religious leaders should seek divine protection instead.
Minister Otafiire made these remarks on January 23, 2026, while appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to discuss the 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper for the Uganda Police Force.
“Those (pastors) work for God and God will protect them. That’s the responsibility of God (to protect them),” Otafiire asserted.
His comments were in direct response to concerns raised by Wilson Kagyengwe, the Member of Parliament for Nyabushozi County, who questioned the rationale behind allocating police resources to protect clergy.
“The concerns have been and continue to be, like these people, the preachers, are they entitled also to escorts? We would think that really, why would a preacher now need physical escort? Is he under threat, from whom?” Kagyengwe asked.
The debate was initially sparked by David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, who highlighted the overwhelming demand and high cost of providing lead cars. He explained that apart from a few top constitutional offices, the police cannot afford to purchase new vehicles for other ministries, departments, agencies, or individuals.
“Save for a few offices; Vice President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Justice, but we can’t afford to buy vehicles for other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and this is the essence of CCTVs,” Minister Muhoozi stated, emphasizing the financial burden.
A member of parliament has supported the ministry’s stance on curbing the demand for escorts, noting the associated costs of vehicles, fuel, and maintenance. He suggested that enhancing CCTV coverage and integration could reduce crime and the need for physical protection.
The directive from Minister Otafiire addresses what has become a fashionable trend among top pastors in Uganda to seek police protection and lead cars, signaling a shift towards prioritizing state resources for core security functions.
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