The Current Responses by the Uganda Police Force in Enhancing Urban Peace Enforcement in Uganda; A Case of Kampala City

Abstract

Purporse: This study examined the urban policing paradox in Uganda with specific regard to how rapid urbanisation poses challenges for policing and urban peace enforcement in Kampala city. This study was to explore the crimes accompanying rapid urbanisation in Kampala city; examine the role of the Uganda Police Force in urban policing and peace enforcement in Kampala city; analyse the challenges of urban policing and peace enforcement in Kampala city and finally explore the current responses by the Uganda Police Force in enhancing urban peace enforcement in Kampala city. The study employed two theories:the social contract and broken windows. Methodology: Different materials and sources were used during data collection, which included documentary reviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Findings: The study found out that Kampala city remains a vulnerable place to urban insecurity primarily due to an ever-increasing population, coupled with the challenges that hinder effective policing in the city. Tthe study revealed that the Uganda Police Force has made various milestones like the CCTV Cameras, forensics capabilities, 999 communication system, interagency cooeperation and community engagement in promoting peace and security in Kampala city. These are done through collaboration with other stakeholders such as development partners, security agencies, government ministries and agencies, local leaders and the community. The specialized directorates and units within the Uganda Police Force were operationalized to strengthen urban security in the wake of different security threats like terrorism. While the members of the Uganda Police Force perform their duties, they encounter challenges that affect their constitutional duties' performance. Nonetheless, the police has greatly worked towards strengthening peace and security in Kampala. This has been through improvement on the anti-crime infrastructure such as the use of CCTV cameras, finger printing of guns, counter terrorism, revival of the 999 system, among other interventions geared towards strengthening urban policing and peace enforcement in Kampala City.