POLICE WARN PUBLIC OVER GROWING MISUSE OF SECURITY UNIFORMS

SSP Josephine Angucia addresses media in her office

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City

Police in the West Nile sub-region have cautioned members of the public against wearing, purchasing or possessing police uniforms and other security-related equipment without lawful authorisation, warning that such practices could facilitate impersonation and compromise public safety.

The warning comes amid concerns over the reported acquisition and use of clothing and other items resembling those worn by security personnel, including police uniforms, boots, shoes and other accessories bearing distinctive police markings.

Police say the unauthorized possession and use of such items could make it difficult for members of the public to distinguish genuine security officers from impostors, potentially exposing communities to deception, intimidation and other criminal activities.

According to the West Nile Police Public Relations Officer, SSP Josephine Angucia, members of the public should understand that police uniforms and other official equipment are not ordinary clothing items that anyone can freely acquire and use.

Angucia has warned that wearing clothing resembling official police attire without the required authorisation amounts to an offence, urging the public to respect the regulations governing the use of security uniforms and equipment. “Our law doesn’t allow any civilian to keep these items at home, including our own officers who have retired because such people can easily be tempted to misuse these items for robbing and stealing people in the community” Angucia warned.

She has also appealed to members of the public to report individuals found in possession of police uniforms or other restricted equipment to the relevant authorities to enable security agencies to establish the circumstances under which the items were obtained. “The same message goes to neighbours to be in the lookout because there are many people who could be possessing uniform parts, guns, ammunitions and so on in the neighborhood. Sometimes they may wish to use such items at night for threating people, robbing people here and there” she urged.

The police concern comes against the background of the important role uniforms play in identifying law enforcement officers during security operations, investigations and routine enforcement duties. Any unauthorized use of official attire could therefore create confusion, particularly in situations where members of the public are expected to cooperate with security personnel.

Security agencies also rely on public confidence and the ability of communities to identify legitimate officers. When individuals impersonate police officers, they risk undermining that confidence and exploiting the authority associated with law enforcement institutions.

Under Section 170 of Uganda’s Penal Code Act, unlawful wearing of uniforms or clothing resembling those of public officers is subject to criminal sanctions. A person convicted of an offence under the relevant provision may face imprisonment, although the precise applicable penalty should be confirmed against the current law.

Angucia has consequently urged residents across West Nile to exercise caution when purchasing clothing and accessories resembling official security attire, warning against engaging in activities that could bring them into conflict with the law.

She has further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and promptly share information with the police whenever they encounter suspicious possession or use of official security uniforms and equipment.

The police say public cooperation remains important in preventing impersonation, protecting the integrity of security institutions and ensuring that official uniforms remain identifiable symbols of legitimate law enforcement authority

Written by newsroom-radiopacis