Uganda Police Enhance Public Order Management Training Amidst Election Concerns & POMA Debate
Jinja, Uganda – In a proactive move ahead of upcoming elections, the Uganda Police force (UPF) recently concluded a rigorous training program for officers in Jinja City, focusing on public order management (POM). The training, presided over by Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Richard Gulume Balyahino and attended by Regional Police Commander (RPC) Francis Chemengich, aimed to equip officers with the skills necessary to maintain peace and security during potentially volatile electoral periods. This comes against a backdrop of ongoing debate surrounding the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and its impact on freedom of assembly.
The training emphasized the critical need for a nuanced approach to public order,with RPC Chemengich stressing the importance of avoiding ”mismanagement of public order.” He underscored the constitutional mandate of the police and pledged full support from senior commanders to officers on the ground, encouraging them to take pride in their role.
RCC Balyahino highlighted the strategic importance of Jinja City, describing it as “the bedroom of the entire Busoga region.” He explained that any disruption in Jinja has the potential to ripple outwards, impacting stability across multiple districts. He advocated for a collaborative approach, emphasizing “management by consultation” and encouraging commanders to actively engage with his office for coordinated efforts.
“We need to work together to be able to manage the area,” Balyahino stated, “and it’s the reason I encourage all commanders to reach out to me for collaborative efforts.”
Beyond Tactics: A Call for Peaceful elections
The training wasn’t solely focused on tactical responses. Balyahino, a veteran politician with over a decade of experience in the Busoga region, delivered a powerful message about the importance of peaceful elections. He cautioned against viewing the electoral process as a matter of life and death.
“This is an exercise which takes only a few months to elect leaders at various levels, but Uganda will always be around,” he appealed. “So there is no need for stakeholders to generate a lot of friction among the citizens.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the government about potential unrest during the election cycle.
(Image: A high-resolution, professionally shot photograph depicting a scene from the training exercise. Focus on officers demonstrating de-escalation techniques, interacting respectfully with simulated protestors, and showcasing controlled use of non-lethal equipment. Avoid images that depict excessive force.The background should clearly show the Jinja City landscape.The image should be optimized for web use and include alt text: “Uganda Police officers participate in public order management training in Jinja City.”)
Realistic Simulations & The Shadow of POMA
The pass-out ceremony culminated in a dramatic exhibition of skills. Newly trained officers staged realistic scenarios, simulating potential flashpoints during elections – including candidate nominations, campaign rallies, and even simulated riots.
Officers skillfully managed crowds, maintained order during simulated campaign events, and responded to protestors who simulated unrest by pelting them with water bottles (representing stones) and burning tires. The response involved a graduated use of force, ultimately restoring calm and order. The deployment of demo tear gas,while intense,drew considerable interest from the families of the officers,providing a tangible demonstration of the challenges they face.
This training takes place within the complex legal framework of the Public Order Management act (POMA), enacted in 2013 following the “Walk to Work” protests led by Dr. Kizza Besigye. While intended to provide guidelines for managing public gatherings, POMA has been consistently criticized by opposition groups and civil society organizations for allegedly restricting fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression.
Understanding the Public Order Management Act (POMA)
Here’s a breakdown of key provisions and the ongoing controversy:
* Notification Requirement: Organizers of public meetings are legally obligated to provide the police with at least three days’ notice.
* police Authority: POMA grants the police broad authority to regulate public meetings and ensure public order.
* Penalties: Participation in unauthorized assemblies can result in fines and imprisonment.
The Controversy & Concerns
Critics argue that POMA’s vague language and broad discretionary powers grant the police excessive control, potentially stifling dissent and unfairly targeting opposition parties like the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and Democratic party (DP), particularly during election periods.
Opposition groups contend that POMA was deliberately designed to suppress political opposition and consolidate the ruling National resistance Movement (NRM)’s power