The Uganda Police Force will withdraw all patrol vehicles currently assigned to ministries and government agencies in a bid to close the growing mobility gap within its operations.
This was revealed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, James Ochaya, while appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Ochaya said the move is part of a broader plan to redefine the allocation and use of police escorts and patrol units.
“We are preparing a cabinet memo that will define the categories of individuals entitled to police guards and patrols,” Ochaya told the committee, in response to concerns over the misuse of government security resources.
The PAC summoned the police leadership—including Undersecretary Aggrey Wunyi—to explain audit queries raised in the Auditor General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year.
A major concern highlighted by MPs was the severe mobility deficit in the police force, particularly within the sub-county policing model.
Out of the 4,368 motorcycles required for effective coverage, only 952 were operational—leaving a shortfall of 3,416.
However, Wunyi reported that the current deficit had since been reduced to 970 motorcycles.
MPs also questioned the practice of leasing police helicopters to civilians, a move the force defended by noting it generates non-tax revenue for the government.
However, the performance of the Police Helicopter Piaggio P180—reportedly falling short of its intended operational targets—sparked sharp debate.
The withdrawal of police vehicles from ministries, coupled with plans to regulate escort deployment, signals a shift in how the force intends to manage its limited resources.
As the Uganda Police Force seeks to reallocate assets and close logistical gaps, the effectiveness of these reforms will likely shape future law enforcement capabilities across the country.