Tougher action needed on security firms
A total of 468 crimes were committed by private security guards in 2005 and 2006. In some cases, over 20 guards were arrested. The majority of the crimes were theft and robberies. But private security guards have also been involved in more serious crimes, such as assault and murder.
A total of 468 crimes were committed by private security guards in 2005 and 2006. In some cases, over 20 guards were arrested. The majority of the crimes were theft and robberies. But private security guards have also been involved in more serious crimes, such as assault and murder.
Banks and businesses in particular have been targeted. Most managing directors do not want to speak on record for fear of negative publicity. In private, however, they say ‘in-house’ theft, involving staff and security guards, is worse than in countries like Nigeria.
It is a deeply disturbing thought. The very people you hire to protect you and your property end up conniving with thieves and murderers, or turning their guns against you.
Sources within the Police blame the clients for not wanting to pay a lot for a private security guard and going for the cheaper, less reliable firms. But should it not be the prime responsibility of the Police and the Government to provide security to its citizens? And should it not be duty of the Police and the Government to ensure that only reliable firms are on the market?
Others blame stiff competition among security firms, low salaries and the fact that some firms put profits above staff welfare or quality of services. Some guards were given a gun after having received one week of training.
The Police has deregistered and closed five security firms for not meeting the basic requirements. It is a first step in trying to regulate one of the most booming and controversial industries. But it might not be enough.
Stricter supervision is needed on screening and training of private security guards. Tighter regulations might also be needed on pay structures, the number of security firms allowed and the use of guns.
This raises the more fundamental question. Should private security guards be allowed to carry guns? They are not in Kenya, where crime rates are much higher. They are not in Tanzania either.
There is a potential risk in allowing a private ‘army’ of over 20,000 men onto the streets.
Armed private security guards, most of them poorly supervised, now outnumber Uganda’s total Police force. There is also a danger that the highly competitive industry might create or maintain a sense of insecurity, in order to create business for themselves, even when some of it is caused by its own employees.
Banks and businesses in particular have been targeted. Most managing directors do not want to speak on record for fear of negative publicity. In private, however, they say ‘in-house’ theft, involving staff and security guards, is worse than in countries like Nigeria.
It is a deeply disturbing thought. The very people you hire to protect you and your property end up conniving with thieves and murderers, or turning their guns against you.
Sources within the Police blame the clients for not wanting to pay a lot for a private security guard and going for the cheaper, less reliable firms. But should it not be the prime responsibility of the Police and the Government to provide security to its citizens? And should it not be duty of the Police and the Government to ensure that only reliable firms are on the market?
Others blame stiff competition among security firms, low salaries and the fact that some firms put profits above staff welfare or quality of services. Some guards were given a gun after having received one week of training.
The Police has deregistered and closed five security firms for not meeting the basic requirements. It is a first step in trying to regulate one of the most booming and controversial industries. But it might not be enough.
Stricter supervision is needed on screening and training of private security guards. Tighter regulations might also be needed on pay structures, the number of security firms allowed and the use of guns.
This raises the more fundamental question. Should private security guards be allowed to carry guns? They are not in Kenya, where crime rates are much higher. They are not in Tanzania either.
There is a potential risk in allowing a private ‘army’ of over 20,000 men onto the streets.
Armed private security guards, most of them poorly supervised, now outnumber Uganda’s total Police force. There is also a danger that the highly competitive industry might create or maintain a sense of insecurity, in order to create business for themselves, even when some of it is caused by its own employees.