Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG) Anne Twino has called on the Uganda Police Force to adopt humane law enforcement practices and strengthen accountability, proposing the establishment of a Police Ombudsman to address administrative injustices and maladministration within the Force.
Twino made the remarks during a meeting between the Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the police leadership at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, as part of activities to commemorate International Ombuds Day 2026.
She urged police officers to handle members of the public with fairness and respect, noting that the police are often the most frequent point of contact between citizens and government.
“Justice should be felt, not feared,” Twino said, emphasising the need for law enforcement officers to exercise their powers in a manner that upholds citizens’ rights and public trust.
The engagement focused on the role of the ombudsman in promoting administrative justice, resolving complaints against public institutions and strengthening cooperation between the Inspectorate of Government and the police.
IG proposes Police Ombudsman
Twino explained the distinction between the Inspectorate of Government’s ombudsman mandate and its anti-corruption responsibilities, noting that the ombudsman serves as a mediator in disputes between citizens and government institutions, as well as among public officers.
She revealed that the Inspectorate of Government receives complaints involving police officers, including allegations of unlawful arrests, alongside administrative grievances such as delayed salaries and pensions.
To improve the handling of such complaints, the Deputy IGG proposed establishing a dedicated Police Ombudsman to address administrative injustice and maladministration within the Force.
The proposed office would provide a mechanism for handling grievances and resolving administrative disputes, potentially easing the process through which affected officers and members of the public seek redress.
Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba welcomed the proposal and said it would be discussed further internally.
The proposal comes amid broader efforts to improve accountability and strengthen mechanisms for addressing complaints against public institutions.
IGP pledges stronger collaboration with IG
Byakagaba reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working closely with the Inspectorate of Government, particularly in investigations and efforts to combat corruption.
He proposed designating a focal person within the police to coordinate communication with the Inspectorate on investigations and anti-corruption matters, a move intended to improve information sharing and institutional cooperation.
The IGP also assured Twino that complaints involving police officers would be reviewed and addressed appropriately.
He welcomed improvements in police performance highlighted in the Inspectorate of Government’s latest report to Parliament, expressing hope that the progress would also be reflected in the forthcoming National Integrity Survey.
The survey is expected to provide further insights into integrity and accountability issues, including public perceptions of institutions responsible for law enforcement and public service delivery.
Police seek greater role in integrity survey
During the meeting, Assistant Inspector General of Police Chris Damulira called for greater involvement of the Uganda Police Force in the forthcoming National Integrity Survey.
His proposal would give the Force an opportunity to participate more actively in discussions and assessments concerning integrity, accountability and public confidence in its operations.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Tom Magambo, meanwhile, called on the Inspectorate of Government to support efforts to showcase successful joint anti-corruption initiatives involving the two institutions.
Magambo also highlighted the need to address negative public perceptions of the police, pointing to the importance of communicating progress and demonstrating the results of collaborative efforts to fight corruption.
The discussions underscored the role of cooperation between oversight bodies and law enforcement agencies in improving institutional accountability and public service delivery.
Ombudsman’s role in public accountability
International Ombuds Day provides an opportunity to highlight the role of ombudsman institutions in resolving complaints, promoting fairness and ensuring that public authorities act in accordance with established procedures.
In Uganda, the Inspectorate of Government has responsibilities that include investigating and preventing corruption, as well as addressing administrative injustices and abuses of authority in public institutions.
The proposed Police Ombudsman would focus on grievances arising from administrative decisions and practices within the police, although details of its structure, mandate and implementation remain subject to further internal discussions.
The meeting was attended by officials from both institutions, including Inspectorate of Government Director of Ombudsman Affairs N. S. Kakooza, Director of Legal Affairs Hilda Talibba, Assistant Director of Public Relations Hajjat Ali Munira and other staff.
The engagement concluded with renewed calls for stronger institutional cooperation, humane policing and more effective mechanisms for resolving complaints involving public officers.
