Police trainees warned about HIV

Nakasongola, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Probationary police constables have received a stern warning against behaviors that could expose them to the deadly Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) during their induction into the Uganda Police Force. Dr. Barbara Alungat, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Assistant Commandant of the Police Senior Command and Staff College Bwebajja expressed concern over recruits engaging in risky sexual behavior during the recruitment process.

To strengthen its workforce, the UPF intends to recruit 2500 probationary constables nationwide, aged 18 to 23. These recruits are required to present their National Identification Cards (IDs) and academic credentials. The recruitment process commenced in the Savannah region, covering Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts. Recruitment began in Luwero District on Saturday.

Prospective recruits underwent medical and physical examinations, as well as an aptitude test.   Addressing the gathering, ACP Alungat outlined the recruitment targets for each district, aiming for 20 recruits in Nakasongola, 12 in Luwero, and 8 in Nakaseke.

She noted a shortage of approximately 2800 officers due to desertions, necessitating the recruitment drive. According to the UPF website, Uganda currently has 37,400 police officers tasked with serving the country’s population of 34.6 million, as per the 2014 Census.

In her message to potential recruits, ACP Alungat cautioned against engaging in casual sex as a form of celebration upon recruitment, emphasizing the risks involved, including unplanned pregnancies that could hinder their training progress.

Following the exercise in Nakasongola, 18 individuals were recruited, while two failed to proceed. Savannah regional police spokesperson, Sam Twiineamazima, informed Uganda Radio Network (URN) that one candidate cited illness, while the other lost interest.

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URN