IGP Byakagaba praised PC Tusiime’s dedication, describing his actions as “courage” and inviting him for official recognition at police headquarters last week, according to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke.

However, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has raised concerns that Tusiime’s lack of adequate protective equipment constitutes a human rights violation by his employer.

A UHRC study, “Squeezing water from a stone? The Working and Living Conditions of Uganda Police Force Personnel and Their Human Rights Implications’, published in 2022, shows that 51% of Uganda’s 54,000 police officers do not have a full uniform.

The study found that officers frequently go without essential equipment, including raincoats and warm clothing, exposing them to inclement weather while on duty in regions such as Kabale, Kisoro, Kapchorwa, Kween, Bukwo, Mbale and Fort Portal.

The report also notes irregularities in uniform distribution, with some officers waiting up to three years for new equipment, even though they are entitled to receive it annually.

“The supply of uniforms was irregular and often incomplete. Staff were forced to endure the cold weather as civilian clothing over police uniforms is a disciplinary offence,” the report said.

Some officers reported paying out of pocket to obtain missing items from colleagues or even buying directly from police stores.

For example, uniforms could cost officers between Shs50,000 and Shs60,000 depending on their negotiation skills. Although officers can buy locally produced uniforms, raincoats are imported in limited quantities, making them difficult to obtain.

Police records show that the Directorate of Logistics and Engineering has purchased 10,600 raincoats since the last general election, distributing them to various units.

However, the UHRC recommended that the police ensure timely, comprehensive and climate-appropriate uniform provision for all personnel.

The Chairperson of the UHRC, Ms Mariam Wangadya, described the lack of essential items as a violation of human rights.

“It is essential that we understand the challenge that police personnel face in upholding the rights of others when their own rights are neglected. UPF staff are human beings with claimable rights,” she said.

According to police financial records, each officer is entitled to two sets of uniforms annually, costing Shs956,300 per set. Meeting this requirement would require Shs98 billion every year, but the government only allocates Shs17.65 billion, which covers uniforms for only 9,228 officers annually.