The role of private security companies in the development process in Uganda; case study: Kampala district

Abstract

Uganda is one of the countries in Africa which have embraced the privatisation of security. Whereas the private security industry has penetrated most sectors of Uganda’s economy, there seems to be little understanding of the role and the dynamics of this industry. Therefore the main objective of this study was to investigate and assess the role PSCs play in Uganda and generate such data that would contribute towards a better understanding and management of these companies. The study covered the period between the years 2000 and 2007 and was carried out in Kampala district. For data collection, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Questionnaires and interview guide with open and close ended questions were administered to a sample of 49 purposively selected respondents. Data collected was analysed in accordance with the themes related to the research objectives and questions. The data was member checked and peer reviewed for validity. The following were the key findings of the study: 1. The main reason behind the increased demand and number of private security companies in Uganda is the failure by the police to satisfy all the demands for security from the public. 2. The size and extent of the operations of private security companies vary according to the financial muscle of the proprietors while their role is largely influenced by the quality of the employees, the terms and conditions of service and command and control. The structures of these companies are also dualistic in nature. 3. Although private security companies have the potential to improve human security, support the investment climate, create jobs, and boost the national revenue base, they can also pose severe risks to the development process of a country. 4. Despite the risks, clients tend to trust private security companies because they are flexible and have resources to mind their security needs compared to the Uganda police which lacks the resources and operates very bureaucratically. These findings suggest that there is need to ensure that private security companies deliver their services in a professional and accountable manner. The responsibility to enforce this lies largely with the government. Therefore this research recommended that the government should review the present policy whose inherent weaknesses have made it difficult to enforce and put in place a stronger regulatory legal framework spelling out the required standards, how to adhere to such standards and the resultant sanctions in order to ensure professionalism within these companies.