Bribery in the Ranks: Senior Officers Implicated in Promotion Payoffs

In a bold move, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba has put the brakes on the promotion of over 300 senior police officers, citing alarming corruption concerns. This unexpected decision has sent shockwaves through the police ranks, leaving numerous officers in a state of distress and uncertainty. As Byakagaba launches a thorough investigation into the promotion process, the fate of these officers hangs in the balance, pending the outcome of his scrutiny.

Sources close to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have revealed to this publication TV10GanoMazima, that upon taking office, Abbas Byakagaba was presented with a list of officers slated for promotion. However, as he reviewed the list, he noticed several anomalies that raised concerns about the integrity of the promotion process. The list, which only required his signature to be forwarded to the Police Authority and ultimately to the President for final approval, sparked suspicions that prompted Byakagaba to take a closer look.

According to a reliable source at Naguru, Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba conducted a thorough examination of the promotion list, scrutinizing the criteria used to select officers for advancement. His rigorous review revealed that his predecessor, Martin Okoth Ochola, had also declined to approve the list, citing significant procedural irregularities. Byakagaba’s meticulous approach aligns with his commitment to transparency and accountability, suggesting that the promotion process may have been compromised.

According to a source, told TV10GanoMazima, that Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba expressed his dissatisfaction with the promotion list, stating, “I am not satisfied with the way officers were shortlisted for promotion, and I cannot hurry to sign.” He took a decisive step, ordering a comprehensive re-vetting process to ensure the promotion process is fair, transparent, and merit-based. Byakagaba’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in the police force is evident in his insistence on a thorough and impartial evaluation.

Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba voiced specific concerns about the accelerated advancement of certain officers, pointing out that several had received multiple promotions in a remarkably short span. He questioned the meritocracy and due process in the promotion system, suggesting that favoritism or bias may have influenced the rapid rise of these officers through the ranks.

Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba expressed his dismay and disbelief, saying, “I’m astonished to see officers who have recently been promoted seeking even higher ranks. What’s the justification for this rapid advancement?” He emphatically stated, “Police ranks aren’t like meals to be consumed greedily, where you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each rank requires dedication, hard work, and merit.”

Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba laid out clear guidelines for promotion, emphasizing that officers must meet specific criteria before being considered for advancement. He stipulated that officers must have served in their current rank for a minimum of five years, completed relevant training courses, and maintained a spotless disciplinary record. Byakagaba vehemently condemned the practice of purchasing ranks, declaring, “Merit and hard work are the only paths to advancement. You must earn your rank through dedication and service, not buy it.”

Byakagaba also cautioned against hastily promoting younger officers, emphasizing the importance of experience and tenure. He stressed that officers who have served for less than ten years, particularly those who joined as cadets, should focus on developing their skills through training and courses rather than seeking rapid advancement. “Let them hone their skills and gain experience before being considered for promotion,” he said, emphasizing the need for a more gradual and merit-based approach to career progression.

Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba’s move comes amidst allegations of widespread corruption, where senior officers reportedly paid bribes to secure promotions. According to sources, some ambitious officers sought to capitalize on the impending retirements of top brass, including Directors, Deputy Directors, and department heads, by angling for higher ranks in anticipation of the resulting vacancies. Byakagaba’s decision aims to stem the tide of corruption and ensure that promotions are based on merit, not illicit influence.

A senior police officer revealed that high-ranking officials – including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), and Commissioner of Police (CP) – paid substantial bribes to secure promotions, positioning themselves for coveted appointments. The officer alleged that powerful ministers and top Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) generals exerted influence over the promotion process, further perpetuating the corrupt practices.

In response to the allegations of corruption and bribery, Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba has taken a decisive step by establishing a new vetting team, whose members have not been publicly disclosed. This move comes on the heels of a stern warning from President Museveni, who expressed concern over the escalating corruption within the police force. Byakagaba has assured the President of his unwavering commitment to tackling these issues and restoring integrity to the force.

The move to suspend promotions and implement a rigorous vetting process is a landmark decision aimed at tackling the entrenched corruption within the Uganda Police Force. By prioritizing merit over financial influence, Byakagaba’s initiative seeks to ensure that promotions are awarded based on an officer’s dedication, hard work, and integrity, rather than their ability to pay bribes. This significant step is expected to restore transparency and accountability within the force, aligning with President Museveni’s commitment to eradicate corruption in the country’s law enforcement agencies.