A total of 459 police officers have completed a four-month Basic Counter-Terrorism Induction and Combat Riders Course at Olilim Police Training School in Katakwi District.
The officers were drawn from the PPCs Intake 24 at Kabalye Police Training School, and the course was designed to equip them with advanced skills and knowledge necessary to effectively combat terrorism and other emerging crimes.
The training covered a wide range of topics, including kit check and motorcycle physics, motorbike maintenance, obstacle crossing, starting and stopping drills, gear shifting and low-speed manoeuvres, mental preparedness, mounting and dismounting drills, and an introduction to cruise control and single-warrior combat riding, among others.
The program comes at a time when Uganda is witnessing a shift in crime trends, with criminals increasingly using motorcycles to execute illegal activities. The police leadership says this development prompted the need to enhance mobility, tactical response, and adaptability among officers.
During the pass-out ceremony on Friday, Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba commended the initiative, noting that 19 trainers from the Kenyan Police Force had been hired to help build capacity among Uganda’s personnel, a move he said will go a long way in improving the force’s ability to handle diverse criminal threats.
Byakagaba observed that crime dynamics have evolved significantly, necessitating continuous preparedness and innovation within the police force. He explained that the surge in crimes involving motorcycles had become a growing concern, and the newly trained officers now send a clear message to perpetrators that the police are ready and well-equipped to counter their tactics.
Byakagaba further noted that the training also forms part of wider preparations to address terrorism threats, transnational crimes, and to provide security for government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration, saying the force’s ongoing training programs demonstrate its commitment to professionalism and national stability.
Byakagaba also revealed that the police leadership is prioritising officer welfare to ensure effective performance and dedication to duty.
Jasper Oloka, Commandant of the Counter-Terrorism Police Training School at Olilim, said the training fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, expertise, and collaboration between trainees, trainers, and facilitators drawn from various fields. He explained that the primary goal was to equip tactical personnel with skills to operate motorcycles in high-risk, hostile, or combat environments.
According to Oloka, the officers have mastered safety procedures for tactical motorcycle operations, including starting, stopping, turning, and braking under combat conditions. They also learned hand signals, radio communication, and group riding tactics to enhance coordination during operations.
Oloka added that the officers can now plan and conduct special and high-risk operations using advanced tactical and combat riding skills. They have also been trained to integrate ICT tools, such as maps and compasses, into counter-terrorism operations, and are now proficient in using both lethal and non-lethal weapons to neutralise threats effectively.
Allan Atwine, who represented the trainees, expressed appreciation for the training, saying it had equipped them with vital knowledge and skills to confront emerging security challenges.
Atwine thanked the school management for providing a supportive learning environment throughout the four-month course and pledged that the graduates would apply the knowledge and skills acquired to protect Ugandans and keep the country safe from crime.
He added that the officers are now better prepared to contribute meaningfully to national security and the ongoing fight against terrorism and organised crime.
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