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Collective effort creates a safer bet for investors

Article - November 13, 2014

Uganda works closely with its neighbours on security issues such as cross-border crime and insurgency

WILSON MURUULI MUKASA, MINISTER OF SECURITY

In common with most African nations, Uganda has had its problems with crime, political unrest and other challenges. However, with the government now making a real effort to fight these scourges, along with strengthening the country’s solid legal framework for commercial agreements and a range of tax and partnership incentives, its appeal to international investors continues to rise.

“Security has been a key strength of Uganda and it is certainly a lot safer than it was about a decade ago,” says Minister of Security Wilson Muruuli Mukasa. “The police force is stronger than ever and apart from our increased technical capacity, we now have young and energetic people taking on the task of security. The same applies to our intelligence services and the military.”

Mr Mukasa says that security is a collective effort and those in charge of maintaining order and fighting crime work hand-in-hand with the people who are the true beneficiaries of a safe place to live and work.

“The security landscape is becoming increasingly sophisticated,” he notes. “More than simply catching up, we need to be two or three steps ahead.”

Uganda works closely with its neighbours on such tasks as cross-border crime, smuggling, insurgency and other security issues through its membership in regional associations like the East African Community.

“With increased security comes increased confidence and investments and with the resulting increase in economic activity benefiting our people, life will surely be better,” the minister adds.  

Assisting the government to achieve those goals are security firms such as Hercules Support Ltd, which, with its long experience in Africa, was invited to train Uganda’s police and army. “We found the security here generally safer than other parts of Africa,” says Hercules Support’s Deputy Chairman and International Security Consultant, Paul Simon. “They have a strong police force which is paramilitary and very visible, and it is safer here than Nigeria or Angola. Uganda is certainly a much safer place for investors.”

Hercules works with high profile clients like the Bank of Uganda, and has a six-year partnership to modernise the police in such tasks as aviation and tourism protection, bomb disposal, counter terror and handling police dogs.

“We have invested over $2.5 million here and our aim is to be the number one security company, so we are here to stay,” Mr Simon explains. 

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