Holding Ugandan Police to Account: Case study of the Police Accountability and Reform Project

This chapter presents the research findings of a case study of an accountability project implemented with the Uganda Police Force between 2010 and 2013. The project set up a series of workshops involving the police and a variety of societal actors, and organized activities to create awareness of changes to the public order management regime. The impact of the accountability project was assessed by comparing feedback from police districts where the project was implemented with that from districts that did not take part. Analysis of crime statistics does not show a difference between the two groups of districts. A survey conducted among 600 police officers demonstrates that the project has influenced the way in which they respond to integrity issues in their day-to-day work. Interviews with 23 middle- and high-ranking police officers show an enhanced awareness of accountability issues related to the treatment of civilians and their rights. Although the project is not a sufficient condition for behavioural change, it may lead to changes in attitudes, which are a necessary condition for changes in the behaviour of the police toward the public