Uganda Police Force spokesperson ACP Kituma Rusoke has warned serving police officers against recording and posting social media videos while dressed in the institution’s uniform, describing the practice as unlawful and unprofessional.
Rusoke said officers are free to maintain personal social media accounts, but their use comes with professional restrictions, particularly when it involves communicating or posting content while in police uniform.
He noted that several videos circulating on social media show police officers taking part in dance and music challenges while dressed in uniform, saying such conduct compromises the image and professionalism of the force.
A social media account, one can have it in person, but the moment you want to communicate, you cannot use it. It’s very unlawful for a serving officer to post a video in our uniform doing dance and music challenges.
Those doing it are doing it illegally and should be charged. We have been seeing them. Very, very compromising songs. It’s very, very unprofessional.
He explained that officers interested in music and performance have an alternative within the force through the Uganda Police Band, which also has a jazz group and officers who specialise in musical performances.
The only difference is, for music, we have the Police Band. It even has a Jazz group. For them, they have even those who particularly do performances. Those who want to sing should join the Police Band.
Rusoke also addressed officers who participate in social media challenges while out of uniform, saying the circumstances and content matter.
However, he cautioned senior officers against posting content that could undermine the seriousness associated with their positions.
He gave the example of a District Police Commander (DPC), saying it could appear inappropriate for an officer holding such a senior position to post a video dancing to a social media challenge when they are also expected to chair meetings involving serious security matters.
“Then those who do the challenges out of uniform, it depends on the context, but not good for those holding high offices. It might not look nice if a DPC posted a video dancing to a challenge when they have to chair meetings that seek serious matters.”
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