By Aggrey Baba
In a world where security is increasingly becoming a shared responsibility, the Ugandan government is taking steps to regulate the use of both public and private CCTV cameras across the country.
The internal affairs ministry, led by Gen. David Muhoozi, has announced plans to introduce a sweeping law aimed at governing the usage of footage from these cameras. The law is expected to be rolled out within the next year, with an initial draft likely to be ready in the next six months.
“Private cameras, especially those in residential areas, have become crucial in solving crimes. When a crime occurs, we often don’t need permission to access footage from these cameras,” stated Gen. Muhoozi, emphasizing the importance of regulating private surveillance. He further noted that this law would also address privately owned cameras in public spaces such as supermarkets, schools, and hospitals.
The move comes as the police are set to begin the third phase of their National CCTV Network Project, which started in 2017. This phase will see the expansion of the CCTV network to cover 11 cities and 43 towns, connecting more than 6,000 privately owned cameras that are in public spaces.
The project is being funded by a loan, but there has been some debate over the increased cost of the expansion, now pegged at Sh220 billion. The additional cost is attributed to taxes and currency conversion.
“This regulation targets private cameras that are used in public spaces, like those in supermarkets or hospitals,” explained the Police’s Assistant Inspector General, Felix Baryamwisaki. The new law, which would help integrate these privately owned cameras into the police surveillance network, is seen as a vital step in addressing public safety concerns.
While the project is still in its planning stages, the government believes the regulation will help streamline security efforts and enhance crime prevention. As they say, “A stitch in time saves nine.” With this proactive measure, Uganda hopes to stay ahead in the fight against crime, ensuring that no footage, no matter where it’s stored, goes unexamined when it’s needed most. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
