The Relationship Between Public and Private Security Providers: an Analysis of the Regulation of Private Security Providers in Uganda

Abstract

This thesis is based on the fundamental conceptual premise that the public and private security are all in the business of crime prevention. If this tenet is correct, then there have to be enormous opportunities for the two groups to work together more closely to prevent crime. The possibility of working together, or even forming partnerships in the future, represents a fundamental shift in traditional concept of security provision. Using the structuralism theoretical analysis, the researcher observed that class division leads to a threat of fear and insecurity by the dominant class who in turn seek for state protection against the perceived threats to their wealth and when the state is unable to provide such required security, a vacuum is created which will be filled by private security initiatives. The noticeable growth of private security in Uganda in the recent times has raised fears that public security would be compromised and the traditional role of public security would be eroded. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative method of research in investigating the problem. The study findings reveal that the growth of private security in Uganda is something that cannot be ignore or wished away. From the study finding the researcher observed that there is overwhelming call for partnership between public and private security for the public benefit and resource sharing. The two security providers require mutual cooperation if they are to succeed in delivering security to all people of Uganda. Effective private provision of security requires that legislative, regulatory and oversight safeguards be put in place and a culture of professionalism be engendered. This should encourage transparency and reduce opportunities for illegitimate or unethical activities and foster cooperation between private and public security.