The effectiveness of security agencies in countering threats of terrorism in Uganda

Abstract

This study focused on an assessing the effectiveness of security agencies in Uganda to minimize potential threats of terrorism. The study was guided by four objectives and data collection was done using self-administered questionnaires in across sectional research design. The findings of the study revealed a positive relationship between the variables studied and the effectiveness of security agencies [R =0.513, P =0.004 ˂ 0.05]. The adjusted R2= 0.2634 for the combined variables which translated into 51.0% and this indicated that the effectiveness of security stakeholders depend largely on access control, deployment of security, surveillance by intelligence personnel and level of training. The study also revealed that some gaps such as porous borders, laxity of security personnel, and ignorance of majority people about security matters. In addition, weak immigration laws, and poor coordination of security agencies, corruption and lack of required training still exist within the security agencies and these could compromise the security of the state if not addressed expeditiously. There are also other challenges such as less funding to security institutions, low motivation, political and human rights interferences. In order to mitigate some of these challenges, the study recommended the training of security personnel and other stakeholders in security to equip them with required knowledge and advanced skills in the fight against terrorism, intelligence agencies should cooperate among themselves and the community by sharing intelligence information in terrorism related crimes, community policing and neighborhood watch should be intensified by sensitizing the public on security matters.