Interpol
What exactly is the INTERPOL?
Interpol is an independent intergovernmental organization, which was established in 1923, comprising 194 member countries, which helps police in all member countries to work together, to make the world a safer place.
To do this, the organisation enables police in the member countries, to share and access data on crimes and criminals, while offering a range of technical and operational support, through the Command and Coordination Center (CCC) which was established at INTERPOL’s general secretariat to serve as the first point of contact for any member country in need of assistance or faced with a crisis situation.
- It is considered as the world’s largest international police organisation, which facilitates police cooperation across borders, even where diplomatic relationships do not exist between countries.
- Established as an institution to focus on criminal, rather than political issues (as indicated in Article 3 of its constitution), INTERPOL has been active in working with its member countries to address criminal and police issues relating to terrorism.
- It assists the UN Security Council with the implementation of the sanctions regimes.
- It also assists member countries, upon request, in their investigations, in the aftermath of terrorist acts by deploying on-site incident response teams (IRTs).
INTERPOL, I-24/7 AND NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAUS (NCBs).
The I-24/7 is a secure global communications system that connects law-enforcement officials in all of INTERPOL’s member countries, providing them with the means to share crucial information in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The initiative was designed to promote information sharing and the exchange of early warnings concerning terrorism and related international crimes among INTERPOL’s member countries.
An INTERPOL NCB is the correspondent, the representative and the responsible authority of the organisation at the national level. The NCB has three main duties:
- To transmit to the General Secretariat of Interpol, information or intelligence received from local police forces which might interest other countries.
- When police operations are requested by foreign countries, such as manhunts, interrogations and arrests, it is up to the NCB to get them done, in accordance with the local laws and local enforcement agencies. When a country wants something similar to be done in a foreign country, it is up to the NCB to request it.
- To ensure that resolutions by the General Assembly of INTERPOL are adhered to.
UGANDA, AS A MEMBER OF INTERPOL
Uganda has been a member of INTERPOL since 31st August 1966, following a request for membership by the Uganda Government to join the organisation at the Berne INTERPOL General Assembly of 1966. Uganda’s National Central Bureau is headquartered in Kampala, with offices located on Plot 12 Mabua Road, Kololo.
Uganda has been reported to focus on the significance of criminal intelligence analysis to national security, and how it promotes police investigations respectively (INTERPOL Annual Report, 2018).
SOME OF THE NATIONAL SERVICES OFFERED BY INTERPOL
- Certificate of Good Conduct
Certificate of Good Conduct is a document that is given out by the Police Directorate of INTERPOL and International Relations. On 17th May 2021, The Uganda Police Force launched an online service, following the reality of the spread of Covid-19.Currently, in order to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct, one should:
- visit the Uganda Police website (https://www.upf.go.ug/)
- click the ‘Services’ tab and then click ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’.
- click on the ‘Register’ button to create an account, for applicants using the application for the first time and have never created an account while those with accounts click the ‘Login’ button. One needs an active email to Register.
- Once one completes filling in the online form, the system opens a payment page, with the option for the applicant to choose a mode of payment, such as cash through bank payment which must be accompanied with a payment slip as generated by the online system.
Following payment, one should then re-log into the system and proceed to book an appointment at the INTERPOL offices.
On the day of appointment, one is required to go with the following documents; two (2) passport size photos; two (2) copies of your National ID or Passport; Copy of application preview printed from the system and a Copy of Receipt printed from the system.
For Those Applying from outside Uganda, the process remains the same but the mode of payment is only by visa or master cards for the 30USD (fees are subject to change, inquire with INTERPOL Kampala or your nearest Embassy or Consular for current fees).
Then the applicant will have to send the original finger prints, scanned copy of the valid passport, scanned copy of the exit visa from Entebbe International Airport, an application letter addressed to Director INTERPOL and International Relations and a proof of payment e.g. copy of the payment receipt.