Parliamentary committee Approves Bill Setting Age Limit for Police IG, DIG

A parliamentary committee has approved a bill that will set an upper age limit of 60 years for the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IG) and Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), sparking discussion about constitutional implications.

The National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security tabled the report recommending approval of the National Police Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya.

Currently, the National Police Service Act does not specify a retirement age for the IG and DIG, unlike other public service roles where retirement is set at 60 years. The proposed amendment aims to fill this legal gap and ensure effective succession planning at the top of the police service.

“The Bill’s main purpose is to amend the NPS Act to ensure that persons appointed as IG and DIG do not exceed the age of 60 at the time of appointment,” MP Kaunya said. He added that the reform would guarantee capable leadership and strengthen management within the police service.

Committee Vice Chair Dado Rasso highlighted concerns about promotions, noting that “junior officers sometimes overtake senior, experienced officers,” and said the Bill would help address such issues.

If passed, the amendment would require that candidates for IG or DIG be under 58 years old at the time of appointment to allow for at least a two-year term before mandatory retirement. Officers already serving would also be required to retire upon reaching 60, even if their term is not complete.

Kaunya said the change would align police leadership with Public Service Commission norms, where retirement is generally set at 60 years (or 65 for persons with disabilities). “Security work is demanding and requires fitness. Experience is important, but this ensures leadership is capable and agile,” he explained.

The committee also noted that other structural issues, such as fair career progression and leadership readiness, could be addressed alongside the age reforms.

The bill does not cover the procedure for removing an IG, which is outlined in Article 245 of the Constitution, to avoid expanding the scope of the legislation beyond its intended focus.

After reviewing public submissions and stakeholder feedback, the committee recommended that the National Assembly approve the Bill with amendments as outlined in the report.