Any police officers above 60 years will not be eligible to be appointed as Inspector General (IG) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police under a newly proposed law.
A proposed amendment to the National Police Service Act seeks to introduce a 60-year age limit for nominees to the top police leadership positions.
The law is currently before the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee.
The committee led by Vice Chairperson Dido Rasso (Saku), is holding consultations with Oku Kaunya, the sponsor of the National Police Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The Bill proposes to cap the age of individuals nominated or appointed as IG and DIG of Police at 60 years, a move the sponsor says will strengthen succession planning and enhance leadership effectiveness in the police service.
Read Also: All Police Stations to Go Digital on OB reporting, Install CCTVs in New Police Reforms
Kaunya, a former civil servant and security expert, told the committee that the proposed change is intended to ensure that those entrusted with leading the police service possess both the necessary experience and the physical and mental agility demanded by the role.
“Security work is demanding and requires someone who is fit,” Kaunya said. “While experience is valuable, we must not leave this gap unaddressed. This proposal helps close that loophole and ensures a capable and agile police leadership.”
The committee is expected to review stakeholder feedback before tabling its report in Parliament for further debate.
If passed, the amendment will apply to future appointments, potentially reshaping the criteria for leadership in the National Police Service.
