The Algerian Police Chief General Abdelghani Hamel, who is also the president of the Africa Police (AFRIPOL), has been awarded with an Exemplary Service Class One Medal by President Yoweri Museveni who was represented by the Vice-President Edward Ssekandi. The award took place on Wednesday 14^th September, during the official opening of the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) annual general meeting in Kampala.

Gen. Hamel’s has also visited, on Tuesday 12^th September, to the Uganda Police headquarters in Kampala.

“I have the pleasure and honor to report that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda as the Fountain 0f Honor in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and in accordance with the National Honors and Awards Act 2001 has approved the Award of Exemplary Service Order Plus One to Maj. Gen Abdel Ghani Hamel,” said Gen. Elly Tumwiine the Chairman Heroes Awards Committee, during the awarding ceremony.

In a communiqué dated 13^th September 2017, the Uganda Police Force commended the Algerian Police Chief for “exemplary leadership and transforming the image and support of the Uganda Police Force”. 

Hamel, who spearheaded the efforts to establish a unified African police force, has been at its helm for the last two years as the process of operationalisation continues. He also spearheaded the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Uganda Police Force to help improve specific areas within the force including; installation of CCTV cameras, cyber crime, and training of personnel in forensic studies among many others.

Upon receiving the award, Hamel thanked the Ugandan authorities and the EAPCCO chairperson. He advised the police chiefs in attendance to work towards aligning their goal with the goals of AFRIPOL. He dedicated the medal to HE President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

“I appreciate this recognition. AFRIPOL would not have been a success without all your participation. Let’s put more effort to see it become what we have in mind” Hamel said.

According to the police communiqué, “Maj. Gen. Abdel Ghani Hamel has directly and indirectly contributed to the development of Uganda Police Force especially assisting in professionalization of the Force in his commitment to the Algeria- Uganda Police Force cooperation. After signing the memorandum of understanding in 2016, he immediately deployed experts from Algeria national police to help in capacity building of Uganda Police Force”: reads the communiqué in part.

H.E. Abdelghani Hamel, has significantly contributed to the creation of AFRIPOL, a body that unites all police chiefs in Africa”; adds the communiqué.