Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ecwatu Daniel Elly, a seasoned trainer from the Uganda Police Force, has always believed that technology, leadership, and community engagement are the building blocks of modern law enforcement. With nearly a decade of experience in training senior officers in information technology, community policing, and general law enforcement, Daniel’s pursuit of innovation led him to Dubai, where he participated in the prestigious Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma.
Organized by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology, the PIL Diploma brought together officers from 39 countries, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices. Daniel’s motivation for joining the program was clear: to explore the future of policing and discover how innovation can transform public safety.
A New World of Policing
Daniel’s experience in Dubai was nothing short of transformative. “The PIL Diploma opened my eyes to a whole new world,” he reflected. “I’ve been teaching technology in policing for years, but here in Dubai, it’s different. From AI-powered traffic management to blockchain technology and smart policing solutions, I saw things I never imagined I’d witness being implemented in real-time.”
One aspect that struck Daniel was Dubai Police’s seamless integration of technology into daily operations. “In Uganda, traffic is still manually regulated by officers standing on the road,” he explained. “But in Dubai, AI systems, drones, and smart cameras handle it all – flawlessly. This is exactly the level of innovation police forces worldwide should aim for.”
Smart Solutions for a Smarter Police Force
Daniel was also impressed by Dubai Police’s Smart Police Stations (SPS), which are self-operated service centers where members of the public can report cases, file complaints, and access services without officer involvement. “In Uganda, we rely heavily on community policing, but the concept of self-service police stations is new to us,” he said. “Seeing how effectively it works here proves that technology can build public trust and significantly improve efficiency.”
A Global Platform for Learning and Collaboration
The PIL Diploma has created a dynamic cross-cultural exchange and shared learning environment, bringing together officers from diverse backgrounds. “What amazed me was hearing even European officers express surprise at Dubai’s model,” Daniel noted. “This proves that regardless of how advanced a country may be, there’s always something new to learn from others.”
Daniel believes this international collaboration is one of the program’s greatest strengths: “We’re not just here to observe – we’re here to adapt ideas to our own contexts. Every country has its own path, but Dubai has given us a clear vision of what is possible.”
Wellness and Mental Resilience
Beyond strategy and innovation, the program also focuses on physical and mental wellness, an aspect Daniel enthusiastically endorsed in his role as a wellness team leader. “Every morning, we participate in physical training, endurance activities – even ice therapy sessions,” he said. “It’s not just about staying fit – it’s about building resilience, which is essential for officers working under pressure.”
Taking Change Back to Uganda
As the program nears its conclusion, Daniel is already thinking about how to apply what he’s learned back home. “My Master’s research focuses on digital evidence management, and the exposure to blockchain, AI, and forensic developments here will directly enhance my thesis,” he said. “If Uganda implements even a portion of these innovations, it could revolutionize our investigation and crime-fighting capabilities.”
Daniel also hopes to see Uganda adopt more community engagement initiatives, like Dubai Police’s Positive Spirit program, which he described as “a powerful tool for building trust.” “Dubai Police doesn’t just respond to incidents – they actively engage with communities, hosting events and fostering strong public relationships. These kinds of initiatives can have a lasting impact on public safety and happiness.”
A Message to Dubai Police
Daniel expressed heartfelt thanks to Dubai Police for the exceptional organization of the program. “This diploma has been organized brilliantly – from the training sessions to the logistics,” he said. “This experience has changed the way I view policing forever. The future of law enforcement is already here in Dubai, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
As he prepares to return to Uganda, ASP Ecwatu Daniel Elly represents a new generation of police leaders – leaders driven by innovation, inspired by global collaboration, and committed to building a safer future for communities everywhere.
