Parliamentarians on Tuesday resolved that forming a private security providers’ association, though essential for the development of the nascent sector, should not be compulsory as this would hamper the spirit of doing business in the industry.

This was during a debate by members of the Chamber of Deputies’ standing committee on foreign affairs, on Article 17 of the new Bill governing private security businesses.

The clause which stated that private security providers shall establish an association for proper execution of their tasks and coordination among themselves and other institutions was later purged.

MPs and officials from the Ministry of Internal Security urged private security firms to join the Private Sector Federation (PSF) structure. 

Before a consensus was reached, most members had said that the unnecessary restrictions would only discourage people from venturing into the  business.

"They are free to form an association but let’s not oblige them,” MP Juliana Kantengwa, said.

There are currently 10 private security firms operating in the country.

Balancing the country’s security interests and those of private businesses is proving a tough task as MPs and internal security officials share views over the new Bill.

During the session on Tuesday, Internal Security minister Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana said the clause should be removed and the association maintained but under PSF just like for other business associations.

He said: "We can create an arrangement such that whoever wants can join the association. Whether it is formal or not, the association is important.”

The roles of the association, the minister observed, would include solving disputes between security service providers and their employees, and enforcing internal rules and regulations.

"There are about 14 sectors under PSF. Security firms can join the federation and benefit from their advocacy. However, we need to  enforce the formation of the association,” MP Francis Kaboneka, said.

Harerimana said his ministry and the police would support the proposal.

The minister tabled the Bill in October last year.

At the time, he explained that the lack of a law governing private security business had created loopholes that resulted into lack of coordination, theft, and poor employee management, among others.

This Bill provides for registration requirements to be met by a security provider, collaboration with the police; identification of the employees, and how training is organised.

The association’s chairperson, KK Security’s boss, Eddie Sebera, on Wednesday, said: "It is important for members to have one voice even though we are a private entity.”