By Beatrice Nakibuuka
In an age where technology plays a crucial role in home security, installing security cameras has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
Many people require additional supervision at home or work. Concerns range from burglars breaking into houses to uncertainty about how house help treats children in their absence. Surveillance cameras can help minimise petty theft at workplaces and verify transactions when clients falsely claim to have made purchases.
Where to install cameras
The best placement for cameras depends on their purpose. If monitoring household activity, place cameras indoors—at exit points, in dining areas, corridors, kitchens, or living rooms. For businesses, install cameras in offices, supermarkets, shops, market areas, compounds, along perimeter walls, or at gates.
Grace Nantongo, a mother of three, monitors her home while at work thanks to security cameras.
“I used to struggle with house helps mistreating my children. Installing cameras helped me address that issue. I also own a supermarket and use cameras to monitor activities without constantly moving around,” she says.
However, Rodney Kiwanuka, a camera technician at Interiors Plus, warns that cameras placed on perimeter walls near neighbours’ properties require consent, or homeowners risk legal action for invasion of privacy.
“The effectiveness of a security camera largely depends on its placement. Indoor cameras, commonly installed in hallways or living rooms, help monitor movement in case of an intrusion,” Kiwanuka explains.
A significant number of break-ins occur through the front door. Positioning a camera above or near the entrance captures footage of anyone approaching. Back and side doors are also common entry points for burglars seeking less conspicuous access. To monitor vehicles, install cameras on driveways and garages.
Burglars often use side windows that are not visible from the street. Installing a camera facing such entry points can enhance security.
Types of security cameras
Security cameras fall into two main categories: Analogue High Definition (HD) and Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. They can be further classified as indoor, outdoor, or spy cameras.
Kiwanuka explains: “Outdoor cameras are similar to indoor models but have a crucial distinction—they are waterproof. They come in two common shapes: bullet (cylindrical) and dome. These cameras are ideal for homes, compounds, gates, supermarkets, offices, and shops.”
Indoor and outdoor cameras generally have a 180-degree field of view and can capture clear images within a 20-metre range. At night, their effective range reduces to approximately eight metres. Their image clarity depends on resolution and pixel calibration.
“Resolution ranges from 720p to 1080p, and the higher the resolution, the clearer the footage. Prices vary depending on resolution, brand, and retailer, typically ranging from UGX 100,000 to UGX 150,000. There are also full-time colour cameras that provide coloured footage even at night, costing upwards of UGX 200,000,” he notes.
Spy cameras are tiny and often include a microphone for audio recording. Best suited for indoor use, they have a 120-degree field of view and cover shorter distances of around five metres.
Features of Modern Security Cameras
Modern security cameras offer various features to enhance security:
- Motion Detection: Sends alerts when movement is detected.
- Night Vision: Ensures visibility in low-light conditions.
- High-Resolution Video: Provides clear footage, typically in 1080p.
Nantongo highlights ease of use as a key factor in adopting security cameras.
“Many people fear complex technology, but today’s models are designed for simplicity,” she says.
Through mobile apps, homeowners can view live footage from anywhere, receive instant alerts when motion is detected and save and share video clips when necessary.
What you need for installation
Installing a security camera system requires essential equipment. Analogue HD cameras need a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), while IP cameras use a Network Video Recorder (NVR) connected via cables.
Kiwanuka explains, “These devices serve as control units, responsible for recording footage, adjusting light, and rewinding when needed. They must be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access.”
The number of cameras a DVR or NVR can support depends on the number of ports available, which can range from four to 64. Prices for DVRs vary between UGX 300,000 and UGX 500,000, depending on brand and port capacity.
“You also need a hard disk for storage. Storage capacity determines how long footage can be retained. A 500GB hard disk can store about two weeks of footage and costs around UGX 120,000. Larger capacities allow for longer storage,” Kiwanuka adds.
One also needs additional equipment like; power supply or adapter for power, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) that prevents shutdowns during power outages, cables and monitor which can be a TV, computer monitor, or smartphone.
Installation costs vary depending on the technician hired for the job.
By choosing the right cameras and placement, homeowners can enhance security and gain peace of mind knowing their property is under constant surveillance.
