Uganda Police Force Reports Decrease in Crime, Highlights Progress in Road Safety and Law Enforcement in 2024

KAMPALA - The Uganda Police Force has unveiled its "Annual Crime Report for 2024," revealing promising trends in the country’s crime rates and law enforcement efforts. The report, presented by Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba in an event held at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, highlights a 4.1% decrease in crime compared to 2023, signaling a positive shift in national security.

According to the report, the total number of reported crimes in 2024 stood at 218,715, a reduction from 228,074 in the previous year. This decrease reflects the efforts made by the police in maintaining order and enhancing their crime-fighting strategies.

The report also provides a detailed breakdown of crime categories, showing notable figures across various offenses. Theft emerged as the most common crime with 61,529 incidents, followed by robbery at 29,580 cases and burglary at 14,425. Domestic violence remained a critical issue with 9,408 reported cases, while narcotics-related offenses totaled 2,240 incidents. The disturbing issue of sexual violence continued to challenge the country, with 8,163 cases of rape documented.

The Uganda Police Force also expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the judicial system in processing these cases, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the courts in securing convictions and ensuring justice.

In the realm of road safety, the Director of Traffic and Road Safety, AIGP Lawrence Nuwabiine, reported a 6.4% rise in traffic accidents in 2024.

There were 25,107 reported incidents, including 13,134 serious accidents and 4,434 fatalities. Despite the increase in road traffic incidents, the government has focused on improving enforcement and surveillance.

Efforts to mitigate road accidents include the expansion of traffic monitoring systems, including the installation of CCTV cameras in high-risk areas to ensure greater compliance with traffic laws.

The report also outlines the distribution of crime across various regions in Uganda. The Rwizi region recorded 17,105 incidents, followed by the Kampala Metropolitan Area with 16,742. North Kyoga and Lango regions saw 16,220 incidents, while Greater Masaka recorded 11,884. The North Kyoga region showed a slight improvement, with crime cases dropping from 17,995 in 2023 to 16,220 in 2024.

The Uganda Police Force has further underscored the importance of collaboration with other security agencies such as the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), the Prisons Service, and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to enhance overall security in the country. The government is committed to building the capacity of law enforcement agencies and improving their operational efficiency through training, resources, and enhanced surveillance.

Looking ahead, the police are set to intensify efforts to tackle emerging challenges, ensuring a safer environment for Ugandans.

The increase in road accidents and criminal activity in certain regions remains a priority for the Uganda Police Force, with the government focusing on strategic measures to combat these issues. As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the security landscape, the Uganda Police Force continues to enhance its capabilities and foster partnerships to maintain peace and order across the country.