Kampala | On February 19, the Uganda Police Force released its “Annual Crime Report for 2024.” The new report reveals promising trends in crime rates and law enforcement efforts across the country.
The report, presented by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, shows a 4.1% decrease in crime from 2023.
This points to a positive shift in national security.
According to the report, the total number of reported crimes in 2024 was 218,715, down from 228,074 in the previous year. This decrease reflects the police’s efforts to maintain order and improve their crime-fighting strategies.
It (the report) also provides a detailed breakdown of crime categories, highlighting key figures across various offenses. Theft was the most common crime, with 61,529 incidents, followed by robbery (29,580) and burglary (14,425).
Domestic violence remained a major issue, with 9,408 reported cases, while narcotics-related offenses numbered 2,240. The disturbing issue of sexual violence persisted in the country, with 8,163 rape cases documented.
The Force was also pleased with the judicial system’s handling of these cases, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the courts in obtaining convictions and ensuring justice.
In terms of road safety, AIGP Lawrence Nuwabiine, Director of Traffic and Road Safety, has reported a 6.4% increase in traffic crashes in 2024.
There were 25,107 reported incidents, with 13,134 serious crashes and 4,434 fatalities. Despite an increase in road traffic incidents, the government has prioritized enforcement and surveillance.
Efforts to reduce road crashes include expanding traffic monitoring systems, such as installing CCTV cameras in high-risk areas to ensure greater adherence to traffic laws.
The report also describes how crime is distributed across Uganda’s various regions. The Rwizi region recorded 17,105 incidents, followed by the Kampala Metropolitan Area (16,742).
The North Kyoga and Lango regions saw 16,220 incidents, while Greater Masaka had 11,884. The North Kyoga region saw a slight improvement, with crime cases dropping from 17,995 in 2023 to 16,220 in 2024.
The report also emphasized the importance of working with other security agencies like the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), the Prisons Service, and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to improve overall security in the country.
The government is committed to increasing law enforcement agencies’ capacity and operational efficiency through training, resources, and enhanced surveillance.
Looking ahead, the police plan to step up efforts to combat emerging threats, ensuring a safer environment for Ugandans.
The Uganda Police Force continues to prioritize the increase in road accidents and criminal activity in specific regions, with the government focusing on strategic measures to combat these problems.
In order to preserve peace and order throughout the nation, the Uganda Police Force keeps improving its capabilities and forming alliances as part of its continuous efforts to modernize and improve the security environment.
Infographics used in this story are courtesy of the Uganda Police Force.
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