Uganda Police Report 4.1% Decrease in Crime Rates

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has reported a 4.1% decrease in crime rates, with reported cases dropping from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024, according to the Annual Crime Report 2024.

This decline is attributed to enhanced community policing, digitisation of investigations, and the introduction of the Police Sub-County Model.

During the Weekly Media Address at Police Headquarters in Naguru, key officials, including AIGP Tanui Stephen (Director of Fire and Rescue Services), AIGP Nuwabiine Lawrence (Director of Traffic), AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba (Director of Community Policing), Deputy Director CID, and SCP Chelimo Beata, provided insights into the crime trends and recent enforcement efforts.

Community Policing at the Forefront

The UPF has intensified community policing initiatives, strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and local communities. Police officers have been deployed in all sub-counties across 13 policing regions, ensuring quicker response to crime.

Additionally, radio talk shows, school outreaches, and village meetings have been used to boost crime awareness and prevention, with over 203,502 citizens participating in these engagements.

Digitisation to Enhance Crime Investigations

The UPF has embarked on an ambitious digitisation strategy, automating crime case management from reporting to prosecution. This initiative is expected to enhance tracking, analysis, and crime supervision, reducing case backlogs and improving efficiency.

To support this effort, the force is actively recruiting forensic experts, cybercrime analysts, and detectives to ease the burden on investigators, who currently handle an average of 43 cases each—far above the UN-recommended ratio of 12 cases per detective.

Cracking Down on Organised and Violent Crime

A renewed focus on tackling organised crime syndicates, child-related offences, and gender-based violence has led to significant progress. The Child and Family Protection Department handled over 27,767 cases related to domestic violence, child neglect, and abuse.

Meanwhile, security agencies are utilizing CCTV surveillance, forensic science, and canine units to bolster intelligence gathering and crime detection.

The Road Ahead

Despite the progress, authorities recognise challenges in case disposal, police welfare, and justice system inefficiencies.

The UPF is calling for increased funding to improve training, forensic capabilities, and welfare programs, ensuring the sustainability of crime prevention efforts.