Kampala, Uganda— The Uganda Police Force has reported a significant decline in crime rates, with a 4.1% decrease in reported cases from 2023 to 2024.
According to the latest Annual Crime Report 2024, launched by Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, the reported cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024.
“I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our people who were able to lodge their complaints at various police stations in 2024,” said Byakagaba. “It is these reported complaints that enabled us to compile this Annual Crime Report and assess progress in fulfilling our mandate.”
The report highlights the police force’s commitment to decentralising services by implementing the Sub-county Policing Model. This initiative aims to bring police services closer to the communities, enhancing crime prevention and response.
“Our priority is on improving the mindset and operational readiness of our personnel to perform their duties, including their welfare, housing, health, and capacity building to ensure professionalism,” Byakagaba emphasised.
The Inspector General of Police also commended the good coordination with other stakeholders, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, and local councils.
“This coordination, cooperation, and collaboration explain the achievements we continue to register in dealing with various forms of crime to ensure law and order are maintained,” he noted.
4.1% Drop in Crime Rates: Reported cases decline from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024.”
With the launch of the report, Byakagaba expressed his resolve to continue focusing on the priorities outlined, including expanding anti-crime infrastructure to ensure a professional and people-centred police force.
AIGP Tom Magambo, Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), had strong words for corrupt officials during the launch of the Annual Crime Report 2024. Noting a 1.6% increase in economic and corruption crimes, with 13,132 cases reported in 2024, Magambo warned that those misusing public funds would face jail time.
“If you are misusing public funds, we will one day land on you, and you will surely go to jail; you will go to Luzira,” Magambo assured Ugandans. This statement comes as the CID has been working to tackle corruption and economic crimes, with Magambo at the helm since his appointment in January 2022.
If you are misusing public funds, we will one day land on you, and you will surely go to jail; you will go to Luzira
AIGP Tom Magambo, Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID)
In addition to addressing corruption, Magambo also touched on political and media offences. The report showed a 16% decrease in cases registered in this category, with 105 cases reported in 2024 compared to 125 in 2023. Magambo reassured Ugandans that the police would protect them and ensure peaceful voting during the upcoming election period.
As the country prepares for the 2026 elections, Magambo’s statements emphasise the CID’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring a secure electoral process.
The Annual Crime Report 2024 revealed that out of every 100,000 people in Uganda, 476 were victims of crime.
AIGP Tom Magambo also highlighted a decrease in sex-related crimes. A total of 14,425 sex-related cases were reported in 2024, representing 6.6% of overall registered crimes. This marks a 2.8% decrease from the 14,846 cases reported in 2023.
The Annual Crime Report 2024 also revealed a concerning increase in road traffic crashes and school fires.
Road traffic crashes increased by 6.4% in 2024 compared to 2023, with more crashes occurring during the day than at night. Careless overtaking and speeding were the leading causes of these crashes, accounting for 44.5% of all crashes.
The report also highlighted a significant increase in school fires, with a 9% rise from 50 cases in 2023 to 55 cases in 2024. Residential buildings and makeshift structures were the most affected by fires, with 300 and 250 cases, respectively. Electricity-related issues, negligence, and misuse of wax candles were the major causes of fires, with Kampala Metropolitan Region recording the highest number of fire occurrences at 993 cases.
The report emphasised the need for increased vigilance and safety measures to combat these rising trends. The Uganda Police Force has pledged to work closely with stakeholders to prevent crimes and ensure public safety.
Pictorial:
Scenes from the Uganda Police Force headquarters in Naguru, where Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba unveiled the latest crime statistics on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. (Photos by Bonny Karogo)
