The crime rate in Uganda has declined by 4.1% over the past year, according to the Annual Crime Report 2024, officially launched by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba. The report indicates a drop in reported cases from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024, highlighting improvements in crime prevention and law enforcement strategies across the country.
Improved Policing and Community Cooperation
Speaking at the report’s launch in Naguru, IGP Byakagaba credited the decline in crime to enhanced policing strategies and increased public cooperation. He expressed gratitude to Ugandans who reported crimes, emphasizing their crucial role in crime prevention and law enforcement.
“I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our people who lodged their complaints at various police stations in 2024. These reports enabled us to compile this Annual Crime Report and assess our progress in fulfilling our constitutional mandate,” Byakagaba said.
To further improve security, he announced plans to restructure the Uganda Police Force by implementing the Sub-County Policing Model. This initiative will deploy 18 police officers to each sub-county, decentralizing police services, enhancing crime prevention, and improving response times.
“This approach will bring the police closer to the people and enable us to serve communities more effectively,” Byakagaba noted.
Increase in Financial Crimes Amid General Crime Decline
Despite the overall decrease in crime, economic and corruption-related crimes saw a 1.6% rise. The Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Tom Magambo, reported that 13,132 such cases were recorded in 2024, up from 12,924 in 2023. He emphasized the need for stronger financial oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
Political and media-related offenses, however, saw a sharp 16% decline, with reported cases dropping to 105 in 2024. As Uganda approaches its next election season, authorities assured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and security. “As we head into election season, I assure Ugandans of peaceful polls and protection,” Magambo stated.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes Show a Downward Trend
Encouraging trends were noted in domestic violence and sex-related crimes, both of which decreased. Domestic violence cases fell by 4% from 14,681 in 2023 to 14,073 in 2024, while sex-related crimes declined by 2.8%, from 14,846 to 14,425 cases. Law enforcement agencies pledged continued efforts to combat gender-based violence and support victims.
Road Accidents Increase, but Traffic Offenses Drop
While crime rates fell, road safety remained a significant concern. AIGP Lawrence Niwabiine, Director of Traffic and Road Safety, reported a 6.4% increase in road crashes, with 25,107 incidents in 2024. However, common traffic offenses decreased by 19.2%, from 528,825 cases in 2023 to 426,432 in 2024. Reckless driving and traffic violations were cited as leading causes of accidents, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Fire Incidents on the Rise
The Director of Fire and Rescue Services, AIGP Stephen Tanui, revealed an alarming rise in fire incidents, particularly in Kampala Metropolitan Region, which recorded 993 cases. Residential building fires accounted for 300 cases, while makeshift structures saw 250 incidents. School fires increased by 9%, from 50 in 2023 to 55 in 2024. Electrical faults, negligence, and candle misuse were identified as major causes, highlighting the need for improved fire safety measures.
Commitment to Strengthening Crime Prevention
Looking ahead, IGP Byakagaba reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to crime prevention, community engagement, and improving operational efficiency. He stressed the importance of fostering public trust and enhancing police service delivery to ensure safety across the nation.
“Our priority remains securing Uganda and strengthening our relationship with the public. Crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and swift response to incidents will continue to guide our operations,” he concluded.
With crime rates showing a promising decline, law enforcement authorities remain determined to address emerging security challenges while building a safer Uganda for all.
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