In a significant step towards improving security and ensuring public safety, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has launched the 2024 Annual Crime Report. The function, presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Afande Abbas Byakagaba, took place at the Police Headquarters in Nakuru. The report highlights a notable reduction in crime rates across the country, reflecting improved law enforcement strategies and community collaboration.
The report indicates a 4.1% decrease in the number of crimes reported to the police, with 218,715 cases recorded in 2024 compared to 228,074 in 2023. While unveiling the report, IGP Byakagaba expressed gratitude to Ugandans for reporting crimes to the authorities.
“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. It is these reported complaints that enabled us to compile this Annual Crime Report and assess progress in fulfilling our mandate as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” Byakagaba said.
IGP Byakagaba emphasized that one of his key tasks has been implementing the directive by President Yoweri Museveni to transform the police force from being a city-centric organization into a nationally inclusive entity. This transformation is being driven through the Sub-county Policing Model, where each sub-county will have 18 dedicated police officers.
“This model decentralizes police services, bringing them closer to the people, enhancing crime prevention within communities, and enabling quicker responses to criminal activities,” Byakagaba added.
He also commended the strong coordination between the police force and various stakeholders, including the judiciary, local councils, the general public, and sister security agencies such as the UPDF, Prisons, and intelligence organizations like ISO and ESO.
“This collaboration is pivotal in our achievements in combating crime and maintaining law and order,” the IGP noted.
The Director of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Magambo, shared detailed statistics, highlighting a decline in various categories of crime:
Domestic Violence: 14,073 cases were reported in 2024 compared to 14,681 in 2023, marking a 4% decrease.
Sex-related Crimes: 14,425 cases were registered in 2024, down from 14,846 in 2023, a 2.8% decrease.
Magambo acknowledged the ongoing challenges but credited the reduction to the strengthened coordination with community leaders and legal institutions.
AIGP Lawrence Nuwabiine, Director of Traffic and Road Safety, reported a significant 19.2% decline in traffic-related offenses. A total of 426,432 traffic cases were recorded in 2024, compared to 528,025 in 2023. This achievement reflects the department’s efforts in enforcing road safety measures and raising awareness about responsible road usage.
The Uganda Police Force pledged to build on these gains by expanding community policing programs and enhancing the Sub-county Policing Model. The IGP called for continued public cooperation to further reduce crime rates and foster a safer environment for all Ugandans.
“Let us work together to ensure that law and order prevail across the country. With collaboration, we can achieve even greater milestones in combating crime and safeguarding our communities,” Byakagaba concluded.
The 2024 Annual Crime Report stands as a testament to the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to improving security and maintaining peace. As the force continues its reforms and initiatives, the reduction in crime offers hope for a safer and more harmonious Uganda.
