Kampala, Uganda – The latest Annual Police Crime Report 2024 has revealed a 4.1% decrease in crime rates across Uganda, marking a notable decline in criminal activities compared to 2023.
The report, launched on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Police Headquarters – Naguru, was witnessed by key officials, including AIGP Lawrence Nuwabiine, Director of Traffic and Road Safety; Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons Samuel Akena; and Her Excellency Dr. Katie Mead, Head of the Australian Embassy to Uganda, who signed the official document.
Presenting the report earlier on today, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba confirmed that total reported crime cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024.
“The figures show that our crime prevention strategies are making an impact, and with continued reforms, we expect further improvement,” Byakagaba stated.
Breakdown of Crime in 2024
According to the report, the most prevalent crimes were:
• Theft – 61,529 cases
• Assault – 29,580 cases
• Domestic violence – 14,073 cases
• Sex-related offenses – 14,425 cases
• Break-ins – 13,511 cases
• Child-related offenses – 9,408 cases
• Economic and corruption-related crimes – 13,107 cases
The report also highlighted the legal outcomes of the reported cases:
• 26,328 cases resulted in convictions,
• 10,333 were dismissed,
• 43,579 remain pending in court,
• 119,939 cases were submitted to resident state attorneys, and
• 90,663 are still under investigation.
Regional Crime Trends
Crime distribution across the country showed that:
• Rwizi region recorded the highest number of cases (17,105), followed by:
• Kampala Metropolitan North – 16,742 cases,
• North Kyoga – 16,220 cases,
• Kampala Metropolitan South – 15,353 cases, and
• Greater Masaka – 11,884 cases.
The report also indicated that 220,594 people fell victim to crimes in 2024.
In response to crime challenges, the Uganda Police Force has introduced the sub-county policing model, aimed at decentralizing security operations and improving crime prevention at the grassroots level.
“We are deploying 18 police officers per sub-county to bring security services closer to the people and ensure quick responses to crime,” Byakagaba said.
The IGP also emphasized police welfare, capacity building, and modern infrastructure, including CCTV surveillance and forensic services, as key elements in improving law enforcement efficiency.
Byakagaba stressed that community engagement remains crucial in crime reduction. He called upon the public to report crimes, assuring them of the police force’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Uganda.
“We appreciate the support of all Ugandans. With continued vigilance, cooperation, and strategic policing, we can achieve even greater success in fighting crime,” he said.
As Uganda continues to strengthen its law enforcement structures, the downward trend in crime offers hope for a safer and more secure nation.