Crime in Uganda has taken a significant downward turn. The latest Annual Crime Report reveals reported cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024 – a 4.1% decrease that police officials attribute to strategic reforms and community partnerships.
Innovative Policing Strategies Yield Results
At the Weekly Media Address from Police Headquarters in Naguru, a panel of senior officials presented detailed findings.
The team, including Directors of Fire and Rescue Services, Traffic, and Community Policing, highlighted how the introduction of the Police Sub-County Model has transformed law enforcement nationwide.
This approach isn’t just changing numbers – it’s changing communities. Police presence has expanded across all sub-counties in Uganda’s 13 policing regions, dramatically cutting response times and increasing public confidence in security forces.
Bridging the Community-Police Gap
“Public safety isn’t just police work – it’s community work,” seems to be the new philosophy driving Uganda’s security strategy.
The UPF has launched an unprecedented community engagement campaign reaching over 203,500 citizens through:
- Regular radio discussions on safety and crime prevention
- School outreach programs teaching youth about public safety
- Village-level meetings addressing local security concerns
- Neighborhood watch initiatives empowering residents
These grassroots efforts are rebuilding trust between citizens and law enforcement, creating partnerships that make crime prevention a shared responsibility.
Related: Museveni Extends AIGP Tom Magambo’s Contract as CID Director
Technology Transforming Investigations
Uganda’s police force is undergoing a digital revolution. Case management systems are being automated from initial reporting through prosecution, eliminating paperwork bottlenecks and enhancing accountability.
This technological shift comes at a critical time. Current detectives handle approximately 43 cases each – nearly four times the UN-recommended maximum of 12 cases per investigator.
To address this imbalance, the UPF is actively recruiting specialized personnel:
- Forensic experts to handle complex evidence analysis
- Cybercrime specialists tackling digital threats
- Additional detectives to manage caseloads effectively
Targeting Domestic Violence and Child Protection
The Annual Crime Report highlights significant progress in addressing some of Uganda’s most sensitive crime categories.
The Child and Family Protection Department managed 27,767 cases involving domestic violence, child neglect, and abuse.
Modern surveillance tools now complement traditional policing methods. CCTV networks, forensic capabilities, and specialized canine units are strengthening intelligence gathering while providing crucial evidence for prosecutions.
Challenges Remain Despite Progress
The positive trends don’t mean Uganda’s crime fight is complete. Officials acknowledge persistent challenges in case disposal rates, officer welfare, and coordination with the wider justice system.
The UPF leadership is advocating for increased funding to address these gaps, particularly for:
- Enhanced training programs for specialized investigators
- Expanded forensic capabilities to process evidence efficiently
- Improved welfare programs ensuring officer wellbeing and motivation
As Uganda continues implementing these reforms, maintaining the downward crime trend will require sustained investment in both technology and human resources.
