The Uganda Police Force has released its 2024 Annual Crime Report, highlighting a notable reduction in the country’s crime rate. The report, presented on Wednesday at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, indicates a 4.1% decrease in overall crime compared to 2023. The total number of reported cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024, marking progress in law enforcement efforts.
Among the most frequently committed crimes, theft remained the leading offense, with 61,529 reported cases. Assault followed closely with 29,580 incidents, while domestic violence accounted for 14,073 cases. Sex-related crimes were reported 14,425 times, and break-ins totaled 13,511 cases.
Additionally, child-related offenses were documented at 9,408 cases, while economic and corruption-related crimes amounted to 13,107 cases.
From the total reported cases, 26,328 resulted in successful prosecutions and convictions. However, 10,333 cases were dismissed, while 43,579 remain pending in court. Investigations are ongoing for 90,663 cases, and 119,939 case files have been forwarded to resident state attorneys for further action. Meanwhile, 46,302 cases were either undetected or not pursued further.
The report also detailed the number of suspects arrested in connection with these crimes. A total of 88,985 individuals were taken into custody, comprising 81,878 male adults, 4,839 female adults, 2,073 male juveniles, and 195 female juveniles.
Of these, 12,148 suspects have already been convicted and sentenced to serve in various prisons across the country, while 76,364 remain on trial. Additionally, the report noted that 220,594 individuals fell victim to crimes committed in 2024.
When analyzing crime by region, Rwizi emerged as the most affected, recording 17,105 cases. Kampala Metropolitan North followed with 16,742 cases, while North Kyoga registered 16,220. Kampala Metropolitan South reported 15,353 cases, and Greater Masaka recorded 11,884 cases, placing these regions among the most crime-prone in the country.
Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba expressed confidence that the crime rate would continue to decline in the coming years, citing the implementation of the sub-county policing model. He explained that under this initiative, each sub-county would be assigned 18 police officers, ensuring that law enforcement services are decentralized and accessible to communities. The strategy is designed to enhance crime prevention and facilitate rapid response to criminal activities.
Byakagaba further emphasized that the ongoing reorganization of the police force prioritizes improving officers’ welfare, housing, and healthcare, as well as investing in professional training to enhance their operational readiness.
Strengthening anti-crime infrastructure, he noted, would position the police force to maintain law and order, ultimately contributing to strategic security, economic prosperity, and Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
