Top crime buster and Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) boss, AIGP Tom Magambo,says crime in the country may have gone down by 4.1% in 2024 from 228,074, cases in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024.
Uganda has recorded a 2.8% decrease in s3x-related crimes in 2024, according to the Annual Crime Report released by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
Speaking at the release of the report, AIGP Tom Magambo, the Director of CID, revealed that 14,425 sex-related cases were registered across the country in 2024, compared to 14,846 cases in 2023. This represents 6.6% of all registered crimes nationwide.
He further revealed that a total of 14,073 cases of domestic violence were registered by the Uganda Police Force in 2024, compared to 14,681 cases in 2023.
“This reduction signals progress in our crime prevention efforts, but domestic violence remains a major concern requiring continuous intervention,” Magambo stated.
The decline is attributed to increased public awareness, improved law enforcement strategies, and community policing initiatives. The police, in collaboration with civil society organizations and local leaders, have been actively working to curb gender-based violence across the country.
Despite the decrease, domestic violence remains a significant challenge, with authorities urging victims to report cases early and seek legal redress.
Land conflicts remain a national headache, with 7,992 cases of malicious damage to property reported. Criminal trespass is on the rise too, mostly due to land ownership fights.
Although we have registered a slight decline in sex-related offenses, these cases remain a serious concern. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents promptly,” Magambo stated.
He also stated that child-related offenses dropped by 12.4%, but robberies are up by 5%.
The homicide rate also took a grim turn, with 4,329 murders recorded – a 1.9% increase. “Some of the killings we saw last year were horrific,” the CID boss admitted. “Domestic violence and economic hardships are major contributors, but we are determined to turn this around.”
Drug crime is another ticking time bomb, with narcotics cases spiking by 6% to 2,240. “This issue has even infiltrated our schools,” Magambo disclosed. “We are working closely with UNODC to put a stop to it before it gets out of hand!”
On the brighter side, Uganda saw a 10% drop in arson cases and a 16% decline in political and media-related offenses. But one area raising serious concern is land-related crimes, which skyrocketed by a staggering 46.5%.
“If you’re thinking of grabbing someone’s land, better think twice, the law will catch up with you!”” Magambo warned.
With elections on the horizon, the police are already sending a stern message to troublemakers.
“We will protect Ugandans as they vote. But if you are planning to cause anarchy, be prepared – we are ready for you!” Magambo assured.
The Uganda Police Force also made strides in the courts, securing 26,328 convictions out of the 81,750 cases submitted. However, a backlog of 90,000 cases still looms. Theft cases saw a drop to 61,529, while domestic violence cases went down by 4%.
