The Uganda Police’s latest Annual Crime, Traffic and Road Safety Report for 2018 indicates that crime rate has decreased by 5.2 per cent, where 238,746 cases were registered compared to 252,065 cases registered in 2017.
The report shows that in 2018, 73,035 were registered, of these, 22,263 cases secured convictions, 1,248 cases were acquitted while 90,763 cases were still under inquiry by the end of the year.
The report was lunched by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martins Okoth Ochola, his deputy Brig. Sabiiti I Muzeyi and police fraternity at their headquarters in Naguru. It however cites an increase in homicide, sex related crimes, breakings, robbery, political or media crimes and narcotic cases.
The year 2008, saw unfortunate incidences in which Susan Magara and 15 others were kidnapped and Murdered, Killing of MP Abiriga Ibrahim, ASP Kirumira Muhammad and Dr. Gwaluka Ibrahim who were shot dead by organised gang of criminals. However it entails that some criminals involved in these acts have been arrested and committed to High Court for trial, save for the case of Hon. Abiriga Ibrahim.
Mr. Ochola appreciated President Museveni for strategic guidance towards the fight against crime and for the establishment of anti-crime infrastructure such as installation of CCTV cameras, finger printing of guns, recruitment of LDUs among others.
He applauded the vigilance of the population, in general, for their continued invaluable support to augment the efforts of the Police. “I also thank Police Management, Men and Women of the Uganda Police Force for their tireless efforts in making our country safe and secure.”
“I urge the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and instead hand over suspects to Police. Murder as a result of mob action increased by 5.5 per cent from the year 2017.” He said adding that in Fire and rescue department, there was a 7.3 per cent decrease in fire emergencies handled by Police, attributed to increased fire safety sensitization and public awareness campaigns throughout the year 2018. I still urge the public to desist from making false calls to Police about fire incidents.
“We shall continue with our road safety programs targeting major causes of accidents such as over speeding, drunk driving and incompetent drivers. Improving road safety is, ultimately, a joint effort between the community and the Police. Once again, I extend my appreciation to the public, JLOS institutions and all other partners for the complementary efforts in fighting crime,” he said.
He called on people to continue supporting Police to fulfill its mandate.
He appreciated Director CID and the CID management for the supervisory role they played in coming up with the 2018 Annual Crime Report My appreciation also goes to SSP Suwed Asuman, Ag CP Crime Data management and his team at CID Headquarters as well as all the UPF records personnel throughout the country that put this work together as we protect and serve Ugandans I once again call upon all Ugandans to keep up the spirit of joining hands with the Police in the fight against crime to ensure a crime free society.
