Police has recorded a 1.5% decrease in the number of cases reported, the just-released 2023 Annual Crimes Report indicates. The report shows that a total of 228,074 cases were reported in 2023 compared to 231,653 cases reported in 2022. On average, police received 19004 cases every day.
The report shows that 1144 cases of fire were reported, theft 65901, assault 29884, domestic violence 14681, sex-related cases 14846, breaking in 14543, child-related cases 10741, economic corruption crimes 12924, and 528025 common cases of traffic offences were reported.
Out of the total cases reported nationwide, 84,907 were brought before the Court, 48,632 were not pursued further, and 94,535 are currently under investigation.
Among the cases brought to court, 27,125 resulted in convictions, 843 ended in acquittals, 10,096 were dismissed, and 123590 case files were forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution, while 46,843 cases are still awaiting resolution in court.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola alluded to the reduction in the number of crimes to the hard work of the police in coordination with sister security agencies, the reorganisation of the CID, improved detection and investigation methods, and the establishment of a proactive network of credible intelligence and strategic partnerships with the community, including the involvement of other intelligence components, which have greatly contributed to disrupting and dismantling criminal elements targeting our country.
The police, in coordination with sister security agencies such as the UPDF, Prisons, SFC, JIC (CMI, ISO, CI, and ESO), and JATT, combated various forms of crime.
These joint initiatives have resulted in the reduction of gun-related crimes, illegal firearms and ammunition proliferation, terrorism, gang activities, marine crimes, housebreaking, burglaries, acid attacks, motor vehicle thefts, and cattle raids in Karamoja and neighbouring districts, among others.
“Relatedly, the force has focused on strengthening discipline and adherence to human rights by introducing disciplinary courts in all districts across the country. The introduction of disciplinary courts marks a significant milestone for the Uganda Police Force. These courts aim at enforcing discipline within the force, ensuring that officers adhere to professional standards and human rights. For instance, out of 933 complaints of human rights violations by the police, 794 were thoroughly investigated,” he said.
