Over 7,000 phone theft cases reported in 2024, Police say

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Police Force reported a total of 7,330 cases of mobile phone theft across the country in 2024, marking a slight 1.0% decrease from the 7,407 cases recorded in 2023, most of which resulted from snatching unsuspecting individuals in public spaces, particularly in urban areas.

This is part of a broader 4.1% decline in overall crime, with total criminal cases recorded by police dropping from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024, and a 6.6% decrease in general theft cases, with 61,529 incidents in 2024 compared to 65,901 in 2023.

While releasing the Police Annual Crime 2024, the Inspector General of Police, AIGP Abas Byakagaba, attributed this decline to the positive implementation of the Sub-county Policing Model, which decentralizes police services to enhance community-level crime prevention and response.

The IGP expressed gratitude to the public for their active role in reporting crimes, emphasizing that such collaboration is vital for effective policing strategies.

Despite the overall decline, police said Tuesday that mobile phone theft remains prevalent, primarily due to snatching incidents targeting unsuspecting individuals in public areas.

“A total of 7,330 cases of Mobile phone thefts were reported to the Police in 2024 compared to 7,407 cases reported in 2023, giving a 1.0% decrease in Mobile Phone Thefts. Most of these cases occurred as a result of snatching from unsuspicious members of the public,” UPF posted in a social media update.

Of these, the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) North division reported the highest number of cases at 1,002, followed by KMP South with 909 cases, Rwizi at 834, KMP East with 542, and Greater Masaka reporting 365 incidents.

A total of 7,330 cases of Mobile phone thefts were reported to Police in 2024 compared to 7,407 cases reported in 2023, giving a 1.0% decrease in Mobile Phone Thefts. Most of these cases occurred as a result of snatching from unsuspicious members of the public.

KMP North… pic.twitter.com/QBTkv23k0r

— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) February 25, 2025

The police, therefore, urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas, and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement to curb the vice of mobile phone theft.