Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Police Force has reported a 10.2% decline in crime in 2025, with 196,405 cases recorded compared to 218,715 in 2024, signaling progress in enforcement, prevention, and public awareness.
According to the Annual Crime Report 2025 released Monday, March 30 at Naguru police headquarters, a total of 115,301 cases were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with 79,291 cases proceeding to court.
This resulted in 24,899 convictions and 31,732 individuals sentenced, reflecting sustained efforts in strengthening criminal justice outcomes.
The report indicates that theft remained the most prevalent offence, with 56,360 cases, though this marked an 8.4% decrease, while assault cases dropped by 10.8% to 26,366. Robbery cases also declined slightly to 7,863, pointing to improved enforcement and preventive policing strategies.
In the financial crime category, economic and corruption-related offences reduced to 11,548 cases, while fraud (obtaining by false pretences) dropped to 8,455 cases, suggesting gains in tackling white-collar crime through collaboration between the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and accountability institutions.
However, land-related crimes surged by 67% to 663 cases, emerging as a growing concern. Authorities noted that while many disputes begin as civil matters, they often escalate into criminal offences.
On serious crimes, homicide cases stood at 4,238, reflecting a gradual decline, while sexual offences accounted for 12,606 cases, representing 6.4% of total crime, with Police calling for targeted interventions, particularly at district level.
The report also highlights a 30% drop in narcotics-related cases, although Police raised concern over increasing drug abuse among youth, especially in schools and communities.
During the election period, about 800 cases were recorded, largely linked to political clashes and disorder, though Police noted the period was generally more peaceful compared to previous elections.
In traffic enforcement, 322,441 traffic-related offences were recorded, a 24.4% decrease from 2024. However, 26,044 road crashes were reported, including 4,602 fatal incidents, underscoring ongoing road safety challenges.
Fire incidents and rescue operations also reduced by 31.3%, with 1,310 cases recorded, and Police maintaining a 96.9% response rate.
Meanwhile, child-related offences declined by 14.3% to 8,064 cases, though authorities emphasized that protecting children remains a top priority.
Kampala dominates high-crime regions
On a national scale, Kampala Metropolitan areas continue to record the highest crime volumes. KMP South topped the list with 13,950 cases, followed by Rwizi (13,416), KMP North (13,340), North Kyoga (12,728), and KMP East (10,388).
At station level, Wakiso Police Division registered the highest number of cases (3,177), followed by Luweero (3,123), Mukono (2,880), Tororo (2,831), and Ntungamo (2,825).
Despite the overall positive trend, Police warned that terrorism threats remain a concern, with 8 cases recorded in 2025, noting that even low numbers carry high potential impact.
Police leadership cautioned that despite the progress, sustained effort is required to maintain the downward trend. “We must sustain these gains through continued vigilance, stronger community partnerships, and adherence to the law,” IGP Byakagaba said.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
