By Ivan Kaahwa

The Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola, revealed the police’s enhanced presence across the country. This has been achieved through the implementation of the sub-county policing model in Greater Masaka, the establishment of call centers, and the expansion of motorcycle squads. He emphasizes that these measures have played a crucial role in combating crime while collaborating with sister agencies. While launching the police report for 2023, he emphasized the need to improve the general welfare of officers, conduct specialized training, carry out more recruitment to address the police to population ratio, digitalize Human Resource management systems, as well as improving scientific innovations in Investigations, to counter emerging crimes such as cyber, environmental, and trafficking in persons.

The Director of Criminal Investigation, Tom Magambo, revealed a decrease in the crime rate by 1.5%, from 231,653 cases in 2022 to 228,074 cases. This reduction was made possible through collaboration and coordination between the police and agencies such as Prisons, SFC, CMI, and JATT, resulting in decreases in crimes such as gun-related offenses, illegal firearms possession, terrorism, gang activities, marine crimes, housebreaking, and motor vehicle theft. Together, we are making strides in enhancing safety and security.

Theft remained the most reported case, with 65,901 cases in 2023 compared to 61,508 in 2022. However, terrorism cases rose to 26 from 15 in 2022, compared to 21 cases in 2021. Other cases on the rise include break-ins in urban centers, robberies, sex-related offenses, threatening violence, criminal trespass, and malicious damage to property, as well as escape from lawful custody.

The North Kyoga region registered the highest number of cases at 17,995, followed by Rwizi, KMP North and South, while the Katwe District/Divisions registered the highest number of cases at 4,291, followed by Luweero, Lira City East, and Rwampara.

Economic crimes and corruption crimes reduced, with land-related cases at 12,924 in 2023, down from 13,202 in 2022, as well as domestic violence and child-related offenses. Convictions secured increased in general in North Kyoga, Rwizi, KMP North, South, and Albertine.

Domestic violence cases decreased from 17,698 in 2022 to 14,681 but female adults remain more affected at 10,792, 3,243 Male adults, 505 Male Juvenile and 644 female Juveniles. Homicide cases registered a reduction from 1,085 in 2022 to 1,039 in 2023, but Ritual murders rose by 17% from 72 to 84, Murder by shooting from 279 to 300, with Murder through assault being most recorded at 1,142 from 1,085 in 2022.

Out of 84,907 cases brought to trial, 843 resulted in acquittals, 46,843 are pending, 27,125 led to convictions, while 10,096 were dismissed. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Frances Abodo highlights witness non-appearance as a key reason for dismissals, she states that witnesses are not summoned due to financial constraints a place that needs attention.

Overall, there has been a downward trend in crimes registered from 2017 to 2023, signifying the police’s efforts with other agencies to combat crime. Males remain dominant in crime-related activities compared to females, being the leading suspects and victims arising from murder by allegedly committing a crime, among others.

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