The Annual Crime Report 2025 released by the Uganda Police Force shows a notable improvement in crime management, with a 10.2 percent decrease in reported cases compared to 2024.
According to the Inspector General of Police Abass Byakagaba, a total of 196,405 cases were registered nationwide in 2025, down from 218,715 cases in 2024, revealing the impact of enhanced policing strategies, community engagement, and proactive interventions. The national crime rate stood at 402 crimes per 100,000 people, based on an estimated population of 48,851,490.
The annual report that was unveiled at the Police Headquarters in Naguru shows that out of the total cases reported in 2025: 79,291 cases were taken to court, involving 99,004 accused persons. 31,732 accused were convicted, giving a conviction rate of 40 percent.
1,244 were acquitted while 11,340 were discharged. 43,551 cases with 54,688 accused persons are still undergoing trial. 77,298 cases remain under inquiry, and 39,816 cases were not proceeded with due to civil nature or other reasons.
Reading a summary of the statistics , the Criminal Investigations Directorate Chief AIGP Tom Magambo revealed that the detective workload ratio remains high at 1:54, compared to the UN standard of 1:12, highlighting the need for more recruitment, training, and resourcing to strengthen investigative capacity.
According to the report, the most reported crimes in 2025 were Theft accounting for 56,360 cases that registered a 10.1 percent decrease , Assault 26,366 cases a reduction from29,580 in 2024, Sex-related offences also reduced to 12,606 cases from14,425, Domestic violence dropped to 12,361 cases from 14,073 and Breakings to 11,818 cases from 13.132 cases in 2024.
Others mentioned included Economic Corruption with 11,548 a drop by 12. 1 percent in 2024, obtaining money by false pretence saw cases decline from10,449 in 2024 to 8,455, child related crimes also registered a drop from 9,408 the previous year to 8,064 in 2025, robberies dropped from 8,163 to 7863, Malicious damage to property also went down to 7,303 from 7992 in 2024, Criminal trespass registered 6,467 from 7,674 the previous year, Homicide had 4,238 from 4329 while Nacortics saw a 30 percent decrease from 2,240 to 1,569 cases.
Magambo expressed concern on the drug related crimes, acknowledging that despite the big fall, incidents of drug abuse still surface consistently in security circles. He noted that on an average of two weeks, a case involving school going children, especially from affluent homes is registered . He revealed that kids are doing drugs and that is an area that requires keen interest.
The report shows a consistent downward trend in crime showing that in 2022, 231,653 cases were recorded, 2023 registered 228,074 cases, 2024 saw 218,715 cases while 2025 has had 196,405 cases recorded.
Magambo noted that the consistency in reduction of crime rates shows that something is being done right.
According to the report , on an average, 16,367 cases were reported per month, with April recording the highest number of cases (17,390), followed closely by February (17,353) and November (17,172). The number of cases submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) stood at 115,301, with November leading at 10,769 cases. Court activity peaked in November (7,808 cases) and February (6,967), while convictions were highest in November (2,572 cases) and February (2,496 cases).
Regional Crime Hotspots
Out of 32 policing regions, KMP South reported the highest number of cases (13,950), followed by Rwizi (13,416), KMP North (13,340), North Kyoga (12,728), and KMP East (10,388). At district level, Wakiso Police Division recorded the highest number of cases (3,177), with Luweero (3,123) and Mukono (2,880) following closely.
On average, 16,367 cases were reported each month in 2025.
A total of 79,291 cases were taken to court, with November leading at 7,808 cases, February at 6,967, and April at 6,866.
Convictions secured across the year totaled 24,899, with the highest in November (2,572), followed by February (2,496) and September (2,273).
Regional Crime Distribution
Of Uganda’s 32 policing regions, the highest crime numbers were recorded in: KMP South with 13,950 cases, Rwizi 13,416, KMP North 13,340, North Kyoga 12,728, and KMP East 10,388.
At district/divisional level, the top locations were:
Wakiso Police Division 3,177 cases , Luweero 3,123, Mukono 2,880, Tororo 2,831, Ntungamo 2,825
Other regions with significant cases included Rwenzori West (9,070), Wamala (8,764), Albertine South (8,359), and Masaka East (6,769).
The overall crime categories included; Theft of all kinds 26,510 cases, Common assault 20,704, , Threatening violence 8,848, Theft of cash 7,364, Cattle stealing 7,208, Defilement 7,019, Theft of mobile phones 5,783, Theft of motorcycles 5,752, Aggravated assault 5,662
Burglaries 5,600, Simple robbery 4,408, Aggravated defilement 3,473, Child neglect 3,023, House breaking 2,425