Police Force has dismissed speculations that recent incidents of crime signal a broader insecurity crisis in the country.
Addressing journalists on Monday at Naguru Police Headquarters, spokesperson Kituma Rusoke noted that Uganda remains a secure country despite the high-profile criminal cases reported in recent weeks.
“Simply because of incidents of crime, despite the numbers, we are not insecure,” Rusoke said. Uganda’s crime rate per 100,000 people stands at around 472. When you make comparisons with other countries, even some of the most advanced nations, you will see that our rate is relatively low. Take the District of Columbia in the United States, for instance. Their crime rate exceeds 1,000 per 100,000 people. Look at Alaska, look at countries with strong social structures and huge budgets. Crime exists everywhere. You may not have zero crime, but what you can have is controlled crime.” he explained
He reassured the public that the Uganda Police Force continues to work closely with citizens to prevent and respond to criminal activity. “We shall continue working together with the public to fight crime. Just as you do your part, report any threats or incidents immediately. Every timely report helps us prevent crimes before they happen and protect our communities,” he added.
The police spokesman also commented on the issue of repeat offenders, Rusoke explained the phenomenon of recidivism, noting the challenges that contribute to repeated criminal behavior. “We take repeat offenders to prison for correction. Many of these individuals reoffend because of unemployment, drug abuse, and social pressures. The effects of drugs on criminal behavior are well known, and we continue to see these patterns in some areas. As police, we focus on engagement, proactive policing, and preventive measures. We try to remove them from society and send them for correctional services, hoping to rehabilitate them into law-abiding citizens.” he said
Rusoke admitted that rehabilitation is not always guaranteed. “As to whether offenders are corrected and reintegrated as responsible citizens, that is a complex matter. No society in the world has reduced crime to zero. What societies achieve is controlled crime. People will always conflict, emotions will flare, and offenses will occur. Even with the best systems in place, some level of crime is inevitable.” he added
He also emphasized the role of offender profiling in law enforcement. “Profiling suspects does not prevent them from reoffending, but it helps us identify repeat offenders. This information is critical for courts of law, as it influences penalties and informs preventive measures. However, even after serving sentences, some offenders may commit crimes again once they are released. For example, someone serving a ten-year sentence may reoffend in the eleventh year. This is why we continuously work to monitor and engage these individuals.” he explained
Addressing recent claims linking crimes to the elections, Rusoke dismissed such notions as unfounded. “There is no scientific evidence connecting recent criminal activity to the elections. Many of the offenders arrested committed crimes even before elections. Some are repeat offenders, and some are not members of any ghetto groups or organized gangs. Drawing conclusions without proper reasoning is misleading and unhelpful,” he said.
He also revealed that the government efforts to reduce crime through social programs and financial inclusion. “The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development has programs aimed at bringing citizens into the cash economy. If people are working and productively engaged, we can expect a reduction in crime. But even in working environments, offenses like corruption and workplace conflicts occur. The broader story is long, but the essence is that crime exists, it can be managed, and it requires cooperation between the public and security agencies.”
The total number of crimes reported to police nationwide in 2024 was 218,715, down from 228,074 in 2023, marking a 4.1 % decline in reported crime. This suggests an improvement in crime prevention and reporting systems. Based on Uganda’s population estimate, this gives a crime rate of approximately 476 incidents per 100,000 people in 2024.
Theft remained the most reported crime, accounting for 61,529 cases (28 % of all reported cases), although this was a 6.6 % decrease compared to 2023. Assault cases were significant with 29,580 reported incidents. The report recorded 14,073 cases of domestic violence and 14,425 sex‑related offenses in 2024.
Out of all reported crimes, 81,850 cases were taken to court in 2024. The report showed 26,328 convictions, 10,333 dismissed cases, and 43,579 still pending in courts by the end of the year. A total of 88,985 suspects were arrested in connection with reported crimes.
Of these, 12,148 suspects were convicted and sentenced, while 76,364 remained on trial. The report noted that 220,594 victims were affected by crimes in 2024.
Some of the most affected regions included Rwizi (17,105 cases), Kampala Metropolitan North (16,742), North Kyoga (16,220), and Kampala Metropolitan South (15,353).
In January police recovered four submachine guns in Kampala, linked to approximately 30 aggravated robberies over previous months.
Investigations into murders of public figures, including the UCU director, have continued with suspects apprehended in February.Several suspects have also been arrested arrested in city operations countrywide.