Inspector General Martins Okoth Ochola of the Uganda Police Force recently presented the annual crime report for 2023, revealing a significant 1.5% reduction in crime compared to the previous year. The report, unveiled at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, underscores various crime statistics and enforcement efforts.
The report indicates a total of 228,074 reported cases in 2023, down from 231,653 in 2022, marking a noticeable decline of 1.5%.
Inspector General Ochola expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation in reporting crimes, which facilitates the compilation of comprehensive annual reports.
Out of the reported cases, 84,907 were brought to court, resulting in 27,125 convictions and 843 acquittals. Additionally, 48,632 cases are pending, while 94,535 remain under investigation. The report also notes 10,096 dismissed cases and 46,834 pending court cases.
Theft emerged as the most prevalent crime in 2023, with 65,901 reported cases, reflecting an increase from 61,508 cases in 2022. Conversely, terrorism remained the least reported crime, with 26 cases compared to 15 in 2022.
The report also addresses traffic-related offenses, with 528,025 cases recorded in 2023, marking a significant rise from 456,993 cases in 2022, representing a 15.5% increase. The Traffic Directorate documented 23,608 crashes, resulting in 4,179 fatalities, alongside 12,487 serious cases and 6,942 minor cases.
Inspector General Ochola credited the decrease in crime rates to enhanced discipline and adherence to human rights within the force. Initiatives such as disciplinary courts, improved detention facilities, and collaborative efforts with sister security agencies like the UPDF, ISO, Prisons, CI ESO, and Judiciary have contributed to this success.
“The force has focused on strengthening discipline and adherence to human rights by introducing disciplinary courts. These courts enforce discipline within the force and ensure that officers adhere to human rights and professional standards. Out of 933 complaints of human rights violations by police 794 were investigated and action taken.” he said
He has attributed the decrease in crime rates to joint collaborations with sister security agencies like the UPDF, ISO, PRISONS , CI ESO and Judiciary.
“These joint initiatives have led to the reduction of gun and related crime rates, illegal firearms and ammunition proliferation. Our success has been due to the hard work of the police in connection to sister security agencies, the reorganization of the CID , Improved detention and investigation measures and a proactive network of credible intelligence’ he added
He further says that the force has also committed to improving detention facilities at police stations in various districts and has since remodeled some in 10 facilities, removing the soil bucket system and moving to waterborne toilets at 68 percent
Ochola emphasized the importance of recruitment, better pay, and improved working conditions for police personnel to sustain a vibrant and effective force.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat criminal elements and stressed the significance of community collaboration and intelligence gathering in maintaining peace and security in Uganda.
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