Official Annual Crime Report 2023-web
It is my pleasure to present the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report for 2023 so as to account to the population on how the Uganda Police Force is fulfilling its mandate as stipulated under Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
In 2023, we note that there was a 1.5% decrease in the number of crimes reported to Police from 231,653 cases reported in 2022 to 228,074 cases. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to those who were able to lodge their complaints at various stations of the Uganda Police Force in the year 2023. It is these reported complaints that enable us compile Annual Crime Reports.
Relatedly, the force has focused on strengthening discipline and adherence to human rights by introducing disciplinary courts in all districts across the country. The introduction of disciplinary courts marks a significant milestone for the Uganda Police Force. These courts aim at enforcing discipline within the force, ensuring that officers adhere to professional standards and human rights. For instance, out of 933 complaints of human rights violations by the police, 794 were thoroughly investigated.
Additionally, the force has been committed to improving the conditions in detention facilities. The remodelling of ten facilities in various districts, including Panyadoli, Kiryandongo, Paidha, Maracha, Yumbe, Atiak, and Kololo, has led to the elimination of the soil bucket system, providing 68% coverage of waterborne toilets.
Also, the police, in coordination with sister security agencies such as the UPDF, Prisons, SFC, JIC (CMI, ISO, CI, and ESO), JATT, combated various forms of crime. These joint initiatives have resulted in the reduction of gun-related crimes, illegal firearms and ammunition proliferation, terrorism, gang activities, marine crimes, housebreaking, burglaries, acid attacks, motor vehicle thefts, and cattle raids in Karamoja and neighbouring districts, among others.
Our success has been due to the hard work of the police in coordination with sister security agencies, the reorganisation of the CID (Criminal Investigations Directorate), improved detection and investigation methods, and the establishment of a proactive network of credible intelligence. Furthermore, our strategic partnerships with the community, including the involvement of other intelligence components have greatly contributed to disrupting and dismantling criminal elements targeting our country.
I therefore express my gratitude to H.E. The President of Uganda, Retired Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his guidance and enduring support to the Force. I also thank the Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire and his entire team at the Ministry Headquarters for their stewardship throughout the year.
Despite considerable challenges faced and violent acts by groups like ADF, the Uganda Police Force has remained dedicated to its mission. The force has also worked extensively on resolving cases related to domestic violence, land conflicts, armed robberies, and attacks on schools, thereby bringing justice to those affected. Besides, one of the key unresolved cases of the assassination of Joan Kagezi was resolved.
Furthermore, I commend the increased cooperation of Police with the Office of the DPP, the Judiciary, and other partners within the criminal justice system. This collaboration has resulted in notable convictions in cases involving child sacrifice, human trafficking and violent murders among others.
The Uganda Police Force is proud of the achievements made in 2023, including the implementation of the sub-county policing model in Greater Masaka, the establishment of call response canters, and the expansion of motorcycle squads. These initiatives have contributed to a more visible and effective police presence across the country.
As we focus on future policing, there are critical areas that the institution must address.
These include among others;
1. Improving the general welfare of the personnel.
2. Conducting specialized trainings.
3.Carrying out more recruitments to address the Police Population ratio
4. Digitalizing the Human Resource Management system as well as improving scientific innovations in investigations to counter emerging crimes such as cyber, environmental, terrorism and trafficking in persons.
As I conclude, I thank the Director CID and all those involved in organizing this occasion.
With the above remarks, I take this singular honor to launch the Uganda Police Force Annual Cringe Repot for 2023
JM OKOTH-OCHOLA (ESQ)
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
21st February 2024
