The Uganda Police Force today launched the annual police crime report for 2019.
“I am pleased to present to you the crime and traffic/road safety report for 2019. There was a 9.8% decrease in the volume of crimes reported to Police from 238,746 cases reported in 2018 to 215,224 cases reported in 2019. This is due to deliberate efforts by the Government of Uganda to tackle crime, efforts of the men and women of the Uganda Police Force and continued support from our sister security agencies to fight crime.” The Inspector General of Police Martine Okoth Ochola stated.
He revealed that there was relative increase in cases of homicide, cyber-crimes and corruption related cases. Defilement still poses a big problem to the Police. In 2019, whereas there was decrease in defilement cases by 11.4% from 2018, a total of 13,682 children were defiled, majority of whom being the girl child. This is unacceptable.
“Organised criminal syndicates committed heinous crimes within the regions of Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area, Greater Masaka, and Busoga areas. I am happy to report that in 2019, a total of ten criminal syndicates were dismantled, their members arrested and charged accordingly, and others have been sentenced to death by hanging.” He added.
Fire and rescue emergencies: There was a 1.9% decrease in cases of fire emergencies handled in 2019. There were 24 false calls responded to by the Fire and Rescue Services Directorate, this does not only put the lives of our officers in danger but is also a waste of resources and time for the Force. I urge the citizens of our country to desist from making false calls about fire emergencies.
Traffic and Road Safety: There was a 0.4% increase in the number of crashes reported from 12,805 in 2018 to 12,858 in 2019, out of which 3,407 were fatal, 5,992 were serious and 3,459 were minor.
“Special thanks go to the H.E the President for his unending guidance and support to the Uganda Police Force in ensuring a safe and secure Uganda for us all.
I wish to extend my appreciation to the public, JLOS institutions, and all other partners for their continued support in the fight against crime. My appreciation goes to Uganda Police top management, Director CID, Crime Data Management Department and all UPF records officers throughout the country for putting together this work. ” Ochola added.
