Abas Byakagaba
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda Police Force has reported a significant decline in crime, even as it raised concern over persistent urban hotspots and emerging criminal trends.
According to the Annual Crime Report 2025 released on Monday at Police Headquarters in Naguru, overall crime fell by 10.2 percent, with 196,405 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 218,715 cases in 2024.
Launching the report, Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba described the reduction as a sign of improved policing strategies, but cautioned that the fight against crime is far from over.
“This reduction in reported crime is a reflection of enhanced coordination, intelligence-led operations, and the continued vigilance of our officers and the public,” Byakagaba said. “However, we are not complacent. Certain areas, especially within the Kampala Metropolitan region, continue to experience high levels of criminal activity that require targeted interventions.”
The report identifies Kampala Metropolitan North, East and South as major crime corridors, covering areas such as Old Kampala, Wakiso, Kira, Mukono, Nsangi, Kabalagala and Entebbe. Specific trouble spots include the Northern Bypass—particularly at night—as well as Kisenyi and areas around Wandegeya and Kibuli.
Byakagaba warned that violent crime and robbery remain a concern. “We continue to register incidents of armed robbery in urban centres, including Kampala and its surrounding divisions, as well as in districts like Kasese. These are being addressed through intensified operations and intelligence deployment,” he noted.
Property-related crimes such as phone and bag snatching, burglaries, and theft of vehicle number plates were also highlighted as widespread, particularly in Kajjansi and Nateete.
On narcotics, the police chief pointed to growing abuse in suburban areas. “We are seeing increased cases linked to marijuana and opiate use, especially in informal settlements around Kampala. This is a serious threat that fuels other forms of crime,” Byakagaba said.
The report also reveals the presence of organized criminal gangs, including the notorious “Aguu” groups operating in northern Uganda, and coordinated robbery syndicates in Mbale and West Nile.
In response, police have intensified nationwide crackdowns, arresting over 1,000 suspects in early 2026 alone. “Our intelligence-led operations in areas such as Kiwatule and Kamwokya have yielded significant arrests of robbery suspects. We are also strengthening our canine units, with newly trained officers deployed to support investigations,” Byakagaba added.
Despite the progress, he urged the public to remain vigilant. “Security is a shared responsibility. We call upon all Ugandans to report suspicious individuals and activities, especially in the identified hotspots, so that together we can sustain this downward trend in crime,” he said.
The report paints a picture of cautious optimism—declining crime levels overall, but with clear warnings that urban criminal networks remain active and adaptive.
