More Ugandans killed in 2023, despite drop in General Crime

URN

The latest crime report released by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) reveals a concerning uptick in fatalities among Ugandans in 2023 compared to the preceding year.

According to the data outlined in the 2023 police annual crime and traffic report, a total of 4,248 Ugandans lost their lives, marking a notable increase of 205 deaths compared to the previous year. However, amidst this rise in mortality, there was a modest decline of 1.5 percent in overall crime figures, with reported incidents decreasing from 231,653 in 2022 to 228,074 in 2023.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola attributes this reduction in crime rates to diligent efforts and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies. He highlights the reorganization of CID, advancements in detection and investigation techniques, and the establishment of a proactive intelligence network as pivotal factors contributing to this achievement.

Ochola emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the cooperation of various intelligence components in combating criminal activities, thereby thwarting threats targeting the nation.

However, prevalent offenses such as theft, burglaries, robberies, and sex-related crimes continued to pose significant challenges. Instances of theft surged from 61,508 in 2022 to 65,901 in 2023, while sex-related offenses witnessed a marginal increase from 14,693 to 14,846 during the same period. Additionally, the report highlights a rise in the number of suspects escaping from police custody, with 1,072 cases recorded in 2023 compared to 988 in 2022.

Despite these persistent challenges, notable reductions in crimes related to domestic violence, assault, narcotics, and political and media infractions were observed. Ochola commends President Yoweri Museveni for his steadfast support of the police force, enabling continuous improvement in crime-fighting efforts and the protection of Ugandans and their property.