KAMPALA – There was a remarkable decline in the number of crime cases reported across the country in 2019, the Police Crime Report indicates.
According to the 2019 Police Crime Report exclusively obtained by PML Daily, there was a 9.8% decrease in criminal cases in 2019, with the country registering 215,224 compared to 238,746 in 2018.
The decline was noted in theft cases, which declined by 9.4% from 61,553 in 2018 to 55,704 in 2019. The most recorded theft cases were of motorcycles, cars and mobile phones.
In terms of assault, 31,895 cases were recorded in 2019 compared to 36,323 in 2018, which indicates a 12.1% decline.
Defilement cases also declined by 11.4%, with 13,613 cases registered in 2019 compared to 15,366 in the previous year. East Kyoga Police Region had the highest number of cases (945) followed by Elgon at 922. Mbale District had the highest number of defilement cases (317) followed by Kamuli (274).
The most affected age group was 15-17, which police attributed to cultural norms of believing that such girls are ready for marriage. The report indicates that most girls were defiled in homes where they work as house helps.
For rape, 1,528 cases were recorded in 2019 compared to 1,580 in 2018. Rwizi Police Region had the highest number of cases (120), followed by Kampala Metropolitan Police East (96) and Kampala Metropolitan Police North (95).
In terms of house break-ins, 3,156 cases were recorded in 2019 compared to 3,368 in 2018. Rwenzori West recorded the highest, with 216 cases followed by Rwizi with 210 and Greater Masaka with 194.
Robbery saw 6,761 cases reported in 2019 compared to 7354 in 2018, making it an 8% decline.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Martins Okoth-Ochola, attributed the decline to establishment of more anti-crime infrastructure such as CCTV cameras, community sensitisation, dismantling of criminal gangs and the markets where they sell the stolen property.
Mr Ochola also hailed the sister security agencies such as ISO, CMI and Military Police for supporting the police in dealing with criminal elements.
Last year, police with the help of Military Police launched ‘Operation ‘Tokoora’ which saw shops selling suspected stolen items such as Mobile phones and motorcycles were confiscated. Police with the help of CCTV cameras installed in different parts of Kampala managed to arrest many criminals.
The IGP also said that having more police vehicles helped to curb crime.
A more detailed breakdown of the police crime report is coming up on PML Daily.
