By URN
The crime report compiled by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) shows more Ugandans were killed in 2023 compared to the lives that were lost in 2022.
The figures that are part of the 2023 police annual crime and traffic report show that 4,248 Ugandans were killed which translates into 205 more induced deaths over the previous year’s record. Despite the increase in murders, the police show there was a 1.5 per cent reduction in the general crime figures from 231,653 in 2022 to 228,074 last year.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola attributes the crime reduction to hard work and coordination with sister security agencies, the reorganization of CID, improved detection, and investigation methods and the establishment of a pro-active network of credible intelligence.
“Furthermore, our strategic partnership with the community, including the involvement of other intelligence components has greatly contributed and dismantled criminal elements targeting our country,” Ochola said.
But the usual dominant cases of theft, break-ins, robberies, and sex-related offences remained high. For example, theft cases increased from 61,508 in 2022 to 65,901 in 2023, and sex-related offences increased to 14,846 in 2023 down from 14,693 in 2022. Also, the report shows more suspects escaped from police cells. In 2023 the escapees increased to 1,072 down from 988 in 2022.
Significant crime reductions were recorded in areas of domestic violence, assault, narcotics, political and media crimes. Ochola has applauded President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the police force which enables and improves every year in fighting crime and protecting Ugandans as well as their property.
