Uganda’s latest crime report reveals a paradox—while overall crime fell by 4.1 percent in 2024, the country faces increasingly sophiticated and financially motivated criminal activities.
Economic crimes, corruption, land disputes and organized robbery are on the rise, pointing to deeper governance and security challenges. Meanwhile, persistent issues such as sexual violence, domestic abuse and homicide remain pressing concerns despite marginal declines in reported cases.
Beyond crime, Uganda is also grappling with rising road fatalities and fire incidents, highlighting broader public safety risks. The report signals an urgent need for stronger law enforcement strategies, policy reforms and community-driven crime prevention efforts to address these evolving threats and ensure lasting security.
Law enforcement agencies have noted that despite the decline in overall crime, criminal patterns are evolving, with perpetrators using more sophisticated methods and shifting their focus toward financially motivated and organized crime. This report’s findings offer critical insights into crime prevention efforts, policy responses, and areas that require urgent intervention.
MAJOR CRIME TRENDS: SHIFTS IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AND EMERGING THREATS
Theft remains Uganda’s most reported crime, accounting for 28 percent of total cases. However, incidents declined by 6.6 percent, with cases dropping from 65,901 in 2023 to 61,529 in 2024. While this decline is notable, theft continues to be a major concern for law enforcement, particularly in urban centers where petty crime and burglaries remain rampant.
Financial fraud, cybercrime and organized theft rings are also becoming more prevalent, indicating a shift from traditional physical theft to technology-driven criminal activities. Assault cases saw a one percent decrease, falling from 29,884 in 2023 to 29,580 in 2024. While the drop is minimal, assault remains a leading violent crime, often linked to domestic disputes, land conflicts and political tensions.
Community policing and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have contributed to the decline, but continued efforts are necessary to address the root causes of interpersonal violence. Sex-related offenses, including rape, defilement and sexual harassment, recorded a 2.8 percent decline, with 14,425 cases reported in 2024, down from 14,846 in 2023.
While increased awareness and legal enforcement have played a role in reducing these cases, sexual violence remains widespread, particularly against women and minors. The report calls for enhanced victim support services and stronger prosecution mechanisms to ensure that perpetrators face justice.
Domestic violence cases declined by 4%, from 14,681 in 2023 to 14,073 in 2024. Despite this decrease, domestic violence remains a major issue, with cultural and societal norms often discouraging victims from reporting abuse. The report emphasizes the need for better enforcement of protective laws and increased access to shelters and counseling services for survivors.
Break-ins dropped by 7.1 percent, from 14,543 cases in 2023 to 13,511 in 2024. Despite this decrease, burglary remains a significant concern in urban and semi-urban areas, with many incidents linked to organized crime syndicates. Law enforcement has attributed the decline to improved neighborhood watch programs and increased security installations, but gaps in crime prevention still exist.
Economic and corruption-related crimes increased by 1.6 percent, reaching 13,132 cases in 2024. This rise reflects ongoing governance and accountability issues, with cases involving embezzlement, bribery, fraud and abuse of office. While law enforcement agencies have intensified anti-corruption efforts, weak institutional frameworks continue to enable financial misconduct, necessitating stronger legal reforms and oversight mechanisms.
Robbery cases increased by five percent, from 7,772 in 2023 to 8,163 in 2024. Armed robbery incidents, particularly those targeting businesses and travelers, have become more sophisticated, with criminals using advanced planning and coordination. The report highlights the need for better intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to curb violent crime.
Homicide cases rose by 1.9 percent, with 4,329 cases reported in 2024, compared to 4,248 in 2023. Land disputes, revenge killings, domestic violence and politically motivated murders continue to drive homicide rates. Authorities stress the importance of mediation programs, stronger law enforcement presence, and community-based violence prevention strategies to address these crimes.
Land-related crimes recorded the sharpest increase, surging by 46.5 percent, with 397 cases in 2024, up from 271 in 2023. Fraudulent land sales, illegal evictions and violent disputes over property ownership remain contentious issues, often leading to violent confrontations. The report urges comprehensive land reforms to address ownership disputes and prevent exploitation by fraudsters and corrupt officials.
Terrorism-related cases rose from 15 in 2023 to 26 in 2024, reflecting an increase in security threats linked to extremist activities. Regional instability and cross-border influences continue to pose security risks, prompting law enforcement agencies to enhance counterterrorism measures and intelligence-sharing initiatives.
TRAFFIC SAFETY: RISING FATALI- TIES DESPITE FEWER OFFENSES
Although traffic-related offenses declined by 19.2 percent, road crashes increased by 6.4 percent, with 5,144 fatalities recorded—a seven percent rise from 2023. Motorcyclists and pedestrians remained the most vulnerable road users, with crashes attributed to speeding, reckless overtaking and poor road conditions.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for improved road infrastructure, stricter traffic enforcement and public awareness campaigns to reduce fatalities. Most accidents occurred during the day, particularly between 6pm and 7:59pm, with Sundays recording the highest number of crashes, followed by Saturdays and Mondays. Collisions with pedestrians accounted for 19.5 percent of all crashes, highlighting the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES: A GROWING PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN
Fire incidents increased by 13.8 percent, rising from 1,104 in 2023 to 1,280 in 2024. Electrical faults and negligence were identified as the leading causes, while the Kampala Metropolitan Region recorded the highest number of fire outbreaks.
The report calls for enhanced fire prevention awareness, improved emergency response times, and stricter safety regulations for residential and commercial buildings.
CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The Uganda Police Force emphasizes that reducing crime requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening community policing, expanding surveillance infrastructure, and improving forensic capabilities are key priorities. Addressing corruption within law enforcement agencies and ensuring swift judicial processes for offenders will be essential in enhancing public confidence in crime prevention efforts.
Public cooperation remains vital in crime reporting and prevention, with authorities encouraging citizen involvement in community-based security programs. Traffic safety measures, including stricter penalties for reckless driving, better pedestrian infrastructure, and expanded road safety campaigns, will be crucial in reversing the rise in road fatalities.
As Uganda continues to evolve, proactive policy interventions, enhanced security strategies and a collaborative approach between law enforcement and the public will be instrumental in creating a safer and more secure society. The 2024 crime report serves as a critical tool for identifying weaknesses, strengthening institutional responses, and shaping future crime prevention strategies.