Uganda Police has revealed that they registered a reduction in the criminal cases reported.
While launching the 2019 Annual report, IGP JM Okoth Ochola said they recorded a reduction in crime cases by 9.8%.
“I am pleased to present to you the crime and traffic/road safety report for 2019. There was a 9.8% decrease in the volume of crimes reported to Police from 238,746 cases reported in 2018 to 215,224 cases reported in 2019,” said Ochola before adding that; “This is due to deliberate efforts by the Government of Uganda to tackle crime, efforts of the men and women of the Uganda Police Force and continued support from our sister security agencies to fight crime.”
IGP Ochola said that however there is a reduction in criminal cases, there was a slight increase in homicide cyber-crimes and corruption related cases.
“There was relative increase in cases of homicide, cyber-crimes and corruption related cases,” he revealed.
He further said that defilement is still rampant though there was a slight reduction of 11.4%
“Defilement still poses a big problem to the Police. In 2019, whereas there was decrease in defilement cases by 11.4% from 2018, a total of 13,682 children were defiled, majority of whom being the girl child. This is unacceptable,” roared Ochola.
On Fire and rescue emergencies, there was a 1.9% decrease in cases of fire emergencies handled in 2019.
There were 24 false calls responded to by the Fire and Rescue Services Directorate.
For Traffic and Road Safety, there was a 0.4% increase in the number of crashes reported from 12,805 in 2018 to 12,858 in 2019, out of which 3,407 were fatal, 5,992 were serious and 3,459 were minor.
IGP Ochola later saluted President Museveni, media and the entire Police force for the role played in combating crime in Uganda.
“Special thanks go to the H.E the President for his unending guidance and support to the Uganda Police Force in ensuring a safe and secure Uganda for us all,” said Ochola
He continued with his appreciation episode by saying that; “I wish to extend my appreciation to the public, JLOS institutions, and all other partners for their continued support in the fight against crime.
“My appreciation goes to Uganda Police top management, Director CID, Crime Data Management Department and all UPF records officers throughout the country for putting together this work.
“Finally, my appreciation goes to all men and women of the Uganda Police Force for your tireless efforts amidst challenges of fighting crime. Keep up the spirit.”
