The Inspector General of Police JM Okoth Ochola has today 27th May, 2019 launched the Annual Crime and Traffic/Road Safety Report for the year 2018 at Police Headquarters Naguru.
While speaking to the press, the IGP expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni “for the strategic guidance towards the fight against crime and for the establishment of anti-crime infrastructure such as installation of CCTV cameras, finger printing of guns, recruitment of LDUs among others”.
“I also like to thank the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Government of Uganda for the continued support in helping the Police protect and serve Ugandans. Appreciation goes to Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs for their support on the implementation of CCTV project,” he added.
The IGP acknowledged and commended the continued positive contribution by sister security agencies towards securing the nation.
He also commended the contribution by different partners including the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) institutions and development partners for their complementary efforts in fighting crime.
IGP Ochola revealed that the year 2018 saw a decrease in the volume of crime by 5.2%, where 238,746 cases were registered compared to 252,065 cases registered in 2017. He further noted that Cases taken to court in 2018 were 73,035 and of these, 22,263 cases secured convictions, 1,248 cases were acquitted while 90,763 cases were still under inquiry by the end of the year.
He noted with concern, an increase in Homicide, Sex Related Crimes, Breakings, Robbery, Political/Media crimes and Narcotic cases.
The year 2018 saw unfortunate incidences in which Susan Magara and 15 others were kidnapped and Murdered, the killing of Hon Abiriga Ibrahim, ASP Kirumira Muhammad and Dr. Gwaluka Ibrahim who were shot dead by organised gangs of criminals.
“We are however happy to note that, the criminals involved in these acts have been arrested and committed to High Court for trial, save for the case of Hon. Abiriga Ibrahim,” the IGP said.
Ochola acknowledged that urder as a result of mob action increased by 5.5% from the year 2017 and urged the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and instead hand over suspects to Police.
Among other observations made, there was a 7.3% decrease in fire emergencies handled by Police. The attributed this to increased fire safety sensitization and public awareness campaigns throughout the year 2018. He urged the public to desist from making false calls to Police about fire incidents.
TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY:
There was a 3.0% reduction in the number of crashes reported in 2018. Fatal crashes however increased by 4.7% and serious crashes reduced by 6.8%.
“We shall continue with our road safety programs targeting major causes of accidents such as over speeding, drunk driving and incompetent drivers. Improving road safety is, ultimately, a joint effort between the community and the Police,” Ochola said.
Read full Annual Crime Report 2018 below:
