crime 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Why Uganda's 'Falling Crime' Stats Are a Cause for Alarm
Uganda Police's 2025 crime report boasts fewer reported cases, but this likely reflects citizens' growing distrust in the system rather than actual safety gains. People have stopped reporting incidents due to endless delays and fruitless pursuits, allowing criminals to thrive unchecked. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/here-s-why-reduced-crime-figures-should-worry-us-all-5412208
The Uganda Police Force recently unveiled its 2025 annual crime report, signed by Inspector General Abbas Byakagaba, highlighting a sharp decline in reported crimes. At first glance, this seems like a victory for public safety, with streets portrayed as safer than before.
However, this narrative overlooks a troubling reality. Anecdotes from Kampala and rural areas reveal widespread frustration with police responsiveness. Victims often abandon reporting after facing prolonged investigations, ignored witnesses, and mounting personal costs.
One vivid example involves a smartphone theft victim who only visited the station for a report to replace her SIM card, not expecting justice. Social media footage of a public gang clash drew a stark police response: no report, no action, underscoring their reactive stance.
This breeds a dangerous cycle. Distrust leads to underreporting, inflating the perception of reduced crime while emboldening offenders. The public hears success stories, yet communities suffer in silence.
While individual officers show dedication and some stations have improved, systemic issues erode confidence. Urgent, nationwide research is needed to uncover why reporting has plummeted, especially in places like Gulu, Mbale, and Arua.
True progress demands a police system that restores faith, making citizens feel empowered to report without despair. Until then, these ‘low crime’ figures signal a deeper crisis of lost trust.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)