Uganda recorded a 10.2% reduction in reported crime compared to the previous year. Over the last four years, crime levels have been steadily declining, signalling progress in national security efforts.
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, both domestic violence and sex-related offences registered declines, domestic violence cases fell from 14,073 in 2024 to over 12,000 in 2025, while sex-related offences reduced from 14,425 to 12,606, reflecting a 6.4% decrease.
AlGP Tom MagamboRwabudongo, the Director of Criminal Investigations Uganda Police Force noted that their detective-to-case ratio of 1:54 is undesirable, adding that they will continue to work towards building capacity to effectively address this persistent challenge.
The report indicates that Criminal Investigation Department handled a significant caseload with over 150,000 cases submitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecution DPP and 31,732 convictions secured however, some cases were dismissed or acquitted, while others were found to be civil matters wrongly reported as criminal.
Overall, CID notes emerging challenges including: Drug abuse among youth, Rising land conflicts, Heavy workload on detectives, Misreporting of civil cases as criminal.
Land-related crimes rose sharply by 67%, with 663 direct cases recorded. Many disputes are civil in nature, but some escalate into criminal offences, making land a growing concern.
Fire incidents and rescue operations reduced by 31.3% in 2025, with 1,310 cases recorded compared to 1,595 in 2024. Response efficiency remained high, with 96.9% of incidents attended to by the Uganda Police Force.
Fraud (obtaining by false pretences) recorded 8,455 cases, a notable reduction. Public awareness and vigilance remain critical in preventing such crimes.
Child-related offences dropped by 14.3%, with 8,064 cases reported.
Despite the reduction, protecting children remains a top priority.Robbery cases stood at 7,863, reflecting a 3.7% decrease.
This points to improved enforcement and preventive measures across the country.
Theft cases were 56,360, registering a 8.4% decrease. While the drop is modest, it reflects ongoing efforts to tackle property-related crimes.
Economic and corruption-related crimes totalled 11,548 cases, showing a slight decline.
CID continues to work with accountability institutions to combat corruption.On homicide, 4,238 cases were recorded, with a gradual reduction observed. While progress is noted, efforts continue to further bring down these serious crimes.
Domestic violence cases reduced, with 12,361 cases recorded. Continued community engagement and awareness are key to sustaining this decline.On political and electoral offences, 800 cases were reported in 2025 compared to 105 in 2024, indicating an increase of 695 cases.
On infrastructure, CID has strengthened its operational capacity, including completing key facilities within one year. These investments are expected to improve investigations and overall service delivery to the public.
