KAMPALA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Uganda recorded a 9.8 percent decrease in the volume of crimes reported to police in 2019, according to the annual crime report released by the country's police chief here on Tuesday.
Martins Okoth Ochola, Inspector General of Police said a total of 215,224 cases were reported in 2019 compared 238,746 cases recorded in 2018.
"This is due to deliberate efforts by the government to tackle crime and efforts by security personnel," said Ochola at the launch of the Annual Crime and Safety Report 2019.
A total of 55,704 theft cases were recorded in 2019 as compared to 61,533 cases reported in 2018, according to the report.
Some 159 cases of kidnap cases were reported nationwide in 2019, compared to 184 cases reported in 2018, with at least 13 victims were killed.
At least 10 cases of terrorism were reported to the police force in 2019 compared to 16 cases recorded in 2018, giving a decrease of 37.5 percent.
A total of 120 incidents related to trafficking in persons were registered during 2019 as compared to 286 in 2018, according to the report.
"I am happy to report that in 2019, a total of ten criminal syndicates were dismantled, their members arrested and charged accordingly, and others have been sentenced to death by hanging," said Ochola.
The police recorded 2,750 cases of narcotics in 2019 compared to 2,890 cases in 2018, reflecting 4.8 percent decrease.
At least 132.012 kg and 100 rolled sticks of narcotics were seized at Entebbe International Airport, about 40 kilometers, south of the capital, Kampala.
"Heroine had the largest quantity seized at Entebbe International Airport with 123.07 kg and 31.7 kg in 2018, an increase of 91.37 kg," said the annual report.
The police recorded 13,613 defilement cases in 2019 compared to 15,366 cases in 2018, giving an 11.4 percent decrease. "Defilement still poses a big problem to the police. Whereas there was decrease in defilement cases, children continue to be defiled, majority of whom being the girl child. This is unacceptable," said Ochola.
At least 1,528 cases of rape were reported to police compared to 1,580 cases in 2018, which gives a decrease of 3.2 percent.
By the end of 2019, a total of 746 cases of murder by mob action were reported compared to 636 cases reported in 2018, giving an increase of 17.2 percent.
The report shows that at least 64 corruption cases were reported to police in 2019 compared to 32 cases reported in 2018.
"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," said Ochola. Enditem
