KAMPALA – The Police Annual Crime and Traffic/Road Safety Report for 2020 shows that there was a general decrease in crime rate and road accidents.
The report shows that in the year 2020, there was 8.9% decrease in the volume of crimes reported to Police from 215,224 cases reported in 2019 to 195,931 cases reported in the year 2020.
There was also a 4.7% reduction in the number of traffic accidents reported in 2020 from 12,858 accidents reported in 2019 to 12,249 accidents reported in 2020. On the contrary, in terms of Fire and Rescue emergencies, there was a 1.6% increase in incidents handled, from 999 incidents handled in 2019 to 1,015 handled in 2020.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala on Monday, 19 April 2021, IGP John Martins Okoth-Ochola said it is worth noting that the statistics in the report have been greatly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the subsequent lockdown of some sectors, Anti-Crime infrastructure such as the CCTV Cameras, Community co-operation and the continuous sensitization and the electioneering period.
“Focusing ahead, whilst policing risks and challenges of welfare remain amidst our institution, we must urgently address elements of indiscipline, corruption, poor customer care and human rights abuse amongst some of our officers. Secondly, as our country evolves and grows in science and technologies, so too the Police Force must adopt to these developments and take on roles that reflect the changing values and expectations of the society we seek to protect. This therefore, entails constant training and equipping of our personnel with more advanced knowledge, proper attitude and tools to fight crime,” Mr Ochola said.
He hailed the President who “initiated the Anti- crime infrastructure, continuously guided and supported the Uganda Police Force in fighting crime.”
“I also convey my gratitude to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, sister security Agencies, JLOS Partners, the media and the public for their support. I thank the Uganda Police top management, men and women of Uganda Police Force, for their tireless efforts amidst challenges of fighting crime for continuing to keep the country safe during what has been another challenging year in terms of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, general elections and demands for services,” the IGP said.
“Finally, I urge all Ugandans to continue the fight against crime for a safer Uganda and look forward for suggestions and feedback for improvement in securing our Country,” he added.
