Uganda’s overall crime rate fell by 10% in 2025, according to the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, who attributed the decline to the rollout of the sub-county policing model.
Speaking at the release of the 2025 annual crime report at police headquarters in Naguru, Byakagaba said the force would continue implementing the model, which he described as a key driver in reducing crime.
“We shall continue implementing the sub-county policing model to counter crime since it has worked for us. Crime dropped by 10% last year, compared with 4.1% in 2024,” he said.
Byakagaba noted that the model has so far covered 56% of sub-counties across the country, contributing significantly to crime prevention and response.
He said the progress was also supported by improved command and control structures, better decision-making, and enhanced training and mentorship at all levels of the force.
He added that coordination among security agencies had improved under the Inter-Agency Security framework led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the CDF.
The police chief said the force would invest more resources to support the model, including mobilising communities to take part in crime prevention and law enforcement.
He cited increased use of force multipliers such as CCTV cameras, IT systems and canine units as critical tools in tackling crimes such as murder, terrorism, arson, robbery and drink-driving.
Byakagaba also commended the Criminal Intelligence Directorate for what he described as effective intelligence-led operations and improved case follow-up, which have enabled quicker processing of suspects.
He praised President Museveni for initiating the sub-county policing concept and acknowledged support from government ministries, the judiciary, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, parliament, civil society and international partners.
The report shows that several major crime categories declined in 2025. Theft cases dropped to 56,360 from 61,529 in 2024, while assault cases fell to 26,366 from 29,580.
Sexual offences reduced to 12,606 cases from 14,425, and domestic violence cases declined to 12,361 from 14,681.
Break-ins also fell to 11,818 cases from 13,511, while arson cases slightly dropped to 1,542 from 1,604.
Child-related offences decreased to 8,064 from 9,408, and narcotics cases fell sharply to 1,569 from 2,240. Criminal trespass cases also reduced to 6,467 from 7,674.
Police reported a broader decline in other offences, including environmental and wildlife crimes, attempted suicide, animal theft and kidnaps, which collectively dropped to 18,648 cases from 20,785.
However, some categories registered an increase. Land fraud cases rose to 663 from 397, while political and electoral offences surged to 800 from 105.
Economic and corruption-related crimes also increased to 2,430 cases from 2,286. Terrorism-related incidents rose slightly to eight cases from five.
Byakagaba said police would intensify efforts to address emerging crime trends while consolidating gains made in reducing overall crime.
