By Ben Musanje
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba has attributed the 10.2 percent drop in crime recorded in 2025 to improved command structures, interagency collaboration, and the expansion of community-based policing initiatives.
Delivering his address at the launch of the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025 at Police Headquarters in Nagulu today, IGP Byakagaba revealed that a total of 196,405 cases were recorded last year, down from 218,715 in 2024.
“The reduction in crime is a milestone achieved through several factors,” IGP Byakagaba said, highlighting the importance of a clear chain of command, enhanced decision-making, and structured training and mentorship across the force.
He credited the strong interagency mechanism under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces, which has strengthened the Uganda Police Force’s operational capabilities, including intelligence-led operations and investigations.
The IGP also emphasized the role of the sub-county policing model, which has extended police services closer to communities. He noted that while the initiative currently covers 56 percent of sub-counties, efforts are underway to achieve nationwide coverage, which he believes will further improve crime reduction in coming years.
Other factors cited by IGP Byakagaba include increased acquisition and effective use of force multipliers such as CCTV, canine units, forensic tools, and IT solutions, as well as strengthened partnerships with the judiciary, local governments, international partners, and various security agencies.
The report also recognized the contributions of the Crime Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and on-ground commanders for their role in proactive policing.
“The strength of the Uganda Police Force is not just within ourselves but in mobilizing all citizens to ensure we stay on top of the situation,” IGP Byakagaba said.
He concluded by inviting the Directors of Criminal Investigations, Traffic and Road Safety, and Fire Prevention and Rescue Services to present the detailed summary of the report. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
