Uganda’s finest gathered at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, for what promised to be the most high profile event of the police calendar: the launch of the 2023 Annual Crime Report, with Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola leading the charge.
The event, attended by esteemed figures like Tom Magambo, Director CID, Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson, and Claire Nabakka, Deputy Police Spokesperson, started off with a bang as Ochola took to the podium to unveil the juicy details of Uganda’s criminal escapades.
Ochola revealed that there had been an impressive 1.5% decrease in reported crimes from 2022 to 2023. As jaws dropped and eyebrows raised, Ochola thanked the citizens of Uganda for their tireless efforts in keeping the crime rate down, noting that without their complaints, compiling the annual crime report would be as pointless as a chicken trying to fly without feathers.
But the real highlight of the show came when Ochola proudly declared that the Police Force had introduced disciplinary courts in all districts to ensure officers toe the line and respect human rights. To drive the point home, he cited an example where out of 933 complaints of human rights violations, 794 were thoroughly investigated and action taken.
Ochola went on to discuss the Police Force’s efforts in improving detention facilities, gleefully announcing the elimination of the dreaded soil bucket system. With 68 facilities now boasting waterborne toilets, inmates could finally bid farewell to their less than pleasant bathroom experiences.
Ochola spoke of the Police Force’s strategic partnerships with sister security agencies like the UPDF, Prisons, SFC, ISO, and ESO. With joint initiatives aimed at tackling gun-related crimes and illegal firearms, it was clear that when it came to fighting crime, Uganda’s finest were a force to be reckoned with.
Ochola didn’t forget to address the serious side of policing. He commended the Police’s efforts in resolving cases of domestic violence, land conflicts, and armed robberies, highlighting the increased cooperation with the Office of the DPP and the Judiciary.
As the event drew to a close, Ochola outlined the Police Force’s priorities for the future, including improving personnel welfare, conducting specialized training, and recruiting more officers to address the Police-population ratio. With a final nod to President Museveni and the Minister of Internal Affairs for their unwavering support.
