Amidst government interventions to curb gun violence, deaths resulting from shootings have surged, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola asserting a reduction in such crimes.
The crime report for 2023 reveals a disconcerting trend, with 330 fatalities recorded in 300 murder cases involving firearms, marking a 7.5 percent increase from 2022 despite government efforts to stem the tide.
Surprisingly, some of the firearms implicated in these shootings had been “fingerprinted” by the government, indicating a glaring gap in law enforcement despite having records of these weapons in the police system.
In a statement, IGP Ochola highlighted collaborative efforts with sister security agencies such as the UPDF and prisons in combating crime, resulting in the curtailment of gun-related offenses, illegal firearms proliferation, and terrorism.
The crime report, released by IGP Ochola, outlines a concerning rise in murders by shooting from 279 cases in 2022 to 300 in 2023, painting a grim picture of the security landscape.
Of the reported 300 shooting-related murders, 57 cases have been presented in court, while 73 were not pursued, leaving 170 under investigation, underscoring the challenges in securing convictions.
The surge in gun violence is particularly pronounced in the Karamoja region and adjacent districts, despite earlier reports of reduced violence following joint security operations.
While certain areas witnessed a decline in fatalities, districts like Kaabong and Nakapiripirit experienced a stark rise in shooting incidents, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
Within Kampala Metropolitan Area, divisions such as Katwe and Mukono reported notable spikes in shooting deaths, indicating a spread of violence beyond rural regions.
Police investigations utilizing forensic science uncovered alarming insights, revealing that 30 firearms were utilized in 86 incidents, with a staggering 25 firearms obtained illicitly.
Notable among these cases was the arrest of Benon Tumwesigye, who utilized a stolen pistol in a series of robberies, shedding light on the nexus between gun-related offenses and other criminal activities.
Despite President Museveni’s directive to fingerprint all firearms, challenges persist, particularly regarding weapons managed by the army, signaling gaps in coordination and implementation.
