The Uganda Police Force has released its 2025 annual crime report, revealing significant regional disparities in violent crime, rising road fatalities, and persistent urban theft.
Rwizi Records Highest Homicide Cases
According to the report, the Rwizi Region registered the highest number of homicide cases at 408. It was followed by North Kyoga Region with 274 cases, Rwenzori West Region at 264, and Wamala Region with 219 cases.
At the lower end, Sipi Region recorded the fewest homicide cases at 34, followed by Rwenzori East Region, highlighting notable regional variations in violent crime across the country.
Road Crashes and Fatalities Increasing
The report also raises concern over road safety, noting a high Crash Severity Index—used to measure deaths per 100 crashes—in several regions. Areas such as Albertine North Region, Busoga North Region, Rwenzori West Region, Masaka West Region, Kigezi Region, and Bukedi North Region recorded the highest severity levels, ranging between 30 and 55 deaths per 100 crashes.
Moderate severity levels (20–29 deaths per 100 crashes) were reported in Savannah Region, Wamala Region, West Nile Region, and Elgon Region, while the lowest levels (8–19) were observed in Kiira Region and the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Motorcycles, commonly known as boda bodas, remain the leading contributors to road crashes, accounting for 35% of all vehicles involved. They are followed by motorcars at 28%, light omnibuses at 7%, and medium goods vehicles at 5%.
In terms of fatalities, pedestrian deaths increased by 6.6% from 1,666 in 2024 to 1,776 in 2025. Motorcyclist deaths rose by 5%, while deaths among vehicle occupants increased by 3.2%. Fatalities among pedal cyclists slightly declined by 0.7%.
Mobile Phone Theft Concentrated in Urban Areas
The report highlights mobile phone theft as a growing concern, particularly in urban centres. Kampala Metropolitan South recorded the highest number of cases at 795, followed by Kampala Metropolitan North (678), Kampala Metropolitan East (478), Rwizi Region (324), and Albertine South Region (304).
At division level, Kabalagala registered the highest number of cases (191), followed by Old Kampala (184), Central Police Station Kampala (178), Jinja Road (163), Hoima Central (150), and Katwe (141). Police say the trend confirms that phone theft is most prevalent in densely populated urban policing areas.
Defilement Cases Decline but Remain Concerning
The report shows a 14.8% decline in defilement cases, dropping from 12,312 in 2024 to 10,492 in 2025. Of these, 7,019 were classified as simple defilement, while 3,473 were aggravated.
However, the nature of offenders remains troubling. A total of 191 children were defiled by HIV-positive suspects, 94 cases involved teachers, and 65 involved guardians.
Of the reported cases, 4,886 were taken to court, resulting in 713 convictions, 27 acquittals, and 355 dismissals. A total of 3,791 cases remain pending, while 3,674 are still under investigation, and 1,932 were not pursued.
Overall, 4,999 suspects were charged in court, with 740 convicted, 27 acquitted, 332 discharged, and 3,900 cases still ongoing.
The Uganda Police Force has called for increased public vigilance, stronger law enforcement, and coordinated multi-sectoral efforts to address the persistent crime challenges highlighted in the report.
