CRIME REPORT: Abiriga killers still at large as Crime drops by 5.2%

By Francis Otucu

The police have registered a 5.2% reduction in crime rate, The Second Opinion reports.

This, we understand is as a result of  238,746 cases registered in 2018 compared to 252,065 cases registered in 2017.

Out of this, 73,035 were taken to court while 22,263 cases secured convictions. 1,248 cases were acquitted while 90,763 cases were still under inquiry by the end of the year.

There was however increase in Homicide, Sex Related Crimes, Break-ins, Robbery, Political/Media crimes and Narcotic cases.

Murder as a result of mob action increased by 5.5% from the year 2017.

Under Fire and Rescue, There was a 7.3% decrease in fire emergencies handled by Police. There were 34 false calls made in 2018.

In the Traffic and Road safety directorate, there was a 3.0% reduction in the number of crashes reported in 2018.

Fatal crashes however increased by 4.7% and serious crashes reduced by 6.8%.

Releasing the annual crime report Monday, the Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola said 2018 saw prominent incidences such as the killing of accountant Suzan Magara, MP Ibrahim Abiriga and ASP Mohammad Kirumira among others.

He said   the criminals involved in the acts were arrested and committed to High Court for trial, save for the case of Abiriga.

Commenting on fires, he urged the public to desist from making false calls to Police about fire incidents. This after numerous false fire cases were recorded in the past year.

On traffic and road safety, he said road safety programs targeting major causes of accidents such as over speeding, drunk driving and incompetent drivers have been launched.

“Improving road safety is, ultimately, a joint effort between the community and the Police,” he said, commending the public and JLOS institutions and other partners for what he described complementary efforts in fighting crime. Ochola appealed to the public to join hands with the force in fighting crime.

“I once again call upon all Ugandans to keep up the spirit of joining hands with the Police in the fight against crime to ensure a crime free society,” he said.