Police Launches 5-Year Performance Report in Kampala

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has launched its Five-Year Performance Report (2020/21–2024/25), highlighting progress, key achievements, and challenges in improving public safety and strengthening law enforcement across the country.

The report, unveiled in Kampala by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, details advancements in policing technology, implementation of the sub-county policing model, enhanced crime response, and improved training and professional development of officers.

IGP Byakagaba said the performance review was a legal and institutional obligation, aimed at drawing lessons and guiding future reforms.

“Over this period, the UPF has achieved significant milestones—modernizing policing systems, deepening collaboration with communities, and adopting innovative approaches to crime prevention. These efforts have strengthened public safety, built trust, and improved our overall effectiveness as a Force,” Byakagaba noted.

Key Achievements

According to the report, the UPF:

• Trained 80% of anti-riot personnel in human rights–based public order management.
• Neutralized 155 public disorder incidents, including election-related disturbances.
• Engaged 6.5 million citizens through 15,235 community awareness campaigns, extending community policing to 83.6% of villages.
• Enhanced intelligence gathering, leading to the arrest of 8,100 suspects and recovery of stolen assets.
• Improved case file management, with cases taken to court rising from 29% in 2020 to 37% in 2024.

The report also highlights progress in forensic services, canine units, and the use of ICT tools such as biometric systems and CCTV networks, which supported more than 18,000 investigations.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite the gains, the UPF acknowledged persistent challenges, including a high case backlog of 90,663 cases, weak exhibit management due to inadequate storage facilities, and limited forensic capacity.

IGP Byakagaba pledged to implement both short- and long-term reforms to address these gaps, aligned with the National Development Plan V and the Force’s priorities for the 2025/26–2029/30 period.

Appreciation and Partnerships

Byakagaba commended the Directorate of Research, Planning, and Development for spearheading the review and expressed appreciation to stakeholders and development partners for supporting police services.

He also thanked the political leadership—President Yoweri Museveni, the line minister, and the Police Authority—for their guidance and support during the reporting period.

“The Uganda Police Force will continue to protect and serve the people of Uganda while building trust, ensuring accountability, and modernizing our systems for greater efficiency,” the IGP said.

The report launch brought together senior police officers, government officials, civil society actors, and international partners.