In a year when security concerns have dominated national conversation, Uganda recorded a significant decline in crime, and much of this success is owed to the deliberate and strategic interventions of the Criminal Investigations Directorate and its leadership.
The 2025 Annual Crime Report released by the Uganda Police Force shows that crime fell by 10.2 percent, with reported cases dropping from approximately 218,715 in 2024 to about 196,405 in 2025.
This is not just a statistic. It is a testament to the sustained efforts of CID under the stewardship of Director Tom Magambo, whose leadership has steered the directorate through complex investigative challenges and helped transform the way crimes are detected, investigated, and prosecuted.
Magambo’s influence is evident in the record number of cases CID has submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In the past year alone, CID forwarded over 115,000 cases for legal guidance, with 79,291 taken to court, resulting in more than 31,700 convictions. These figures demonstrate a far more proactive approach to criminal justice.
Importantly, statistics show that violent crimes like assault fell by nearly 10.8 percent, while sex-related offences and domestic violence also saw notable declines.
Such reductions do not happen without diligent investigative work, meticulous evidence gathering, witness interviews, forensic analysis and coordination with prosecutors, all core duties of CID.
Tom Magambo provided reassurance during the launch of the crime report, saying, “This reduction does not mean we are fully satisfied. We are doing everything to see that we completely take this figure down. Our work is continuous, and our commitment to protecting Ugandans remains unwavering.”
He also stated, “The officers of CID have worked tirelessly, often under challenging conditions, to ensure that justice is served and criminals are brought to account.”
The decline in crime is not solely attributable to CID, and it would be unfair not to acknowledge the broader network of police units and security partners that supported this achievement.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety recorded a 24.4 percent drop in traffic offences, evidence of strengthened enforcement and public education.
Similarly, the sub-county policing model, which brings police services closer to communities, has improved visibility, responsiveness, and trust between citizens and law enforcement. This success also shows a growing culture of inter-agency collaboration.
Strategic partnerships between the Police, the Uganda People’s Defence Force, local government authorities, and community leaders have reinforced efforts to deter crime before it occurs and ensure that criminal networks are dismantled.
While challenges remain, including procedural backlogs and areas where additional resources will further enhance investigative capacity, the strides made in 2025 deserve commendation.
The collective work of CID, supported by other police departments and security agencies, is a turning point in how Uganda confronts crime.
To Director Tom Magambo and every officer in CID, traffic, sub-county units, forensic teams and the wider security network, this country owes you gratitude. Your dedication has not only reduced crime but has given citizens greater peace of mind and confidence in the rule of law.
Let this progress be the foundation for even greater achievements in the years ahead.