The Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola, has officially stated that a disturbing total of 330 innocent Ugandans lost their lives in fatal shootings during the concluding year of 2023. This disconcerting revelation, exclusively uncovered by the media, was disclosed by the IGP during the unveiling of the annual police crime report at the Naguru police headquarters in Kampala, sparking widespread fear and panic among Ugandans. The police chief lamented the unfortunate rise in murder cases by shooting, noting an increase of 7.5%, with 300 incidents documented in 2023 compared to 279 in 2022.
Despite the comprehensive crime report, critical details about the types of firearms used in these tragic incidents and their origins within security agencies remain undisclosed. The report also fails to clarify whether any firearms were recovered post-shooting. Disturbingly, it highlights that 73 cases of shooting-related murders were left uninvestigated, revealing potential shortcomings within the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID).
A senior police official expressed concern about the apparent sluggishness in the investigative arm of the Police, questioning why these cases had not been pursued despite the institution’s ample resources. According to the IGP’s report, 298 male adults, 25 female adults, 6 male juveniles, and 1 female juvenile fell victim to assailants wielding firearms. Of these cases, 57 were brought to court, 170 remain under inquiry, and 81 are pending trial.
In the Kampala Metropolitan area, Katwe and Mukono recorded the highest number of shooting-related murders. Notably, Ntungamo District, known for hosting the First Lady and other government officials, reported a surge in murders attributed to domestic violence. This revelation puzzled government officials who questioned the unexpected prevalence of domestic violence in a district considered developed and understanding.
The report detailed 242 cases of murder resulting from domestic violence, with Ntungamo accounting for 15 cases. A staggering 249 people lost their lives in such incidents, revealing that 95 male adults were killed by women, while men were responsible for 113 spousal deaths. Additionally, 41 juveniles fell victim to domestic violence. However, only 8 out of 122 cases resulted in convictions in courts of law.
The report highlighted an alarming increase in murders by strangling, with 414 cases documented in 2023, marking a 9.2% rise from 379 cases in 2022. The victims included 261 male adults, 96 females, and 68 juveniles. Moreover, over 1039 people lost their lives due to mob action, though only 953 such cases were reported to the police. The report clarified that mob action primarily targeted individuals suspected of crimes such as murder, theft, robbery, and witchcraft.
Another grim statistic revealed that 1129 individuals lost their lives as a result of assault, with the Rwizi region, encompassing Ntungamo, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kiruhura, and Ibanda Districts, leading in this category. The complexities outlined in the report underscore the urgent need for enhanced investigative efforts and preventive measures to address the escalating violence and loss of lives in Uganda.
