Summary:
- According to Kituuma, In 2024 Christmas Period, a total of 55 lives were lost in various incidents.
KAMPALA: The Uganda Police Force has reported a 19% reduction in crime during Christmas season, with 91 incidents registered compared to 110 in 2023.
However, the country witnessed a spike in tragic incidents, resulting in the loss of lives and highlighting persistent challenges in ensuring public safety.
Speaking at a weekly Police press briefing on Monday, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said that despite the overall decline, the festive season remains a high-risk period.
“The reduction in incidents shows progress in our policing efforts. However, the Christmas season saw an increase in violence and preventable deaths, which is deeply concerning,” he stated.
According to Kituuma, In 2024 Christmas Period, a total of 55 lives were lost in various incidents.
He said that 12 victims were assaulted to death, 7 victims were fatally hit with blunt objects, 6 victims were stabbed to death, 5 cases were suicides, 4 victims died due to rash and negligent acts, 2 victims each were hacked, drowned, lynched, or strangled to death, 8 cases involved sudden, unexplained deaths and 1 case each was linked to suspected food poisoning, arson, and suspected murder.
He said that the Christmas season accounted for a disproportionate number of these fatalities due to heightened social activities, domestic disputes, and reckless behavior.
“The festive period saw a rise in alcohol-fueled violence, accidents, and negligence, leading to preventable deaths,” Rusoke revealed.
He said that so far, 16 suspects have been arrested in connection with the reported cases, and investigations are at various stages.
He assured the public of Police commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and deterring future crimes.
Rusoke urged the public to remain vigilant during festive periods and actively cooperate with law enforcement.
“Christmas should be a time of joy, but it often becomes a period of loss for many families due to preventable incidents. We call on communities to report suspicious activities and practice caution,” he appealed.
