By KT Reporter
Kawempe Division leaders and residents have raised concerns about the increase in crimes.
Despite a 6.6% nationwide decrease in theft cases, from 65,901 in 2023 to 61,529 in 2024, Kawempe Division has consistently topped other policing regions over the past five years, with a worrying annual increase in theft cases.
For instance, Kawempe Division reported a steady increase in theft cases over the years: 701 in 2019, 607 in 2020, 659 in 2021, 850 in 2022, 983 in 2023, and 1067 in 2024, most theft cases in Kawempe Division, particularly phone thefts, motorcycle robberies, and housing breaks, have escalated into a major concern for both residents and authorities.
The surge in theft crimes has sparked alarm among leaders and residents, who claim that the safety of their homes and roads has drastically deteriorated.
John Mukasa and Irene Nakato of Bwaise, the situation is particularly worrying due to the emergence of notorious gang groups, such as the Kasolo and Gali groups, which have originated from their neighbourhood.
Godfrey Kateebe, the area councillor for Makerere One Parish in Kawempe Division, says that despite being part of Kampala City, the division has been neglected for years in terms of development.
“Although we’re located in the city centre, Kawempe’s large population faces significant challenges,” Kateebe noted. “We have a staggering number of young children who aren’t in school, instead vending on the streets. The majority of our”. Youth are struggling to survive in slums, and it’s these desperate individuals who often turn to theft as a means of survival.”Kateebe said
Thomas Bagonza, a councilor in Kawempe Division, attributes the high crime rate in the area to widespread unemployment, which has driven many residents to engage in criminal activities as a means of survival.
However, Bagonza criticized the Kawempe and Wandegeya Police stations for neglecting their core function of maintaining law and order.
However, Senior Superintendent of Police Donald Muhwezi, Community Liaison Officer for Kampala Metropolitan areas, shifted the blame for the rising crime rate to parents, citing a lack of proper care and nurturing of their children as a contributing factor to the increasing criminality.
“Although poverty and unemployment are pressing issues, they don’t inherently lead to criminal behaviour,” Muhwezi noted. “We have many young people facing similar challenges who have never been involved in crime. The real problem lies with parents who have shirked their responsibility to raise their children into responsible citizens-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
