The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has welcomed the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, which indicates a 10.2 percent decline in reported crime compared to 2024, but cautioned security agencies against complacency.

While addressing the party’s weekly press conference, the party’s head of media and communications Muzeyi Faizo called on the Uganda Police Force (UPF) to strengthen its working relationship with communities as a key strategy for improving intelligence gathering and crime reporting.

“Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies should not relax based on statistics showing a slight decline in reported crimes,” he stated. “To effectively enforce law and order, police must prioritize rebuilding trust and cooperation with communities to enhance intelligence and public confidence.”

UPC also urged authorities to intensify public sensitization on the importance of timely crime reporting and proper handling of crime scenes to support investigations and improve case outcomes.

The party proposed a multi-sectoral approach to crime prevention, involving collaboration between national and local governments, police, prisons, intelligence agencies, cultural institutions, and the judiciary.

However, UPC raised concerns about persistent challenges within the police force, particularly understaffing. The party noted that, on average, one police officer serves more than 1,000 people and handles over 54 cases, a situation it says contributes to delays in the delivery of justice.

The party further highlighted land-related disputes as a significant driver of crime, citing ongoing tensions in the Acholi sub-region, where cases of evictions and violence have been reported. It called on relevant authorities to urgently address land conflicts affecting communities.

On a lighter note, UPC extended Easter wishes to Ugandans, encouraging citizens to embrace humility, kindness, and integrity, while rejecting greed and corruption.