CID launches toll-free crime reporting hotline

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The Uganda Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has launched a toll-free crime reporting hotline.

While unveiling the hotline, 0800200093, on Tuesday (August 19), the directorate urged the public to report crime by calling the number to build a safer Uganda together.

“Report crime, share feedback, stay safe. With your support, we can build a secure and peaceful community,” CID, which is headed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tom Magambo, said in a brief statement on X, formerly Twitter.

On November 13, 2024, the CID unveiled a public interaction centre at its headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala.

The centre was set up by the Police in partnership with the Government of the Netherlands and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

According to the CID, the call centre will serve not only the investigations directorate but also all the Police departments.

It explained that the toll-free number will be used by the citizens all over the country to reach the Police and citizens with complaints that can be handled locally will be instantly connected to their nearest Police Station Officer in Charge (OC) or OCID for assistance.

The CID also said a follow-up call will be made to the citizen after 24 hours to find out if they were helped.

Ranked third in Africa

Uganda's CID was ranked the third most effective investigative agency in Africa in September last year by Kenya Trak, a research firm in Nairobi. 

It scored 74%, which placed it behind Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations at 82% and Ghana’s agency at 76%.

“Uganda’s CID is on the frontline of investigating violent crimes and insurgencies. This agency has been particularly successful in fighting organised crime and terrorism, thanks to its efficient use of intelligence networks and modern technology,” the survey said.

It also said that despite working under tough conditions, Uganda’s CID continued to evolve, using digital tools to monitor and solve cases linked to urban gangs and political unrest.

Crime falls by 4.1%

Recorded crime across Uganda decreased by 4.1% last year, the latest Police report shows.

The 2024 annual crime report released on February 19 said cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715.