Policing strategies and management of violent crimes in Uganda: a case of Kampala Central Division

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the policing strategies and management of violent crimes in Uganda. However, the researcher selected Kampala Central Division as a case study. The objectives of the study were to examine people’s perceptions towards police efforts in fighting violent crime, explore the methods used by the Uganda police in the fighting violent crime, to explore the determinants of choice of strategies used in addressing violent crime and to examine the challenges faced by Uganda Police Force in the management of violent crime in Kampala Central Division. Descriptive study design was applied using random sampling, a total number of 87 respondents were selected to participate in this study. These were selected from 3 out of the 6 divisions that make up Kampala Central Division. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and this data was backed up with secondary literature. The researcher interviewed 87 respondents in total and obtained interviews from 12 Key informants selected from the different Uganda Police Offices. Additionally, three FGDs were conducted in Wandegeya (Women), Kamwokya (Youth mixed) and central zone (Male) to supplement information obtained from Key informant interviews and desk review in a group of 25 respondents. The findings showed that the people’s perceptions towards Police efforts in fighting violent crime in Kampala Central Division was that police officers rarely follow guidelines in the execution of their duties due to insufficient training. Independent organization were found to be ideal in monitoring and evaluating police in execution of their operation. The determinants of choice of strategies used in addressing violent crime revealed that understanding the level of police capacity to effectively manage violent crime had a poor image in the public. Uganda Police need to comprehend the most effective ways in addressing violent crime such as sensitizing, mobilizing and creating awareness on violent crime and recruiting more police officers. Addressing violent crimes demand the engagement of community policing. Conclusively, the findings discovered a blue print (gap) which needs to amend the law especially the bail-out issue and the need to pre-view the entire section of police bond. The 48 hours needs to be reviewed because 48 hours are not enough to investigate an aggravated murder case. One cannot investigate an aggravated robbery case within such limited time when there is need of correspondence with higher ranking officers and medical doctors where necessary. The study recommends for a review of bail-out law and that further research should be carried on; relationship between crimes committed, community participation and law that safeguard the culprit or the impact of 48 hour bailout of culprit on the police investigation unit.