KAMPALA, April 1, 2026 – As urban centres grapple with rising criminal activity, quieter corners of Uganda are telling a different story. The Uganda Police Force has identified Karenga, Madi-Okollo and Maracha among the safest areas in the country, according to its 2025 Annual Crime Report.
The report shows that Uganda recorded 196,405 criminal cases in 2025, reflecting a 10.2% decline from 218,715 cases registered in 2024. But beyond the national averages, the real story lies in the regional contrasts.
🟢 Uganda’s Safest Spots
The districts and police divisions with the lowest reported crime include:
- Karenga Police Division – 146 cases (lowest nationwide; recorded 219 crime-free days)
- Madi-Okollo District – 230 cases
- Maracha District – 263 cases
These figures paint a picture of relative calm in parts of northern Uganda, far removed from the crime pressures facing the country’s urban hubs.
📍 A Tale of Two Ugandas
While Kampala and the central region continue to dominate crime statistics, sub-regions such as Karamoja, West Nile, Teso and Bukedi are emerging as low-crime zones. Analysts point to smaller populations, tighter community structures and less urban pressure as key factors behind the trend.
📉 Credit to Policing—or Context?
Police attribute the nationwide drop in crime to expanded community policing, intelligence-led operations and increased deployment at sub-county level. However, the consistently low figures in these districts also raise a broader question: is it effective policing, or simply lower exposure to the drivers of crime seen in urban centres?
The full report provides a detailed breakdown across all 185 police divisions and stations, offering a comprehensive snapshot of Uganda’s shifting security landscape.
As government celebrates declining figures, the contrast is clear—while some parts of Uganda are battling crime daily, others are quietly setting the standard for safety.
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