Uganda Roundup: LGBTQ+ rights, boat wreck, reduced crime rate, accidents

Police records reduced crime rate

The Police Annual Crime Report 2023 has revealed a significant reduction in crime in Uganda from 231, 653 cases in 2022 to 228, 074 cases in 2023. This was contained in the report released by Martin Okoth Ochola, the recently retired inspector general of police On February 21, 2024. The report indicates that the crime reduction is due to the expansion of the police canine unit, reorganization of the CID, improved detection methods, and strategic partnerships with the community. It also noted that collaborative efforts with sister agencies such as the UPDF, Prisons, and JIC further contributed to the reduction in cases. The Uganda Police Canine unit carried out 20,897 trackings, 16,341 arrests, and the recovery of 6554 exhibits, representing a 21 percent improvement from 2022, according to the Observer.

Head-on collision results in death and injuries

At least 14 people are feared dead and one injured after a collision involving six vehicles. According to local news outlet Bukedde, the vehicles collided in Butema village in Muwayo Town Council in Bugiri around 4.00 PM local time. The accident involved four trucks and two vans in a head-on collision. Resident District Commissioner Paul Mwidu Kalikwani said ten bodies were recovered by the police and transported to the morgue. The deceased persons were identified as Juliet Bakulimya, former Bulguyi district councillor, Yosamu Wasike, Hajara Nandego, Kenyan Jemus Kitavewo, Shalif Sempijja, Joyce Nabirye, Antony Mulokole and some others who are yet to be identified.

Cabinet queries agric commissioner

Uganda’s Cabinet has questioned the Commissioner of Animal Health in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) following the issuance of a directive imposing a quarantine in Kampala without consulting the other concerned government ministries. The Commissioner Dr Anna Rose Ademun on March 1 wrote a letter to the executive director of Kampala City Authority to impose a quarantine after an incident of foot and mouth disease was detected in Kaobowa in Rubaga Division on February 28. According to The Monitor, the Commissioner was asked by Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja to apologise to the Cabinet for her actions.

Aftermath of boat wreck

Police in Uganda have released the names of victims who died in a boatwreck in the Nile. The bodies of the deceased persons, Grace, 22 of Kapa Kalebi Balabala, Bussi, and Lucky 22 of Kapa Kalebi Balabala, Bussi were recovered on March 12, according to Bukedde. The bodies of other deceased persons, Emmanuel Nsubuga, Francis Mundenkye, and Mama Clare are still missing. Several others who were rescued were also listed. The boat with 17 passengers, about 200 potato heads, seven bags of coconuts, and other items reportedly was swept away by the wind when it reached the Kacanga area.

LGBTQ+ issues

LGBTQ rights activist Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has vowed to contest a court of appeal ruling in a case filed against the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. The company was refused the registration of the name Sexual Minorities Uganda by the High Court, a decision that was supported by the Court of Appeal’s ruling. According to The Independent, the group says the court failed to address the suppression of their freedom of association but focused on societal norms. Executive Director at SMUG while expressing disappointment said “Despite the judiciary’s conservative tilt, and susceptibility to the public sentiment, our commitment to championing LGBTQ rights remains resolute”.