The recently released 2024 Crime Report by the Uganda Police has indicated that nearly 5,000 motor vehicles were stolen in 2024 alone.
The report also reveals the increasing sophistication of car theft syndicates, making recovery efforts difficult for law enforcement.
According to the report, a total of 4,890 motor vehicles were reported stolen during the year.
Of these, only 2,447 were successfully recovered, while 486 were found abandoned, raising concerns that criminals may be using stolen cars for illegal activities before dumping them.
However, the most alarming statistic is that 1,957 vehicles were never recovered, pointing to well organized criminal networks that either dismantle vehicles for spare parts or smuggle them to unknown destinations
The report highlights that Kampala Metropolitan South registered the highest number of motor vehicles thefts with 202 cases, followed by KMP North with 188 cases, KMP East with 144 cases, Rwizi with 88 cases, Greater Masaka with 40 cases and Savannah with 37 cases.
Despite these concerning figures, police reported a slight 1.2% decrease in vehicle theft cases compared to the previous year.
In 2024, a total of 999 cases of motor vehicle theft were formally reported to the police, compared to 1,011 cases in 2023.
Ugandans continue to express concern over a well-organized network of motor vehicle thieves, making it unsafe to leave their vehicles parked, especially in Kampala.
Cars are frequently stolen from parking lots, homes, and garages. Many suspect that mechanics and spare parts dealers play a major role in sponsoring vehicle theft in Uganda.
