Over the last few years, what were once isolated incidents have morphed into a persistent security threats for residents in Luwero district.
The recently released 2025 Police Crime report depicts a worrying trend of criminality in Luwero, signaling a sharp deterioration in security standards within the district.
According to the 2025 report, cases of mob action, aggravated defilement, theft, burglary, and land conflicts among others remain high leaving residents in a state of perpetual fear.
Certain areas in Luwero have become no-go zones, particularly after 10 PM, as criminal gangs target travelers. The most affected areas include Kiwogozi, Kizito, Kikubajinja, and Mabbale, where thugs snatch bags or phones and threaten to kill anyone who resists.
The Police Force ranked Luwero district as the second across the country with highest cases reported at stations after recording a total of 3123 cases and Wakiso district leading with 3177 cases in 2025.
The Force ranked Luwero as the leading in mob justice after it registered 30 case and a total of 70 people killed. In Gender based cases, Luwero district again emerged in the first position after registering registering 72 cases .
What is particularly alarming is the evolving nature of these crimes; perpetrators are reportedly becoming more organized and brazen, often targeting vulnerable communities late at night and snatch items especially in towns of Luwero and Wobulenzi town councils .
“My phone was grabbed around 10 PM in Kikuubo within Kasana while I was walking home after watching a soccer match. A man snatched it from me while I was on the call. I tried to report the incident, but to this day, I have yet to recover it. I later learned that several others have also lost their phones or money to such gangsters,” said Sam Lubega, a victim.
The district ranked in third position in categories of House breaking after registering 45 cases,100 cases of burglaries and 1074 theft cases among other areas.
The district also ranked in third position with high cases of malicious damage to property (153 cases) and criminal trespass (121 cases).
Erasto Kibirango the LC 5 Chairman of Luwero District highlights concerns especially in land related cases where several people have lost property and others removed from land by landlords without following procedures.
Kibirango stated that the Office of the Luwero Resident District Commissioner, which currently has over six officials, has yet to address the ongoing land conflicts and other crimes in the area.
“The office of RDC which is key in fight against crimes is currently engaged in mediating in land wrangles which they have equally failed to end. The RDCs seem to be interested in mediating in land wrangles where we believe they are facilitated and ignore other skyrocketing cases” Kibirango told District Council recently
Mariam Nalubega Sseguya the Luwero Resident District Commossioner defended the Office saying in the two months while in office,she has tried to reconcile wrangling parties to minimise land related cases.
He however faulted Bukalasa Land Office for issuing multiple land titles on same piece of land hence leading to conflicts.
Speaking at the opening of the new court session at Luwero High Court on Wednesday, Nalubega expressed concerns about the Police investigations, noting that some cases are rushed while others experience significant delays, leaving residents in search of justice.
However, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson, stated that the situation is not alarming. He also mentioned that the Commanders have discussed strategies to combat crime.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, Twiineamazima announced that the Regional Police Commanders gathered at Timnah Schools and agreed to implement 20 measures aimed at reducing crime.
Twiineamazima said that the Commanders resolved to intensify patrols in crime spots and Community Policing to discourage residents from mob justice among other crimes.
Twiineamazima also revealed that the Commanders have resolved to strengthen the Sub County Policing Model and enhance traffic law enforcement on the Kampala-Gulu highway to prevent the increasing number of accidents.
The Commanders also resolved to enhance CCTV surveillance and establish strategic checkpoints to combat motor vehicle, animal and mobile phone theft.
While the Police have pledged to implement drastic measures to address these issues, the data highlights an urgent need for strategic intervention.
If this trend continues, the district risks losing its reputation as a relatively safe transit hub, which could hinder local economic growth and deter investment in the area.
