In a glimmer of hope, Uganda has seen a 4% drop in cases of domestic violence in the past year, the most recent police annual crime report indicates. Of the 14,073 cases of domestic violence reported in 2024, 14,681 were reported in 2023. The drop may be modest but is a sign of progress in the battle against domestic violence, a problem which has affected tens of thousands of households across the country.

The report gives a vivid breakdown of the victims, indicating that domestic violence still affects individuals of all ages and sexes. Of the 14,126 victims reported in 2024, 3,161 were adult men, 10,276 were adult women, 323 were young boys, and 366 were young girls. The figures indicate the prevalence of the problem but also reflect that work is being done to curb it and that efforts are starting to bear fruit.

The police report also points out what happens after a domestic violence case has been reported. In 2024, 1,502 cases were brought before the courts. 525 were convicted, 5 cases ended in acquittal, 135 were withdrawn, and 837 are pending. Although the number of convictions was encouraging, the fact that there are still so many pending cases shows there is much to be done before the victims are accorded justice.

Geographically, the research shows that districts and sub-districts in districts are exposed to domestic violence differently. North Kyoga led with 1,497 cases, then Rwizi with 1,291 cases, Rwenzori West with 864 cases, and Elgon with 655 cases. At district level, Mityana topped with 409 cases, then Kwania had 386 cases, followed by Busia with 307 cases, then Kween had 289 cases and Luwero had 287 cases. The data calls for intensified interventions in districts that record high rates of domestic violence. Speaking about the report, Police CID Director AIGP Tom Magambo was upbeat regarding the amount of progress made. “If you look at the figures compared to the previous two years, we can see there is consistent improvement, which is something to be content with,” he said. “The collective efforts of the police, government, and local organizations have paid off. Life is good now, although we are not where we want to be.”.

The falling number of cases of domestic violence is a mirror of the sustained efforts of various individuals and entities that have been working to curtail the threat. From publicity campaigns to judicial reforms, efforts are bearing fruits. But the war is not yet won, and a lot still has to be done to ensure all Ugandans can live safely and in peace. One crucial factor for the decline in domestic violence cases is increased awareness of the issue. There has been growing realization of the harmful impact of domestic violence on people, families, and communities in the last few years.

This has motivated more individuals to speak out against it and report the cases when they have been victimized by it. The police have also heightened their interventions to deal with cases of domestic violence, making sure that victims are helped and culprits taken to court. Another major contributor is the role played by NGOs and community organizations. These have been working proactively at the grassroots level to make people aware of domestic violence, support victims, and push for policy change. They have succeeded in changing society so that domestic violence is no longer tolerated and victims feel safe to come forward.
Progress has not been without challenges. The fact that there are so many cases pending in the courts shows that the justice system is still falling behind in keeping up with the number of domestic violence cases.

There needs to be more action taken to address the root causes of domestic violence, such as poverty, gender inequality, and cultural attitudes towards violence. The drop in domestic violence cases is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. To build on this progress, it is essential that all stakeholders continue to work together. This includes the government, the police, community organizations, and ordinary citizens. Everyone has a role to play in creating a society where domestic violence is no longer a reality. As Uganda moves forward, the hope is that this reduction in the incidence of domestic violence will continue. With concerted effort and shared desire to eradicate domestic violence, the future can envision every Ugandan living in fearlessness and without violence.

A 4% reduction may not be a lot in the overall scheme of things, but it is a huge breakthrough and an achievement to rejoice and take encouragement from. In the end, the fight against domestic violence has nothing to do with numbers. It’s about people—real people whose lives have been shattered by violence. It is about giving them hope, recovery, and a chance to begin anew. The gains made so far are a testament to the toughness and resilience of the Ugandan people, and it is a reflection that a brighter future is within reach. As AIGP Magambo’s own words saw it, “Life is now better, though not where we want it to be.” Through unrelenting effort and dedication, Uganda can move towards a day when domestic violence is but a memory of the past. The journey is long, yet with every step forward, we move closer to that dream.