The Crimes Accompanying Rapid Urbanisation Take Place in Kampala City, Uganda

Abstract

Purporse :This study examined the urban policing paradox in Uganda with specific regard to how rapid urbanisation poses challenges for policing and urban peace enforcement in Kampala city. The specific objectives of this study were to explore the crimes accompanying rapid urbanisation in Kampala city; examine the role of the Uganda Police Force in urban policing and peace enforcement in Kampala city; analyse the challenges of urban policing and peace enforcement in Kampala city and finally explore the current responses by the Uganda Police Force in enhancing urban peace enforcement in Kampala city. The study employed two theories:the social contract and broken windows. Methodology : Different materials and sources were used during data collection, which included documentary reviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Findings :The study found out that Kampala city remains a vulnerable place to urban insecurity primarily due to an ever increasing population, coupled with the challenges that hinder effective policing in the city. Population increase in Kampala was found out to be leading to an exponential increase in the number of slums and informal settlements which breed criminality in the city. Among the common crimes were theft, drug abuse, forgery, domestic violence, murder, cybercrimes especially fordgery and terrorism. The relationship between crime and urbanization in Kampala city included an ever increasing population, informal settlements, inadequate planning, corruption and logistical challenges within the Uganda Police Force. However, the study revealed that the Uganda Police Force has made various milestones like the CCTV Cameras, forensics capabilities , 999 communication system, in promoting peace and security in Kampala city.