Youth Crime in Uganda, 2017–2024: Trends and Policy Imperatives

Abstract

Youth crime is a growing national concern in Uganda, reflecting global patterns and country-specific social and economic pressures. This article presents the first comprehensive national overview of youth and juvenile crime from 2017–2024, drawing on Uganda Police Annual Crime Reports, JLOS data reports, and complementary statistical sources. Offences committed by young people aged 12–18 and 18–30 including theft, drug and substance abuse, assault, burglary, robbery, and sexual violence have increased notably between 2023 and 2024, particularly in densely populated urban settlements. These patterns mirror deeper structural challenges such as unemployment, poverty, family dysfunction, weak parenting, and widespread child abuse, all of which heighten vulnerability to offending.

With 72.3% of Uganda’s population aged 30 and below, the country faces both a demographic opportunity and a heightened risk of youth crime. High youth unemployment, especially in urban centres, contributes to social exclusion, drug use, and conflict with the law. Many children in conflict with the law are themselves victims of socio-economic hardship, lacking access to education, housing, protection, and legal representation.

The article also reviews justice-sector responses including diversion, community policing, rehabilitation, and reintegration framed through Strain, Social Learning, and Control Theories. It concludes with targeted policy recommendations to strengthen early intervention, rehabilitation, legal safeguards, and multisectoral collaboration to prevent youth and juvenile crime and safeguard Uganda’s young population.

Citation

Kasirye R, Katende A, Mutawe R, Serunjonji U, Nakijoba B, Nsonga G. Youth Crime in Uganda, 2017–2024: Trends and Policy Imperatives. WebLog J Forensic Sci Criminol. wjfsc.2026. c0506. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19114540