The increasing crimes at Makerere University is worrying police officials within the university. Makerere Police Station recorded 82 cases in just July and August, 2018, an average of over 40 crimes a month.

Key crimes recorded include theft of laptops and phones, loss of identity cards usually within student’s halls of residence, the library and other unsafe places.

Police partly blames the increasing crime on many access points to the university that are not regulated. “Porous gates are mostly used by lawbreakers to get access to the university at any time; they get chance to talk with students in any way," says Elifazi Masigano, the OC Operations at Makerere University police station.

Thieves use different techniques to steal from the students, including snatching and breaking into rooms. Some dress like students and ask assistance with a phone to make a call and then run away with it.

Police also says strikes and demonstrations contribute to crime within Makerere University.  “Strikes in the University are mainly resulting from politics. It becomes a crime if the students fail to follow procedures,” says Jackson Amali, OC CID Makerere University.

Police now says they are introducing night patrols within the university to fight crime, as the await the university to finalize construction of the perimeter wall, and deploying police officers at each of the official entrances.