A total of 875 motor vehicles were reported stolen in 2025, according to the newly released annual police crime report, reflecting a notable decline in car theft across the country.
The report shows that cases dropped from 999 in 2024 to 875 in 2025, representing a 12.4 percent decrease. Police also recovered 621 of the stolen vehicles, indicating improved recovery efforts despite the persistent threat of motor vehicle theft.
However, the crime remains heavily concentrated in urban areas, particularly within the Kampala Metropolitan region. Kampala Metropolitan Police North recorded the highest number of cases at 311, followed by Albertine South with 250 and Rwizi with 209 cases. Other regions with significant numbers include Kampala Metropolitan Police South with 138 cases, Kampala Metropolitan Police East with 80, and Masaka East with 57.
At the district and divisional level, Katwe Division emerged as the most affected area, recording 49 cases of motor vehicle theft. It was followed by Old Kampala Division with 41 cases, while Jinja Road Division and Mukono Division each registered 37 cases.
Kawempe Division and Kira Road Division each recorded 32 cases, while Central Police Station Kampala Division and Matugga Division registered 28 cases apiece.
While the overall reduction in cases suggests progress in crime prevention and response, the figures highlight persistent hotspots, especially within Kampala, pointing to the need for sustained vigilance and targeted interventions to curb vehicle theft.
