Critical Analysis Of Legal Framework On Combating Crime Of Theft In Uganda A Case Study Of Kina Wataka Naka Wa Division-Kampala

ABSTRACT

The study analyzed the legal framework in combating crime of theft in Uganda with specific reference to Kinawataka. This study looks at background and buildup on crime of theft in

Uganda; analyzes the conceptual framework on crime of theft, identifies the causes of crime of theft, examines Uganda's legal framework on combating crime of theft and identifies

recommendations on combating crime of theft

A qualitative technique of research methods were employed by the researcher. Three methods (interviews of the respondents, focused group discussions and observation) were employed to

collect data from respondents. The information collected was organized according to chapters in order to make meaningful presentation, conclusions and recommendations of the study.

Accordingly the findings of the study reveal that legal fi·amework is instrumental in combating the crime of theft in Kinawataka and it has been proven a useful tool in the management of violent crime. The study identified the causes of crime of theft in Kinawataka which include

rapid development of slums and unplanned settlements, pove1ty, unregulated circulation of fire arms, income disparities, alcoholism, unemployment among the youth, limited capacities of crime prevention institutions and distressed life styles, weak laws, Economic distress,

deprivation, and inequality, inadequate functioning of the criminal justice system, Poor human and victim rights culture, Absence of national and regional strategies to reduce crime,

Victimization risk and repeat victimization risk, The high prevalence of HIV I AIDS, Young dominated population structure, Poverty, Influxes of refugees and foreigners, Ignorance of laws and set procedures, Weal( village administrative social and political structures In the conclusion, the study presents that legal framework has proved useful in prevention of crime of theft. In order to mai(e it more successful, the researcher recommends implementers to

involve local councils in fight against crime of theft, strengthen the police capacity to fight the vice and call for community policing. Finally, the study recommends the empowerment of the key implementers of the strategy so as to fully exploit its potential in prevention of crime of theft and as a tool for management of conflict. This will also help address apparent gaps between policy and implementation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION .........................................................................

APPROVAL .............................................................................. ii

DEDICATION ...................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................. .iv

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ........................................................................................ v

NATIONAL LAW ............................................................................... vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................... vii

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................ xi

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................ !

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND .................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................... !

1.1 Background to the Problem ......................................................................... 1

1.1 Problem statement .................................................................................... 3

1.3 Primary objective ...................................................................................... 4

To examine Uganda's legal fi·amework on combating crime of theft in Uganda ....................... .4

1.3.1 Specific objectives ............................................................................. 4

1.3.2 Research questions .............................................................................. 4

1.4 Hypothesis ......................................................................................... 5

1.5 Literature review ................................................................................. 5

1.6 Methodology ...................................................................................... 9

1.6.1 Research Design ................................................................................. 9

1.6.2 Study Population ..................................................................................... ! 0

1.6.3 Data Collection Methods ................................................................. 1 0

1.6.3.1 Interview Method ........................................................................................ 10

1.6.3 .2 Documentary Review Method ............................................................................... ! 0

1.6.4 Data Processing and Analysis ........................................................................................ II

1.6.5 Scope of the Study ................................................................................ 11

I. 7 Gender Consideration ....................................................................................... 11

1.8 Ethical Consideration ..................................................................... 11

1.9 Limitations and Solutions to the Study .................................................................................... l2

CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................ l3

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON CRIME OF THEFT .......................................................... 13

2.2.1 Crime ....................................................................................... 13

2.2.2 Prevention ...................................................................... 13

2.2.3 Crime prevention .................................................................................. 13

2.2.4 Theft ........................................................................................ 14

2.2.5 Carjacking ....................................................................................... l4

2.2.6 Identity, Theft and Cyberspace Identity Theft ...................................................................... 14

2.2.6.1 Identity ............................................................................................................................... 14

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................... 25

CAUSES OF CRIME OF THEFT IN KINAWATAKA ............................................................... 25

3.0 Introduction ....................................................................................... 25

3.1 Rapid Growth ofUnplanned Settlements/slums ..................................................................... 25

3.2 Increasing number of illegal firearms in circulation ............................................................... 26

3.3 Economic distress, deprivation, and inequality ....................................................................... 27

3.4 Inadequate functioning of the criminal justice system ............................................................ 28

3.5 Poor Human and Victim Rights Culture ................................................................................. .30

3.6 Absence of National and Regional Strategies to Reduce Crime ............................................. 30

3.7 Victimization Risk and Repeat Victimization Risk ................................................................. 30

3.8 Distressed Lifestyle patterns ........................................................................ 31

3.9 The high prevalence ofHIV/AIDS ............................................................ 33

3.10 Young Dominated Population Structure ................................................................................ 34

3.11 Poverty ................................................................................................................................... 35

3.12 Influxes of refugees and foreigners ....................................................................................... 38

3.13 Alleged weak laws ............................................................................... 3 9

3.14 Ignorance of!aws and set procedures .................................................................................... 39

3.15 Weak village administrative social and political structures ................................................. .40

CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................ 41

LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON COMBATING THE CRIME OF THEFT IN KINA W A TAKA .. .41

4.0 Introduction ....................................................................................... 41

4.1 National legal framework ........................................................................................ 41

4.1.1 The Constitution ofUganda 1995 ........................................................................................ 41

4.1.2 Penal Code Act 2007 ....................................................................................... 42

4.1.3 Magistrates Comis Act 2003 ..................................................................... .42

4.1.4 The Local Courts Act, 2006 ......................................................................... .43

4.1.5 Anti-Money Laundering Act 2013 ....................................................................................... 44

4.1.6 Electronic Funds Transfer Act 2003 .................................................................................... .44

4.1. 7 Financial Institutions Act 2004 .................................................................................. .45

4.2 Institutional framework .......................................................................... 45

4.2.1. The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) ............................................................ .45

4.2.2. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) ................................................................................... .46

4.2.3. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ................................................................... .46

4.2.4 The Judiciary ................................................................................ 46

4.2.5 Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) ................................................................................ .47

4.2.6 The Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MGLSD) .................................. .47

CHAPTER FIVE .................................................................................. 48

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................... 48

5 .I Introduction ...................................................................................... .48

5.2 Summary of the findings ............................................................................... .48

5.3 Conclusion ............................................................................... 48

5.4 Recommendations ................................................................................ 49

BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................. 53

APPENDICES ................................................................................... 63