Crime Prevalence and Domestic Violence in Kisenyi Slum Area of Kampala City

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of crime and domestic violence in Kisenyi, Kampala City’s largest informal settlement, with the aim of understanding their interrelationship and underlying drivers. Drawing on the Social-Ecological and Routine Activity theories, the study adopted a correlational and cross-sectional design targeting 200 respondents, including residents, community leaders, police officers, NGO personnel, and development officers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that crime prevalence in Kisenyi characterized by theft, burglary, rape, drug trafficking, conning, and gang activities was closely linked with domestic violence, which manifested in the form of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse within households. Contributing factors such as poverty, unemployment, alcoholism, drug abuse, and overcrowding emerged as significant predictors of both community crime and intimate partner violence. Descriptive statistics indicated a moderate-to-high awareness of crime-related risks (overall mean = 2.81, SD = 0.55) and a high prevalence of domestic violence (overall mean = 3.21, SD = 0.30), while qualitative insights emphasized the role of poverty-induced frustration, cultural norms, and substance abuse in perpetuating gender-based violence. The study concluded that crime and domestic violence in Kisenyi are mutually reinforcing phenomena, exacerbated by socioeconomic hardships, weak law enforcement, and inadequate social services. It recommends integrated interventions such as strengthening community policing, expanding livelihood support, addressing substance abuse, and improving survivor-centered services. Overall, the study highlights that tackling both the structural drivers of crime and the household-level factors underlying domestic violence is essential for sustainable violence prevention and improved security in Uganda’s informal settlements, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and community-based organizations working to enhance urban safety and social well-being.