Factors contributing to high crime rates among the people in informal settlement areas a case study of Kamwokya slum areas- Kampala central division

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the factors contributing to high crime rates among the individuals residing in the Kamwokya informal settlement. It was based on primary data where a cross sectional questionnaire was designed and used as a tool in collection of data on people through face-to-face interactions. The analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using STATA. The research identified socio economic determinants as a foundational pillar influencing crime rates with poverty, unemployment, and limited educational opportunities creating an environment ripe for criminal activities. Furthermore, the study shaded light on the nexus between drug trade, gang activity and organized crime within these settlements, elucidating their contribution to perpetuating high crime rates. Additionally, the complex interplay between law enforcement agencies and residents was scrutinized, highlighting issues of trust, corruption and the efficiency of policing agencies. Under bivariate, the chi-square statistic was used to test for significant relationship between the dependent and independent variable. At P-value < (0.05), the relationship was considered significant while at P-value > (0.05), the relationship was considered insignificant. The results showed that age, employment status, quality of housing, police presence, poverty level and unemployment rate had a significant relationship with the types of crimes committed by individuals in the informal sector however sex, educational level and annual income earned by individuals had insignificant relationship with the types of crimes committed. In multivariate analysis, multinomial logistic regression model was significant at 95% confidence level and the results showed that theft crimes were the base outcome interacting with other types of crimes that is assault crimes, drug crimes and violent crimes. Under interaction with assault crimes, employment status, poverty level, police existence and drug use had significant relationship with the types of crimes committed. The interaction with drug crimes, the employment status, poverty level and the quality of housing had significant relationship with the types of crimes and lastly the interaction with violent crimes, age, employment status, poverty level, quality of housing and drug use had a significant relationship with the types of crimes committed by the individuals in the informal sector.