An application-based framework for curbing mobile phone-related crimes: Results of a preliminary study in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Background: Police has relentlessly reported increased crime rates in Uganda, many of which are committed with/or through mobile phones. This positions mobile phones as potential sources of incriminating evidences for digital investigations and crime reporting. In this study, we explored the use of mobile phones for crime investigation and propose an application framework for curbing mobile phone- related crimes in Eastern Uganda, East Africa. Main body: Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires from 36 respondents who were police investigators and State Attorneys. The framework proposed is based on a client-server-model. Results of the study indicated that whereas criminal investigators believe in the application of mobile phones in crime reporting and collaborating evidences, they seldomly use them as a potential source of evidence when making criminal case decisions. Of the 10 files of criminal cases encountered, only 1 to 3 of them were considered during prosecution. This was found to be largely dependent on the criminal investigators’ training level in mobile phone forensics and their average mobile phone applications’ competence. Conclusions: Policy makers, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and other criminal investigation organs in Uganda should consider developing customized police mobile applications and sensitizing the public on how to use them through capacity building among crime investigators so as to curb mobile phone-related crimes in Uganda.