MICHAEL N
After a prolonged period of livestock and crop theft—including goats, sheep, poultry, coffee, and bananas—residents of Nyamirama Cell in Kiyoora Parish, Nyakyera Sub-county, Ruhaama East Constituency in Ntungamo District have organized a village security meeting to address the growing insecurity.
The meeting brought together all community members, including farm workers (shamba boys) and youth, with the aim of finding lasting solutions to the persistent theft.
Geoffrey Gareeba, a resident of Nyamirama Cell, explained that the meeting focused on forming local security teams and organizing night patrols to safeguard their animals and crops, especially during the coffee harvesting season. He attributed the rising insecurity partly to some shamba boys who allegedly collaborate with thieves at night to steal their employers’ property.
Another resident, Wilson Kanyesigye, highlighted some of the resolutions reached during the meeting. He noted that bars will now be allowed to operate from mid-morning until midnight only. He also emphasized that coffee harvesting among residents should strictly be conducted during daytime hours, not exceeding 6:00 p.m. Additionally, he stated that both husband and wife must be present during the sale of coffee to help curb theft within the community.
Residents further appealed to security agencies such as GESOS, the police, and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to intensify night patrols in the area. They suggested that these efforts should be coordinated with LC1 security teams to effectively reduce crime. They expressed confidence that the newly established measures will help restore peace and security in the village.
Kiyoora Sub-county Female Councilor, Judith Ninsiima, stated that the meeting also resolved to regulate the presence of unfamiliar individuals in the village. She explained that all new or unidentified persons must first present their details to local authorities, particularly the LC1 chairperson. She added that vehicles operating or parking in the village will also be monitored, as some may be used to transport stolen livestock and produce.
Apollo Muhanguzi, the LC1 Chairperson of Nyamirama Cell, revealed that the meeting resolved to expel Wilson Twinomugisha, a shamba boy accused of multiple cases of assault and suspicious nighttime movements within the village. He noted that Twinomugisha had been given a one-day ultimatum to leave the area.
Wilson Twinomugisha is reportedly a resident of Kigando Cell, Karama Parish, Ruborogota in Isingiro District.
