NELSON K
Unemployment, gambling, and idleness among youth have been identified as major contributors to the increasing crime rate, particularly housebreakings and robbery, in Nyarushanje Subcounty, Rukungiri District. In response, local leaders have resolved to establish village security patrols.
The resolution was announced by the Nyarushanje LC3 Chairperson, Mr. Michael Musiime, during an exclusive interview with Boona Radio. In it, he expressed frustration and disappointment over the escalating cases of theft in the area. He noted a surge in the theft of animals, bananas, coffee, and household items, blaming mostly unemployed school dropouts who he suspects are behind the crimes.
Musiime criticized the government for allowing too much freedom to idle youth, accusing some of spending entire days in bars, abusing drugs, and engaging in gambling without any legitimate sources of income—activities he says are sustained through theft.
He revealed that recently, 20 computers and tailoring machines were stolen from Peer Link Institute Nyarushanje through a housebreaking incident. Similarly, about 40 computers were stolen from Uganda Martyrs Technical Institute Nyarushanje, under similar circumstances. In both cases, the suspects are still unknown.
Musiime also condemned certain youth, especially boys, for failing to cooperate with their families in performing domestic responsibilities such as farming. He noted that this lack of participation leads to skill gaps, which eventually push them towards gambling and robbery as a means of survival.
Meanwhile, he confirmed that all local leaders at the parish level—including parish chiefs and LC2s—will begin organizing village security meetings (baraza) and appointing local security leaders in areas that currently lack them. These efforts will be coordinated by the LC3 Chairperson in collaboration with the Gomborora (subcounty) chief, officer in charge (OC), parish chiefs, and LC1 and LC2 chairpersons to curb the rising crime.
