VANNESSA A
Residents and leaders of Nyarushanje and Nyakyishenyi subcounties in Rukungiri District have condemned the increasing cases of gambling in their areas.
Speaking to our reporter, Bernard Turyahabwe, the LC1 Chairperson of Nyamabare Cell, Murama Parish, Nyakyishenyi Subcounty, expressed concern that gambling machines have led to a rise in theft, particularly among school children who steal their parents’ money to play these games.
He further noted that gambling has contributed to poor hygiene in Murama Town, as gamblers often fail to find proper toilet facilities at night and end up disposing of waste inappropriately.
Barnabas Dingi, the Councilor for Ibanda Parish in Nyarushanje Subcounty, echoed these concerns, stating that children misuse their parents’ money on pool tables and other gambling games, which results in school absenteeism. He urged bar owners to restrict gambling activities to late hours.
Nicholas Ainebyoona, the Youth Councilor for Nyarushanje, highlighted the negative impact of gambling on both children and adults. He noted that even parents waste money on gambling, which prevents them from paying school fees and meeting their children’s needs. He called on the government to regulate gambling by setting specific days for such activities to prevent addiction.
Speaking to our reporter, Micheal Musiime, the LC3 Chairperson of Nyarushanje Subcounty, confirmed that gambling-related crimes, including theft, are on the rise. He attributed this to a lack of employment opportunities, forcing individuals to resort to gambling as a means of livelihood. He also noted that enforcing discipline has become difficult, as children are now protected from traditional forms of punishment.
Meanwhile, Wednesday Twinomujuni, the LC3 Chairperson of Nyakyishenyi Subcounty, stated that in an effort to curb gambling, he conducted patrols with district leadership, leading to the confiscation of some gambling machines. He pointed out that many youth neglect productive work in favor of gambling.
He assured residents that security authorities are working on a lasting solution to eliminate this growing vice.
