Nicholas A
Residents of Rwenkurijo parish in Buyanja sub-county, Rukungiri district, have voiced their concerns regarding the prevalent theft in their community, hindering their development efforts.
They have highlighted various targets of theft, including coffee, livestock, and household belongings, among others. Dissatisfaction looms among the residents regarding the handling of thieves by the police. They observe that apprehended thieves are often released shortly afterward, which they believe undermines their efforts to combat theft and provides tacit support for such criminal activities.
Residents have singled out Kariisa Kenneth as a notorious goat thief in the area, jeopardizing goat-rearing activities. Mary Kemirembe, a resident, attributes the rise in theft to the failure of parents to properly guide their children, noting a lack of parental intervention when their children engage in wrongdoing. She appeals to the district security authorities to bolster security measures in the area to address the challenge effectively.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the chairperson of Buyanja sub-county, acknowledges the prevalent theft issue, particularly during the coffee harvesting season. He identifies specific areas within the sub-county, such as Rwenkurijo, Nyabitete, and Kyamakanda, where theft incidents are rampant.
The outcry from residents prompted a security meeting at Rwenkurijo Catholic Church, which saw the participation of Rukungiri district security officials, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the District Police Commander (DPC). The meeting aimed to devise strategies to eradicate theft in the area.
Steven Nsubuga, the Rukungiri RDC, responded to the residents’ concerns by pledging to bolster security through increased police patrols. He attributes the challenge of theft partly to the proliferation of slot machine businesses, which he claims entice youth away from productive work, leading some to resort to theft. Consequently, he directs the police to intensify efforts to combat slot machine operations in Rukungiri district.
