MICHAEL N
Overalarming theft cases are threatening business operations in Ntungamo Banana Market.
Ntungamo Banana Market, which is located in Ntungamo Municipality, receives over twenty lorries that transport bananas to different parts of the country and to other countries like Rwanda, Congo, South Sudan, and Kenya. This has attracted many people to come and work daily in this market, doing activities such as packing, carrying, and other related tasks.
Saraphian Tushabe, a businesswoman in the market, acknowledged that most traders are making heavy losses caused by thieves who steal their bags and forcefully take their money, which has increased fear among market operators. Tushabe says most of these thieves are youths who do not want to work but keep loitering in town.
Julius Niwamanya attributes the increased theft cases to youths who do not want to work, especially during this festive season when most people expect businesses to have money.
Julius further says that their security is inadequate and they only have two security lights, which do not provide enough light during the night.
Abias Atwujukire attributes the increase in theft to security officers like DISO and RDCs, noting that every constituency has an RDC but they fail to curb theft cases from the village level, and when it comes to town it becomes even worse.
Ambrose Tugumisirize attributes the theft cases to market leaders who have overstayed in power, saying the lack of opportunity to elect other capable leaders has contributed to increased theft and insecurity.
Abias expresses dissatisfaction with how the police put effort into protecting elections and campaigns but fail to fight against theft cases affecting the business community, which pays taxes. He appeals to security departments to improve their services, revealing that even when called to scenes of crime, they do not respond in time.
Marina Nasaka and Victor Nkambigumira revealed that theft of bananas has also increased within the market and that night security is not sufficient since the market is not gazetted. They add that whenever they report such cases, their leaders do not take swift action.
