Sam A
The Resident District Commissioner of Rukungiri, Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, has urged local council chairpersons to thoroughly vet their defense committees and conduct patrols in their areas to assist in combating crime.
In an interview with our reporter, Nsubuga highlighted the rising theft cases in the district, particularly involving the stealing of animals and crops, leading to significant losses for residents.
Nsubuga emphasized that residents should act as the first line of defense for their properties. He encouraged families to cooperate in community patrols, referred to as MayumbaKkumi, and to be vigilant against lawbreakers.
He noted that local council chairpersons serve as the security heads of their villages and stressed that the police force alone is insufficient to tackle all criminal activities. Therefore, he urged residents to support the police in driving criminals out of Rukungiri and to consistently report theft cases to facilitate the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.
Additionally, Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, the Deputy RDC of Rukungiri, cautioned village chairpersons against misusing their official stamps, a practice that has led to numerous land disputes in the district.
Ongom reported that his office has received multiple complaints from banks and SACCOs about chairpersons who improperly stamp loan requisitions, allowing residents to use their properties as collateral and subsequently selling these properties to others. He warned that any chairperson found colluding with residents in such activities will be held accountable and required to repay the loan themselves.
