STELLA T
The rampant cases of theft in Nyakabungo Parish, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have raised concern among residents and local leaders.
Tidiwensi James, a resident of Nyakabungo Parish, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, says that the cases of theft are going to trigger incidents of mob justice because many people are frustrated.
He blames the rise in criminality on area youth and older people who spend most of their time gambling, drinking alcohol, and not working to earn money for survival, thus resorting to stealing.
Tidiwensi noted that criminality increases due to people failing to work and undermining the available job opportunities. He appeals to area security teams to step up patrols within the area.
Turinawe Sylvia, the area councillor for Nyakabungo and Kasheeshe Parishes, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, explained that residents have resorted to sheltering themselves with cattle to counter thugs who steal animals from their homes due to rising demand.
She stressed that records show most cases include housebreaking, theft of domestic animals, and snatching of goats by night dwellers, as well as stealing school lighting conductors.
The Buyanja Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Agaba Emmy Rubodo, attributes the high cases of theft to the high poverty levels among the people in the sub-county, who resort to stealing as an alternative means of survival.
Rubodo stated that several youths are redundant, which forces them to resort to crime for survival. He wants parents to be more responsible in safeguarding their children from drug abuse.
He acknowledged the challenge, noting that theft in the area is raising alarm among leaders and residents. He asked residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals in the area, be security conscious, and urged the security team to work closely with local leaders to combat these criminals.
