Another resident, Cissy Namirembe, said persistent livestock theft had discouraged many families from rearing chickens and goats, noting that thieves now steal animals even in broad daylight.
Residents of Kituba Village in Nama Sub-county, Mukono District, have challenged their newly elected Local Council I (LCI) chairperson, Robert Wamala, to prioritise tackling crime, illegal land evictions, and the growing number of school-age children who are out of school.
The concerns were raised during a meeting at Wamala’s home in Canan Site Estate on Sunday, where he invited residents to thank them for electing him in the recently concluded village elections and to listen to the community’s immediate priorities.
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Residents cited rampant crime, land disputes involving alleged illegal evictions by wealthy individuals, lack of access to clean piped water, youth alcoholism, and inadequate support for women’s groups as some of the key challenges affecting the village.
Wamala, who previously served as the village Secretary for Defence for eight years, was elected after defeating the incumbent chairperson Abdul Kasoma.
Residents attributed the rise in crime to the increasing number of school-age children who spend their days hawking goods instead of attending school. Joyce Ngobi warned that some of the children could unknowingly be assisting criminals by identifying homes with valuable property.
“It is unfortunate that many parents are keeping school-going children at home, yet there are two free government schools nearby in Kisowera. As chairperson, you should ensure such parents are held accountable,” Ngobi said.
Another resident, Cissy Namirembe, said persistent livestock theft had discouraged many families from rearing chickens and goats, noting that thieves now steal animals even in broad daylight.
“We ask that security be strengthened so that we can confidently return to livestock farming, which helps us raise money for school fees, medical care and supporting our families,” she said.
Noel Nabbona appealed to the new chairperson to lobby for the extension of clean piped water to the village and help women’s groups access funding for income-generating projects.
Joyce Nabukwasi also expressed concern over increasing alcohol and drug abuse among young people, saying bars open as early as morning and that excessive drinking has fuelled crime in the area.
Responding to the concerns, Wamala pledged to work closely with security agencies, including officers from Nama Police Station and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) based at the Mpoma Satellite barracks, to strengthen security and curb crime in the village.
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On the issue of alleged land grabbing, Wamala said the matter had already been taken to State House in Kampala, where those accused of evicting residents had been asked to produce documents proving ownership of the disputed land. He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved.
Wamala also unveiled his executive committee, comprising Deputy Chairperson Geoffrey Lwanga, Production Secretary Edward Katende, General Secretary David Muwanguzi, Defence Secretary Fred Katwere, Women’s Representative Hadija Nanjego, Treasurer Barbra Mubangizi, and Information Secretary Kevin Otika.
