Rubirizi Police Warn Magambo Residents Over Rising Crime, Domestic Violence

RUBIRIZI — Police in Rubirizi District, together with the Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) and local leaders, have warned residents of Magambo Sub-county against crime, domestic violence, alcohol abuse and other behaviours that threaten community safety.

The warning was issued during a community security policing meeting held at Kanyara Trading Centre in Butoha Parish, Magambo Sub-county, as police and local leaders stepped up efforts to address rising cases of crime in the area.

The meeting was led by Twesigye Caleb, the Rubirizi Police Community Liaison Officer, and Arinitwe Johns, the Officer in Charge of Magambo Police Station.

Twesigye said the sensitisation was intended to create awareness across villages in Magambo about new government directives on alcohol consumption, prevention of domestic violence, crime prevention, theft and land-related disputes.

He warned residents involved in criminal activities that security agencies had started operations to identify and arrest offenders.

Police expressed concern over what they described as increasing cases of livestock theft, drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and other forms of theft in Magambo Sub-county.

Twesigye urged residents to obey the law and work with security agencies by reporting suspected criminals and other unlawful activities.

Barry Wickliff, the project coordinator at Communication for Development Foundation Uganda and one of the facilitators, urged local leaders and residents to promote good conduct, harmony, mediation and productive livelihoods.

Wickliff encouraged residents to engage in income-generating activities that can improve their households while avoiding conflicts that could escalate into criminal behaviour.

He said the training also targeted LC1 and LC2 leaders, equipping them with knowledge about their roles in handling community disputes, including small claims and other cases that can be resolved at the local level.

He urged residents to use their local leaders to resolve disputes before they escalate.

Birungi Narsisio, the Magambo Sub-county LC3 chairperson, also warned residents against engaging in theft, violence and assault, saying such activities could result in arrests, prosecution and lengthy court cases.

He urged residents to take responsibility for their actions, obey the law and cooperate with security agencies and local leaders.

Birungi further expressed concern over rising cases of domestic violence, saying they were causing pain, conflict and division within families.

He encouraged residents to report perpetrators and work closely with police and local leaders to address domestic violence and other crimes in the community.

Local leaders in Kanyara Village, including Katushabe Agnes and Kyomuhangi Jovuret, welcomed the security sensitisation programme and thanked Rubirizi Police for taking security education closer to residents.

They said community policing would help residents understand how to prevent domestic violence, identify and report criminal activities and improve cooperation between communities, local leaders and security agencies.

The leaders said continued community engagement could help reduce crime, improve livelihoods and promote peaceful coexistence among residents in Magambo Sub-county.