Police attribute high crime rates in Albertine region to drug abuse

Masindi: SSP Cyprian Okino, Deputy Head of Community Policing Department in the Uganda Police Force, has asked the stakeholders to support the police in fighting crimes in public.

Okino was speaking during the Masindi district community policing meeting held at Masindi Education Hall on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The police officer decried that most youth have become a problem in this country, where some of them are involved in bad acts such as alcoholism, smoking marijuana, theft, and among others.

Okino also accused the public and the LC1 chairpersons of failing to report people cultivating marijuana in their areas of jurisdiction.

He stressed that at least 90% of inmates in different prisons and psychiatric hospitals are youth, and this is as a result of crimes and drug abuse.

‘’At least 90% of inmates in different prisons and psychiatric hospitals are youth, and this is as a result of crimes and drug abuse. This is so worrying for the country.’’

He also blamed parents and guardians, mostly men, for neglecting their grooming roles for only women and also failing to fulfil their responsibilities of keeping children in schools amid the free government education program from primary to secondary and also tertiary.

The police officer disclosed that the Albertine region is ranked number 5 out of the 29 regions in Uganda for committing crimes.

Okina said the statistics are from the 2023 crime rate report.

In specific crimes, the Albertine region ranks 1st in mob justice and 2nd in crimes of murder, burglary, suicide, child torture, and child neglect.

It ranks 3rd in child offenses and 4th in crimes of motorcycle theft, cattle theft, assault, domestic violence, and defilement.

The Albertine region also ranks 5th in vehicle theft and 6th in phone theft.

Okino attributes the rise in crimes to an increased rate of drug abuse, which he said is sometimes brought about by parents neglecting their children.

Edward Aguda, the LC3 Chairperson for Kiruli Sub County, decried that though Masindi hosts the police training school, they still have a challenge of manpower in most of the police stations in Kiruli Sub County.

He mentioned Kyatiri Police Post with three police officers, one being too old, Kaborogota having one police officer, and Pakanyi having only two police officers, stressing that they expect them to have enough security.

Aguda accused police officers of  to respond to the scenes of crime and also involving themselves in cases. The politician therefore asked police to always collaborate with area LC1 chairpersons when executing their duties.

During the same meeting, Jacob Chepskor, the Masindi District Police Commander (DPC), however, said that Masindi is one of the most hospitality districts in Bunyoro and the country at large, adding that most of the suspects arrested are always convicted in the courts of law.

He said they have tried their best to see there is peace and stability in the district. ‘’Though we are still new in the district, we have tried to do our best to ensure there is peace and stability. Masindi is ranked the safest district in Bunyoro,’’ Chepskor added.

Alfred Nkojo, an elder in Nyangahya Cell, and Robert Byabazaire, LC1, Chairperson for Bwita Cell in Nyangahya Division, stressed that most youth are involved in criminal acts, saying that though they are arrested, they are released.

James Yese, the Vice LC1 Chairman for Kitamanya Cell, says youth have been involved in drug abuse due to a lack of jobs. Juliet Kamurasi, women chairperson of Kibyama Cell, appeals for the reinstatement of patrols to curb increased theft and drug abuse cases.

James Munaku, the LC1 Chairman for Kijura Central Cell, has threatened to arrest those selling marijuana in the area since they have been empowered by security.

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