Following a surge in criminal activity, Ibanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Mbetegyereize has urged calm among residents, vowing to break the back of local theft syndicates through revived security committees and strengthened grassroots collaboration.
This directive follows alarming complaints from residents regarding rising theft cases, including livestock and theft of gadgets like phones along town streets.
There were allegations that some security personnel were conniving with these criminal elements to terrorize the community, forcing many to lose trust in local leaders.
Speaking after a recent security meeting, Mbetegyereize committed to implementing strict measures and reviving inactive security committees at the lower local government levels, an initiative launched last month to curb the thefts.
Chairpersons must ensure security committees meet regularly to tackle these threats. Reports from these local meetings are now mandated to be submitted to the RDC’s office for review and swift follow-up.
Addressing the allegations against security personnel, the RDC urged locals to work hand-in-hand with authorities to weed out corrupt officials. He emphasized that teamwork is essential, calling on residents to report suspicious activity immediately to ensure a secure environment for all.
The renewed focus on security follows a high-level meeting involving top officials, including AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba, aimed at restoring public confidence and reducing rising theft rates in the area.
Recent joint operations by police and the military have already resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of stolen goods, indicating that the crackdown is already in motion.