Rubirizi,Uganda – Leaders of Rutoto Sub-county in Rubirizi District, in collaboration with security agencies, have launched a crackdown and operations to hunt down criminals, idlers and drunkards who spend time in bars and trading centres.
The operation is aimed at ensuring residents have peace, justice and security.
The Officer in Charge of Rutoto Sub-county Police Station, Afande Twesigye Bwire, has vowed to arrest all idlers who spend their time drinking alcohol and waragi in trading centres instead of working.
Afande Twesigye said his office will not tolerate people who have abandoned work and resorted to drinking from morning to evening, noting that such people will be arrested and prosecuted. He said poverty, theft and domestic violence are fueled by alcohol abuse.
He was speaking on 16th September 2026 during a community policing meeting with residents of Kyamabare Village in Rwemitagu Parish, Rutoto Sub-county.
The meeting was aimed at sensitizing residents on security laws, crime prevention, good morals, government programs and community reconciliation.
Afande Twesigye appealed to residents to cooperate closely with police to fight crime, noting that many people spend all day in bars drinking but do not want to work for the development of their families. He further blamed some parents, especially men, for being irresponsible by marrying many women and producing many children they cannot take care of, which has led to extreme poverty.
He revealed that security agencies together with local leaders have launched operations to arrest those who survive by stealing crops and livestock from hardworking residents. He warned boda boda riders to stop transporting thieves at night, saying those who will be caught will also be arrested.
The Sub-county Chief for Rutoto, Mr. Paul Musoke, urged residents to stop wasting time on unproductive activities and instead focus on working for their families so that they can have enough food, earn money to fight poverty and educate their children.
He advised women to maintain cleanliness, respect their husbands and show lasting love, saying this will help prevent family breakdowns and reduce domestic conflicts.
The LC3 Chairperson of Rutoto Sub-county, Mr. Mujomba Jonan, called upon village leaders to be exemplary and offer services to residents without segregation based on religion, tribe or political party.
Mr. Mujomba said the election period is now over and it is time for work and service delivery without discrimination. He noted that many villages in Rubirizi have failed to achieve collective development because of hatred, divisions and conflicts.
He added that local council leaders should ensure their villages are peaceful and residents are empowered to work for themselves, which will help reduce crime. He asked leaders to use office stamps properly and offer services without soliciting money.
The LC2 Chairperson for Rwemitagu Parish, Mr. Bicwa Charles, commended the sub-county leaders for starting a program of visiting villages to sensitize residents about laws and government programs, saying it will help them live without conflicts.
He warned witchdoctors and false prophets in his area, noting that government does not allow witchcraft, and said such practices should stop so that people can work together to develop their villages.
Story by: Hon. Tugume Muzafaru – Senior Reporter, Rubirizi District
