Cheap Alcohol and Night Discos Fuel Crime Surge in Lango

The Lango sub-region of Uganda is experiencing a worrying increase in criminal activity, with authorities pointing to cheap, illicit alcohol and late-night discos as primary drivers.

Districts and the city within Lango are reporting a consistent trend of crimes such as murder, assault, theft, rape, and defilement. The Police Annual Crime Report for 2025 ranked the North Kyoga Policing Region, which covers Lango, fourth highest in crime rates nationally. This pattern has unfortunately continued into 2026, with alarming incidents reported.

Recent events highlight the severity of the issue. In April 2026, a brawl at a disco in Apac District left seven students injured. The following month, a 16-year-old student was fatally stabbed during a disco fight in Amolatar District. In Lira City, a woman was gang-raped by intoxicated men after leaving a local hotel.

Local officials are concerned about the accessibility of cheap, potent alcohol, often sold openly, contributing to increased school dropouts, family disputes, and poverty. Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Lira City, Bonny Okello Alele, described alcoholism as a significant security threat, noting that “alcohol of Shs 1000 per bottle is a danger to this society already.”

Furthermore, traders are reportedly exploiting the loud music from night discos to mask their criminal activities. Thieves use the noise to break into homes and steal livestock and other valuables. Religious leaders are urging for stricter regulations on both alcohol sales and night-time entertainment to curb the escalating crime rates.

Despite the concerns, North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema stated that the reported incidents are isolated and do not constitute a widespread security threat, emphasizing the need for community stakeholders to collaborate on solutions.

This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.