Ibanda Residents Cite Street Children as Security Risk

A growing population of street children in Ibanda Municipality is causing significant security concerns among residents. Many locals argue that these children are being exploited by criminals, facilitating activities such as pickpocketing, phone snatching, and even assaults, particularly after dark.

“People cannot risk walking home at night. You must use boda bodas for safety,” stated Brian Muhereza, a concerned resident. Business owners are also feeling the impact, with some resorting to hiring private security and reporting incidents of shoplifting and theft of materials like water meters.

The municipality’s probation officer, Josephat Musiime, acknowledged the problem and indicated that measures are being implemented to address it. These include identifying and removing hiding spots used by the children, such as dense tree branches in public areas. The local police have already made arrests, with some notorious individuals being remanded for rehabilitation.

Ibanda District Chairperson, Happy Herbert Mayanja, attributed the rise in street children to moral decay and confirmed efforts to return them to their homes or rehabilitation centers. He noted that many of the children are under 12 years old, and some are placed in government facilities when parents cannot be located.

Godfrey Mbetegyereize, the Resident Commissioner, recognized the multifaceted socio-economic challenges facing the district, including the street child issue, alongside murders, theft, and corruption. He emphasized the importance of sensitizing parents and community leaders to ensure children’s welfare and reduce domestic violence, which can force children onto the streets.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/street-children-spark-security-fear-in-ibanda-5616770