Budaka Leaders Launch Crackdown as Ludo and Cards Replace Labor Among Youth

Leaders in Budaka District have expressed deep alarm over the rising popularity of gambling among young people, warning that games like Ludo and cards are replacing productive labor. What often begins as a casual attempt to earn quick cash has turned into a pervasive daily activity, drawing in unemployed youth and school-going children alike.

Budaka Resident District Commissioner Huzair Kimbugwe stated that the trend threatens the future of the younger generation and undermines household stability. According to Kimbugwe, able-bodied youth are spending entire days in trading centres instead of engaging in farming, vocational training, or small businesses.

Authorities note that the consequences extend far beyond individuals. Money meant for household needs, food, and school fees is frequently diverted into gambling, dragging families into deeper poverty and fueling domestic violence. Furthermore, the vice has been linked to rising school dropouts and increased criminality across sub-counties such as Tademeri, Lyama, and Kameruka.

The RDC’s office, alongside the police, has stepped up enforcement measures. North Bukedi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa confirmed that law enforcement is actively working with local leaders to impound betting machines, make arrests, and prosecute offenders.

Local leaders, including district councillors and legislators like Iki-Iki County MP Swaibu Abdu Kampanya, have called on parents to monitor their children more closely. They urged the youth to abandon gambling and redirect their energy toward productive economic ventures. Read more about this development in the Daily Monitor.