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

Leaders in Budaka District have expressed deep alarm over the rising popularity of gambling activities, including card games and Ludo, which are increasingly replacing productive work among young people. What often begins as a harmless attempt to secure quick cash has evolved into a widespread preoccupation, drawing in both unemployed youth and school-going children.

Budaka Resident District Commissioner Huzair Kimbugwe stated that the office and local police have intensified operations to curb the trend. According to Kimbugwe, able-bodied young people are spending entire days lounging in trading centers playing cards instead of engaging in agriculture, vocational training, or small businesses.

Authorities point out that this lifestyle fosters laziness, fuels criminality, and deepens household poverty. Money originally intended for basic family needs, such as food and school supplies, is frequently diverted to fund gambling habits. Furthermore, the district has recorded rising school dropouts and domestic violence cases linked to the lack of proper parental guidance and financial strain.

Sub-counties such as Tademeri, Lyama, and Kameruka have been highlighted as areas heavily affected by school dropouts. North Bukedi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa confirmed that law enforcement is actively working with local leaders to impound betting machines, arrest offenders, and tackle the root causes of regional crime.

Local leaders, including district councillors and members of parliament, are urging the youth to abandon gambling and redirect their energy toward meaningful economic activities. Read more details of this report on the Daily Monitor.