By Weswa Ronnie
NAMISINDWA
Seven Sub Counties in Namisindwa district have written to the office of the Resident Commissioner requesting for reinstatement of Sono UPDF barracks.
The seven sub counties that made the formal request on Wednesday, 10th January, 2024 are; Bumbo town council, Bumbo Sub County, Bukokho, Lwakhakha town council, Bumwoni Sub County, Mukhuyu and Bukiabi.
This follows the increased cases of armed robberies whereby this week unknown armed thugs robbed 40 million shillings from a businessman at Bukokho Sub County. Again in Bukokho last during Christmas time, armed men raided a home of businesswoman and took over 20 million shillings at gunpoint.
On Tuesday night, they raided a home of another businessman known as Yusufu Kitutu Walutsa from Sehana TC village, Kaboyi parish, Bumwoni Sub County but fortunately he was not at home having spent a night at a second wife’s home.
According to John Wafula, the LCIII chairperson of Bukokho Sub County, they have drafted a letter to the RDC’s office wanting the government of Uganda to reinstate UPDF barracks of Sono located at Bukokho Sub County which was evacuated by government in 2016.
He added that if UPDF is in the area, they will help to man the area since police have failed to curb down armed robberies.
Michael Khaukha, the LCIII chairperson of Bumwoni Sub County also says that whenever they call police to encounter these armed robberies, they fear to come since they are armed.
‘’We believe it is only UPDF soldiers who can encounter these armed robbers who are giving sleepless nights to locals,’ Mr Khaukha said.
John Musila, the area Member of Parliament representing Bubulo east constituency in Namisindwa district has supported the LCIII chairpersons saying this is the only way of restoring peace in the area.
Honourable Musila said ‘’ NRM government brought freedom so nobody should fear to do business because he or she fears being robbed at night at gunpoint.’’
He urged the security leaders in the district to carry out serious investigations about these robberies since it’s mainly in sub counties at the border point with Kenya.
Jackson Wakwaika, the LCV chairperson of Namisindwa district urged people in the district to be security cautious by reporting any new suspected people in the area to police.
‘’I urge the government to increase police offices at Lwakhakha police station, Bumbo police station and Magale police post such that they manage to man the region well,’’ Mr. Wakwaika said.
Imran Muluga, the Namisindwa Resident District Commissioner confirmed receiving the letter from LCIII chairpersons saying he is planning to hold security meetings at all sub counties neighbouring Mount Elgon National Park and those neighbouring Kenya border where these cases are high.
He added that it is after these meetings that they will come up with final resolutions about how to restore security in the district.
