Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zadock Amanyisa
Published on 2024-01-30 15:30:00
Stakeholders in Bushenyi District have emphasized the need for government intervention to enhance the capacity of local councils and police in order to address the high crime rate and promote justice in the area. The leaders made this appeal during a meeting for the “It Could Be You” campaign organized by the Communication for Development Foundation Uganda, a local organization.
According to Simon Toloko, the Bushenyi Chief Magistrate, the key to reducing and preventing crime lies in utilizing the “down-up approach,” which involves empowering the local council courts and enabling effective investigations by the police. Toloko emphasized the importance of strengthening the LC system and ensuring that the police are able to identify potential offenses in order to effectively combat crime.
The District probation officer, Faith Amanya Betega, underscored the critical role of the LC1s in preventing crime, highlighting the need for collaboration between the LC1s and the police. She emphasized that when these entities work together, they can effectively prevent and address criminal activities, ultimately reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.
Jafari Basajabalaba, the Bushenyi District chairperson, called on the government to provide reasonable salaries for LCs and police officers to enhance their effectiveness in law enforcement. He stressed the need for adequate remuneration and allowances for these officials to ensure they can carry out their duties efficiently.
The stakeholders, including religious leaders, LCs, police, and prisons, pledged to collaborate in their efforts to prevent crime and alleviate the congestion at the Bushenyi main prison. The prison, which was designed to accommodate 150 inmates, currently holds over 1000 inmates, making it the most congested prison in Uganda.
The meeting, which took place at the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), aimed to address strategies for sensitizing citizens on crime prevention and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The objective is to work towards creating a safer and more just environment for the residents of Bushenyi District.
