Local leaders from Bukonzo County in Kasese District have embarked on holding security meetings aimed at curbing the terror threats in the area.
The leaders argue that the area might have continued experiencing terror and security threats because of the ever increasing number of hawkers and mad people whom they suspect to be collaborating with the bad elements.
They raised their concerns today during a security meeting that comprised the L. C I and L. C III Chairpersons from the entire County that was held at the former premises of Bwera Primary Teachers’ College in Mpondwe – Lhubiriha Town Council.
To strengthen security in the area, the local leaders suggested to government to deploy security personnel at all health facilities which according to them are targets of the ADF rebels for drugs.
They also appealed to government to take the local leaders for patriotism trainings so that they acquire the knowledge of operating guns to supplement the efforts of security agencies in protecting the citizens.
The local leaders further asked the security operatives to reinstate the night patrols, impose a curfew in the area and investigate some homes of people suspected to be hiding unknown faces especially in Karambi sub-county.
Mr. Peter Sunday Kakule, the Nyakiyumbu Sub-county Chairperson who also doubles as the Chairperson for the eight lower local governments in Bukonzo County West commonly referred as G-8 hailed government for what he called good work done in ensuring security of the citizens.
He, however, observed need for government to reintroduce the Local Defense Units and Vigilantes among others to help the UPDF and other security agencies in securing the citizens in the area.
The Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, who urged the local leaders to be extra vigilant and active in indentifying new faces of people in their areas of jurisdictions, warned the general public especially politicians against the practice of making reckless statements on security matters.
He also asked government through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to address the challenges related to poor network, arguing that it could also contribute to insecurity.
Maj. David Bwambale Bayiringa, the Counter Intelligence Officer for the Mountain Division, called for vigilance among the community members, adding that security begins with everyone.
In his remarks, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kime, advised that all the hawkers without operational permits along the border should be handed to security.
He also asked the leaders to continue sensitizing the community against the dangers of collaborating with the ADF rebels as a way of reducing their network.
ENDS