The committee overseeing the welfare of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in Tororo District has raised concern over the increasing number of street children forming gangs at Malaba border, terrorizing residents, particularly at night.
During a meeting at the Teachers’ Resource Center in Tororo on Tuesday, District Senior Probation Officer Alamai Suzan presented a report highlighting that these street children smoke opium as they gang up, waylay, and rob people, especially in a hotspot known as “Kibuga Kyantisa” in Malaba town.
Committee members were informed that these children are reportedly influential and connected to some prominent figures, enabling them to rob anyone, including security officers, without repercussions.
The gangs have overwhelmed local police, creating unsafe areas and breaking into parked trailers and homes at night.
The committee also expressed concern over the increasing number of street children in Tororo town, which poses a significant security threat to the population and their properties.
Jorem Onyango, District Senior Labour Officer and chair of the meeting, acknowledged the growing number of street children in both Tororo and Malaba towns and called for an urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to find lasting solutions.
Meanwhile, Tororo District Police Commander (DPC) Nuwe said he was hearing about the “Malaba children gang” for the first time but pledged to take immediate action.
Owino Emmanuel, Senior Probation Officer at Tororo Municipal Council, reiterated the need for urgent stakeholder intervention to curb the menace of street children in Tororo municipality, as well as the rising theft in Nyangole Sub County.
He noted that 70% of the children in Tororo town come from local families, with the remainder coming from neighboring Manafwa district in Bugisu. Owino also identified a dangerous corner in Water Village where children smoke opium, sniff glue, and aviation fuel as they plan their nightly activities.
Akumu Rebecca, Tororo District Vice LC5 Chairperson, expressed shock that children terrorizing Malaba border are often arrested but immediately released by police. She said the gang leaders frequently escape before legal action can be taken, allowing them to continue raiding homes and tying up victims.
Okecho Julius, Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Tororo, tasked the DPC with addressing the issue urgently, calling it a minor problem that can be “nipped in the bud.” He reassured residents, saying that while these street gangs are concerning, the government has a proven record of defeating rebel groups and will handle the situation.
The committee recommended strict enforcement of existing ordinances to curb night-time fundraising activities, which contribute to rising teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, child marriages, defilement, child neglect, and child labor.
The measures will target sub-counties including Nyangole, Mukujju, Magodes Town Council, Rubongi, Kalait, Petta, Mella, Nawire, Mwello, Mukujju, and Nagongera Town Council, among others.