The Kabale District Police Commander (DPC), SP Charles Okello, has alerted residents to a growing trend of young children, often dressed in unkempt or dirty clothing, breaking into homes and stealing from households.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SP Okello noted that these children usually move in groups of three or four and, during the day, may pose as garbage collectors while scouting for vulnerable targets.
He urged residents to act as vigilant community watch persons, emphasizing the importance of personal and neighborhood security ahead of the Easter holidays.
SP Okello advised households to strengthen door locks, maintain good relations with neighbors, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
“As we approach Easter celebrations, we urge residents to conduct safety checks even at public gatherings and places of worship to prevent unfortunate incidents,” he said, stressing that security is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
Meanwhile, Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, has urged residents to plan their journeys carefully and avoid rushing, especially during the festive period when road accidents are more common.
Maate assured the public that the Police will continue to perform their duties professionally, including protecting life and property, maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime, and cooperating with other security agencies.
As people prepare to gather at prayer centers, leisure spots, and hotels, Maate called on churches, hotels, and other leisure facilities to strengthen security measures. He emphasized the importance of entrance checks, profiling guests, and ensuring safe accommodation practices.
He further urged these institutions to share timely intelligence with relevant authorities and remain personally vigilant, identifying any suspicious individuals in the community to safeguard themselves and others.
Reassuring the public, Maate emphasized that the community police are committed to working closely with residents, locally referred to as the “Wanaichi,” and will handle complaints with utmost attention and professionalism.
Cue in Maate…..on the matter……RR/Eng//