At least 15 students are among more than 50 suspected criminals arrested during a security crackdown in Kitgum Municipality over the weekend, with police releasing some of the students after verifying their identities and school records.
The operation targeted suspected criminal activities in the municipality, particularly groups allegedly involved in night-time offences.
Benedict Igama, the DPC of Kitgum district, said more than 50 people were initially arrested and subjected to screening to establish who was involved in criminal activities, while separating students, minors and other people who had not committed offences.
Igama said about 40 suspects remain in police custody and are being processed for different offences, including possession of opium.
Five of the suspects are expected to be presented to the Resident State Attorney for legal advice before police proceed with prosecution.
He said said some of the students were found in possession of opium and were involved in assaulting or robbing people around Pager Bridge at night.
“Six of the students are Primary Seven candidates, while the others are secondary school students from Comprehensive Secondary School and Kitgum High School,” Igama said.
Igama disclosed that some of the students were released after their parents presented report cards confirming that they were enrolled in school, while their parents were also strongly cautioned to monitor their children during the school holiday.
Stephen Labalpiny, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kitgum, said the screening was necessary because the operation had also picked up innocent people, students and children.
“During the operation you don’t say everybody is a thief. There are some innocents, there are also some students, and there are also some children between 15 and 17 years,” Labalpiny said.
He urged parents to take greater responsibility for children who have returned home for the holiday by keeping them engaged in productive activities and monitoring their movements and friendships.
Labalpiny warned that children could easily be influenced by peers who are not in school and become involved in criminal activities.
He advised parents to know their children’s friends, monitor when they leave and return home and be aware of visitors who come to interact with their children.
“Parents should know their responsibilities in taking care of the children who have come back for holidays,” he said.
He encouraged parents to involve children in farming, household work and other productive activities, saying such activities can help them acquire practical skills while keeping them occupied during the holiday.
Those who could not provide proper identification remained in custody as police worked to establish their identities and backgrounds.
Labalpiny said some of the suspects are residents of different divisions of Kitgum Municipality, including Pager, Pandwong and Central, while others are believed to have recently moved into areas such as Westland.
Authorities also identified some suspects as having existing case files, including individuals whose files had already been sanctioned for prosecution.
The crackdown is part of efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities in Kitgum Municipality, particularly offences allegedly involving young people and groups operating at night.
Labalpiny said students who are cleared after screening would be handed back to their parents but warned that they could face further action if they were subsequently found involved in criminal activities. “This is the final term, and we really want these young boys and girls to concentrate on class,” Labalpiny said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
