Security and political leaders in Mbale City have warned newly sworn-in local council leaders against overstepping their legal mandates, engaging in corruption, and neglecting their responsibility to maintain security in their communities.
The warning was issued on Wednesday during a refresher engagement meeting attended by more than 200 Village (LC1) and Parish (LC2) chairpersons from Mbale City’s Industrial Division. The meeting was presided over by Resident City Commissioner Wopuwa William alongside political leaders, security officials and civil servants.
Wopuwa reminded village chairpersons that they are responsible for security at the village level but must operate within the law and avoid taking on cases beyond their jurisdiction. “Avoid involving yourselves in cases that are not under your jurisdiction, like defilement, high criminal cases, and rape; those are not yours,” Wopuwa cautioned.
He urged the leaders to understand their responsibilities, work through their committees instead of acting individually, support government programmes and promote peace in their communities. Wopuwa also cautioned the leaders against corruption, saying their positions should be used to serve residents and strengthen security rather than for personal gain.
Deputy RCC Hamza Banja said continuous training is necessary to equip local leaders with the knowledge required to handle security and other challenges within their communities. Mbale Central Division Police Commander ASP Nelime Bwiire Susan urged the LC leaders to work closely with police by regularly convening community meetings to assess security threats and report suspected criminals.
“I urge you all LCs to adopt calling for frequent meetings in your areas to discuss the levels of security and learn to always report the criminals,” Bwiire said. She said police had recently intensified operations against crime in the city, resulting in the arrest of 33 suspects, 25 of whom had been produced in court.
“Last week, I did an operation and arrested 33 criminals, out of which 25 were produced in court. All we want is to at least make sure criminality is reduced in Mbale City, so please, village chairpersons, let’s work together,” she said. The Mayor of Mbale City Industrial Division, Madoi Abdullah, urged the local leaders to register residents and tenants in their areas to help security authorities trace people when crimes occur.
The leaders were encouraged to work closely with security agencies and other local authorities to improve service delivery and maintain law and order in their communities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
