Amolatar, Uganda | The Resident District Commissioner of Amolatar, Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo, has warned self-styled pastors and witch doctors against exploiting residents, directing them to seek clearance from security authorities before operating in the district.
Rwotlonyo said security agencies are monitoring individuals accused of manipulating communities through unregulated religious and traditional practices, adding that all such operators must present their credentials to his office for verification and approval.
He explained that the directive is intended to curb exploitation and protect residents from fraudulent activities disguised as spiritual or traditional services.
The RDC also raised concern over increasing school dropout rates, blaming some parents for keeping children at home to engage in domestic and agricultural work. He revealed that an operation would soon be launched targeting such parents and urged communities to prioritise education, stressing that education is critical for the district’s development.
Rwotlonyo further condemned reports of misuse of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), noting that some individuals were allegedly feeding them to livestock to enhance growth. He said investigations are underway and warned that those found culpable would be arrested.
He added that authorities would scrutinise pharmacies and drug shops to establish how government-supplied ARVs were being diverted into illegal channels, cautioning against the sale of expired or unauthorised medicines.
The RDC commended Raphael Otaya, the Won-Atekere of the Kumam people, for extending education support initiatives to Amolatar District.
Otaya, who visited the district on Thursday, said his mission was to explore strategies for improving education standards in Kumam-speaking areas, which he noted were performing below expectations.
He revealed that the Kumam Cultural Heritage is mobilising resources and seeking partnerships with well-wishers to support education, particularly for bright but vulnerable learners and girls.
Otaya explained that the initiative aimed to ensure that children remain in school and complete their education, noting that this would help reduce crime and improve livelihoods.
He emphasised that the programme would benefit all communities in Amolatar regardless of ethnicity and called for unity between the Kumam and Lango people.
Otaya also said the cultural institution is working with district leaders to obtain education data that would be used to attract development partners to support the programme.
Meanwhile, the District Police Commander, John Mafabi, attributed school dropout rates to poverty and unfavourable home environments. He said police are working closely with local leaders and the education department to address the challenge.
According to local statistics, more than 57,000 Kumam people representing about 42% of the district’s population, live in Amolatar. The Kumam community is also spread across Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Dokolo, and Soroti districts.
During the engagement, leaders also discussed the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to address land conflicts between the Lango and Kumam communities, as well as strengthening partnerships to support struggling schools in the district.
