Apac, Uganda – As Ibuje Town Council continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, so too does the challenge of keeping it safe.
The town, which has seen an influx of workers due to the ongoing construction of the Rwekunyu-Apac-Lira-Puranga road, is grappling with rising crime, including theft, robbery and alcohol-related disturbances.
Mayor Alfred Jawaso, who is determined to restore peace and order, is taking decisive action.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented growth in population, with many young people coming here looking for work at the Gulsan Construction site. While this has brought economic opportunities, it has also opened doors for criminal activities,” says Jawaso.
The mayor is not backing down. He is working closely with local police, the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and community leaders to curb crime.
One of his key strategies has been to enlist the help of the Local Council Chairpersons to ensure every newcomer in the community is registered.
“We can’t afford to leave anyone unidentified. We need to know who’s in our town,” Jawaso explained.
In a recent security meeting, the mayor emphasized the need for quick response times from local authorities.
“The police have been incredibly responsive, and their support has made a huge difference in our ability to tackle crime,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Jawaso remains optimistic and believes that with stronger collaboration between the community, local leaders and security forces, Ibuje can continue to grow while staying safe.
“We’ll trace these criminals to the very last dot,” he promises. “They won’t get away with it.”
