Mubende Municipality is facing rising insecurity and crime, leading local leaders to express their concerns and blame the police for not keeping the community safe, especially at night. The alarming increase in reported cases of rape and defilement has left many residents frightened.
In an interview with journalists held on September 9, 2024, Thaddeus Sunday, the speaker of the district committee, highlighted that parents and community leaders feel the police are not doing enough to address the issue.
He noted that many of the crimes occur during evening hours when youth, influenced by drugs, commit these violent acts against women and children in the district, particularly in areas like Buwekula parish.
Sunday pointed out that many offenders are known to the community and often operate near police posts. Surprisingly, he stated that the police have not effectively pursued these criminals, allowing them to continue their activities without consequence.
“In Kangulumira, where there is a police post, we are still seeing a rise in kidnappings, rapes, and defilement. Despite having security personnel in the area, they have not taken enough action to stop these crimes,” said Sunday.
He also mentioned that the dense forests surrounding the district provide cover for criminals, who use these locations to commit their acts and hide afterward.
“The women and girls in the district are living in fear and cannot move in the evening or night due to fear of falling prey to these sex predators and kidnappers, which is so sad,” Sunday added.
The situation in Mubende serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address sexual violence and improve law enforcement practices. Sunday urged the police and the community to join forces in protecting vulnerable individuals and to work towards stopping the alarming rise in sexual crimes against women and children in the area.
