Lagaya Villagers Declare War on Theft and Alcoholism

22 October 2026, 12:21 pm

By Otim Moses

Residents of Lagaya Village have declared war on theft and alcoholism, resolving to enact tough village bye-laws to restore peace and security in the area.

The declaration came during a highly charged community dialogue meeting [Baraza] held on 22nd October 2026, where men, women, youth, elders, clan leaders, and the village security committee converged to confront the growing vice.

Community members identified alcoholism among youth, rampant theft, late night movements, and attacks on travelers as the major problems threatening the village. Auch stream was singled out as a notorious hotspot where travelers returning late from town are attacked and robbed.

The meeting took a dramatic turn when Lamara Esther narrated how she was attacked at Auch stream while returning home late and all her money was taken.

Her testimony ignited anger and urgency among residents, who immediately demanded action.In response, the community together with the LC3 Chairperson of Labongo Amida West Sub-county, Mr. Oloya Amos, agreed to identify all hotspots, ban late night movements, and conduct night patrols by the village security committee. Villagers also voted to enact bye-laws on alcoholism, theft, and other life-threatening acts.

In order to break the alcohol chain, residents resolved to increase the price of alcohol, noting that when prices go up, consumption goes down and the health of youth is regained.

They also committed to promoting hard work among young people and called on clan leaders to come in and support enforcement.

“When hotspots are identified, culprits can easily be got,” an elder said, as the crowd endorsed the resolution.

Ms. Atimango Roselyne Eunice said alcohol is not only a problem to the community, but sensitization is needed on what time to drink, the purpose of drinking, and the time allocation for drinking. She stressed that security organs must act and late night movement must be enforced.

Hon. Odera Sunday, the Councillor III for Lamora Parish, said alcohol consumption in his area has become rampant not only among youths but also among women and men, which has created a platform for gangs to use it as an excuse to run away from doing productive work.

He called upon stakeholders and local leaders to come up with a village structure and strong implementation on alcohol consumption in the area.

Mr. Oloya Amos, the LC3 Chairperson of Labongo Amida West Sub-county, called upon Police to support the village security team, while residents were warned that culprits taken to court must be followed up by the complainant until they are convicted.