Fear Grips Namalu As Street Children Turn to Crime and Drug Abuse

Residents of Namalu Trading Centre in Uganda's Nakapiripirit District are expressing growing fear over an influx of street children who they say are driving crime, drug abuse, and insecurity. The children, predominantly boys aged 14 to 18, have reportedly left their homes to live on the streets, where they engage in activities such as burglary and substance abuse, leading to break-ins at local homes and shops.

Locals feel increasingly powerless to address the situation and are calling for urgent action from authorities. Robert Iriama, a resident, noted that the children are of school age but have lost interest in education and are defiant towards parental guidance. He warned that drug abuse exacerbates the problem, emboldening the children to commit crimes without fear. "When you shout at them, they plan as a group and beat you up," Iriama said.

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When you shout at them, they plan as a group and beat you up.

Samuel Lokubal explained that the trend began when children were drawn to the streets by opportunities for small casual jobs. "They started coming to the streets looking for casual labor, and indeed they could work, get paid, and spend it within the streets. That's what made these children get used to street life. Now they don't want to go home," Lokubal stated.

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They started coming to the streets looking for casual labor, and indeed they could work, get paid, and spend it within the streets. That's what made these children get used to street life. Now they don't want to go home.

John Alimo attributed the worsening behavior to increased substance abuse, with children reportedly buying alcohol and drugs with money from street gambling. He criticized the police for allowing bottled alcohol sales, which are easier for minors to conceal and purchase. Thomas Losike added that residents live in fear of confrontation, suggesting temporary police detention to discipline the children.

Namalu Sub-County LC3 Chairperson Tom Olaka acknowledged that the children have parents but identified family neglect as the main driver. "Parents have deliberately failed to handle their children at the household level. Family negligence has greatly contributed to the influx of street children because parents have now prioritized drinking alcohol at the bar and forgotten about the welfare of their children," Olaka said. Grace Atai, Officer in Charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that children are a community responsibility and parents should not abdicate their roles.

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Parents have deliberately failed to handle their children at the household level. Family negligence has greatly contributed to the influx of street children because parents have now prioritized drinking alcohol at the bar and forgotten about the welfare of their children.