Poor parenting blamed for 'egaali' gang violence in greater Kampala

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The rising tide of the gang culture of 'eggaali', a term used to describe organised hooliganism and vandalism in Uganda, has been attributed to poor parenting and a lack of proper cultural upbringing, New Vision Online has learnt. These infamous gangs are usually used to provide protection to socialites and politicians. However, these groups have since morphed into vandals for passersby in most urban areas around the central Uganda region.

Speaking at the launch of the Greater House Mukono Foundation (GHMF), State House assistant private secretary in charge of women’s affairs, Josephine Kasaato, urged Ugandans to take responsibility for curbing this growing menace by instilling discipline and cultural values within their homes.

Kasaato was on Sunday, September 7, 2025, delivering a message from senior presidential advisor on political affairs, Moses Byaruhanga. GHMF is a forum for rallying together beginners and successors of homes in the region set up from the 1950s and earlier, to forge a unified front for restoration of neglected cultures, inter-house peace and understanding, the spirit to work and educate children.

Kasaato emphasised that addressing indiscipline at the household level is key to combating broader societal issues, such as acid attacks, domestic violence, promiscuity and other forms of ungodliness. 

"By aligning ourselves with efforts aimed at fighting indiscipline in our homes, we can deal a death blow to these evils," she said. 

The GHMF, initiated by a group of elders led by Bishop Samuel Lwandasa, seeks to revive neglected cultural practices, foster inter-house peace, promote education and strengthen patriotism in the Greater Mukono region.

Critical role of fathers

Kasaato highlighted the critical role fathers play in shaping family dynamics. She challenged men to reflect on their responsibilities, asking pointedly, "How do you expect to be respected when you cannot provide for the family, educate the children, and exhibit love to their mother?" 

Her call for accountability extended to the youth, whom she urged to abandon frivolous pursuits like chanting "Tuliyambala Engule" (We shall don crowns) without working toward meaningful goals. 

"How do you expect to wear divine crowns when you do not even bathe, refuse to work and spend days aimlessly chewing mairungi?" she said.

Rallying call to voters

Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, echoed the need for accountability but directed her message at voters. She advised them to ignore politicians who have spent decades in leadership without delivering tangible progress.

"Such leaders will only destroy good initiatives like the GHMF by keeping people embroiled in endless conflicts," Ndisaba warned. "When people are divided, programs like this fail, and poverty remains entrenched in society."

Mukono Community Liaison Officer (CLO), Shafick Kasujja, underscored the importance of land ownership documentation, urging residents to ensure their properties are free of encumbrances before purchase. He also stressed the value of education, noting that many participants in the 'eggaali' phenomenon often come from uneducated backgrounds. 

"Parents must sacrifice everything to educate their children," he said.

The event also featured insights from Tororo Circuit High Court Judge Bishop Dr Justice Henry Kaweesa Isabirye, who encouraged individuals to draft wills to prevent disputes over inheritance. 

Prepare wills before you die

"People dying intestate [without a will] are often the cause of undue battles among relatives," he said. 

Kaweesa criticised the practice of hastily dividing property after reading wills, arguing that it denies potential appellants the chance to contest unfair distributions.

Bishop Samuel Lwandasa, the visionary behind GHMF, expressed hope that the foundation would serve as a catalyst for change in Mukono, which he described as a hub of development and Kampala's entry point. 

"We want Mukono to be identified with enhanced security, unity, peace, and collaboration with development partners," he said.

Lamenting the region's economic marginalisation, he noted that despite billions worth of merchandise passing through daily, locals remain mere spectators. "Our goal is to empower households to actively contribute to these businesses and generate capacity for export," Lwandasa said.

The GHMF launch marked the beginning of a collective effort to address negative tendencies within the community. By promoting cultural restoration, education, and economic participation, the foundation aims to transform Mukono into a model of progress and prosperity. As stakeholders rally behind this initiative, the hope is that homes will become the first line of defense against the destructive forces of 'eggaali' hooliganism.