Police seek collaboration with ghetto youths to fight crime

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The police director of crime intelligence, Brig. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, has called on ghetto youths to work alongside security forces in the fight against crime.

Speaking on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Luwero district, where he presided over the launch of ghetto youth structures and a savings and credit cooperative (SACCOS) for ghetto youths, Ddamulira said police and other security agencies want young people in these communities to help eliminate vices such as prostitution, gambling, and theft within two years.

The initiative aims to reduce crime by organising ghetto youths into structured groups, equipping them with skills, and engaging them in productive activities.

The event attracted a diverse group of ghetto youth from across Luwero, including sex workers, self-confessed criminals, marijuana smokers, pickpockets, street children, and former convicts.

One of the attendees, now an artist, revealed that he was a reformed criminal who had recently served time for setting ablaze a magistrate’s court in Wobulenzi town.

Ddamulira noted that the government’s efforts to organise ghetto youths into formal structures had bridged the communication gap between them and security forces, thereby helping to curb crime.

He urged them to reject individuals seeking to manipulate them for personal or political gain, warning against being used as tools for destabilisation.

Ddamulira also pledged to support the group’s executive leadership in securing office space to facilitate their activities.

Luweero resident district commissioner (RDC) Richard Bwabye welcomed the initiative, saying it would allow the government to harness the talents of ghetto youths, which had long been neglected.

"Leaving out these people was a very big mistake, given that they are of productive age and have talents that can benefit the country," Bwabye said.

Luweero deputy RDC Saif Katabaazi, who also serves as the patron of the ghetto youth group, said the organisation had over 10,000 members spread across the district, particularly in urban areas.

He noted that their numbers continue to grow due to an influx of vulnerable people from the city.

Luweero district police commander Brighton Ahimbisibwe said security personnel in the area had learned how to work effectively with ghetto youths.

Abdul Karim Wejuli, the chairperson of the ghetto youth group, said their members had become more disciplined and law-abiding and were ready to engage in productive activities if given financial support.