FROM CRIME TO REDEMPTION: ARUA CITY’S GANG YOUTHS CHOOSE A NEW PATH

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City

In a remarkable turn of events, over 180 gang group youths in Arua city have made a conscious decision to reform their lives. This continuous and significant development was disclosed by Samuel Surundu, the internal security officer for Arua city, during a Baraza meeting with the gang members held in Sansiro on March 26, 2025.

In a call to action, Surundu Samuel urged those who have reformed to become ambassadors of change, convincing their friends and peers to leave the habit of crime behind.

The youths, who had previously been involved in various criminal activities, revealed in a letter read by Hon Oshino Rashid, the secretary for security in Arua central division, that they had turned to crime due to neglect by the government. However, after realizing that their lives were at risk, they have chosen to abandon their violent ways.

“We as the ghetto youths are reaching to you to express our concerns: we feel neglected and unsupported by government structures. Many of us leave in unsafe conditions exposing us to terrible health risks and insecurity,” read part of the letter.

Mr. Cika, the leader of the Fire Eaters gang group, has advised his members to be patient as the city explores ways to support them.
Meanwhile, the police commander of Arua central division attributes the involvement of these youths in crime to a lack of parental support.

“ Some have not yet reformed and when I move around, I always see young people who are supposed to be in school and I believe all these children have parents and this go to all of us that we have a role to play as parents” said the central division police commander.

This development is a significant step towards reducing crime and promoting peace in Arua city. The government and local authorities are therefore requested to work in unison to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that these reformed youths are able to integrate back into society and lead productive lives.

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