05/10/2026
Building Peace in Butagaya: Tackling Youth Violence Through Community Action
Last Wednesday 30th-sept-2026 , FABIO, in partnership with the Women’s International Peace Centre, brought together community members, local leaders and security stakeholders in Buwala village Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District, for a dialogue on the growing insecurity affecting the community.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of increasing concerns about robbery and violence involving young people, including the use of pangas, as well as the influence of political divisions and personalities in creating tensions among young people and within the wider community.
The dialogue brought together the Uganda Police, represented by the Deputy RPC Kiira and other officers, the Officer in Charge, GISO, Local Council leaders including LC3 and LC1 chairpersons and councillors, and members of the Buwaya community.
One of the key commitments from the meeting came from the LC3 leadership, which pledged to engage relevant stakeholders to identify land for the establishment of a police station in the area. The leadership also called for partnerships with organisations to support livelihood and income-generating initiatives that can create employment opportunities for young people.
The LC3 also challenged residents to reject political divisions and avoid allowing political parties and personalities to turn community members against one another. Such divisions, he noted, can contribute to conflict and insecurity.
Speaking during the dialogue, Deputy RPC Katumba noted that Buwenge and Butagaya are considered crime hotspots by the police in Jinja. He assured residents that the police are working to address the insecurity and welcomed the commitment to establish a police station in the area.
He also reminded the community that maintaining peace cannot be left to security agencies alone. Every community member has a responsibility to protect and promote peace.
The Executive Director of FABIO, Joy kawunguzi, encouraged young people to resist political divisions and personality-driven conflicts that can lead to violence. She also emphasised the role of parents in raising and guiding young people, stressing that addressing youth involvement in crime requires stronger family and community responsibility.
The discussions made one thing clear: security is not only about policing. It is also about creating opportunities for young people, strengthening families, promoting responsible leadership and building communities where differences can be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.
The commitments made during the meeting including efforts towards a police station and livelihood opportunities for young people provide important steps towards restoring peace in Butagaya.
Peace begins with us. When communities choose dialogue over violence, unity over division and opportunity over crime, we create safer places for everyone.
FABIO remains committed to working with communities and partners to promote peacebuilding, youth empowerment and safer communities.
