LC1 chairpersons have been warned against presiding over and settling cases of criminal nature beyond their jurisdiction.

The caution was sounded today by the regional CID for Mt.Moroto region Detective SP Isaac Sembera, as he addressed the community of Katanga village in Moroto.

Detective SP Sembera noted that LC1 chairpersons do not have the mandate to settle cases which are criminal in nature, citing defilement and rape among others.

He says the village chairpersons end up mishandling such cases since they do not have the capacity and expertise to handle them.

The regional CID warned that LC1s who will fall victim will be arrested and prosecuted.

On the other hand, the LC1 chairperson Katanga village, Moses Modern Lomilo revealed that most criminal suspects in his village are strangers who camp in the area, and later commit crimes.

Lomilo however says his office has a book to register visitors and new people in the locality, for easy follow up in case of any acts of criminality.

Speaking at the same meeting, some women expressed rage against their spouses, who they accused for the downfall of their businesses.

The women especially the local brewers say their husbands command them to give their drink to their friends on credit, after which they fail to pay, leading to violence in the homes.

Other challenges that the locals in Katanga disclosed include child marriages, prostitution and negligence of responsibilities especially by men.

The community policy Baraza was organized by International Justice Mission, under the project dubbed “Enhancing protection for women and girls from violence”.

According to the project officer, Emmanuel Akol, the two year project which commenced in 2021 is nearing its end this year 2023, and was covering the districts of Moroto, Napak, Amudat, Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit.