A growing wave of phone theft has hit Soroti City in recent weeks, sparking concern among residents and security officials over the safety and moral behavior of the youth.
The rampant cases have prompted security agencies to launch intensified operations and awareness campaigns aimed at restoring sanity and public confidence in the city’s safety.
According to the Soroti City Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mr. John Michael Okurut, the surge in phone thefts is largely being orchestrated by young people aged between 11 and 25 years, many of whom are either school dropouts or unemployed youth loitering around the city center and trading areas.
“We have noticed an alarming trend where young boys, some as young as 11 years, are being recruited into groups that steal phones, especially from busy streets, markets, and entertainment spots,” said Mr. Okurut.
“This is not only a criminal act but also a moral decay that requires parents, teachers, and the community to get involved.”
The RCC revealed that security operatives, working with the police and intelligence units, have launched a crackdown to identify and dismantle the networks behind the vice.
Several suspects have already been apprehended and are helping police with investigations.
Authorities have identified major hotspots for phone snatching, including Soroti Main Market, Pamba Ward, Serere Park, Teso Inn, and Opuyo Trading Centre among others, where unsuspecting pedestrians are often targeted.
The thieves reportedly use motorcycles or operate in groups, creating diversions before grabbing phones and fleeing into crowded areas.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the escalating thefts, saying the situation has become unbearable.
“We can’t move freely anymore, especially in the evening. You either keep your phone deep in your bag or risk losing it,” said Ms. Grace Akurut, a vendor in Soroti Main Market.
Mr. Okurut strongly appealed to parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s movements and behavior, emphasizing that many of the offenders are minors who lack proper guidance.
“Parents must wake up and know what their children are doing after school or during holidays. Some of these young people engage in idle peer groups that eventually lead them into crime,” he said.
He added that while government security agencies are doing their part, lasting solutions require community participation through moral upbringing, vigilance, and reporting of suspicious behavior.
The RCC assured residents that the security committee of Soroti City has intensified patrols, especially at night and in high-risk zones.
He also warned that the law will not spare anyone caught engaging in or aiding criminal activities.
“We are taking firm measures to ensure Soroti remains a safe city. The security team is on high alert, and any culprits will face the full force of the law,” Okurut emphasized.
Mr. Okurut reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring law and order in Soroti City, calling for collective responsibility among citizens.
“We must work together to protect our city. Security starts with you and me,” he concluded.
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