DOKOLO: Rose Akello Erem, the LCIII Chairperson of Dokolo town council who double as heads of the security in Dokolo town council has issued a stern warning to the money lenders who are taking advantage of the impoverished community by extorting money in the name of providing loans.
This was disclosed during a meeting organized by the District Security Committee with bar, lodge, and petrol station owners to address the prevalent issue of theft in the area.
The meeting took place at the Dokolo District Council Hall.
Jacob Ogwang, the LCI Chairperson of Akaidebe cell in Central Ward, Dokolo Town Council, expressed concern over the unscrupulous tactics used by some money lenders to fraudulently claim community belongings as collateral and to recover their loans.
This, he warned, could lead to a rise in insecurity.
The District Officer in Charge Criminal Investigation Department of Dokolo, speaking at the meeting, highlighted the lack of awareness among the community about loan laws and principles, which poses a major challenge.
The Resident District Commissioner of Dokolo, Babra Akech, revealed that they have decided to hold a meeting with all money lenders to monitor and regulate the interest rates they charge, particularly for female borrowers.
Akech also stressed the importance of women avoiding fake money lenders, as these can have a detrimental impact on their families.
Furthermore, Akech announced that all bar and lodge owners must register their customers on a daily basis, recruit local security personnel to guard their establishments, install CCTV cameras, and enforce noise regulations to prevent disturbances past midnight, among other measures.
Her Worship Irene Nambatya, the Chief Magistrate of Dokolo and Amolatar, advised bar and lodge owners to keep track of their customers’ identities and obtain proper identification in order to combat the growing insecurity in the area.
She emphasized the need for detailed customer information to be prioritized by lodge and bar owners in Dokolo District.
