Authorities in Apac town have arrested ten street children during a joint security operation. The minors, aged between 5 and 12 years were arrested on Tuesday by a security team led by Apac District Internal Security Officer- Francis Otim.
According to Philip Mukasa, the Apac District Police Commander, the operation stemmed from public complaints that the street children had become a source of insecurity in the area.
He noted that authorities received intelligence reports indicating that some of the children were behind most of the reported criminal activities in town ranging from burglary, theft and murder.
The 10 kids who were arrested will be handed over to their parents, in liaison with the local leaders.
However, some of the street children will be charged with theft and house breaking after sieving.
The Apac DISO Francis Otim argues that taking children off the streets will not only improve safety for town dwellers but also eliminate the clutter brought by their presence on the streets.
Meanwhile, one of the children says she has been surviving on the streets for the last 2-years while feeding in garbage bins and begging from people after losing both parents.
According to Innocent Abongo the Apac District Probation and Welfare Officer, the increasing number of street children in the area is attributed to domestic violence.
