Day time drinking, Matatu among men worries leaders in Muramba

By Gerald Niyirinda

 Local leaders in Muramba Sub County have raised concerns about household heads in the sub county spending more time in drinking joints and playing cards for money instead of engaging in agriculture.

The agricultural sector in Uganda which employs over 60% of the population is facing a serious challenge caused by Alcohol dependency and inability to covert from subsistence to commercial farming.

The latest trend shows a change in behavior among men in Muramba Sub County and other parts of the district who have abandoned their responsibility of farming and providing for their families.

Instead, the men from as young as 22 years upwards choose to spend their time in bars and playing Matatu.

Charles Karitwe, the Muramba Gombolora Internal Security Officer (GISO) says it’s unfortunate that men meet up in the wee hours of the morning, over a glass of potent gin (Waragi) to shake off the hangover blues of the previous night.

“We need Government to recognize Alcoholism as a major threat to national development and enforce drinking hours before it is too late”, Karitwe says

According to Karitwe, matters are only worsened when the men started playing cards for money. He says those who lose the little they have, transfer their anger and frustration on their wives and children at home.

Kellen Muhawe, the Muramba Community Development Officer says the circle of poverty will continue to affect adults and their children for years to come unless they decide to change their behavior.

Muhawe says Government is prepared to support families that have experienced Gender Based Violence and help them turn their lives around however willingness to change must first come from both the men and women in the community.

Nzabona Francis LC III chairperson requested the people of Muramba sub-county especially youth to stop playing cards because it is dangerous and wastes a lot of their time which can be utilized in productive work.

Munyambabazi Dan Muramba sub-county Chief says more pupils are dropping out of school because parents, care givers and other role models in the community have also lost their way.

Munyambabazi says it is high time, the communities in Muramba Sub County find positive ways of returning hope to the children before they become thieves who will terrorize them and leave them with regret.