By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
Cultural and church leaders in Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement have urged youths to abandon gang violence and engage in productive activities following a series of revenge killings that have left the community living in fear.
The leaders appealed while speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper on Monday, warning that continued violence among youths is destroying lives and threatening peace within the settlement.
Their remarks come months after a tragic incident reported in April 2026, in which a 15-year-old South Sudanese refugee was allegedly killed by gangs in Nyumanzi Settlement. The incident shocked residents and drew widespread concern over the growing involvement of youths in criminal gang activities.
Reports from the settlement also indicate that more than two young men have since been killed in revenge attacks linked to the earlier incident, raising fears of continued violence if urgent intervention is not made.
Tina Maurine, a female youth leader in Nyumanzi Settlement, called on young people to reject violence and focus on activities that can build their future.
“Youths should leave gangs and focus on education, business, farming, and other productive work. Violence only brings pain, suffering, and death to families,” Maurine said.
She added that many young people are joining gangs because of unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of guidance, urging humanitarian organisations and community leaders to strengthen youth empowerment programs in the settlement.
Church leader Bouy Jacob also condemned the killings and appealed to youths to embrace forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
“As a community, we cannot continue losing young people because of revenge and hatred. The youths should learn to solve misunderstandings peacefully instead of using violence,” Bouy said.
He further encouraged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and guide them toward moral and responsible behavior.
Taban Gideon, another community leader, warned that the continued cycle of revenge killings could destroy the future of an entire generation if the violence is not stopped.
“These young people are the hope of tomorrow. If they continue killing one another, the community will continue suffering. They should unite and focus on development instead of gangs,” Gideon said.
Residents in Nyumanzi Settlement say fear and tension remain high as families worry about the safety of their children amid increasing gang activities.
The leaders have now called on local authorities, churches, cultural elders, and humanitarian agencies to work together in promoting peace, counseling youths, and creating opportunities that can help young people move away from violence and become productive members of society.