The Nalerigu Youth Association has pushed back strongly against suggestions that recent arson incidents in the town are linked to communal or tribal unrest, describing the events instead as isolated criminal acts.

In a statement released on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the group condemned the burning of two houses and an attempted attack on a vehicle, stressing that the incidents should not be misrepresented as factional violence.

According to the association, such portrayals distort the reality on the ground and unfairly stigmatise the town.

The youth leaders insisted that Nalerigu remains calm and cohesive, noting that people from different ethnic and tribal backgrounds continue to live together peacefully.

They emphasised that there is no fighting or tension within the community.

They said ongoing efforts are being made to educate young people to stay law-abiding and to work closely with security agencies to preserve peace and order.

Describing the incidents as “purely criminal,” the association alleged that the suspects involved are non-indigenes and called on law enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations to track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible.

While welcoming security interventions, the group expressed concern over the recurring imposition of curfews following such incidents.

They argued that the restrictions have placed unnecessary hardship on residents and have wrongly painted Nalerigu as a conflict hotspot.

In particular, the youth criticised limits on motorbike use and the wearing of smocks, explaining that motorbikes are the main means of transport in the area.

They said the measures disrupted livelihoods, daily movement and economic activities, especially during the Christmas period.

The association appealed to authorities to urgently review the restrictions and adopt more targeted security measures that focus on criminal elements without penalising law-abiding citizens.

Reassuring the public, investors and the international community, the youth maintained that Nalerigu remains safe, stable and welcoming.

“Nalerigu is peaceful, secure and open for business,” the statement affirmed.