DPP Renson Ingonga Urges Legal Awareness and Empowerment for the Maa Boychild

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW, has called for a renewed and strategic focus on uplifting the Maa boychild through enhanced legal awareness, civic engagement, and sustainable development.

Speaking during the Maa Boychild Empowerment Summit held at the Argyle Grand Hotel, Mr. Ingonga emphasized that empowering the boychild is not an end in itself, but a vital step toward the holistic transformation of the Maa community.

“The boychild plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the community,” he said. “Their empowerment bridges traditional values with global opportunities.”

 The summit, organized by the Senator Hezena Lemaletian Foundation under the theme “Understanding the Law and Combating Criminality Among Youth,” brought together elders, policymakers, educators, and youth advocates to explore solutions to the social and legal challenges affecting young men in marginalized regions.

Mr. Ingonga highlighted the constitutional protections granted to marginalized communities and urged concerted efforts to ensure that Maa youth are informed and able to access these rights.

He pointed to worrying trends, noting that the boychild is often overrepresented in crime statistics, yet underrepresented in empowerment programs. He also drew attention to the silent struggles many young men face, including mental health challenges and substance abuse.

“Our boys are often viewed as threats instead of potential change-makers,” he said. “This must change.”

Underscoring the importance of cultural identity, the DPP stressed the need to preserve traditions while introducing progressive reforms. “Our response must honour our heritage while embracing new realities. By working with elders, faith leaders, and educators, we can transform traditional rites of passage into platforms for civic education and responsibility,” he stated.

Mr. Ingonga reaffirmed his office’s commitment to restorative justice, including the use of diversion, rehabilitation, and community-based interventions in suitable cases involving the boychild. “Understanding the law should empower, not intimidate. Ignorance of the law offers no refuge, but knowledge of it brings protection and purpose,” he added.

“They say boys are like Wi-Fi, strong when connected, lost when disconnected. Let us not disconnect them from education, identity, or opportunity.”

He also emphasized the crucial role of the boychild in environmental conservation and climate resilience. “The Maa community has long been a custodian of nature. The boychild must be actively involved in these efforts to promote peace and sustainability,” he urged.

Senator Hezena Lemaletian, founder of the organizing foundation, noted that the summit is part of broader efforts to help the youth focus on activities that will shape their future and benefit generations to come. “Through social development, we aim to empower youth with the tools to drive positive change in their communities,” she said.