The government has taken action to address the alleged encroachment on the Ankole Kingdom burial grounds located in Nkokonjeru Cell, Mbarara City, where approximately three hectares have been lost to land grabbers.

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Museums, and Monuments have announced plans to re-gazette the burial grounds to prevent further encroachment. Jacklin Nyirakiza, the Acting Commissioner of Museums and Monuments, informed our reporter on Monday that the ministry recently discovered significant encroachment on the land, with individuals erecting houses in the area.

She emphasized that the ministry is committed to reaching an amicable agreement with the local community to halt additional encroachment.

Willis Asingwire, the Chairman of Nkokonjeru Cell LC I, disclosed that part of the land was sold to local residents by the late Prince Barigye. Additionally, David Nuwabiine, a member of the royal family, has urged the government to provide compensation for those who purchased the land and have lived there for approximately ten years.

He expressed concern over the demolition of some royal tombs that have occurred due to encroachment.

On Monday morning at approximately 7:30 AM, a severe road crash occurred along the Mbarara – Bushenyi road in Mbarara city, involving three vehicles: a Grand Mark II with the registration number UAX 318V, a Toyota Wish bearing UAZ 388J, and a Toyota Hiace registered as UBK 951Q.

According to SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for traffic police, the accident was initiated when the driver of the Grand Mark II, traveling from Bushenyi towards Mbarara, failed to avoid a pothole.

This led to a collision with the oncoming Toyota Wish, resulting in the immediate deaths of two occupants in the Grand Mark II and injuring seven individuals in the Toyota Wish.

As emergency responders arrived on the scene to assist the victims, a speeding Toyota Hiace, also coming from Bushenyi, struck one of the crash victims being removed from the scene, causing another instant fatality.

The driver of the Toyota Hiace, who did not stop following the incident, was later intercepted at a checkpoint in Mbarara.

Police quickly transported the injured individuals to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and transferred the bodies of the deceased to the hospital’s mortuary.

All vehicles involved in the crash have been towed to Kashaka police station, where they await inspection.

Commentary: Hon. Jovanice Rwenduru Twinobusingye, the woman member of Parliament for Kiruhura district, has empowered P7 Candidates at Rwabigyemano Primary School Dedication Service. This was yesterday November 3, 2024.

In a heartfelt dedication service for Primary Seven candidates at Rwabigyemano Church of Uganda in Nyakasharara Parish, Kiruhura District, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiruhura District, Hon. Jovanis Rwenduru Twinobusingye, addressed the P7 candidates, urging them to harness their potential as they approach their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

Hon. Jovanis congratulated the students for reaching the verge of completing their primary education and praised their parents for the unwavering support they provided throughout their schooling journey. She emphasized the importance of education for both boys and girls, highlighting that investing in their future benefits not just the individuals but society as a whole.

Encouraging the candidates to remain dedicated to their studies, Hon. Jovanis expressed her confidence in their abilities to succeed, reminding them that the hard work they put in now would pave the way for greater opportunities down the line.

Supporting her message, Rev. Amanya Stuart, the Inspector of Schools for the North Ankore Diocese, who led the service, also encouraged the candidates to remain firm and hopeful in their faith in Jesus Christ. He underscored the importance of faith in overcoming challenges, warning against reliance on sorcery or other unwise paths.

In addition to these motivating words, Mr. Tumwebaze Henry Mugabi, head teacher of Rwabigyemano Primary School, and Mr. Calm Kabutu, chairman of the school management, emphasized the need for parents to actively cooperate with schools to foster educational development.

As the candidates prepared for their exams, many expressed their readiness, crediting the school for providing them with the necessary academic techniques and support.

This dedication service not only celebrated the hard work of the P7 candidates but also reinforced the crucial role that faith, parental support, and community involvement play in the pursuit of education.

The Chairman of LC5 Bushenyi District, Jafari Basajjabalaba, has called on the government to enhance the school capitation grant rather than resorting to threats of arresting headteachers for sending learners home to collect school fees.

During a prize-giving ceremony for top performers in the pre-PLE examinations in Igara East constituency, Basajjabalaba highlighted that the current capitation grant of 18,000 to 20,000 shillings per child under Universal Primary Education is insufficient to meet the diverse needs of schools. The event, which saw over 2,464 candidates participate, was officiated by Basajjabalaba and was supported by local Member of Parliament Micheal Mawanda.

He reminded parents of their responsibilities, emphasizing that the limited government funding often necessitates parental contributions through Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). “There is no way a headteacher can raise funds needed for school operations without involving parents, which sometimes leads to students being sent home,” Basajjabalaba stated.

Moses Rutaafa, the Bushenyi District Inspector of Schools, commended the continuation of the pre-PLE examinations, noting that they build confidence among students and help assess their readiness for the forthcoming PLE, ultimately leading to better performance.

Joshua Asingwire, Political Assistant to the MP, advised the top performers not to become complacent with their grades. He encouraged them to continue their studies diligently and not shy away from striving for excellence.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the best performers, which included mattresses, blankets, mathematical sets, pens, and pencils, rewarding their hard work and dedication.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Mbarara district, Peter Kaswabuli urged district heads of departments to avoid using complex language and abbreviations that may be difficult for some district councilors to understand. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the district budget conference held at Adit Mall Booma yesterday, Kaswabuli highlighted the varying educational backgrounds of local political leaders noting that not all are equipped to grasp intricate English terminologies.

Despite his command of English, Kaswabuli’s remarks inadvertently offended some councilors who left the meeting expressing discontent.

During his address, Kaswabuli also addressed concerns regarding government service delivery and accountability for public resources. He criticized the rising laxity within the district’s health sector where financial losses and the diversion of medical supplies have been reported.

According to Kaswabuli, unscrupulous staff members have been forging government stamps and signatures to facilitate theft. He stressed that such misuse of government property is largely attributed to insufficient monitoring and urged heads of departments to closely oversee documents released from government stores to ensure proper tracking of equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, Kaswabuli called on political and technical teams to relocate, where feasible to the new district headquarters in Bwizibwera. He emphasized that this move would enhance service delivery and reduce resource wastage, ultimately facilitating better access to government services for the community.

Mrs. Loydah Twinomujuni Kyarikunda Muhimbura, the Mbarara district councilor representing Rubaya sub-county in Kashari South expressed optimism for the future. She stated that with well-structured technical documents and improved collaboration between technocrats and political leaders the district could soon witness significant economic transformation.

Robert Kakyebezi, the Mayor of Mbarara City, has urged residents to engage in environmental conservation through responsible waste disposal. He was peaking during the 2025/2026 budget conference yesterday October 31.

Kakyebezi emphasized the city officials’ commitment to improving garbage management by introducing waste segregation systems at designated dustbin sites for biodegradable and recyclable materials.

Kakyebezi warned individuals to stop littering the environment lest they face penalties. He highlighted the importance of community participation in maintaining a cleaner city.

The mayor’s remarks followed concerns raised by several councilors regarding improper disposal of plastics, particularly regarding the Kenkombe landfill which has become a significant environmental challenge.

Jessy Niwagaba Sancho, the environmental officer Mbarara City criticized locals for allowing their cattle and goats to graze within city bounds. This practice has led to the destruction of grass and trees planted for environmental conservation. Sancho revealed that the health department is drafting notices for businesses urging them to practice waste sorting at the source of this waste. “The department also plans to evaluate medical facilities in the city to improve their waste disposal practices, aiming to reduce plastic and polythene bag waste at the landfill site”,Sancho remarked.

The combined effort of local leaders and residents is vital to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment in Mbarara City.

Manchester United have announced that Erik ten Hag has left his role as manager.

The Dutchman has departed the club after two-and-a-half years in charge. His last match at the club was a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday.

Ten Hag leaves Man Utd in 14th place on the Premier League log, seven points off fourth spot with the club only seven points above the relegation zone.The team has 11 points from the possible 27 in 9 league games

Premier League

Ten Hag was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the EFL Cup in 2022/23 and the FA Cup last season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge as interim head coach while the club recruit a permanent head coach.