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In a significant shift aimed at enhancing transparency and financial management in public education, the Ugandan government has announced that it will take over the collection of school fees for all public schools starting July 1. Officials claim this new centralized system will relieve parents of financial uncertainty and eliminate mismanagement in the allocation of school funds.
Under the revamped arrangement, parents will no longer pay fees directly to school administrations. Instead, all school fees will be routed through a government-controlled system which will then distribute the funds equitably to schools across the country. The Ministry of Education assures that this initiative will ensure that “no child is sent home due to unpaid fees” and that schools receive timely funding necessary for smooth operations.
Despite the promise of improved accountability, many school administrators have expressed skepticism regarding the new system. Concerns have been raised about potential delays in fund disbursement, which could compromise daily school operations, including staff salaries, learning materials, and facility maintenance.
Alex Kayabuki, a political analyst from Kazo sub-county, highlighted the importance of school management committees which currently collect funds directly from parents. He argued that this approach has allowed schools to respond swiftly to urgent needs especially in light of government funding delays. However, local councilors; Ham Rubainika and Charles Kampikaho have voiced opposition to this funding model warning that it may obstruct ongoing school projects and initiatives.
Conversely, some stakeholders like Kanyesigye Gadson, a local businessperson, have thrown their weight behind the new system. “This initiative has the potential to tackle issues of school management and the recurrent increase in fees that often disadvantages poor Ugandans,” he stated. Gadson believes the new funding mechanism will offer underprivileged communities greater access to quality public education.
The government’s initiative aims to provide increased financial support to schools facing challenges ensuring they can adequately meet their educational goals and improve conditions for students. As the rollout date approaches, many will be watching closely to see how this bold move impacts the educational landscape in Uganda.
The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Kamwenge district has remanded four individuals including a District Councilor on charges of murder, child kidnapping and child sacrifice. The accused were identified as Levi Amarakutunga, commonly known as DJ Levi or DJ Nyamagoya, along with Radias Tumusiime, Deus Kakuru and Francis Bainomugisha who are all residents of Kabujogera Town Council in Kitagwenda District.
The suspects were apprehended on March 16 in connection with the tragic case involving the kidnapping and murder of a 4-year-old Trinah Ainomugisha, a student at Nyaruhanda Modern Nursery and Primary School. The little girl was a niece of Amarakutunga, who is considered the prime suspect in this horrific incident.
During the court proceedings, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Innocent Ahimbisibwe, State Attorney Naboth Atuhaire urged the court to remand the suspects while investigations continue. The magistrate subsequently ordered that the accused be held at Katojo Prison in Fort Portal until April 14. Ahimbisibwe noted that once the police investigations are completed, the suspects will be sent to the High Court for trial.
At press time, Kazo FM learnt that the home of DJ Levi had been set ablaze by residents.(Details to follow on this)
The shocking nature of the case has raised concerns within the community, as residents grapple with the implications of such allegations involving local leaders. Further developments are anticipated as the investigation proceeds.
South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar was arrested Wednesday in a dramatic escalation of tensions with President Salva Kiir as the United Nations warned the country teeters on the brink of widespread violence. A convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles stormed Machar’s residence in Juba resulting in the disarmament of his bodyguards and an ambiguous arrest warrant.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the actions of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of National Security, stating, “The country’s leaders stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict.” UNMISS head, Nicholas Haysom emphasized that potential breaches of the 2018 peace agreement would devastate South Sudan and extend insecurity throughout the region.
The fragile power-sharing deal between Kiir and Machar has been faltering raising fears of a return to the civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths from 2013 to 2018. Analysts suggest that the 73-year-old Kiir has sought to sideline Machar through cabinet reshuffles and since February over 20 of Machar’s allies within the unity government and army have been detained.
Violent clashes have erupted, particularly in Upper Nile State, where government forces reportedly attacked military training centers established for integrating opposition forces into the unified army—a key component of the peace deal. Machar’s military wing condemned these actions as “terrorism” and called for international intervention.
The escalating violence and political instability have instilled fear among residents. Lilian Sukeji, a Juba resident, expressed her concerns, stating, “I feel like we are going back to war while we still need peace. Our leaders need to embrace dialogue rather than guns.”
Despite Kiir’s claims of commitment to peace following a meeting with church leaders, recent clashes indicate a worsening situation. International observers, including Norway and Germany have closed their embassies in Juba. The British and US embassies announced reduced staffing and urged citizens to evacuate signaling the mounting concern over the potential for a broader conflict in South Sudan.
The Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero has urged Ugandans to embrace herbal medicine as a viable alternative in healthcare. During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Rukararwe Partnership Workshop for Rural Development, Musenero emphasized the importance of changing perceptions about herbal remedies particularly among medical practitioners who often dismiss them as ineffective.
“Many medical professionals still regard herbal medicine as inferior, a perspective rooted in colonial-era education that continues to influence our scientific community,” said Musenero. Her remarks came as researchers showcased their work on a prototype anti-prostate cancer syrup, developed with support from the central government.
Musenero encouraged scientists to seize this opportunity to innovate, reminding attendees that “all drugs started with herbs.” She condemned the categorization of African herbs as “evil” and urged a more open-minded approach to integrating traditional medicine with modern practices.
Annet Katusiime Mugisha, the woman member of parliament for Bushenyi district also praised the researchers’ progress and echoed the call for a shift in mindset. “It’s time we stopped the negative perception of herbal medicine and recognized its potential alongside imported pharmaceuticals,” she urged.
Johnson Bitarabeho, the chairman of the Rukararwe Partnership Workshop for Rural Development shared insights on the organization’s founding principles. Established in 1986, the initiative aims to bring together herbalists to collaborate on research and develop effective herbal remedies for various illnesses. “Our goal has always been to promote the potential of medicinal herbs,” he stated.
As the conversation on herbal medicine continues to evolve, the call for a positive outlook and collaboration between traditional and modern medical practices is more critical than ever for Uganda’s healthcare landscape.
Kazo District Council has unveiled budget estimates totaling Shs25.16 billion for the fiscal year 2025/2026, as presented today by the Secretary for Finance, Hon. Ham Rubainika. Education has been allocated the largest share receiving 42.4% of the budget.
During a council session held at the Kan House Conference Hall in Kazo Town, Rubainika outlined strategies for effective budget implementation emphasizing increased household income and improved quality of life for residents of the district.
Councillors expressed their support for the education budget, citing the district’s strong performance in the 2024 results and a commitment to sustaining that success.
Additionally, the council resolved to collaborate with sub-counties to formulate bylaws regulating charcoal burning in the district. This initiative was introduced by District Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda during his address to the council.
Residents of Muttambwa, Muleete LC1, in Kyenda Town Council, Mubende District are in a state of alarm following a spate of gruesome attacks by a mysterious predator that has slaughtered 13 goats in just two nights. The nocturnal beast has left behind only bloodstains and bones, instilling fear among local families especially parents concerned about their children’s safety.
Residents report that the predator has not only targeted goats but has also attacked poultry causing widespread anxiety. “We worry about our children, especially those who are day scholars. If it can kill all our animals, it may soon target people,” one worried resident lamented. Another local farmer, Paul Rwabutugule described the predator’s tactics, saying, “This isn’t the first attack. It hides in nearby thickets and then vanishes without a trace.”
In light of the escalating threat, John Rwamwenge, the local chairperson has alerted the relevant authorities. Dr. Bernard Ssetaala, Muslims District’s veterinary officer urged residents to remain calm and to report any sightings of the animal promptly. “We will investigate before taking any action but as nights grow darker, it’s crucial for villagers to be vigilant and to trace the predator’s movements in hopes of finding a solution before more livestock—and potentially lives—are lost,” he stated.
The situation in Muttambwa echoes recent events in Lubimbiri sub-county, where an unknown beast killed over 56 goats and 18 sheep. Unfortunately, no definitive action was taken at that time, raising concerns among residents about how similar attacks might be managed moving forward. As fear spreads, the community remains on high alert, hoping for swift action to safeguard their livelihoods and security.
Two individuals responsible for the degradation of the Kirimirire wetland along the Ibanda-Mbarara road have pledged to remove all illegally dumped soil by April 1, 2025 or face arrest. This commitment came during a recent meeting convened by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Police Commander (DPC), Mayor, town clerk, District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and environmental officers.
The individuals involved in the degradation are Muzamiru Bateyo and Godwin Tusiime along with his wife Mary Birungi. They are accused of avoiding legal repercussions despite their actions having severely impacted the wetland’s ecosystem. The RDC expressed frustration over the situation emphasizing the need for adherence to the president’s directives regarding wetland conservation.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that all wetlands are restored at all costs,” the RDC stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental protection.
The Ibanda Municipality town clerk, Authman Ssebaduka criticized the slow response from municipal teams regarding enforcement calling for more decisive action to address environmental violations.
Ibanda municipal council’s environment officer, Robert Tumwesigye highlighted lack of consultation by developers with the technical team pointing out the need for greater awareness and adherence to environmental regulations.
In support of the restoration efforts, the Deputy Mayor of Ibanda Municipality assured the community that the office of the mayor will work closely with the town clerk to facilitate the rehabilitation of degraded wetlands.
During the meeting, Muzamiru Bateyo apologized for his actions attributing them to lack of technical guidance and expressed his intention to cooperate with authorities in rectifying the situation. Meanwhile, Godwin Tusiime and Mary Birungi, represented by their associate Mr. James Ariho, also committed to fulfilling the directive to remove the soil by the established deadline acknowledging the potential consequences of non-compliance.
Pope Francis made a triumphant return to the public eye on Sunday March 23 emerging from Gemelli Hospital in Rome more than five weeks after being hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff’s appearance marked a moment of relief and joy for the catholic faithful and his supporters.
Prior to his appearance, hospital officials confirmed that plans were in place for the pope to greet the public from a window. As he appeared, seated in a wheelchair, Francis waved to the gathered crowd and spoke in a faint voice, saying, “To all… and I see a woman with yellow flowers… She is ‘brava,’ good.” He then made a sign of the cross before waving to the crowd once more.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers of “Francesco! Francesco!” as the pontiff was wheeled away, a testament to the affection felt for him among his followers.
Throughout the morning, the area outside the hospital had been filled with well-wishers while many others gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to watch the pope’s greeting on large television screens. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis has been in stable condition for the past two weeks.
Following his brief public appearance, the pope’s motorcade, consisting of at least seven vehicles, departed from the hospital. He was seen in the front seat of a white Fiat 500, driving back to the Vatican where he will continue his recovery.
This public appearance has lifted spirits among the faithful and signifies a hopeful step towards the pope’s continued engagement with the global community.
A high-level delegation from the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has committed to regular interactions aimed at bolstering coordination between their military operations. This agreement was announced during the fourth Proximity Commanders’ Meeting held at Igongo Country Hotel in Mbarara City which was concluded yesterday.
Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces emphasized the importance of the collaboration highlighting that both nations share borders that require effective security cooperation. He stated, “Our discussions have revealed the challenges posed by porous borders that allow illegal transactions. It is imperative that we work together to enhance cross-border security.”
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding illegal border crossings with participants urging stakeholders in immigration to decentralize control points. This initiative aims to establish midway customs points to facilitate lawful movement of individuals and goods across the borders.
The Rwandan delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Pascal Muhizi, Commander of the RDF 5th Division who was welcomed by UPDF officers including Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of Uganda’s 2nd Division at the Mirama Hills border post.
Police in Bushenyi District are investigating the murder of Vicent Kawesi,25, from Uganda Technical College commonly known as Kahaya. The tragic incident occurred on the night of March 18 in Kahaya Village, Rwentuha Town Council.
Martial Tumusiime, spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Police confirmed that Kawesi was a student at the college and had left campus that evening for leisure activities. His body was discovered on March 19, at approximately 7:30 AM by local residents along the roadside in Kahaya Village, adjacent to the Bushenyi-Mbarara Highway.
Sgt. Rajab Kutosi of Rwentuha Police Station reported that they received a phone call about the situation and acted swiftly to investigate further. Upon discovery, Kawesi’s body was found lying on its chest, with blood oozing from his mouth and nose. The condition of the body suggested significant trauma, as there were indications that his neck was loose.
Police are conducting an ongoing investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this heinous crime.
