Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality is facing a severe shortage of primary school teachers as a growing number of educators are opting for early retirement.

Saverio Mukobi Byarufu, the town clerk of Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality, revealed that in just one month, six teachers submitted their applications for early retirement. This trend poses a significant threat to the academic performance within the municipality.

During an address to school heads at the official release of mock examination results, Byarufu emphasized the importance of dedication and patriotism among teachers, urging them to fulfill their roles until the age of 60 before considering retirement.

He expressed concern that the increasing number of retirements would compromise service delivery to students, especially as schools are already facing staffing shortages.

Byarufu highlighted several factors contributing to the decision of teachers to retire early, including marital responsibilities, work-related pressures, and inadequate financial compensation.

At least seven people have been confirmed dead while over 30 have sustained injuries following a collision between a bus and a truck in Kirumba Village, Lwengo District, in the wee hours of Monday August 19 on the Masaka-Mbarara highway.

The accident occurred around 4 a.m. as a speeding bus, registration number UBQ 621 Z, owned by Gateway Bus Company, collided head-on with a Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBM 673 K, which was loaded with sacks of maize flour. The truck was traveling from Masaka to Mbarara City. The deceased, who are yet to be identified, were reportedly on the bus coming from Kabale in western Uganda en route to Kampala.

Eyewitness Richard Ssekitoreko, chairperson of Kirumba Village, stated that many passengers on the bus sustained various injuries, while those in the truck also suffered multiple injuries, including fractures. He attributed the crash to the bus driver’s attempt to overtake another vehicle.

“The bus driver was in the process of overtaking a Jaguar bus when he miscalculated, resulting in a head-on collision with the oncoming truck,” Ssekitoreko explained.

Close to 69 passengers are believed to have been on board. Many of the injured were taken to local clinics in Kyazanga Town Council and Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.

Twaha Kasirye, Southern Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that a traffic team is on-site gathering information about the crash and revealed that, “I will provide a detailed statement once our team returns from the field.”

This incident marks the third fatal crash involving a bus on this highway in the past year. On August 28, 2023, a bus owned by Global Bus Company, registration number UBB 985 M, skidded off the highway, resulting in two deaths and over 20 injuries. Just days later, another accident involved a bus from Perfect Coaches, registration number UBF 025G, also skidded off the highway, killing at least two and injuring 17 others.

In response to the rising number of road accidents, police reintroduced Operation Fika Salama (Reach Home Safely) along major highways last year to combat reckless driving. Despite the road’s smooth surface and climbing lanes, the Masaka-Mbarara highway remains one of the country’s most accident-prone routes.

A devastating road accident on the Mbarara-Masaka Highway in Sanga Town Council, Kiruhura district has claimed the lives of two individuals early this morning.

The collision occurred at approximately 5:45am and involved two Fuso trucks; a milk tanker with registration number UBB 905J, traveling from the Masaka side, and a truck loaded with matooke, registered as UBG 727P, coming from Mbarara.

The victims have been identified as Mugabe Eric, 48, a resident of Kyazanga in Lwengo District, and Gumisirizi Abubakari, an adult male hailing from Isingiro District. Both men died instantly in the collision.

The driver of the milk tanker sustained serious injuries and was rushed to an unspecified medical facility within Mbarara City for treatment. Due to the severity of the accident, local authorities arrived at the scene shortly after the collision, but the bodies of the deceased had already been transported by family members to Kyazanga.

Initial investigations carried out by the Traffic Police suggest that reckless driving by both truck drivers may have been a significant factor in the incident. Witnesses at the scene reported that the trucks collided head-on, resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles.

SP Samson Kasasira, the Public Relations Officer for Rwizi Region, states that police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

He urged the public to observe road safety regulations and drive responsibly to prevent similar tragedies. “We cannot overemphasize the importance of safe driving. This accident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless behavior on the road,” he added.

Naboth Nandeeba, an aspiring candidate for the Kazo District Chairman LCV position and Operations Manager at Capacity Services, has donated seven culverts to the residents of Rwemengo and Mbogo parishes in Kanoni Sub County.

The donation, made yesterday, aims to facilitate the construction of a crucial bridge at Nyanja Point, which is located along the essential route connecting Kanoni, Mbogo, and Ekyambu.

Nandeeba’s donation was prompted by a direct appeal from local stakeholders who expressed their dissatisfaction with the poor service delivery from current district leadership. They outlined their pressing needs and specifically requested seven culverts for the bridge project.

Nandeeba responded promptly, providing the necessary funds to acquire the culverts.

Local residents, including Nuwamanya Michael and Lay Can. Edward Black, voiced their appreciation for Mr. Nandeeba’s generosity. They conveyed their gratitude and pledged their support for him in the upcoming elections.

The community has faced significant challenges, particularly during the rainy season, when the condition of the roads hampers their ability to transport agricultural produce. This ongoing issue has exacerbated local poverty levels, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in the area.

In his remarks, Nandeeba expressed his gratitude to the residents for their commitment to the development of their community, emphasizing that the donation is just one part of his broader vision for enhancing the quality of life in Kazo District.

Bod boda riders from the Igorora stage in Igorora Town Council, Ibanda South Constituency, Ibanda District, have voiced their concerns to local leaders about the poor condition of the Igorora-Keihangara-Rwomuhoro road.

In an interview with Kazo FM, the riders reported that during the rainy season, the road becomes waterlogged and is filled with potholes, particularly in Fundo Valley, which resembles a flooded area. They are urging their local leaders to provide culverts to improve the situation.

Fred Tumuhairwe, the chairman of the Igorora stage, stated that they have tried to fill the potholes with bricks and soil, but the road continues to be in a deplorable condition.

Mr.David Kataniisa, the Igorora ward councilor and secretary for social services in Igorora Town Council, also expressed his concerns, warning that the August rains are likely to render the road completely impassable, putting residents at risk and businesses at stake.

The Chairperson of LC5 Ibanda District, Happy Herbert Mayanja explained that plans are in place for renovations, but they are yet to secure funding.

Attempt to reach the Area Member of Parliament, Hon. John Paul Ninkusiima for his input on the matter were futile since his known contact numbers were not reachable.

Robert Atuhairwe, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bushenyi, has initiated an investigation into allegations that parish chiefs in Nkanga Sub-County have been soliciting illegal fees from residents seeking access to parish model development funds.

During a recent meeting at the sub-county headquarters, local residents reported that parish chiefs were demanding payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 UGX to register beneficiaries into the system. Some residents also claimed they were asked to pay for office data.

Dorah Nagasha, the District Principal Commercial Officer, emphasized that registering beneficiaries should be a free process. She stated, “If anyone is found soliciting money, we will conduct a thorough investigation. Those implicated will face arrest and prosecution based on the evidence provided.”

RDC Atuhairwe supported calls for action against corruption, stressing the government’s commitment to fighting corrupt practices.

He assured the community that those found guilty of misconduct would be required to refund the money and face charges in court. Atuhairwe commended residents for coming forward to voice their concerns and encouraged them to continue reporting any suspicious activities.

With these developments, the district administration aims to restore integrity in the management of parish development funds and ensure that all citizens can access these vital resources without unnecessary financial burdens.