Bushenyi district has reported an outbreak of anthrax resulting in nine infections and one reported death according to Dr. Eliab Nuwamanya, the district’s acting health officer.

Dr. Nuwamanya stated that the disease which is contracted through the consumption of anthrax-contaminated meat has primarily affected residents in Ruhumuro and Kyabugimbi sub-counties. All the nine patients exhibiting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever have been admitted to Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV for treatment.

This is not the first instance of anthrax in Bushenyi; last October, an outbreak in the villages of Kafunjo and Rwenyena in Kitagata parish, Kyeizooba sub-county, resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

Dr. Robert Natukunda, the district’s veterinary officer has confirmed that four cattle have also succumbed to the disease during this current outbreak. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to guidelines from the district veterinary department to control the spread of anthrax. These guidelines include monitoring both animal and human health, conducting regular tests in high-risk areas, reporting any suspicious illnesses or deaths in humans and animals and enforcing restrictions on animal movements, along with proper handling and disposal of animal carcasses.

Moreover, Dr. Natukunda highlighted the importance of early testing, which allows for vaccination of healthy animals against the disease.

The Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi, Emmy Ngabirano has urged the community to avoid purchasing meat from unauthorized butcheries to minimize the risk of infection. Ngabirano assured residents that the district will conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of anthrax and its prevention.

Authorities in Rubindi-Ruhumba Town Council in Mbarara district have arrested 13 individuals suspected of orchestrating a series of coffee theft in the area. The arrests occurred on Tuesday following a crucial tip-off from local residents concerned about the rising number of thieves affecting local farmers.

According to Mayor Francis Karugaba, the suspects were apprehended in the Karweshanga and Kabale wards of the town council. The region has recently seen an alarming increase in coffee theft incidents prompting heightened vigilance among the community and local authorities.

Mayor Karugaba disclosed that the suspects had been employing deceptive tactics to evade law enforcement by transporting the stolen coffee beans in inconspicuous items such as laptop bags and milking cans. This strategy allowed them to blend in and avoid immediate detection while carrying out their illicit activities.

The Mayor commended the cooperation of residents in reporting suspicious activities which played a vital role in bringing the suspects to justice. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in combating crime particularly as coffee theft poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of many farmers in the region.

As investigations continue, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious activities. The arrests signal a firm commitment to addressing and reducing crime related to agricultural theft, crucial for the economic stability of the community.

Police in Rubirizi District are investigating an incident of wounding a police officer which occurred on April 6, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM in Nyakagyezi II cell along Katerera-Kyambura road.

According to Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson, the injured officer has been identified as RA 234230 PTE Yoakim Onyango, who is attached to the Kanywero Army Detach in the 209 Battalion.

The incident unfolded when Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Namudoola Oliver, Officer in Charge of Katerera Police Station embarked on a patrol with a team of police and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) officers in Katerera Town Council earlier that day.

While at Nyakagyezi II cell, the patrol team traveling in a motor vehicle registration number UBN103V WISH encountered another vehicle of similar appearance parked nearby. The officers stopped to investigate the occupants but were met with a hostile response. The suspects discharged a firearm and sped away leaving Officer Onyango injured from a bullet wound to his left leg.

Following the attack, the patrol team retaliated by deflating the tires of the vehicle used by the suspects. Officer Onyango was promptly taken to a nearby health facility for medical treatment. The scene was subsequently secured and examined by a team of investigators from the local police.

The suspects remain unidentified, and their vehicle’s registration number, UBN 856Q WISH has been documented and photographed as part of the investigation. Six empty cartridges, one which is believed to have been fired by the suspects, were collected by Scene of Crime Officers at the crime scene. However, the rifle used in the attack is yet to be recovered.

Officers involved in the incident have provided statements as part of the ongoing investigation and police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspects involved.

Police in Bushenyi District have arrested a businessman in connection with the alleged murder of a 42-year-old man while they continue to search for four local security guards involved in the incident.

The events unfolded on April 7, 2025 at around 4:00 a.m on Kikuubo Street in the Ishaka Division of Bushenyi Ishaka municipality. The deceased, Innocent Muhanguzi also known as “Body Guard,” was a self-employed resident of Katungu cell in Ward II.

According to Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson, Martial Tumusiime, the deceased was reportedly apprehended by the four security guards while standing near Duncan’s shop in Kikuubo Street. Allegations suggest that they dragged him approximately 70 meters to Edison’s shop where they began assaulting him under the suspicion of attempting to break in.

Eyewitness Magezi David, a gym attendant from Power Rangers Gym recorded part of the violent incident on his phone. Upon realizing they were being filmed, the guards chased him away.

Innocent Mwikirize, the businessman, was arrested alongside the shop owner to assist with ongoing investigations. The body of Muhanguzi was discovered in front of Edison’s shop showing multiple external injuries. It has since been taken to Kampala International Teaching Hospital for a postmortem examination.

A tragic incident has left the communities of Ibanda and Sheema districts reeling following the death of Amanya Mackline, the Senior Human Resource Officer of Ibanda Municipality. Amanya succumbed to injuries inflicted during a domestic altercation with her husband in November last year. She passed away on Saturday April, 5 at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Ishaka after a prolonged battle for her life.

The circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation by Rwizi region police officers. According to sources close to the family, Amanya’s husband, Amwiine Innocent who is also the NRM registrar for Ibanda District is a person of interest in the case. Allegations suggest that Amwiine suspected Mackline of infidelity which reportedly provoked him and led to the tragic event.

Tensions have escalated within the grieving family regarding Amanya’s burial site. Her relatives are reportedly at odds with Amwiine who is accused of using intimidation tactics with officers of the Uganda People’s Defence forces to assert control over her body from the Kampala International University Ishaka mortuary.

Amanya’s family led by her uncle Elly Muhereza is advocating for her burial in their ancestral grounds in Bugongi, Sheema District while Amwiine’s family insists on a burial in Kayenje, Nyabuhikye, Ibanda District.

Muhereza Elly spoke of the family’s wishes for Amanya’s final resting place emphasizing their desire for her to be laid to rest close to her ancestral roots.

In a related revelation, Kemirembe Ketty, an aunt of the late disclosed that the late’s husband had brutally assaulted her with a stick leading to severe injuries. Kemirembe also highlighted that her niece had expressed a wish to be buried in Bugongi.

Amanya’s body has since been taken to Mbarara Referral Hospital from Kampala International University Hospital for further investigation into the exact cause of her death. Preliminary reports from indicate that she suffered severe head and spinal injuries, marking the incident as a violent assault.

Residents of Kitongole Parish Engari subcounty Kazo district experienced a distressing incident yesterday morning one of the residents, Paddy Baryamureeba discovered one of his cows slaughtered on his farm. This shocking event has raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of cattle theft in the area.

Baryamureeba, a local farmer recounted the harrowing discovery after he woke up early to milk his cows. He noticed one cow was missing and decided to search his farm only to find the slaughtered animal nearby. Distressed by the sight, he immediately alerted local authorities and gathered fellow residents to witness the unfortunate incident.

In a statement to Kazo FM, Lay Can. Eliab Katungye expressed alarm over the rising trend of cattle theft in the community, indicating that such incidents are becoming all too common.

Gershom Mushabe, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kazo District confirmed the incident and emphasized the need for farmers to maintain close communication with law enforcement to combat the recurring issue of cattle theft.

Investigations are currently underway as authorities seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the slaughter of Baryamureeba’s cow. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in an effort to prevent further incidents.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by livestock farmers in the region and the importance of community collaboration in ensuring safety and security for all.

Police in Bushenyi district are conducting an investigation into a tragic accident that occurred on the evening of April 6, 2025, claiming the life of a middle-aged woman. The incident took place at around 7:30 PM at Kanyamabona along the Kitagata-Ishaka-Kagamba road.

The accident involved a Scania bus belonging to a Secondary School in Ibanda district registration number UAV 313F and a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle registration number UFQ 254P.

Martial Tumusiime, the spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi Police identified the deceased as Justine Nsimenta, a passenger on the motorcycle. The injured included the motorcycle’s rider, 20-year-old Gerald Akandinda along with another victim, Constanti Ampeire. All are residents of Rwoburunga village in Mitooma District.

Preliminary reports suggest that the driver of the bus was returning from Kashenyi where he had transported students to a football game. As the bus attempted to overtake the motorcycle at Kanyamabona, its side mirror struck the motorcycle, leading to the fatal accident.

Emergency responders rushed the victims to an unspecified hospital, while Nsimenta’s body was taken to Kampala International Teaching Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Following the incident, Tumusiime confirmed that the bus has been allowed to continue its journey under police escort, with plans to return to the school after dropping off the students.

Residents and local council leaders from the Kyabandara and Ganyenda parishes in Kamwenge Sub-county in Kamwenge district have expressed concerns over the safety of school-going children following the destruction of the Kyitabashegu community access bridge by heavy floods. The bridge which connected both parishes through the villages of Kyabandara One and Kinoni II was recently swept away leaving many children and residents stranded.

The collapse of the bridge has severely impacted access to schools for pupils at Makiro Primary School, Kyabandara Primary School, Rwengobe SDA Primary School, St. Mary’s Primary School and Kamwenge College School. In an alarming turn, some children have resorted to swimming across dangerous waters while others have dropped out due to the associated risks.

Residents and local leaders are now appealing to district authorities and development partners to prioritize the reconstruction of the bridge to ensure safe passage for school children and the wider community.

Kamwenge District Engineer Annet Kobusingye acknowledged the difficulties posed by the bridge’s collapse stating that they are aware of the issue and are actively working on plans for its restoration.