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Sheema District Woman Member of Parliament, Rosemary Nyakikongoro has pledged to advocate for a salary increment for Arts teachers if she is re-elected to Parliament. She made the commitment during a rallies in Kashozi, Kabwohe and Sheema Central Divisions within Sheema Municipality yesterday as she campaigned ahead of the upcoming NRM parliamentary party elections for the Sheema Woman MP seat.
Addressing residents, Nyakikongoro pointed out that while the government had recently increased salaries for science teachers, Arts teachers had not been considered leading to low morale among educators in the arts field. She emphasized her dedication to ensuring fair remuneration for all teachers and vowed to push for salary adjustments that recognize Arts teachers’ contributions.
She also urged women across the district to make good use of the funds she has provided to their development groups through the Sheema Women Development Forum (SWODEF). Nyakikongoro encouraged women to leverage these resources to increase household incomes, promising to inject more funds into the initiative and assist women in marketing their products to boost their economic empowerment.
The State Minister for Animal Husbandry and Member of Parliament for Isingiro North County, Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama has voiced strong criticism against individuals using his name to gain political popularity. His remarks come amid concerns raised by Patrick Asiimwe, the Vice Chairperson of NRM in Birere Sub County who addressed voters at various points across the district.
During the meetings, Asiimwe warned residents that some people have falsely claimed to be sent by the minister to stand for different political positions misleading many voters in the process. He emphasized that such claims are untrue and urged voters to be cautious of those seeking to exploit his name for personal gains.
In response, Rwamirama clarified that he has not authorized anyone to stand for any position on his behalf. He stated, “I do not decide for the people of Isingiro; whoever gets the NRM flag is the one I will support.” The minister further condemned those using his name to seek cheap popularity describing their actions as misleading and unfounded.
The Chairperson LC V for Isingiro District, Aron Turahi, echoed the sentiment stressing that all candidates should refrain from using abusive language and conduct their campaigns respectfully. The district leadership called for unity and integrity among candidates to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Police in Rukungiri district have arrested one suspect and are actively pursuing another in connection with a fatal assault that resulted in the death of Habert Musinguzi, 45. The incident occurred on July 14, at around 3:00 PM in Isherero Village, Kyatoko Ward, Eastern Division. Musinguzi was reportedly attacked during a confrontation that led to his death.
Police confirmed that they detained Byamukama John, a 45-year-old resident of Nyakashaka Village, Kyatoko Ward at the scene. Meanwhile, Nuwamanya Luke, 38 of Isherero Village remains at large as investigations continue.
According to reports, on July 13 at approximately 5:00 PM, Musinguzi was called by his sister to buy alcohol from a local bar operated by Phiona at Kyatoko Trading Center. Upon arrival, he found his son, Muhangi Davis, in the bar. Later, the suspects arrived, leading to a quarrel with Davis. Musinguzi decided to leave but was involved in the subsequent violence.
It is alleged that Nuwamanya followed Davis and attempted to confront him. When he failed to find his target, he encountered Musinguzi and reportedly assaulted him on the head causing him to fall unconsciously. Family members were informed around 8:00 PM and rushed Musinguzi to Case Clinic Rukungiri. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital but he died during transportation early the following morning.
Police responded swiftly on July 15, 2025, visiting the scene and arresting Byamukama John for questioning. The victim’s body was been transported to Rwakabengo Health Center III for a postmortem examination. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate Nuwamanya Luke and gather further information to aid in their investigation.
Colombian authorities have arrested Giuseppe Palermo, also known as “Peppe,” an alleged high-ranking leader of the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia operating in Latin America. The operation, a collaborative effort involving Colombian, Italian and British law enforcement agencies alongside Europol took place in Bogotá on Friday.
Palermo, an Italian national was wanted internationally under an Interpol red notice issued in 196 countries. He is accused of overseeing major cocaine shipments and managing illegal trafficking routes from South America to Europe. According to Colombian police chief Carlos Fernando Triana, Palermo is believed to be part of “one of the most tightly knit cells” within the ‘Ndrangheta network.
The ‘Ndrangheta which is renowned for its clandestine operations and ruthless reputation has increasingly expanded its influence beyond Italy with a significant presence in Latin America. The organization is widely blamed for importing vast quantities of cocaine into Europe controlling both maritime and land routes used in the drug trade.
Palermo’s arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate’s operations. Authorities allege that he played a central role in purchasing large shipments of cocaine from Colombia, Peru and Ecuador and in orchestrating their transportation to European markets.
The global illicit drug market continues to grow with illegal cocaine production reaching an estimated 3,708 tonnes in 2023—a nearly 34% increase from the previous year primarily fueled by expanded coca leaf cultivation in Colombia according to the United Nations. The overall value of the worldwide illegal drug trade is estimated to exceed $500 billion annually.
This arrest marks a crucial step in disrupting the ‘Ndrangheta’s transcontinental criminal activities and highlights ongoing international cooperation against organized crime networks.
Kiruhura District National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates have shunned planned joint campaign rallies for the candidates vying for the district woman Member of Parliament seat as well as constituency MPs. They have attributed this to lack of facilitation funds resulting into conducting individual campaigns.
Speaking to Kazo FM, Mr. Katamba Alex, the NRM District Registrar for Kiruhura revealed that the district could not organize joint rallies as initially planned by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) because of insufficient funds. He explained that the district lacked the necessary resources to facilitate the large-scale campaign activities which are crucial for effective voter mobilization.
“Kiruhura district was unable to hold joint campaigns because there was no money allocated for this exercise. The plan was made by the CEC but funding was not provided,” Katamba Alex stated.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kiruhura, Mr. Bakunda George, confirmed that financial constraints and security concerns hindered the organization of joint campaign rallies. He emphasized that security measures were put in place to protect the candidates and supporters during their individual rallies.
Abaho Nathan Karimali, the NRM chairman for Rwomugina Cell in Kinoni Sub-county and Twine Julius offered differing perspectives on the significance of holding joint campaigns. Nathan argued that joint rallies are unnecessary stating they tend to cause chaos among supporters. Conversely, Twine Julius suggested that such campaigns could be advantageous for voters as they offer a platform for voters to evaluate multiple candidates simultaneously.
The upcoming elections for NRM parliamentary candidates are scheduled for July 17, 2025 with campaign activities set to end on July 14, 2025. The district continues to navigate the challenges of campaign organization amid financial and security considerations.
Police in Rukungiri district are investigating the mysterious death of Benard Biryomumisho,79, whose body was found in his house on July 7 in Kasharara Village, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county, Rubabo County.
According to reports, Biryomumisho was last seen in the Nyarushanje trading center on July 5 around 4:00 pm heading home. He was known to live alone at his residence. It is alleged that the assailants gained entry into his house through the door entered his bedroom and inflicted multiple cuts on his head resulting in his instant death. The suspects then fled the scene with half a sack of coffee.
The incident was discovered on the afternoon of July 7 when the deceased’s son, Ndyareba Boneventure visited the home around 3:30 pm. Upon attempting to open the door, he found Biryomumisho dead in his bed. Police from Rubabo arrived at the scene where a team including a canine unit conducted investigations, processed evidence and documented the scene.
The body was transported to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination. Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder and are actively working to identify and apprehend the suspects. Efforts are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Isingiro district have been summoned together with rival NRM candidates for Isingiro South; the incumbent Member of Parliament, Alex Byarugaba Bakunda and his arch-challenger Mujuni Maari Asensio before NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi in Kampala on Wednesday. The aim is to find a lasting solution to ongoing political tensions in the district.
This followed a meeting chaired by Col. James Mwesigye and attended by Isingiro RDC Adah Nasiima, Minister of State for Animal Industry Rtd. Col. Bright Rwamirama and NRM District Chairperson Rtd. Lt. Moses Mushabe. The meeting was convened in response to recent political violence that resulted in property damage and the death of Lauben Ngurusi, a resident of Kihande Cell, Ruyanga Sub-county.
The closed-door session, from which journalists were barred also resolved that individuals captured in viral videos destroying property should be arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking to our reporter after the meeting, Mushabe condemned the violence warning that the district NRM leadership would not tolerate further chaos. Mushabe further announced that joint campaigns in Isingiro South remain suspended. He also revealed that previous mediation efforts between the two factions had failed to produce progress.
MP Bakunda accused his opponent, Mujuni Maari Asensio of instigating the violence. In response, Asensio called for calm and denied involvement of his supporters in any acts of violence.
Bakunda, who is also seeking re-election, expressed that the violence has affected him personally. Meanwhile, Rtd. Col. Rwamirama indicated that reconciliation efforts between the candidates are ongoing.
The Officer in Charge of Uganda National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) for Kiruhura and Kazo districts, Mr. George Mugimba has asked people in those areas to participate in the ongoing process of registering, renewing and replacing National Identification Cards (IDs).
Mugimba further revealed that the exercise is free for all Ugandans for all the services identified. Speaking to our reporter, Mugimba stated that since the exercise began on May 27, there has been a significant response from the public. The process targets individuals replacing lost IDs, renewing existing ones and registering new IDs including for newborns.
Mugimba emphasized that possessing a National ID will facilitate easier access to government services. He urged residents to report any instances where money is being solicited for in this exercise to NIRA authorities.
The Kiruhura District Chairman, Dan Mukago also called on all residents of Kiruhura in particular and Ugandans in general to participate actively in the registration process.
Christians in Kazo district have been encouraged to priotise teaching morals and cultural practices to their children .The message was delivered by Rt. Rev. Alfred Muhoozi, the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese while at St. Mark Church of Uganda in Buhembe, Burunga Subcounty during a confirmation ceremony of 86 new Christians
The prelate’s message took a reflection on two prominent figures; Hon. John Nasaasira and Hon. Sam Kahamba Kuteesa whom he appreciated for being fluent in English but still remain rooted in their mother tongue. He encouraged parents to ensure that their children learn both languages and remain rooted in their cultural values. “Why do you send your children to urban schools without teaching them their language and morals?” he questioned.
He further condemned the spread of misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok and others and urged Christians to be trustworthy and responsible in their digital interactions. He called upon believers to uphold spiritual integrity and be reliable sources of truth in their communities.
Rev. Canon Edith Mugisha of Buhembe COU expressed her joy and gratitude thanking the congregation and well-wishers for their support in making the event a success. She also called upon fellow church leaders to unite in spreading the gospel message, fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion.
The event was well-attended, attracting politicians and other dignitaries. Notably, Mr. James Rwamushaka, the Head of Laity at Buhembe COU and NRM Chairperson for Burunga Subcounty asked politicians to maintain civility and politeness during campaign periods leading up to the upcoming elections emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse in fostering peace and unity.
This celebration not only marked a spiritual milestone but also sparked ongoing discussions about moral values, responsible social media use and respectful civic engagement within the community.
On July 1, 2025, Hon. Dan Kimosho, Member of Parliament for Kazo, launched a vibrant campaign rally at Kazo Model Playgrounds to bolster support for his leadership and President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election bid.
The event attracted a large, enthusiastic crowd of supporters, showcasing Kimosho’s strong influence in the district. Local leaders from across Kazo District warmly welcomed Hon. Kimosho at the Kazo-Ibanda border, escorting him to the rally.
They praised his dedication to improving service delivery and driving development in the region. Addressing the gathering, Kimosho, flanked by district leaders, urged supporters to back President Museveni with a “100% vote,” emphasizing his commitment to furthering Kazo’s progress.
NRM Kazo District Chairperson, Mr. Wilson Nkaija, also spoke at the event, calling for unity and encouraging residents to vote for NRM candidates without tribal bias or segregation.
The crowd, energized by the speeches, offered prayers for Kimosho’s continued leadership and urged him to complete ongoing development projects in the district.
The rally, attended by all NRM chairpersons and local leaders, underscored Hon. Kimosho’s widespread popularity and the strong community support for his and President Museveni’s vision for Kazo’s future.
