Residents of Nyungu I and Nyungu II in Kyampangara Subcounty,Kazo district gathered at the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office yesterday to voice grievances against a local farmer, Jane Ampaire Tushabe, whose livestock have been wreaking havoc on their crops. The concerned farmers, revealed that the destruction of their crops by Tushabe’s animals has been a persistent issue since 2015.

Community members expressed their deepening concern over a threat of famine as the ongoing damage has rendered them unable to cultivate their fields effectively. “We are worried about impending famine in our parish as we can no longer grow crops with fear of them being destroyed by these animals,” stated one resident.

James Tushabe who was married to Ampaire until 1995 when they stopped putting up under one roof revealed that while he is the owner of the land,he has no hand whatsoever in what his estranged wife and children are doing to the locals. He encouraged the locals to follow the law to the dot until they find legal redress.

Tushabe expressed disappointment in the district authorities for their failure to address the matter that has threatened residents with famine and loss lives.

Asiimwe Absolom, the parish councilor for Nyungu who also doubles as the subcounty speaker, confirmed the residents’ complaints emphasizing that the issue had gone unresolved for far too long. “This has been a significant problem for us and it’s time for action to be taken,” Asiimwe remarked.

Mugisha Paddy, the Deputy RDC for Kazo District assured the residents that they are aware of the situation and are committed to intervening. “It is our responsibility to address this issue,” he said adding that ‘a resolution is expected by Monday’.

Residents are hopeful that the meeting with the RDC’s office will lead to a timely resolution of the matter allowing them to resume their agricultural activities without fear of losing their hard work to roaming livestock.

The villages of Obwiino, Rwentaka and Nyabwina in Bumbaire subcounty Bushenyi district are facing an imminent food crisis after a powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc on their agricultural plantations and homes. The storm which lasted three intense hours brought heavy downpours that destroyed critical crops including coffee, bananas, cassava and bean seedlings.

Residents are grappling with the aftermath of the storm, assessing the extent of the destruction and the impact it will have on their livelihoods. Kyompaire Evas, a resident of Rwentaka Village expressed deep concern about the damage to her community’s gardens and the looming threat of starvation. “This storm has left many of us without food and we are afraid of what the future holds,” she stated.

The local leadership is equally alarmed. Bakunda Saverino, the LC1 Chairperson has made a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate assistance. “We urgently need food relief items and seedlings to help our communities recover from this disaster. Many families are on the brink of starvation,” he urged.

As families begin to recover from the shock, the urgent need for support and resources is clear highlighting the vulnerability of agricultural communities to extreme weather events. The situation remains critical as residents battle not only the physical destruction of their homes and fields but also the emotional toll of uncertainty about their future food security.

The Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, has officially blessed a newly constructed clergy house at Our Lady of Fatima Mubende Parish at the parish’s centenary celebrations held on Sunday March,2 at the parish grounds in Mubende Municipality. The parish was constructed in 1925 by missionaries of the White Fathers.

Construction of the clergy house began on September 17, 2023, featuring 17 bedrooms, three dining areas and four office spaces.

In a ceremony held at the parish grounds, Bishop Zziwa together with the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mwerikande commissioned the new building for use.

“Today, we bless this house as we did to our church before,” said Bishop Zziwa. “I will delegate some priests to bless the bedrooms, while I bless the offices where their pastoral work will take place.”

Naloongo Clare Ssebitosi Kingongo, the chairperson of the centenary celebrations organizing committee expressed her gratitude to the prelate for his support and to all who contributed to the project.

Hope Grania Nakazibwe, Woman MP for Mubende District, also praised the parishioners for their generosity and thanked the community for their financial and material contributions that made the project possible.

President Yoweri Museveni’s recent assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative in the Ankole region has left local leaders and beneficiaries compelled to express a newfound awareness of the importance of proper management and utilization of PDM funds.

Apollo Mabati, Special Assistant to the Presidential Advisor on Citizen Veteran Affairs, noted that the tour highlighted a critical gap in understanding the PDM initiative among the locals. “Many still do not fully grasp the concept and significance of PDM as a Presidential Initiative,” Mabati stated. He emphasized the need for increased sensitization efforts, suggesting that the allocation of one million shillings could be pivotal for families in generating sustainable income.

Banabas Akantambira Bakekira, a local leader echoed these sentiments, asserting that the President’s visit would drive leaders to take the initiative seriously particularly regarding the continuous education of beneficiaries on the effective use of funds. “Leaders must be tireless in their efforts to ensure beneficiaries understand how to optimally utilize this money for its intended purpose,” he affirmed.

Yonah Rusooso Male, the district councillor for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kiruhura, raised concerns about the distribution of PDM funds. He claimed that many targeted beneficiaries do not receive the funds, which often go to individuals who do not qualify for the initiative. Furthermore, he criticized the few who receive the money suggesting that it is frequently mismanaged.

Rusooso highlighted that the Presidential assessment tour instilled a sense of accountability among the beneficiaries fostering a fear of future mismanagement of PDM funds. “This tour has made it clear that improper handling of funds will not be tolerated in the future,” he warned.

As communities in Kiruhura District reflect on the lessons from the President’s tour, there is a hopeful outlook for a more informed and responsible approach to the PDM initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth in the region.

Political leaders in Kazo District and residents of Buremba Town Council are in mourning following the passing of Hon. Caroline Mugume Rwakana, the Female District Councilor who has represented Buremba since 2021.

The news of her death was confirmed by her husband, Rwakana on Saturday afternoon leaving the community in shock and grief. He revealed that his wife succumbed to cancer of the breast after battling with it for long.

Leaders who spoke to Kazo FM expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to their late colleague. Hon. Leah Naturinda Munene, the Deputy District Speaker for Kazo District described the late as a true leader, a devout individual and a friend to many in the community.

Her passing leaves a significant void in local leadership, and many are reflecting on her contributions and dedication to the people of Buremba. As tributes continue to pour in, the community is coming together to celebrate her life and legacy.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced plans to establish communal irrigation systems for farmers in western Ugand aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring consistent production cycles particularly during dry spells. The president emphasized the need for proper wetland management during a meeting with leaders from the Ankole and Kigezi regions held at Kyamate playground in Ntungamo District.

In his remarks, Museveni highlighted the potential impact of the initiative predicting that improved irrigation systems could increase banana production by over 10% scaling yields from 5 to 50 tons. He referenced the success of the Presidential Banana Development Initiative in Nyaruzinga, Bushenyi District, as a model for the planned irrigation schemes.

“Let’s focus on wealth creation for the socio-economic transformation of our people,” Museveni urged, calling on regional leaders to abandon “politics of deceit” and prioritize agricultural development. He also noted that the government allocates UgX1.5T annually towards wealth creation interventions, totaling approximately UgX 7T over five years.

The meeting was attended by various leaders, including district chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from the Kigezi and Ankole regions who gathered to discuss the president’s vision for agricultural transformation in western Uganda.

President Museveni’s initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving food security and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region which is critical for the livelihoods of local communities.

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) against misusing funds. During a presser held on Thursday February 27 at his country residence in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, Museveni stated that individuals found guilty of diverting PDM funds for personal use such as spending money on alcohol will face serious repercussions. They could serve up to 10 months in prison and will be required to repay the misused funds through labor.

“Drinking PDM money is wrong. We will arrest them and send them to government prisons where they will work without pay until the lost funds are recovered,” Museveni emphasized, underscoring the importance of accountability for government resources. He added, “You can’t take government money, drink it and expect to go unpunished. You will pay through labor. A dog that steals pays with its back,” he said.

Museveni revealed that the Cabinet is set to finalize a decision mandating offenders to serve 10 months of labor in prison gardens as compensation for misusing UGX Shs1,000,000. The president further stated that anyone caught stealing from the PDM funds would be denied bail at any level highlighting government’s commitment to tackling this issue rigorously.

Additionally, Museveni announced plans to direct local leaders, including Residents District Commissioners and Chief Administrative Officers to actively mobilize support for the Parish Development Model. This announcement came at the conclusion of his three-day PDM zonal tour of the Ankole sub-region.The sub region is a host of districts such as Mbarara, Mbarara City and Sheema, Kiruhura, Kazo, Buhweju and Rubirizi, Ibanda, Bushenyi, Ntungamo and Rwampara.

During these engagements, he met with local leaders and citizens whom he encouraged to promote the success of PDM.