Kazo district leadership convened a significant workshop today at St. John’s C.O.U, bringing together headteachers from government primary schools to discuss educational progress and challenges in the area. The annual workshop, a customary event held at the start of Term One serves as a platform for headteachers to collaborate with district leaders on critical educational matters.

In an interview with Kazo FM, John Bosco Tumwesigye, the Inspector of Schools for Kazo District emphasized the importance of this meeting noting that it allows for open dialogue about initiatives and improvements within the education sector.

A highlight of the workshop was the election of a new committee for the Kazo Headteachers Association. Tumushabe Paddy was elected as the new chairman, who vowed to work closely with the Kazo District Education Department to enhance educational outcomes and support for schools in the district.

LCV Chairman Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda urged headteachers to be understanding regarding school fees. He discouraged the practice of sending children home for non-payment of fees, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in education and the need to keep children in school regardless of financial challenges.

As the workshop concluded, the district leaders and headteachers reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an educational environment that supports all students in Kazo highlighting the community’s collaborative efforts to address ongoing challenges within the educational system.

Works on Ekitobero-Kashanyarazi Karugangama Circular Road in Nyamitanga, Mbarara City South Division have officially been launched amidst community dissatisfaction as residents demanded for a tarmac road. The project is worth Ugx Shs.11.8 million.

Crowds in Ekitobero expressed their frustrations chanting for a tarmacked roadway. They highlighted the adverse conditions created by dust during the dry season and mud during wet periods both of which have detrimental effects on their businesses.

The event was officiated by Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbarara City South Division, Robert Kanusu and attended by several notable figures including Mbarara City Mayor, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, Deputy City Town Clerk Ejeu Simon and City Engineer William Bananuka along with other local council leaders.

Kanusu acknowledged the long-standing neglect of routine maintenance on the road but assured attendees that the newly-launched project would adhere to the established Bills of Quantities (BOQs) ensuring proper execution and value for taxpayers’ money.

Kakyebezi encouraged the community to embrace the road improvements to bolster income-generating activities and enhance household incomes. He appealed for unity, urging residents to set aside divisive politics and focus on the transformative opportunities provided by local government initiatives.

Regarding financial matters, Kakyebezi addressed questions about the Ug Shs 134 million budget balance left from the Katete Bridge project. He confirmed that this amount has been sanctioned by the city council to construct a temporary bridge at Kanyeite, which will link Nyakaizi Kakoba to Karugangama Katete. He noted that any major bridge project in the city must receive approval from the Ministry of Works and Transport which has already conducted assessments of the Kanyeite Bridge.

South Division Mayor, Jomo Mugabi also stressed the community’s preference for a tarmacked road over a gravel one echoing concerns raised by residents. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the execution of the road works and called on the city engineer to provide accurate measurements of the road’s width to prevent potential corruption and misappropriation of funds.

The launch of this road project marks a critical step toward improving infrastructure in Mbarara City but the voices of the community highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and transparency to meet public needs effectively.

Police in Kazo district are investigating a shocking case of alleged domestic violence in Meru Meru, Kataraza, Nkungu sub county that claimed the life of Rev. Mishach Kahembera, a prominent pastor in the United Pentecostal Church and a respected community leader.

Kahembera was reportedly killed by his two biological sons; Naboth Mugabe and Amos Nuwabiine at around 6:00am of Wednesday February 5. The duo are said to be still at large after taking off on a motorcycle following the incident.

Kahembera, 60, was a dedicated servant of the church, overseeing the United Pentecostal Churches activities in Kazo district and other parts of the country. His elder brother, Boaz Turyagyenda, a councillor for Kataraza Parish disclosed that Kahembera had been grappling with severe domestic issues, particularly following the tragic death of his wife, Rosset Tushabe in June last year.

The incident resulted into the arrest of Mary Busingye, her son Arthur Agaba and two suspects in the murder of Kahembera linking the death of Tushabe to the ongoing cycle of violence within the family.

Mugabe and Nuwabiine were later released while investigations were not yet concluded while Busingye and Agaba are still detained at Rugongi Prison in Kiruhura district.

“It is with a heavy heart that I recount the struggles my brother has faced,” Turyagyenda stated. “Domestic violence has plagued our family, leading to devastating consequences including the loss of his wife. We never anticipated that it would come to this,” he revealed.

Nabimanya Daphine, Kahembera’s stepdaughter shared her harrowing insights into the family’s turmoil lamenting about the recent death of her mother and expressed shock at the violence that has unfolded leading to the untimely death of her stepfather.

“This is a tragic end to a long history of violence in our family. We are overwhelmed by this loss and seek justice for our loved ones,” Daphine said.

Seth Byaruhanga, the district councillor for Nkungu Sub County condemned the violent incident highlighting on the urgent need for community intervention and support for families experiencing domestic challenges. “We must come together to address the issue of domestic violence in our communities and ensure that such tragedies end,” he emphasized.

As investigations into Rev. Kahembera’s death continue, community members are left grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, mourning the loss of a beloved religious leader while advocating for an end to domestic violence in their midst.

Police in Kazo District are investigating a chilling case of attempted murder involving a father and his five year old son. Kiiza Barnabus, a resident of Akagando Cell in Akatongole Parish, Migina Sub county is accused of allegedly attempting to kill his five-year-old son, Nuwasasira Ronald.

According to local residents, the incident occurred when Kiiza allegedly took his son to a secluded area and left him in a trench, hoping he would die. The child was discovered on Monday February 3 in a trench, showing signs of distress and in poor health condition. Residents have expressed their shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Kato Patrick, a police officer at Migina Police Station confirmed the incident and reported that a passerby found the boy and alerted authorities.

Following the report, police launched a search for Kiiza eventually locating him in his home village of Akagando. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at Migina Police Station as investigations continue.

Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and supportive, particularly for vulnerable children, while they work to gather more information and ensure the safety of Nuwasasira Ronald.

The case has raised alarm in the community, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support and intervention for individuals facing personal struggles that could lead to acts of violence against family members.

Hundreds of people in Ntungamo district gathered on Monday February 3 in Ntungamo Municipality to partake in the launch of Tarehe Sita activities organized by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 401 Brigade. The event was spearheaded by Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Gumizamu Kafureeka, alongside police and prison officials, as they led a procession through the municipal grounds and streets.

The gathering which featured a diverse group of participants including local leaders, civil servants, business owners and market vendors all of whom collaborated in cleaning and sanitizing the area. Lt Col Kafureeka emphasized the importance of Tarehe Sita celebrations highlighting the bond between the UPDF and the civilian population especially when deployed for operations.

“We appreciate the community’s support for the revolution,” said Kafureeka. “Your continuous cooperation with UPDF is crucial in our ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” he further said.

This year marks the 44th anniversary of Tarehe Sita which will be celebrated in the Greater Masaka region under the theme, “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation.” The term ‘Tarehe Sita’ means “the sixth day” in Swahili, referring to February 6, 1981, the day on which the fight against a government that arose from contested 1980 elections began with an attack on Kabamba military barracks.

During the event, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Ntungamo, Byarugaba Isaiah Kanyamahaane praised the UPDF for being a trustworthy army revered nationally. He commended the business community for their involvement in the cleanliness activities and urged them to continue these efforts within their respective areas of influence.

Senior Health Inspector, Jovat Tumushabe also expressed gratitude towards the UPDF and emphasized the vital partnership that has been cultivated between the forces and the local community.

The Tarehe Sita celebrations embody a historical legacy of struggle and a commitment to collective progress underscoring the harmonious relationship between Uganda’s military and its citizenry.