William Katsigazi Donanto, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi has expressed deep concern over the decline of local societies which he believes has hindered community development due to a lack of reliable leadership.

Katsigazi pointed out that numerous cooperatives have collapsed under the management of self-serving leaders whose motives do not align with the success of these organizations. He urged current leaders to remain vigilant and dedicated to fostering the growth of cooperatives in their communities.

His comments were made during the annual general meeting of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) held yesterday Wednesday October 23 for the Tooke cooperatives which saw participation from over 24 cooperatives across the greater Ankole region.

Katsigazi emphasized the importance of trustworthiness among leaders when managing farmers’ funds stating that cooperatives can thrive if their leaders are willing to be accountable.

George Ruyondo, chairman of the Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society praised PIBID for its initiative affirming that agricultural development is key to eradicating poverty.

Meanwhile, Celian Muhumuza chairman of the Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative which was recognized as the top supplier of bananas in the region credited their success to the farmers’ dedication to their Tooke factory.

In the ranking of cooperative societies, Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative secured the top position, followed closely by Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society.

Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni of West Ankole Diocese has urged school leaders to incorporate home economics into their curricula to better equip students with practical life skills. He emphasized that while schools focus on English speech, they often neglect cultural and practical skills that are crucial for students’ roles in their communities and homes.

Speaking at the dedication of over 180 candidates from Bweranyangi Junior School on Wednesday October 23, the prelate highlighted the importance of reintroducing co-curricular activities to help students explore their diverse talents.

Molly Nshekanabo, the chairperson of the management committee encouraged female candidates to remain vigilant during the holidays and urged parents to ensure equal educational opportunities for both girls and boys noting that girls now often surpass boys in enrollment due to increased parental focus on the girl child.

The Ibanda District Security Committee, chaired by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Mbetegyerize recently held an engagement meeting with the administration of Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm. The meeting concluded with a recommendation that the farm immediately ceases all cultivation activities in the buffer zone of R. Nyabukurungo.

Held at the Nyabuhikye Prisons Farm, the meeting addressed growing public and leadership concerns regarding environmental degradation linked to the farm’s agricultural practices. It was agreed that after the harvest expected in February 2025, there will be no further cultivation in the protected wetland area surrounding the river.

Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm is situated in Kayenje Ward, Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality, alongside the Mbarara-Ibanda highway.

RDC Mbetegyerize emphasized that the government is acting on the directive of the President, who has mandated that individuals and institutions operating within wetlands must vacate peacefully or face potential eviction without compensation. He highlighted that the erratic weather conditions currently affecting the western region are largely due to human encroachment on natural resources and he urged an immediate cessation of these harmful practices which are often the result of ignorance or negligence.

Robert Tumwesigye, the Senior Environment Officer for Ibanda Municipality instructed the Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm administration to plant recommended trees or pastures as a means of restoring the degraded Nyabukurungo wetland.

Elly Kirya, the Ibanda District Natural Resources Officer pointed out that Section 36 of the National Environment Act prioritizes the protection of wetlands and prohibits reclamation and the construction of illegal structures. This law empowers authorities to demolish any unauthorized structures located within wetland areas. He further explained that the Act enables districts to manage wetlands within their jurisdictions and to clearly demarcate their boundaries, ensuring that communities understand where the wetland limits lie, even as water levels and vegetation fluctuate.

In response, Patience Nambuya, the Deputy Officer in Charge of Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm stated that their commitment to following the guidelines and directives to safeguard vital ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Bushenyi district leaders have decided to transfer funds designated for the water sector to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to enhance water services for local communities.

During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Western Region Resource Center yesterday, leaders expressed concern over the district’s neglect of water projects despite significant investments from taxpayers.

Denis Kanyankole, the Chairman of Works Committee for Bushenyi District supported the decision emphasizing that government grants for water projects have primarily been spent on protected springs which he believes are not providing sufficient value. He argued that the funds would be better utilized by NWSC to purchase necessary materials, such as pipes and extend water supply to various communities.

Kanyankole highlighted the challenges with existing projects such as the Kyamukubwa Gravity Scheme in Ruhumuro Sub County and the Nyarugote Gravity project which consumed approximately 500 million shillings but are now ineffective as water sources have dried up leaving communities in need.

Jafari Basajjabalaba, Chairman of LC5 in Bushenyi District endorsed the decision noting that the government is incurring losses while local residents continue to face water shortages. He advocated for the district to collaborate with NWSC for better infrastructure.

Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation noted that this policy has proven effective in other districts by facilitating the extension of safe piped water to communities. He expressed optimism about the potential impact of this collaboration in Bushenyi.