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97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa is the biggest power house, source of information, education and entertainment in Western Uganda. We are second to none in playing hit music, educational programs and entertainment. We are found in Kazo district, Kazo town. Our language of broadcast is Runyakitara. Broadcasting on 97.8 FM, the station reaches 120kms out of Kazo District. Follow us on Facebook: 97.8 Kazo FM Twitter: @978KazoFM Instagram:97.8 Kazo FM Tiktok: @978kazofm

Tensions rise over land encroachment

Tensions have risen between local residents and health officials over land encroachment and sanitation issues linked to the ongoing construction of pit latrines and placenta pits at Kikyenkye Health Center III. The controversy centers around a land dispute involving Editor Korimumpa a resident of Keihangara III in Keihangara Subcounty and the district authorities.

According to reports, during the construction of sanitation facilities in 2022, Editor Korumumpa claims that her land was encroached upon by Prasma Construction Limited, the company undertaking the project. She further alleges that the proximity of the pit latrines and placenta pits to her family’s residence has resulted in persistent bad smell which she says is adversely affecting their health.

The disagreement escalated when Ibanda District RDC, Godfrey Mbetegyerize visited the scene and remarked, “The health facility is more important than the resident’s and her family’s life,” a statement that angered Korimumpa who responded sharply asserting that she should not be made to suffer due to the construction.

Korimumpa also expressed concerns about the sanitation conditions especially during the rainy season when she claims the smell from the pits worsens. She further alleges that parts of her land were encroached upon during the construction process with the new structures built dangerously close to her home.

In response to the sanitation issues, Okello Denis, Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) for Ibanda, was seen instructing Baguma Damazo, the in-charge of Kikyenkye Health Center III to ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance of the pits to prevent health hazards.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure development with residents’ land rights and health safety. Authorities have promised to investigate the matter and address the residents’ concerns to foster better community relations and ensure the safety and hygiene of the health facility.

Tensions heighten in the Caribbean

Venezuela has issued a warning of an alleged plan by extremists to attack the U.S. Embassy in Caracas with explosives amid rising tensions over Washington’s military presence in the Caribbean. Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and its U.S. dialogue delegation stated that the U.S. had been informed through “three different channels” about a “serious threat” from right-wing groups posing as supporters of President Nicolás Maduro.

Rodríguez accused extremist sectors of the Venezuelan right of preparing a false-flag operation to plant explosives at the embassy which has been closed since 2019 following the rupture of diplomatic relations with the Maduro government. Despite the closure, the embassy maintains a security staff and Venezuelan police patrol the surrounding area. Rodríguez added that a European embassy had been notified to serve as a liaison for communication regarding the situation.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately comment on the warning. The embassy’s security measures have been reinforced and the situation is being closely monitored.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated as Venezuela denounces U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. Washington claims its naval deployments are aimed at combating drug cartels while Maduro views them as threats to sovereignty. The U.S. has conducted four strikes on vessels in the Caribbean since last month, asserting that the ships traffic drugs and that their crews are “narcoterrorists,” with the latest strike killing four people last Friday.

Former President Donald Trump severed diplomatic ties with Maduro in 2019, recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate ruler and evacuating U.S. diplomats from Caracas. Since then, Maduro has accused the U.S. of fabricating narratives to justify intervention while the U.S. has not indicated plans for a ground invasion. The deployment of over 4,000 troops in the region continues to heighten regional tensions.

French Premier, Lecornu resigns barely a month after appointment

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned just weeks after assuming office amid ongoing political turmoil and hours after unveiling a new cabinet further intensifying France’s long-standing political crisis.

The French presidency announced on Monday that President Emmanuel Macron accepted Lecornu’s resignation. Lecornu’s appointment nearly a month ago was met with expectations of stability but he faced mounting pressure in recent weeks as he struggled to pass a national budget through France’s divided parliament amidst a worsening debt crisis.

Lecornu named his ministers on Sunday evening promising a break from the policies of his unpopular predecessor, Francois Bayrou. However, just hours after announcing the new cabinet, Lecornu stepped down making his government one of the shortest-lived in French history. The cabinet was scheduled to hold its first meeting on Monday afternoon but Lecornu’s resignation overshadowed the event.

Sources report that Lecornu’s decision was driven by frustration with political deadlock. “I was ready to compromise but each political party wanted the other to adopt its entire programme,” Lecornu said outside the Prime Minister’s Office.

The resignation has sparked widespread political fallout. France’s parliament has been sharply divided between far-right and far-left blocs since President Macron called for snap elections in 2024. Lecornu’s departure has triggered opposition calls for Macron to resign and for new elections to be held.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally and the largest party in parliament dismissed Lecornu’s cabinet as “pathetic” and called for a return to the polls, stating, “The only wise decision is to return to the polls.” Her party colleague, Jordan Bardella, echoed the sentiment, asserting that “National Rally will be ready to assume its responsibilities.”

On the far-left, Jean-Luc Melenchon of France Unbowed urged President Macron to step down while François-Xavier Bellamy, leader of the smaller right-wing Republicans party which collaborated with Macron’s government expressed confidence that his party has “nothing to fear from a dissolution of parliament.”

Financial markets reacted negatively to the political uncertainty with the CAC 40 index dropping more than 2 percent following Lecornu’s resignation. The development raises concerns over France’s ability to pass a budget and address its economic challenges amid ongoing political instability.

Empower youth through sports, Kabuye

Youth in Rwetamu Sub-County, Kiruhura District have expressed a strong desire for increased support from political leaders to promote sports particularly football as a means of empowering them and shaping their future. They believe that sports have played a vital role in providing educational opportunities through bursaries and have helped deter youth from engaging in unworthy activities within their communities.

These sentiments were shared during the finals of a local football competition held yesterday, October 4 at Rwetamu Playground. The tournament featured teams such as Nakateete FC, Rwetamu FC, Rwetamu Boda Boda FC and C-TEC International School Rwetamu. In an exciting match, Rwetamu FC emerged victorious, defeating C-TEC International School with a final score of 2-0.

During the event, Mr. Byambwenu, coach of Rwetamu FC expressed concern over lack of support from leaders in facilitating sports initiatives. He emphasized that sports are crucial in managing youth, helping them acquire essential skills for their future survival.

Florence Tayebwa, wife of Hon. Herbert Tayebwa, MP for Kashongi County and Kato David a resident of Rwetamu Town highlighted the importance of sports in promoting youth fitness and fighting boredom which can often lead to involvement in criminal activities.

The guest of honor, Mr. Nuwagaba Nickson Kabuye who is contesting for the position of LCV Chairperson Kiruhura District reiterated the significance of sports in talent development. He criticized the district leadership for neglecting sports programs despite the availability of government funds allocated for sports development.

Kabuye shared his personal experience as a former youth leader and noted that although he is an independent candidate, he is a supporter of the NRM government. He called on local leaders to prioritize sports and youth empowerment initiatives to harness the potential of young people in the district.

Police hunt for truck driver over hit and run accident

Police in Bushenyi district have launched investigations into the tragic death of Tumuramye Deo, a male resident of Butare in Kyamuhunga following a hit-and-run traffic accident that also left three others injured.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening at approximately 7:00 PM along the Mbarara-Bushenyi road near Bushenyi Town. According to reports, Tumuramye was riding a motorcycle registration number UFM 668T from Ishaka towards Mbarara carrying three injured passengers when a FUSO truck loaded with cows collided with the motorcycle. The truck, registration number UBE 544Y was reportedly heading from Mbarara towards Kasese.

Immediately after the collision, the truck driver fled the scene, leaving Tumuramye and the injured passengers behind. The victims are Natura Javila, 34, Mugume Isaac, 24, and Mutahunga Juma who were rushed to KIU Teaching Hospital in Ishaka, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Tayebwa Apollo, the acting police spokesperson for the greater Bushenyi police region stated that authorities successfully intercepted and impounded the FUSO truck in Rubirizi District. Efforts to locate and apprehend the truck driver are ongoing with authorities appealing to the public for information regarding his whereabouts.

The police have also emphasized the importance of road safety, urging drivers, riders, and all road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Col. Kyakabale’s candle burns out

Uganda’s Former NRA Fighter and UPDF Retiree Colonel Anthony Kyakabale Passes Away

Colonel Anthony Kyakabale, a prominent figure in Uganda’s military history has died, family sources confirmed. His life was marked by extraordinary chapters of war, loyalty, betrayal, exile and eventual reconciliation making him one of Uganda’s most enigmatic military personalities.

Born in Kabale District in southwestern Uganda, Kyakabale joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1980. Just months later, he participated in the daring assault on Kabamba Military Barracks on February 6, 1981, an attack that ignited a five-year bush war and ultimately reshaped Uganda’s political landscape.

Kyakabale rose through the ranks during the early years of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by 1988. However, by the late 1990s, strains in his relationship with the government became evident and by the 2001 elections he had aligned himself with opposition figure Col. Kizza Besigye.

In 2001, allegations of misconduct, including a sensational claim that he had stolen gold from Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo led to his fleeing Uganda. Kyakabale dismissed the charges as fabrications asserting they were a smear campaign aimed at silencing dissent. “I had never even seen a gold store,” he told the Daily Monitor in 2015. “Yet the military arrested me. Eight months in Makindye barracks, no trial, no explanation.”

His departure was further compounded by tragedy when his driver was reportedly arrested and beaten to death, prompting Kyakabale to escape into exile, first to Rwanda and later to Sweden in 2003. During his years abroad, he helped establish the People’s Redemption Army (PRA), a rebel group believed to operate from the jungles of eastern Congo fighting against the government he once served.

Despite his exile, whispers of reconciliation persisted. Efforts to reach him included diplomatic missions from Ugandan officials such as Gen. James Mugira in 2008 and Brig. Leopold Kyanda in 2009. It was not until a call from Gen. Charles Bakahumura, a former colleague, that Kyakabale finally believed in a genuine path back home.

“When he said the President wanted me back, I believed him. I respected that call,” Kyakabale recounted.

In 2015, after 12 years in exile, Kyakabale returned to Uganda, met with President Museveni and publicly apologized for past differences. The President accepted his return and months later, Kyakabale was promoted to Colonel and retired from the army during a ceremony in Mbuya.

His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey — from revolutionary fighter to exile and finally, a reconciled soldier. Whether remembered as a rebel, patriot, or pragmatist, Colonel Anthony Kyakabale’s legacy remains intertwined with Uganda’s tumultuous history, illustrating a life that never truly stopped being dedicated to service.

Museveni Orders UGX 310 Billion to Rescue Uganda’s Struggling Tea Sector

President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance to urgently allocate UGX 310 billion to support Uganda’s ailing tea industry. The funds are intended to aid tea factories, subsidize fertilizers and settle outstanding payments to seedling suppliers.

In a statement dated August 26, 2025, addressed to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Museveni emphasized the critical need to revive the sector which is vital for employment and foreign exchange earnings. The breakdown of the emergency package includes UGX 152 billion for tea factories, UGX 46 billion as fertilizer subsidies to tea growers and UGX 112 billion to clear arrears owed to seedling suppliers.

The directive follows a meeting the President held with tea farmers in Bushenyi town on August 19. During the meeting, farmers from various regions voiced concerns over persistent challenges undermining the industry. Key issues raised included lack of fertilizers, inadequate regulation of leaf quality, absence of a factory in Zombo district, frequent power outages damaging tea production, poor feeder roads in tea-growing areas and unpaid seedling suppliers since the NAADS program.

In addition to financial support, Museveni instructed Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tea sector. The resulting technical report will advise the government on whether tea should be classified as a “high-value” or “low-value” crop and will inform long-term industry policies.

Prof. Kamuntu appointed Edson Tumusiime Batuuna, Arthur Babu Muguzi, and Robert Egiku as key contributors to the review. Museveni underscored that since the tea industry employs over 154,000 Ugandans and generates millions of dollars annually, it is imperative to prevent its collapse.

Furthermore, the President directed the Ministry of Agriculture to formulate regulations aimed at standardizing cultivation practices, quality control and marketing strategies.

Ugandan tea production has grown exponentially from 3 million kilograms per year to about 60 million kilograms contributing an estimated USD 85.5 million to the national economy. The government’s intervention aims to sustain and further boost this vital sector.

Accident Claims Two in Kisoro

Police in Kisoro district have registered a tragic road accident resulting in the deaths of a couple. The incident occurred on October 2, 2025, at approximately 6:20 PM, opposite Airland Hotel in Nyakabande along the Kisoro-Kabale highway.

According to police reports, a Mercedes Benz semi-trailer Reg. No. KDR 693N/ZH5807 and a blue Bajaj Boxer motorcycle Reg. No. UDN 775S were involved in the collision. The motorcycle was carrying a man and a woman both residents of Mubuga Village, Gitendere Parish, Nyarusiza Sub-county in Kisoro District.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident and provided further details. “The semi-trailer was traveling from Kyanika Border heading towards Kabale while the motorcycle was coming from Nyakabande heading towards Kisoro town. When they reached near Airland Hotel they collided head-on resulting in the immediate death of the rider and his passenger,” Maate explained.

The deceased persons have been identified as Sebahinzi Kenneth, 40, the motorcycle rider, and Ntiringanya Sylvia, 38, his passenger.

The scene was visited and documented by ASP Ainomugisha Musa, the District Traffic Officer, along with his team. Eyewitness statements were collected and the bodies were transported to Kisoro Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations. The driver of the semi-trailer fled the scene following the accident and the vehicle remains at Kisoro Central Police Station pending inspection.

Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash, and authorities urge drivers to exercise caution along this busy highway.

Police Ban Processions as Campaigns Intensify

Police authorities in the Greater Bushenyi region have issued a strict ban on presidential candidates holding processions during their campaigns across the area. The move aims to ensure order and safety amidst the ongoing election activities.

SSP Godfrey Achilia, the Greater Bushenyi Police Commander announced the directives on Tuesday emphasizing that candidates are required to adhere to designated campaign venues identified by security personnel. He also cautioned against the concealment of vehicle number plates to prevent any misuse during campaign rallies.

“In order to maintain peace and order, candidates must stick to approved campaign sites and avoid any actions that could incite violence,” SSP Achilia stated. He further warned supporters against acts of violence or attending rallies while under the influence of drugs highlighting that police are trained to manage crowds professionally and maintain peace.

Achilia urged journalists covering the campaigns to wear press jackets for easy identification, ensuring transparency and safety during the process.

Additionally, SP Apollo Tayebwa, the regional police spokesperson, announced that no two candidates will be allowed to campaign simultaneously in the same area to prevent clashes and disturbances.

Tayebwa appealed to residents to remain peaceful throughout the campaign period urging cooperation with security agencies to foster a conducive environment for democratic activities.

The comments from police came ahead of the campaign schedule of Rtd. Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate. Muntu is set to campaign in Mitooma District today, proceed to Rubirizi on October 3, and later visit Bushenyi and Sheema districts on October 5.

Police call for calm and adherence to campaign guidelines as the region prepares for intensified political activity.

Two Arrested in Connection with Murder of 32-Year-Old Man

The territorial police in Rukungiri have made significant progress in an ongoing investigation into the mysterious death of 32-year-old Evaristo Nuwabine commonly known as Thursday. The victim’s lifeless body was discovered yesterday morning lying in a water trench along the Rukungiri-Kihihi highway bearing multiple head injuries.

According to police reports, two suspects; Muhwezi Narasensio and Tindyebwa Hillary have been arrested to aid in the investigation. Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson confirmed the development emphasizing that police are actively probing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Elly Maate stated, “Our officers responded swiftly after being notified by residents. The scene was processed and documented thoroughly. The suspects, Muhwezi and Tindyebwa are currently in custody assisting with investigations.”

The incident reportedly stems from a night of alcohol consumption involving Nuwabine and several others. On October 1, 2025, at around 6:00 pm, Nuwabine was seen in a local bar owned by Kyarikunda Moreen alongside his brothers and friends including the suspects. The group moved between different bars in the area, drinking waragi until around 11:00 pm when they parted ways.

According to the police account, Nuwabine and his brother Muhwezi left the last bar around 11:00 pm heading to their respective homes. Tragically, Nuwabine’s body was discovered yesterday at around 7:00 am by Tindyebwa Hillary one of the suspects who then alerted residents and authorities.

The deceased was found with multiple injuries on the head and a postmortem carried out at Rwakabengo HC III mortuary to determine the exact cause of death.

Elly Maate urged the public to remain calm and assured that police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the case. He also called on anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in bringing justice.

The case remains under active investigation and police continue to gather evidence to establish the motive and identify potential perpetrators.

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