In partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, Uganda’s first 5G Network, Airtel Uganda has announced the launch of the 11^th Edition of the highly anticipated Kabaka Birthday Run. The pronouncement was made during a press launch held at Bulange, Mengo, on Tuesday, 27^th February 2024.

Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga (Centre), the Katikkiro of Buganda, Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali (3^rd L), 2nd Deputy. Katikkiro Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa (2^nd L) and other officials from Airtel Uganda and Buganda Kingdom during a photo moment at the launch of the 11^th Edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run which is slated for 7^th April 2024.

Just like the previous year, this year’s theme, “Ending HIV/AIDs by 2030”, reflects the collective efforts to fight one of the most pressing global health challenges.

The Kabaka Birthday Run has become a hallmark event on Airtel Uganda and the country’s annual calendar in celebration of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, birthday which champions noble causes that resonate with the community.

Speaking during the launch, Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali, challenged Ugandans to join in on the marathon for the betterment of our communities.

Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali, making his remarks at the launch of the 11^th Edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run which is slated for 7^th April 2024.

He said: “This year, as we lace up for the Kabaka Birthday Run, let’s run for a cause close to our hearts: ending HIV/AIDS. Together, let’s channel the spirit of community and run in solidarity with those affected by this global epidemic. Proceeds from the run will directly support the fight against HIV/AIDS, aligning with the theme of Ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

This theme embodies our collective vision of a world free from HIV/AIDS and serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and champion action towards achieving this goal.”

The 10^th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run which was held last year sold over 100,000 kits to participants and was rated as one of the most successful marathons. Same as this year, last year’s edition was also garnered towards the fight against HIV/AIDs by 2030.

Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro of Buganda, spoke about the vision the Buganda Kingdom has for the initiative.

He said: “Our vision is to bring about social and economic transformation for the people in the kingdom and for Uganda. We want our people to have a happy and decent livelihood, but the major factor that is going to determine social and economic transformation is health, especially that of the ordinary person because it is the ordinary person that contributes significantly to the growth of any country. We therefore join the efforts of the international community, UN AIDS, Uganda AIDS Commission, and all people involved in promoting our health in the fight against HIV AIDS. And we should all be happy because the Kabaka is a good ambassador for the African continent.”

He also recognized Airtel’s positive contribution towards the 11^th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run which has become one of the most successful marathons held in the country and a dear event to the people of Buganda.

The kits are available at select Airtel Uganda shops like Thobani center, Ben Kiwanuka street and the New Tax Park, and they can use Airtel Money to purchase them by dialing, *185*. Select option 5 then select KABAKA RUN.

More than 20 families in Kazo district in areas of Rukiga, Rwakakungu –Bugarihe-Rwemikoma sub-county, Kagaramira central –Nkungu sub-county , Akengyeya parish –Kyampagara sub-county and Kazo town council  are counting losses after heavy rains destroyed their homes on Monday evening.

The heavy rain that was characterized by strong winds and hailstorm started at around 5:30pm on Monday and lasted for close to two hours.

The heavy rains blew off the rooftops of several houses in the area leaving several families out in the cold. It also destroyed several hectares of garden crops including beans, cassava, rice, banana plantations and maize among others.

Eliab Owakukiiraoru, the LC I Chairman Kagaramira central also expressed his worry that this area could be hit by an outbreak of famine following the destruction of garden crops. 

Musa Karema Nasaranda, Akegyeya parish councillor also vice chairperson Kyampagara sub-county noted that the heavy downpour has caused so much suffering to residents in the area calling for immediate government intervention.

He also observed that the area could be hit by an outbreak of famine following the destruction of garden crops.

Police in Bushenyi District are investigating circumstances under which a one year Engineering student at Kampala International University (KIU) committed suicide by hanging.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed this incident saying that it happened on Sunday 25th February, at Cell D ,Butamba ward, Ishaka division, Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality.

He identified the deceased as Opirin Bonifance who has been in his first semester and has been renting at Kamukama Estate Hostels in cell D, Ishaka division where he was found hanging on a rope.

It is alleged that on Sunday February 25^th, at around 12:30pm, a fellow student staying in the same hostel went to pour dirty water in the bathroom and found the deceased hanging on the rope.

He immediately alerted fellow students who came and identified the deceased and informed hostel manager as well as the owner who immediately informed the Police via a phone call.

The Police immediately swung into action, visited the scene and retrieved the body to KIU teaching hospital mortuary Ishaka for postmortem examination.

According to police report, two packets of rat poison were found in the bag of the deceased inside his room of residence.

The body was taken to Kampala International teaching hospital Ishaka for postmortem examination as inquiries into the matter continue. 

Kazo Secondary School and Buremba Secondary School have been selected as examination centres for candidates who were unable to meet the minimum grade requirements in the 2023 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams.

According to Agume Robert, the District education officer –Kazo the decision follows a directive from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) where District Education officers were required to identify two suitable centers for those who do not pass their UCE, under the old lower secondary school curriculum to re-sit the exams.

According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, 2023 marked the final year of implementing the old curriculum, therefore candidates who were unable to meet the minimum grade requirements ought to retake the exams for advancement to the next academic level.

Professor Celestino Obua, the UNEB Chairperson, highlighted that this group will be provided a one-time opportunity to re-sit the examination under the old curriculum.

Professor Obua added that the same treatment will be given to candidates who did not register for the 2023 examination, those who registered but did not attend. Furthermore, adult learners studying independently will also be afforded a one-time chance for examination.

The exams are scheduled between June and July 2024.

However, he added that the chance to sit the one-off examination will not be availed to candidates who sat their Primary Leaving Examination – PLE after 2019.

Across the Country, at least 14,879 candidates who sat their UCE exams in 2023 did not meet the required minimum grade requirements.

Police in Mbarara are investigating circumstances under which three people perished in a road accident yesterday.

The accident involving a Toyota Prado TX REG. No UAV 632T and two motorcycles REG. No. UFW 194M and another yet to be identified motorcycle occurred at mile 2 along Mbarara -Masaka Highway.

Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson revealed that preliminary findings indicate that the Toyota Prado REG. No. UAV632T that was coming from Masaka side heading to Mbarara city knocked two motorcycles that were headed to the opposite direction at mile 2.

Two of the deceased were passengers traveling on a motorcycle REG. No. UFW 194M while the other was riding a motorcycle yet to be identified.

According to Kasasira, the motor vehicle lost control and knocked a pedestrian and the two other motorcycles.

Kasasira explained that the accident victims were rushed to Mayanja Memorial Hospital whereas the three bodies of the deceased were taken to Mbarara regional referral hospital for postmortem examination.

He added that the wreckages of the vehicles involved in the crash were towed by police to Mbarara central police station pending inspection.

Grade One magistrate’s court in Ibanda has sentenced a 20-year-old man to three months in prison for stealing his boss’ money.

While appearing before her worship Esther Murungi on February 20^th, Richard Nkamuhebwa was convicted after he confessed to the court that he transferred UGX 450,000 from Francis Nampa’s mobile telephone to his friend’s mobile wallet on January 15^th.

After he pleaded guilty to the crime, the magistrate sentenced the convict to serve a three-month prison term, less of the time spent on remand at Nyabuhikye Prison. The convict had spent 21 days on remand.

The convict, who hails from Rwemikoma in Kazo, was at the time of the theft working at Jeeb’s Bakery along Kyereta Road in Ibanda town.

Prosecution led by Tian Emmanuel had prayed to court to order the convict to refund UGX 410,000 to the complainant, saying only UGX 40,000 of the stolen cash was recovered from him. 

While reading the sentence, the magistrate said Nkamuhebwa seemed remorseful and asked for forgiveness from the complainant.

Her Worship Murungi added that she was convinced the three months jail sentence would enable him to fully reform.

During the same sitting, court also charged a herbalist, Thomas Mujuni, for allegedly stealing a client’s mobile telephone valued at UGX 420,000 and UGX 37,000 cash that she had kept under the cover of the mobile device.

Joselyne Twongyeirwe, a tailor in Bubaare cell, Bufunda Division in Ibanda Municipality, told the court, that the suspect went to her workshop, where he sold her a cough herbal remedy that irritated her nose, causing a lot of sneezing.

She moved to one side of the shop to sneeze and left her telephone on the table, but it was no longer there when she returned and the accused had also disappeared.

He was sighted at Saza bi-weekly market days later, arrested and taken to Police. During the court session, the suspect denied knowing the complainant or the telephone he is accused of stealing.

The court adjourned the case until February 27 for further hearing of the prosecution witnesses. 

Theft contravenes section 254(i) and 261 of the Penal Code Act and carries up to 10 years when one is found guilty.

Authorities in Bushenyi district have asked government to focus on sensitization of masses on appropriate condom use.

Nobert Gumisiriza, the Bushenyi district HIV/AIDS network forum coordinator made the call while reacting to a report released by Uganda AIDS commission on World Condom Day which revealed that 72% of men lack knowledge of how to use condoms.

He also added that even female condoms are expiring in stores as a result of not knowing how to use them saying they are nowadays receiving new infections despite the government’s efforts to distribute free condoms to all public places.

Speaking to reporters, Gumisiriza said there is a need for the government to prioritize awareness to ensure proper knowledge on how to correctly use condoms saying this will prevent and control the spread of HIV /AIDS.

Relatedly, in Kazo district, Health workers urged Youths, discordant Couples and Sex workers to always use condoms for them to be sure of 95% protection from diseases like HIV/AIDs, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B among others.

The remarks were made by Dr Elias Amutuhaire of Exodus Medical Services located in Kiringa-Burunga –Kazo District while speaking to Kazo FM in an exclusive interview during World Condom Day.

Dr Amutuhaire noted that once one uses a Condom, it protects them against sexually transmitted diseases and infections as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies.

World Condom Day also known as International Condom Day was established in 1987 in reaction to the HIV/AIDS crisis by the US-based nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation and is celebrated on February 13 every year across the world.

The day is designed to highlight the benefits of condom use and advocating for its availability and accessibility and to empower people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

It also serves as an opportunity to break down the stigma surrounding condoms and promote open discussions about sexual health, ultimately contributing to healthier communities worldwide.

This year in Uganda, the celebrations of World condom Day were held in Lyantonde district under the theme ‘Safer is fun’.

Police in Mitooma District have arrested two witchdoctors for raping a University student (names withheld) and stealing UGX 2.9 Million from her.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and identified the suspects are Nazario Bazarwa, 72, and David Bamwetaki, 57, all residents of Nyantoma parish, Kashenshero sub-county in Mitooma district.

The victim is a Social Work and Social Administration (SWASA) student at Kampala International University, Western Campus who had gone to the witchdoctors’ shrine to stop her boyfriend from dating another babe.

Tumusiime has also revealed that the two witchdoctors told the student to spend the night at their shrine and the medicine would be administered the following morning. It is believed that during the night, the duo joined hands and raped the helpless KIU student.

Tumusiime added that the two have been charged with rape and obtaining money by false pretense.

Police in Mbarara city are investigating a case of suicide that happened at Skylight hotel on Tuesday night.

Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Cosmas Nuwahereza,25, a staff member at the hotel.

Kasasira said the deceased jumped from the third floor and died instantly and he did not leave any suicide note that could help police in ascertaining the motive behind his action.

He added that police has started tracing the family and background of the deceased to get more details on what exactly might have forced him to commit suicide.

Mark Sonko, the director of Sky light Hotel said the deceased had just returned from home and it is expected that there could have been some disagreements back at home that compelled him to commit suicide.

The deceased’s body was taken to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination as investigations into the matter continue.