Drama unfolded yesterday at Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Hall as councillors staged a boycott against a scheduled council meeting, citing a lack of proper consultation from the council’s leadership.

The meeting, which was presided over by Speaker Evalist Mucunguzi, was met with backlash from councillors who accused the speaker of disregarding the necessary consultations with the business committee. Councillor Samson Ninyesinga voiced the sentiments of several members stating that the meeting could not proceed until the business committee convened to create a new agenda.

In defense, Mucunguzi claimed that the business committee had been invited to participate but had chosen not to attend. He insisted that his decision to convene a full council meeting was necessary to guide and formulate the business agenda which was ultimately rejected by the councillors.

The speaker further attributed the upheaval to underlying political dynamics, accusing members of the executive of colluding with certain councillors to disrupt council operations. In light of the unresolved conflicts and ongoing tensions, Mucunguzi announced the adjournment of the meeting until February 2025.

The decision has raised questions about the future of council operations in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality with many constituents expressing concern over the political infighting affecting local governance.

Security in Mubende have rejected a fundraising for basic necessities organised by Kyeyune Bazilondere of the National Unity Platform. Kyeyune who intends to contest as the LCV chairman was mobilising funds to purchase food,clothings among other items for the poor citizens in Madudu Subcounty.

Kyeyune and his team expressed disappointment over the actions of security personnel, who blocked their attempt to reach Madudu. He, however, informed the hopeful beneficiaries to remain patient until security provides a date for the delivery of these items.

The potential beneficiaries condemned the obstruction, emphasizing their urgent need for basic supplies, especially during this festive season.

Authorities in Sembabule District are considering a ban on livestock movement following an anthrax outbreak. The disease has spread to the Sub counties of Nabitanga, Kyeera, Lwemiyaga, and Ntuutsi, affecting both animals and humans.

Dr. Angelo Ssali, the District Veterinary Officer confirmed the outbreak last week which has resulted in the deaths of over 25 cows and two people in Nabitanga sub-county due to contact with infected carcasses. He expressed concern about the community’s reluctance to follow precautionary measures contributing to the disease’s rapid spread across the district.

Ssali warned that this resistance may lead the District Taskforce to enforce a quarantine on livestock movement as a containment strategy. He noted that despite warnings against handling or consuming meat from suspiciously dead animals, some residents continue to slaughter them, increasing their risk of infection.

Dr. Ismail Asiimwe, the Assistant Health Technical Officer at the Greater Masaka Regional Emergency Operations Center stated that field teams are assessing the situation to provide an effective response. They plan to collaborate with district veterinary and public health officers for public sensitization meetings to raise awareness about the disease.

So far, seven people have been identified as infected with anthrax and are receiving treatment.

Leaders of National Resistance Movement ( NRM) from the Ankole sub-region completed a one-day exercise focused on the digitalization of the NRM register. This initiative which involves entering names into a computer system will be displayed starting January 2025 as part of preparations for the upcoming NRM electoral process.

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda and the Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, addressed over 150 NRM district and city leaders at Pelican Hotel in Kiswahili, Kakoba, Mbarara City yesterday Tuesday December,17. He urged both current political leaders and those planning to contest not to interfere with the digitalization of the NRM register.

Additionally, Dr. Baryomunsi discussed the deployment of better-facilitated teams from Kampala to grassroots communities for future NRM mobilization efforts. He clarified that any resources allocated for these future party elections will be channeled through the local NRM leadership to effectively reach the people.

Dr. James Tweheyo, Chairperson of the NRM Workers League and Member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) emphasized the importance of government agents in positions of responsibility to deliver services. He stated that these agents must be adequately facilitated to perform their duties.

Hon. John Arimpa Kigyaji, Senior Presidential Advisor and NRM Deputy Electoral Commission Chairperson who represented the NRM Secretary General noted that the digitalized NRM register would contribute to a peaceful and orderly internal election process for the party, addressing various challenges.

Mbarara NRM Publicity Secretary Steven Muganga advised party leaders to ensure that official structures are engaged and fully funded to promote unity within the party rather than relying on outsiders from Kampala who may lack local knowledge.

The Ibanda Grade One Magistrate’s Court has remanded a resident of Kicuzi sub-county to Nyabuhikye Prison for allegedly beating and injuring a female neighbor. Rogers Banyonyooza, a resident of Kaaro Karungi village in Irimya, Kicuzi sub-county, is accused of assaulting Adrine Kentembwe, 32, on December 11, resulting in body harm.

According to police records, the suspect reportedly attacked Kentembwe at her home without any provocation. Following the incident, Kentembwe reported the matter to Irimya Police Post leading to Banyonyooza’s arrest. He was subsequently transferred to Ibanda Central Police Station before appearing before court for mention of his case.

During his court appearance before Grade One Magistrate, Esther Murungi on December 17, Banyonyooza denied the charges. He was remanded to Nyabuhikye Prison and will return to court for mention of his case on January 14, 2025.

The charge of assault causing actual bodily harm contravenes Section 219 of the Penal Code Act, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison upon conviction.

Police in mitooma district are hunting for two people on accusations of murdering a 30 years old man yesterday in Omukiyenje cell, Nyarubaare parish, Kabiira subcounty. 

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed the incident and identified the suspects as Junior Kansiime and Stuart Sunday whie the deceased, Amon Ainebyona,30, resident of the above named address.

It’s alleged that on Monday December 16, at 5am the deceased was heard breaking into the house of Kansiime through the front door which attracted the suspect to pass via the back door.

However, the victim took off and was pursued prompting the deceased to drop the machete and a bottle containing acid. Kansiime allegedly picked the machete and cut the deceased with the help of Stuart Sunday, his brother.

Tumusiime said that the body was taken to kitagata hospital mortuary in Sheema district for a postmortem.

Leaders at various levels in Kiruhura District have continued to warn residents including parents and children against overindulgence and excessive spending during the Christmas season. They have emphasized the importance of being mindful about the potential dangers that may arise, including financial strain and security threats to personal property such as livestock.

Speaking to Kazo FM, Affande Apollo Mabati, a senior citizen and presidential advisor on citizens and veteran affairs cautioned that the Christmas season often attracts unscrupulous individuals who may seek to disrupt the peace. He urged the community to safeguard themselves, their property and prepare for any potential political developments and their consequences.

Mr. Mushabe Stephen, the NRM chairman for Kenshunga Subcounty echoed these sentiments, advising parents to remain vigilant about their children’s safety at home. He stressed the importance of celebrating Christmas within limits to prevent unrest within the community.

David Kooya Kitakureka, chairman of LCI Nshwere Empango Ward in Rushere Town Council and Banabas Bakekira, director of Mt. Olives Primary School and Rushere Community High School highlighted the need for heightened security awareness regarding property, lives and children during this festive period. They noted that parents and community leaders play a crucial role in identifying potential threats that could endanger their neighborhoods.

Yonah Rusooso, the male district councilor for PWDs in Kiruhura, acknowledged that enjoying the Christmas season is a cherished tradition but stressed the importance of exercising discretion and enhancing security measures during the celebrations.

The Ugandan Ambassador to Vietnam, King Ceaser Mulenga has donated 280 iron sheets to Rwemishwa Church of Uganda in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.

During the delivery of the iron sheets to the church yesterday, Annet Katusiime Mugisha, the Bushenyi District Woman Member of Parliament challenged Christians to cultivate credibility within their respective communities. She urged them to utilize the resources and funds contributed towards the construction of the church purposefully, ensuring accountability and value for money.

Rev. Can. Robert Kankiriho, representing the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt.Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, encouraged Christians to embody values that resist evil and corruption.

Joy Ngabirwe, the Head of Laity at Rwemishwa, expressed gratitude to the legislator for her contribution, stating that the church was in dire need of renovation.

With this donation, Christians will now have a more suitable place of worship.

Police in Mitooma District have launched an investigation into the murder of an unidentified middle-aged man under unclear circumstances. The incident occurred on the night of December 7, 2024, at an undisclosed time in Nyamiyaga 1 village, Kirembe Parish, Katenga Sub County.

Deus Tumwesigye, the 59-year-old area chairperson of Nyamiyaga village reported the case to the police revealing that the deceased had suffered multiple cuts on the head, face and left arm.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson confirmed the incident noting that there were signs of a struggle at the crime scene. However, no personal items or documents were found on the body.

A police sniffer dog was brought to the scene to assist with the investigation but failed to yield any leads as it could not move from the location.

Tumusiime noted that the body appeared to have been moved to the scene after the murder incident since the deceased was found without trousers and shoes despite having clean feet.

The body has been transferred to Kitagata Hospital mortuary in Sheema District for a post-mortem as the investigations continue.

The Traffic Office in Bushenyi District has expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents in the area. The Bushenyi district Traffic Police Officer, Joachim Mugumya Baluku revealed that a staggering 70% of all road accidents registered each month are attributed to bodaboda riders.

Baluku reported that the district records an average of 25 road accidents per month, including five fatal accidents, 13 serious incidents and five minor accidents with the majority involving bodaboda motorcycles.

These concerns were raised during a road safety campaign organized by the Lions Club of Bushenyi on Sunday October 8 aimed at raising awareness as a critical measure to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads.

Lions Club District Governor Benon Kataate emphasized that many road accidents are preventable if users adhere to road signs and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol particularly bodaboda riders.

Alice Kamusiime, the President of the Lions Club of Bushenyi stated that their initiative focuses on promoting road safety by educating all road users about the importance of following road signs to help reduce the alarming number of fatalities on Ugandan roads.

A recent traffic accident report indicated a total of 432 recorded accidents, with 97 classified as fatal, 202 serious and 133 minor. The report revealed that 100 people lost their lives, while 324 sustained injuries as a result of these incidents.