In a bid to improve the dairy market, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon Bright Rwamirama has handed over milk coolers to four Dairy cooperative societies in Kazo and Kiruhura districts.

Rwamirama was accompanied by National Agriculture and Advisory Services (NAADS) Executive Director Dr. Samuel Mugasi and Dairy Development Authority (DDA) regional manager, Moses Ahimbisibwe.

One of the milk coolers commissioned by Hon Bright Rwamirama on Friday.

Rwamirama implored farmers to maintain high dairy standards that will enable their products to compete on local, regional, national and international markets.

He said the government is working towards setting up standards of exporting milk products.

“As government, we are working towards opening market for dairy products, but this can only be realized if the quality of the product is high,” said Rwamirama.

In his remarks, Ahimbisibwe asked the farmers to increase the quality and quantity of milk to sustain the industry without staggering.

Kazo district leaders led by district LC V chairperson, Rev Samuel Mugisha  Katungunda , Mayor Buremba town council, James Matageizi commented that there is general lack of clean water, electricity and  fake acaricides which have made tick and pest control costly.

A section of beneficiaries from Ngomba under their umbrella body, Ngomba Dairy farmers Alliance led by their chairperson Mpirirwe Adonia intimated to our reporter that they have been facing challenge of long distance of more than 2kms to the nearest milk cooler and fluctuating milk prices.

The cooperatives which received milk coolers include; Ngomba Dairy farmers in Buremba town council, Burunga farmers cooperative in Burunga sub-county , Mbogo Dairy farmers  in Kanoni sub-county all in Kazo district  and Sanga  Diary farmers in Kiruhura district.

According to the office of the district production officer, Kazo district produces 350,000 -450,000 litres of milk during the dry season and 500,000-550,000litres of milk during the rainy season.

Residents of Karera South and Karera North wards in Kashozi division, Sheema municipality are overjoyed after they received 14 Heifers and a motorcycle from State House Uganda.

The Heifers are part of the strategic interventions in the office of the president aimed at alleviating poverty from the Country through the Poverty Alleviation Department (PAD) program which was established by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2001 to enhance wealth creation at house hold level. 

The handover of heifers was witnessed by Sheema District security officials led by District Internal Security officer, Ahebwomugisha Wilson, Sheema municipality Operation wealth Creation Coordinator, Major. Bernard Mugume and the District police commander ASP Consilata Kasule at a function held at Karera seed secondary school in Kashozi division, Sheema municipality.

The State House through the Head of the Poverty Alleviation department in 2010, mapped out Karera South and Karera North wards in Kashozi division, Sheema municipality as areas in need of strategic efforts for household transformation.

Karera South and North are the biggest wards in Kashozi division with 16 villages and 1590 households.

Emmanuel Asiimwe, the Karera south and north model chairperson noted that since November 2020, they have so far received 96 pigs,14 heifers,161goats and 11 tonnes of gingers plants and UGX 20million from State House which helped them get income and they have now started a Sacco.

Josephine Kiconco, the Assistant secretary in the office of Poverty alleviation department for Western Uganda said that farmers in the villages will continue receiving different things from state House like coffee trees, pigs, heifers, goats and Ginger plants. 

She cautioned the beneficiaries against selling off or neglecting the heifers since that attempt would attract criminal charges against them.

Authorities in Mbarara city north division have launched different projects funded by the local revenue as an effort to improve accountability to the people.

The projects that were launched include; staff junior block at a cost of UGX 139 million, Kashenyi –Ntare road, Kashanyarazi, Nkonkojeru, Nyarubanga-Kafuzo road, Kishanya –Nyamabare roads and Kakuru road all at cost of over UGX 60 million.

Kyabwiso Gumisiriza, the mayor of Mbarara city north division said all these were done by the local revenue that was collected from the people.

Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the mayor of Mbarara city said that they decided to use local revenue to buy a grader to improve on the road networks.

Speaking as the guest of honor, the RCC Mbarara city, Col Mwesigwa James appreciated the people of Mbarara for paying tax which he said are now bringing development.

Police in Bushenyi district have arrested a business woman and three of her workers on allegations of murdering a 53-year-old man.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed the arrest and identified the four as Lillian Twongirwe 38, a bar owner, Patience Katusiime 18, Juliet Nampa, 22 and Doreen Tugabirwe, 23 all bar attendants and residents of Nyakahira village, Ryeishe-Ibaare sub-county in Bushenyi.

Tumusiime said that the four suspects are accused of the murder of Merdard Muhebwa alias Kapere, 53 a casual labourer and a resident of Nyakahita village, Ibaare sub-county.

Tumusiime added that the arrest of the three was after the police canine led police to the bar of Tongirwe.

He added that the body of the deceased had big wounds on the face and very big depression on the right side of the head.

The body of the deceased was taken to Kitagata hospital for postmortem examination. 

Police in Mbarara district have arrested four people in connection to extortion of money from beneficiaries of Parish Development Model (PDM) program.

The suspects identified as; Valerian Twesigye, Adrine Kyokusiima, the treasure, Caleb Karuhanga, and Asaph Beingana, the chairperson who are currently detained at Bwizibwera police station are from Itara parish development committee in Rubaya Sub-County.

It’s alleged that the four suspects have been extorting and deducting money from beneficiaries of PDM under the guise of withdrawal fees.

Emmy Kateera Turyabagyenyi, the RDC Mbarara district confirmed the arrest of the four adding that the case is under investigation.

Kateera also warned all parish chiefs and committees to avoid extortion of money from beneficiaries of PDM urging members of the public to report all those who intend to do so.

Residents of Burunga sub-county Kazo district have expressed their disappointment over poor services offered in health centres across Burunga sub-county.

This was revealed yesterday in a community baraza / dialogue in Burunga sub-county held at Burunga sub-county headquarters organized by Ministry of Health in collaboration with Kazo district leadership for a comprehensive discussion on health promotion and prevention.

A number of issues were raised people including; poor attitudes and behaviors of health workers, inadequate and delayed supply of medicine, poor health infrastructure, traditional birth attendants and quack private clinics.

In response to the matters raised, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine cautioned unqualified health workers against operating unlicensed clinics and condemned the actions of health workers who communicate rudely with patients.

Some of the people attending the baraza on health in Burunga on Tuesday

Speaking to our reporter after the baraza, Samuel Rumari, the LC III chairperson Burunga sub-county, assured the general public that this baraza will help to improve the service delivery in the sub-county since most gaps have been identified.

The community baraza was characterized by a wide range of activities including; a medical health camp with screening, testing and vaccination services, accountability reports from leaders and civil servants, and a community engagement session among others.

L-R; deputy RDC-Tumukurate Silvester, the LC V Chairman-Rev Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the Ministry of Health PS-Dr Diana Atwine, the area MP- Hon Dan Kimosho, the Ministry of Health Under Secretary, Akiri Kenneth, the Chief Administrative Officer-Zirimenya Nsubuga.

Tumukurate Silvester, the deputy Resident District Commissioner Kazo who chaired the Baraza also noted that the office of the RDC is concerned about the people who want to destroy the parish development model government program.

The community Baraza was graced by residents of Burunga sub-county, local leaders, religious leaders, Kazo district leaders including the area Member of Parliament, Hon Dan Kimosho, Chairperson LC V Kazo district, Rev Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, civil servants from Kazo district and neighbouring districts, and health workers among others.

Authorities in Kazo district have pronounced their outcry for drug stock-outs which has hampered health service delivery at different government-owned health facilities in the district.

This was revealed by, Justus Mugarura, the Mayor Kazo Town Council while speaking at the National commemoration of World Hepatitis Day held at Kazo Model Primary School Playground in Kazo town council.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the Health Ministry revealed that the purpose of commemorating this day is to enhance awareness for Hepatitis as many people are ignorant about it.

“Hepatitis is a silent killer! What is so sad with Ugandans is that we send Vaccines and drugs to health facilities and they expire! Go and test, when you are negative, you get vaccinated when positive, get drugs” said Dr Atwine.

Dr. Diana Atwine, the Ministry of Health PS speaking during the National Commemoration of World Hepatitis Day

Dan Kimosho, the Member of Parliament Kazo constituency, asked people to focus on preventive care before seeking medication. “Sanitation and good health start with your family, be neat and responsible to reduce this labor from health officers!”

Ministry of Health PS, Dr Diana Atwine together with area MPs; Hon Dan Kimosho and Jennifer Muheesi inspecting the testing and vaccination desks speaking during the National Commemoration of World Hepatitis Day.

In his remarks, the district LC V Chairman, Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, said there is high demand for the drugs since the population is high, especially those who seek services at Kazo Health Centre IV

Nsubuga Zirimenya, the district Chief Administrative Officer also revealed that the district suffers from shortage of health workers and equipment in their new facilities requesting Dr  Atwine to intervene.

In her response, Dr Atwine promised to help the district in equipping the facilities but tasked the concerned personnel for proper accountability.

Dr Atwine also asked the residents to focus on preventive health care noting that the money needed by the government to fully equip the facilities with enough drugs and medical personnel has not been realized.

The National Commemoration of World Hepatitis Day took place in Kazo district on Monday under the theme “One Life, One Liver – Protect Both“.

The state house comptroller, Jane Barekye has urged youth in Kazo district to work hard and embrace existing government programs in order to fight poverty.

Barekye, who was on Friday Evening speaking as chief guest during the belated international youth day for Kazo district at Kazo Model Primary School playground in Kazo town council, said the youth should change their mindset and aim at achieving better in their future.

Barekye added that besides all the hard work, there must be discipline to maintain the achieved success.

Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller together with the area MP, Dan Kimosho and the Operations Manager Capacity Services, Nandeeba Naboth inspecting stalls during the Kazo District Youth Day.

This function was organized by the youth of Kazo district with support from the area Member of Parliament, Dan Kimosho who revealed that they are doing this to see that youth are uplifted to another level of leaving poverty.

Maj Gen Sam Kavuma, the deputy coordinator Operation Wealth Creation, asked the youth not to under look the jobs that can lift them to another level and to utilize their youthful years to do great things as they plan for their future.

Muguta Goden, the youth chairperson Kazo district said that their reason for hosting this day was to bring their challenges before their leaders in order for them to be addressed.

The function was graced by many dignitaries like the woman MP Kazo district, Jennifer Muheesi, the RDC Kazo, Captain Yahaya Kakooza, chairperson LC V, Rev Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the District Police Commander, Phillips Mukasa, civil servants, local leaders and religious leaders among others.

The Kazo District Youth Day was celebrated under the theme; ‘the role of youth in accelerating recovery from Covid-19 and full implementation of the 2030 agenda’ and had many activities including; exhibition of value-added products, the launch of youth skilling centre, support to parish committee and the youth savings scheme among others.

The Bushenyi RDC, Robert Atuhairwe has directed three members of  Katikamwe Parish Development Model(PDM) Sacco to record statements at Kyabugimbi Police Station after they were pinned for extortion, bribery, forgery and excluding some of the names from the list of beneficiaries.

The three were identified as Ausi Buhikire, the SACCO chairperson, Jackson Muhumuza, secretary and Peninah Bazigurwe, a loans officer.

Kyabugimbi Town Council Deputy Mayor, Prossy Nayebare reported that a one Jackson Muhumuza was extorting money from beneficiaries urging them to report anyone doing the same.

In a meeting that convened at Kyabugimbi Town Council offices, Atuhairwe said he also received several complaints from residents that they were extorted money ranging from UGX 10,000-100,000.

Relatedly, last week during the meeting at Kyabugimbi Town Council that comprised of the division town clerk, chairperson, parish chiefs and stakeholders in Ntungamo ward, Atuhairwe ordered three PDM Sacco leaders of Ntungamo ward, Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality to record statements with police over bribery and extortion of money from PDM beneficiaries.

The three, identified as Arthur Twijukye, the Sacco treasurer, Donam Nahabwe, the Sacco publicist and Twiine Ntegye LC II chairperson of Ntungamo ward were taken to Nyakabirizi police post and ordered to immediately refund the money back to the people they took it from.

A section of residents intimated to our reporter that the trio would ask for money ranging from UGX 5,000-50,000- in order to be registered and failure to do so, they would not be considered. 

Nyasio Biryomumaisho, LC III chairperson Nyakabirizi Division said he received several complaints and he informed the RDC to intervene in the issues of extortion and bribery Ntungamo ward PDM Sacco.

Atuhairwe warned all PDM SACCO leadership to desist from asking for any form of bribe from poor residents saying that they have embarked on a move to crack down whoever is implicated in any form of extortion.

He vowed to arrest whoever will be implicated in extorting money that is meant for PDM beneficiaries from poor Ugandans in Bushenyi.

Police in Kazo is holding a 23-year-old man for aggravated defilement of his boss’ 3-year-old child.

The suspect identified as Byabashaija Ampiire, from Mitooma district and a casual worker in Engari cell, Engari parish, Engari- sub-county in Kazo district was last week arrested by police from Engari police station following accusations of defilement from the victim’s mother.

It is alleged that on Wednesday last week around 12 pm, Ampiire convinced the victim to go with him to collect firewood from a nearby farm where he forcefully defiled her.

The victim’s mother told our reporter that she came to realize the incident after seeing her daughter in pain and when she checked, she realized she had been defiled.

She immediately informed the police and fortunately, they found Ampiire (the suspect) had locked himself in his room with panga trying to commit suicide.

It is said that the victim’s mother took the victim to the nearby clinic in Engari trading center where it was confirmed that she was indeed defiled.

Mukasa Philips, the district police commander confirmed the development and condemned the act.

Mukasa also requested people to always report defilement cases saying that they are aware of the on-going defilement cases including early marriages which are not reported noting they have so far registered 3 cases this month compared to last month of July where they registered 4 cases.