Deo Atuhaire Omuhatiizi, the Buhweju District Chief, has expressed concerns about Parliament’s declining image in recent years, which has drawn criticism for its relevance and effectiveness in addressing the nation’s pressing issues. He highlighted the difficulty Parliament has faced in repairing Uganda’s tarnished international reputation and criticized the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Annet Anitah Among, for what he perceives as an extravagant lifestyle, comparing her opulence to that of the historical French Queen Marie Antoinette.

Atuhaire expressed his dissatisfaction with the 11th parliament ahead of their four regional parliamentary sittings starting tomorrow Wednesday August 28 in Gulu City where parliament will be convening till August 30. Thereof, the remaining sittings will be hosted in Mbale, Masaka and Mbarara. Parliament has a budget to the tune of Shs20billion meant to be spent in the four regions of the country amidst declining social services.

Atuhaire observed that Parliament seems increasingly disconnected from the daily realities experienced by citizens, including inefficiencies in local governments, inadequate funding for essential services, and deteriorating infrastructure. In Mbarara, where local councils struggle to hold mandatory meetings and vital roads have devolved into mere pathways, the presence of Parliament appears almost performative.

In an interview with our reporter, Atuhaire expressed concerns about whether the distance between local communities and Parliamentary Avenue has hindered MPs’ ability to address constituents’ views effectively. He questioned whether parliamentarians would have sufficient time to tackle the pressing issues affecting ordinary Ugandans.

He was also concerned about the involvement of local leaders in regional sittings, asking, “Will district chairpersons be allowed to contribute and share insights during these sessions?” Additionally, he inquired, “Are we witnessing a new precedent where district councils might begin convening at the sub-county level, thereby enhancing local involvement and accountability?”

When asked about the essence of Parliament, Atuhaire emphasized that its primary role is to represent and advocate for constituents effectively. He proposed that the alleged 5 billion shillings earmarked for each regional sitting could be better spent by distributing it among the districts within each region, thereby facilitating governance for multiple financial years.

Atuhaire urged Members of Parliament to reflect deeply on their roles and responsibilities, reminding them that Uganda deserves a Parliament that promotes growth and improvement rather than one that exacerbates challenges.

In a recent ruling by the chief magistrate’s court in Kyenjojo, a police officer AIP Yusuf Kule has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of stealing government drugs. His arrest took place in September,2023 during an operation aimed at combating government drug theft. The operation was led by the National Drug Authority (NDA).

Kule was charged with six others for allegedly pilfering government-issued drugs, including antiretrovirals (ARVs) and antimalarials with intentions to sell them in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The other six co-defendants pleaded guilty, resulting in sentences ranging from three to six years.

While delivering the verdict, Magistrate Gloria Aciba Nimungu indicated that the 11 months Kule had already spent in custody will be factored into his four-year sentence.

Abiaz Rwamwiri, the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Authority, expressed approval of the sentence stating that it serves as a warning to others considering similar illicit activities.

Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Spokesperson of Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has urged parents in Bushenyi District to engage their children in productive activities to combat idleness. He was speaking at a ceremony for 650 students who completed a week of patriotism training at Kyabugimbi Secondary School. He stressed the importance of balancing parental love with accountability.

Kulayigye encouraged parents to assign responsibilities to their children and correct them when they err. He revealed that society faces challenges from foreign influences and that this needs to be addressed. He urged students to apply the skills learnt during their training, stressing that discipline, kindness, and patriotism are vital for national strength.

Madinah Zalwango, coordinator at the National Patriotism Secretariat noted that the patriotism initiative, launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2009 aims at equipping young people to succeed in a competitive world. She highlighted alarming statistics revealing that the western region leads in HIV/AIDS transmission, with 600 young people aged 15-30 infected weekly.

Bushenyi District Woman Member of Parliament, Annet Katusiime Mugisha remarked that patriotism training has positively impacted students, promoting a love for their country. She expressed concern over growing issues, including substance abuse and early sexual activity which contribute to moral decadency.

Alex Musinguzi, the Kyabugimbi Secondary School headmaster added that patriotism training will instill discipline and foster responsible citizenship among students.

The Mitooma District Chief Magistrate’s Court remanded three witch doctors, identified as Musimenta Kamadi, Moses Tumusiime, and Nadia Katushabe, on allegations of human trafficking and obtaining money under false pretenses.

During the proceedings held yesterday, Chief Magistrate His Worship Toroko Simon learned that the accused, all residents of Mushunga Parish in Mitooma Sub County, Mitooma District unlawfully received 5.2 million Uganda Shillings from Eserida Twikiriize, a resident of Mbarara. Following the transaction, they confined Twikiriize in a house for a duration of three days.

The accused subsequently demanded an additional 14 million Uganda Shillings from Twikiriize’s relatives, threatening to keep her imprisoned if the amount was not paid.

However, upon realizing that the family could not meet their demands, the trio eventually released Twikiriize. This prompted her relatives to report the incident to the police, who initiated a manhunt and eventually apprehended the suspects in Mbarara, where they were hiding.

The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges. State attorney Keshubi Caroline requested additional time to commence the hearing of the case.

In response, His Worship Toroko Simon remanded the three defendants to prison until August 29, 2024, when court proceedings will continue regarding the case.