Residents of Kyenshebashebe village, Ntambazi Parish, Kazo subcounty Kazo District were shocked to find the body of Ssajja, 40 dangling in a jackfruit tree. Ssajja tragically took his own life on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

The deceased had on the day before he ended his life told his mother, Hope Ntegyereize about his intentions to end his life but she dissuaded him from the act. Ssaja did not take his mother’s plea and insisted that he was ‘tired of life’. Ntegyereize was shocked the following morning to learn about the death of her son.

Twinamatsiko Lawrence, the Local Council I chairman, immediately notified the Kazo Central Police Station. Officers arrived, retrieved the body, completed the necessary documentation, and handed it over to family and community members for burial arrangements.

Community leaders, while at the burial of the deceased urged individuals facing challenges to seek support rather than resorting to suicide. They emphasized the importance of reaching out to friends, political leaders, or clergy for guidance as a way of minimizing the increased suicide cases in the area.

Twinamatsiko condemned the act of suicide, urging mourners to refrain from considering such drastic measures in times of distress.

Jackson Muheebwa, the area LC3 Chairman, extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased remarking that Sajja’s difficult character and rejecting advice culminated into his demise. Muheebwa used the moment to remind mourners of the sombre lesson learned from Sajja’s burial, which was performed without most of the usual rituals performed at a burial such as prayers. He described it as “shameful.”

Sajja is survived by his wife and five children.

The alleged ringleader of the Sheema Central Police Station cell break has been apprehended.

Accum Clinton, a 26-year-old resident of Kabwohe Division in Sheema Municipality, was arrested on Friday in Mbarara City by a team of joint security officials. He faces serious charges, including murder and aggravated robbery.

On August 1, 2024, eight suspects escaped from the Sheema Central Police Station cells by squeezing through the aluminum louvres of a toilet window. Since then, police have been conducting a manhunt to recapture them.

Kasule Consilata, the Sheema District Police Commander, confirmed Accum’s arrest, stating that he will be brought before the courts to face charges of aggravated robbery, unlawful escape from police custody, and murder.

She also reported that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining seven escaped suspects: Akampa Jocknius, Matovu Hakim, Mukasa Aggrey, Asingwire Musinguzi, Byamukama Ambrose, Mpumwire Benson, and Tugume Ashraf.

As the devastating effects of flooding grip Ntoroko district, leaders are calling on the government to expedite the relocation of vulnerable residents living in flood-prone areas. During a parliamentary session yesterday, Rwemulikya Ibanda, the Member of Parliament for Ntoroko County, passionately urged the government to adhere to its previous commitments regarding land acquisition for the resettlement of affected communities.

The entire area of Ntoroko district, encompassing three sub-counties, remains submerged following the recent overflow of the River Semliki, which has caused significant destruction to homes, schools, and businesses. The flooding has displaced countless families, compelling residents to navigate the hazardous conditions without adequate shelter or resources.

In light of the current crisis, MP Ibanda reminded the government of its earlier promises to secure land for the relocation of families in Kanaala Sub-County specifically.

“While land was successfully purchased for residents in Kasese, those in Ntoroko have been left waiting. Our people are living in a terrible situation, and we need clarity on when this land will be made available,” Ibanda emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja responded to Ibanda’s remarks during the plenary sitting, acknowledging the government’s challenges in procuring suitable land for resettlement. She explained that the delay has been primarily due to ongoing struggles to identify and secure adequate land parcels that can accommodate the displaced families.

“We understand the severity of the situation and the need for urgent action, but this process requires careful planning and resources,” Nabbanja stated.

The Prime Minister’s response came amidst inquiries from other legislators, including Edson Rugumayo, the Youth Representative for the Western Region. Rugumayo reiterated the necessity for immediate government interventions to save lives and preserve property in Ntoroko district, as families continue to face the consequences of the flooding.

Nabbanja assured the parliamentarians that the government is dedicated to resolving the land issue and is actively exploring options to expedite the process. The Prime Minister emphasized that the welfare of affected residents is a priority for the government and that a comprehensive plan for relocation would be implemented as soon as possible.

As the situation worsens, the residents of Ntoroko district find themselves in increasingly desperate circumstances, calling for immediate action from their leaders. The emphasis remains on the need for the government to facilitate the rapid acquisition of land for resettlement purposes to ensure that those displaced can live with dignity and safety.

Local leaders, alongside affected residents, continue to advocate for timely government action, as they urge officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of their communities amid the ongoing environmental challenges posed by flooding.

Recently, the National Teachers Bill 2024 was presented in the Ugandan parliament by the State Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Crysostom Muyingo.

This bill aims to address the deficiencies and gaps in the existing Education (Pre-Primary, Primary, and Post-Primary) Act of 2008. One notable proposal in this bill stipulates that all teachers at various levels of education must possess a degree.

In response to this development, teachers in Kiruhura District have shared their perspectives on the implications of the “No Degree, No Teaching” policy.

Mr. Nuwamanya Ronald, the head teacher at Rushere Model Primary School, expressed a positive outlook on the necessity of degrees for teachers. He believes that if all educators hold degrees, the education system in Uganda will significantly improve.

“This change would lead to enhanced research efforts, resulting in students acquiring well-researched knowledge,” he stated, emphasizing the potential benefits that could arise from a more qualified teaching workforce.

On the other hand, Nankunda Winnie, the head teacher of St. Mary’s Primary School in Rushere Town Council, raised concerns about the feasibility of this requirement. She acknowledged the government’s intentions but cautioned that the policy might not be practical.

“While this is not necessarily a bad idea, it could face significant obstacles,” she commented. She highlighted that many teachers may struggle to afford the tuition fees required to attain a degree, which could lead to a decrease in the number of qualified teachers within the system.

Other educators at Rushere Christian High School also contributed to the discussion, underscoring the varied opinions surrounding the proposed legislative changes.

Overall, the National Teachers Bill 2024 has sparked a crucial debate among educators, with some advocating for higher qualifications while others expressing legitimate concerns regarding accessibility and the potential impact on teacher availability.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bushenyi District has ordered the arrest of Hope Mbabazi, a loans officer for the Nyabubare Parish Development Model Sacco.

She is accused of extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model in Nyabubare Parish, Nyabubare Subcounty, Bushenyi District.

RDC Robert Atuhairwe reported that Mbabazi received 100,000 UGX from Scovia Kyomuhangi to expedite her application for funding.

However, after a period of waiting without receiving any assistance, Kyomuhangi became impatient and began to spread rumors that Mbabazi had failed to fulfill her end of the agreement, which was intended to help Kyomuhangi pay for school fees.

Atuhairwe highlighted that such corrupt practices have become increasingly common, even though many individuals have chosen to remain silent about the issue.

He stated that the arrest of Mbabazi should serve as a wake-up call to all members of the Parish Development Model committees involved in similar unethical activities.

Elly Muhwezi, the subcounty chief of Nyabubare, also cautioned members of the Parish Development Model committees against extorting money from beneficiaries.

He emphasized that authorities are prepared to take strong action against anyone involved in these practices.

In defense, Mbabazi confessed to having received the money from Kyomuhangi but claimed that she later returned it. She explained that the rumors about her failure to act on the funds caused significant distress.

Following the interrogation, the RDC instructed that Mbabazi be handed over to the Nyabubare Police Post to record a statement while investigations into the matter continue.

Residents of Nkungu Central Cell, located in Nkungu Parish of Nkungu Subcounty in Kazo District, were left reeling in shock and disbelief following the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy, identified as Matsiko Abel. He was the son of Kabagambe Guma.

The horrifying incident occurred on the afternoon of August 8, 2024, when it is alleged that Jameson Bate, 36, the boy’s paternal uncle, brutally murdered Matsiko with a panga, a traditional machete commonly used in the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that after committing the crime, Bate went on to set fire to various household items, including mattresses, in what authorities believe was an attempt to destroy evidence or express his rage.

Witness accounts indicate that prior to the murder of Matsiko, Bate had physically assaulted his brother, Kabagambe, leaving him injured.

This outburst of violence has been attributed to Bate’s known short temper, particularly when he is under the influence of alcohol. Kabagambe and Bate are both sons of Kahwa Robert Kanyarushokye Matadiyo, who also resides in the same locality.

Geofrey Mushabe, the area chairperson, publicly condemned the heinous act, expressing deep sorrow for the family and the community as a whole.

He highlighted the ongoing struggles to manage Bate’s aggressive behavior and described the local leaders’ efforts to protect him from the increasingly angry mob that had gathered in response to the tragedy.

Mushabe confirmed that he had contacted the Nkungu Police Post, requesting immediate police intervention to prevent further violence and to ensure Bate’s safety.

As of the time of this report, local residents were anxiously waiting for police from Kazo Central Police Station to arrive.

Their mission was to retrieve both the body of young Matsiko and to take Bate into custody for questioning and further investigation into the horrific incident that has shaken the community to its core.

The loss of a child in such a violent manner has raised concerns among residents about safety and the ongoing issues of alcohol-related violence in the area.