Annet Katusiime Mugisha, the woman Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District, has donated maize seedlings to support farmers impacted by severe rainfall and hailstorms last week which destroyed gardens and plantations. She delivered the items on Monday September23rd 2024.

While delivering the seedlings to village chairpersons at Kakanju sub-county headquarters, Katusiime emphasized the importance of timely planting to help affected villages recover from the damage caused by the storms. She encouraged residents to replant and cautioned them against relying solely on government relief, which may take time to arrive.

Lauben Kananga, the LCIII chairperson for Kakanju Subcounty praised the legislator for her support highlighting the potential threat of famine in the sub-county and urged her to follow up on their request to ensure families receive necessary assistance.

The most affected villages, include Ryamizingo, Nombe A and B, and Nyanga parishes in Kakanju sub-county.

Leaders in Mitooma District have been urged to take an active role in the fight for wetland restoration, leveraging their influence and respect within the community. This call to action was made by Benon Karyeija, the Mitooma District Chairperson, during a meeting with representatives from the Green Climate Fund and the Ministry of Water and Environment. The meeting took place at the district headquarters to assess the ongoing efforts for wetland restoration in the area.

Karyeija emphasized that many wetlands are currently occupied by local leaders and officials who should instead serve as role models in advocating for restoration. He called for immediate action to maintain existing wetlands and restore those that have been lost highlighting the responsibility of leaders.

David Okurut, a commissioner from the Ministry of Water and Environment, shared that they have partnered with the Green Climate Fund and other stakeholders for the past six years, focusing on wetland restoration. Their efforts include raising awareness among the community about the importance of wetlands and encouraging alternative livelihoods that do not harm these vital ecosystems.

Further stressing the importance of wetlands, Francis Kibuka Amooti, the Mitooma District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), indicated that it is crucial for the community to understand the environmental benefits these wetlands provide. He reiterated that the government mandates residents to vacate wetland areas, underlining the need for collective action to preserve these critical natural resources.

Leaders and stakeholders of Rwemikoma sub county gathered yesterday to bid farewell to former district councilor Hon. Laban Kanyohora, who has been appointed Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kiruhura. Kanyohora represented Rwemikoma since 2016 and was appreciated for his contributions during a ceremony at the sub county headquarters.

The attendees congratulated Kanyohora and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. They also expressed gratitude to the president for appointing as Assistant Resident Commissioner for Kiruhura District.

David Kikoko, a representative for people with disabilities, lauded Kanyohora for his service and transformative work in the area.

The Sub County Chief James Buturumba congratulated Kanyohora and mentioned the retirement of Turyaija Joseph, the sub accountant. In response, Kanyohora thanked the community for their support and emphasized the importance of education during his tenure.

The Guest of honour, Gershom Mushabe, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kazo, highlighted the need for unity among Rwemikoma residents in honoring the achievements of their outgoing leaders.

Francis Twase Kawesi , Chairperson of the Security Committee for Rugaaga Sub County in Bukanga North, Isingiro District, has highlighted serious concerns regarding the existence of ghost beneficiaries registered under the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. He called on higher security authorities to assist in identifying the technocrats allegedly involved in these fraudulent registrations for necessary disciplinary action.

These remarks were made during a one-day monitoring exercise focused on the PDM program, led by Coordinator Joseph Barugahare from the Office of the National Chairperson (ONC) of Greater Mbarara.

Joseph Barugahare confirmed that reports from the public indicate widespread corruption within the PDM program that needs urgent attention. He urged all committees involved to collaborate with local leaders and the community to ensure that funds are distributed to genuine beneficiaries in accordance with the program guidelines. Barugahare highlighted the importance of ensuring that by 2026, all deserving beneficiaries can participate in the money economy.

Moses Mukwasibwe Kapikiri, ONC Chairperson for Ibanda District, noted the discovery of ghost beneficiaries during the monitoring exercise. He proposed that lists of beneficiaries be displayed on public notice boards to promote transparency and accountability within the program.

Kiiza Livingstone, Coordinator of People with Disabilities from the Office of the National Chairperson ONC, called on parish chiefs and town agents along with other stakeholders to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive their allocated ten percent of the PDM benefits. He also stressed the need for parish chiefs and town agents to accurately document all data related to the PDM for effective accountability.

The collective objective of these officials is to protect the integrity of the PDM program and ensure that it effectively serves all eligible beneficiaries.

Residents, local leaders and officials in Ibanda district have been urged to work together to combat corruption. The call was made by Rev. Fr. Cyril Saasi, the parish priest of Kihani Catholic parish in Ibanda while presiding over mass at the sendoff of Mzee Peter Buyaaayo, a 79-year-old.

The Ibanda district chairman, Happy Herbert Mayanja, praised Buyaaayo as a hardworking man and advised residents to emulate his character. He also noted that some of the parish Parish Development Model beneficiaries complained that their coordinators demand bribes. Mayanja informed those who seek bribes to ready themselves to face the law.

Hon. Jovuline Kaliisa Kyomukama, former Woman Member of Parliament and National Deputy Coordinator for Parish Development Model promised to wage war on corrupt Parish Development Model coordinators. She urged beneficiaries to report corrupt coordinators and seek justice.

The event was attended by sub-county councillors, district officials, and other dignitaries.