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.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and social development, Betty Amongi has lauded the NSSF for its willingness to collaborate with her Ministry using an existing network to improve compliance, as a major component of the expansion of social security coverage.

Speaking as the chief guest during the one day training workshop for local government leaders and labour inspectors on NSSF compliance in western region at Lake view hotel Mbarara, Minister Amongi said that employer compliance with the NSSF Act has become a key area of emphasis, following this partnership with the NSS Fund.

Some of the Labour Inspectors attending the compliance workshop (Photo – NSSF)

She added that the Labour Inspectors will carry out inspections on-the-spot to find out which employers are not complying with the NSSF Act and support the Fund to map out the landscape of workers in Uganda and share this information with NSSF.

Minister of Gender, Betty Amongi addressing the labour inspectors during the workshop. (Photo- NSSF)

“We get cases of workers who are treated unfairly by their employers, the biggest responsibility of protecting workers’ rights lies with you the government representatives in your areas of jurisdiction,” Amongi told labour inspectors.

In his remarks, Patrick Michael Ayota, the newly appointed NSSF Managing Director appealed to every Ugandan who earns an income to increase the capacity to save through strategic partnerships, saving, and investing, a way of life for our most vulnerable populations.

The NSSF Act, as amended, now requires every employer, irrespective of the number of workers they employ, to pay social security contributions for all their employees.  

The training was attended by labour inspectors from Buhweju, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, Mbarara, Mitooma, Ntungamo, Rubirizi, Rwampara, Sheema, Buliisa, Hoima, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kikuube, Kiryandongo, Masindi, Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga, Rukungiri, Bundibugyo, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kitagwenda, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo and Ntoroko districts.

The minister of health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has called on the people of Mitooma to embark on preventive measures of some diseases than waiting for cure which she says can reduce the health risks.

Aceng made the call in her speech that was read by the Director of curative service, Dr Olaro Charles who represented her as the guest of honor in the groundbreaking function to mark the upgrade of Mitooma Health Center IV that has been elevated to a general hospital.

In a function held at Mitooma District headquarters, Aceng noted that once people understand the use of preventive measures, it will be easy to cub down the health risks and increased spread of diseases hence maintaining good Health.

Speaking on the same function, the minister of internal affairs Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire asked people of Mitooma to use this opportunity and acquire market for their products.

Capt. Mugabe Dononzio Kahonda, the Ruhinda South Legislator asked all leaders to have one voice in supervision and implementing government programs if they are to make them successful.

Byaboneka Wilberforce, the Mitooma district NRM chairperson asked political leaders to stop interfering with the work of the technical people but rather give them time to express their expertise and report to them for smooth coordination of such programs.

The UGX 22 billion project  will be done by the UPDF engineering Brigade and the first phase is expected to cost UGX 6 billion and will be completed in six months.

Police in Buhweju District are hunting for a middle-aged man on allegations of killing his girlfriend.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson identified the suspect as Bright Bagumaho, a resident of Nyakitoma Village, Katara Parish in Buhweju district while the deceased is Rosemary Narinda, 22, a bar attendant and a resident of Rwenshuri village, Kashangura sub-county in Ibanda District.

Tumusiime said the incident happened in Nyakitoma Village, Katara Parish, Karungu Sub-County in Buhweju District.

It is alleged that the deceased was in a romantic relationship with the suspect and yesterday the suspect accused her of having multiple affairs with other men. He attacked her and stabbed her in the chest. 

The suspect has since escaped into hiding and efforts to trace him are under way. The body of the deceased was retrieved and taken to Nsiika Health Centre IV for postmortem examination and investigations into the matter continue.

The Ankole diocese has released the burial program for Bishop Emeritus George William Tibesigwa,78, who died on Wednesday afternoon at Mayanja memorial hospital in Mbarara City.

Bishop Tibesigwa, who served as the fourth Bishop of the Ankole diocese, succumbed to Diabetes after spending a week in admission.

According to Rt. Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Ankole Diocese Bishop, a vigil will be held this Friday, after which the body will be taken to Nyakabare Parish Church of Uganda for a funeral service from 2PM-5PM and then transported to his ancestral home in Rugando Rwampara for a vigil from 5PM-till late.

On Saturday, the body will be transported to St.James Cathedral in Mbarara City for the final send-off.

Bishop Mwesigwa expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and all the Christians of Ankole Diocese.

“May the Lord comfort the bereaved family and all the Christians of Ankole Diocese,” said Mwesigwa.

Mbarara City Traders have resolved to purchase a firefighting truck.

The decision comes after a recent fire outbreak along Maj. Victor Bwana road that caused significant damage to Timber and Timber products worth billions of money.

Last year alone, the city experienced three fire outbreaks, destroying two schools and timber stalls.

In an interview with our reporter, Sezi Mweijuka, the Chairperson of Mbarara City Traders Association (MBACITA), expressed that traders and citizens have often blamed the losses incurred during fires on the delayed response of the police fire brigade.

He says that the association aims to raise over UGX 148 million to procure the firefighting truck within 90 days and every trader within the City is required to pay UGX 15,000 to meet this budget.

This initiative is expected to enable them to respond to fire incidents promptly and minimize damage.

Police in Buhweju District are hunting for a man suspected to have killed his six year old biological son.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson identified the suspect as Wilbroad Ayebazibwe, 34, while the deceased  is Linus Akampwera (biological son to the suspect), both residents of Kamakanda Village, Katara Parish, Karungu sub-county in Buhweju District.

It is said that the mother to the victim, developed misunderstandings with her husband who is the prime suspect in this matter.

Annet Ainembabazi, 31, wife to the suspect reported the matter to police saying they developed misunderstandings that resulted into the tragic incident.

Tumusiime said that the couple developed a quarrel after coming back home from a bar where they had been together.

Tumusiime added that in the due course of the quarrel, the suspect picked a panga and tried to cut his wife who dodged the panga and it landed on the left side of the child’s neck, killing him on spot.

The body of the deceased juvenile was conveyed to Nsiika health centre IV for Postmortem examination and investigations into the matter continue.