Police in Bushenyi District are investigating a case involving two former radio presenters accused of burglary. The incident took place in Ishaka town within the Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality, where employees of one of the radio stations in Bushenyi attempted to break into a store belonging to prominent businessman Livingston Ahimbisibwe, commonly known as Kihimbi.

The two accused women, Marry Komuhimbo Akiki, a former Marketing Manager and News Anchor, and a woman identified only as Moreen, a former Response/Cashier, were caught on CCTV footage trying to unlock the store using master keys.

Ahimbisibwe stated that he had lost a significant amount of property and initially suspected his employees were responsible for the theft until he reviewed the footage.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed that the two women are under investigation. They have denied the charges, claiming they were simply trying to chase a rat from their rented room to the store.

The case has been registered under SD REF. 09/04/08/2024.

Private schools in Kazo District have been urged to operate according to required standards as education authorities adopt a stricter approach.

During a meeting held on Thursday September, 20th 2024 at Kazo District Council Hall, the District Education Officer, Agume Robert, emphasized the importance of adhering to minimum educational standards. He advised head teachers to meet these standards for the good of the education sector in the district.

Additionally, Agume underscored the importance of guiding students on HIV prevention, highlighting that Kazo District has seen an increase in HIV cases.

Namanya Mackline, the Senior Inspector of Schools, echoed these sentiments, urging school leaders to prioritize not just academic success but also the promotion of good morals among students.

The meeting was well-received by the private school owners and head teachers who expressed their gratitude to the Kazo District Education Department for organizing such gatherings. They noted that these meetings foster a sense of community and collaboration among educators.

A group of councilors in Mbarara district boycotted a council meeting accusing leaders from the works, transport and finance committees of embezzling road funds. The meeting, held at the district headquarters yesterday became contentious when the district chairperson Didas Tabaro presented a report claiming that 80% of roads had been completed, which contradicted the actual conditions on the ground.

The councilors demanded accountability for over Shs 500 million spent on the Mabira-Kitookye Rweshanku road, criticizing the Shs1billion budget allocation as corrupt. Councilor Mukama Asiimwe Edgar claimed that the finance and works committees had failed in their oversight responsibilities and engaged in mismanagement.

Hon. Bazil Bataringaya, the Kashari North Member of Parliament who is also the Mbarara district roads committee chairperson urged the district speaker to mentor councilors to prevent manipulation and bribery that disrupt the council’s unity emphasizing the need for collaborative leadership.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Simon Peter Kaswabri condemned the boycott warning that such actions undermine effective leadership and set a poor example.

The Resident District Commissioner for Lwengo District, Emmanuel Turyabagyenyi Kateera, has emphasized the importance of teamwork and transparent cooperation to ensure access to quality service delivery for residents and stakeholders.

During an engagement meeting with sub-county chiefs, town clerks, and district leaders at the Lwengo district headquarters yesterday, Turyabagyenyi called for collaboration among the district chairperson, political and technical teams, and the district internal security officer. He stressed that such cooperation is essential for promoting effective service delivery and combating corruption.

The meeting also raised concerns about increasing incidents of theft and break-ins in Nkingo sub-county, located in the Bukoto East constituency. Participants reported that police at the Kinoni Town Council on Masaka Road were exacerbating the situation by leaving damaged vehicles piled up in front of the police station leading to unsafe conditions for livestock and causing serious accidents.

Turyabagyenyi reiterated the necessity of collective efforts in reporting accurate and timely information to his office and other relevant security officials including the police to help prevent crime in the community.

Hon. Bazil Bataringaya Rwankwene, Member of Parliament for Kashari North and Chairperson of the Mbarara District Roads Committee has called for the responsible use of one billion shillings allocated by the central government for the improvement of the road network in Mbarara district. He emphasized that these funds must be managed effectively to ensure the construction of credible roads.

During a press briefing following a meeting of the Mbarara District Roads Committee at the district headquarters in Kamukuzi, Bataringaya stressed the importance of leveraging the improved roads for economic growth. He urged beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program to utilize the new roads to transport their goods to better markets thereby enhancing their household income.

The press briefing was attended by several officials, including Mbarara District Woman MP Hon. Magret Ayebare Rwebyambu, Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi, and Mbarara District Chairperson DidusTumwesigye Tabaro, among others.

Bataringaya also reported that the district has borrowed two tractors; one from Rwampara District and another from Mbarara City to assist with routine road maintenance. He indicated that these fully repaired tractors have already begun working in Kashari North, with plans to move to the Kashari South road network once their current tasks are completed. “The aim is to achieve road quality similar to that observed in Rwampara and Sheema districts”,he said

Additionally, the MP advised the Mbarara District Engineer to seek guidance from technical teams in Rwampara and Sheema which could prove beneficial in ensuring the construction of durable and high-quality roads in Mbarara.

Police in Rwampara district are currently searching for a man who assaulted and injured two staff members from Mwizi Sacco during a loan recovery operation.

According to reliable sources, Moureen Tusingwire and Leopold Kashaija were attempting to recover loan payments from Yona Tumwebaze, a resident of Kabatanagyi II Cell in Kigaga Parish, Mwizi Sub County. When the two arrived at Tumwebaze’s home, he reportedly turned aggressive, grabbed a panga, and attacked them. Tusingwire sustained injuries to her left leg, while Kashaija was injured on the arm.

Following the attack, the victims raised an alarm, prompting Tumwebaze to flee into a nearby bush. Police are now actively searching for him.

Charles Mwesiga, the LC1 chairperson of Kabatanagyi II, confirmed the incident and noted that this was not the first time Mwizi Sacco staff had visited to demand loan repayments. Tumwebaze had previously evaded them until the recent incident.

When reached for comment, Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police spokesperson, stated that he had not yet received a report regarding the matter.

Rebecca Kadaga, the Deputy Premier and Kamuli District Woman MP, has raised serious concerns about a plot against her life, allegedly involving an individual connected to the government. This alarming revelation was made during her annual event dedicated to supporting the elderly, where she provides a platform for them to voice their challenges.

Kadaga’s comments were prompted by Buzaya Constituency MP Martin Muzaale, who reported that his political rivals have been employing gangs to intimidate him and his supporters. Speaking at a gathering in Wankole Sub County, Muzaale explained that these gangs, often appearing in groups of five, use verbal harassment and aggressive tactics to provoke violence during public events. He noted that around a dozen of his political aides have been victims of these assaults.

In response, Kadaga disclosed that she has survived two assassination attempts. The first plot involved organizing a meeting with selected sugarcane farmers, who were reportedly instructed to deliberately crash their heavily loaded trucks into her convoy on the Jinja-Kamuli highway to make it appear as a tragic road accident. The second scheme involved hiring fake money dealers in Buwagi Trading Center, situated along the same highway, to create chaos and subsequently attempt to kill her, framing it as an incident involving disoriented youth. She claimed that the conspirators had received a down payment of 15 million shillings for this plot, but their plans were thwarted when the information leaked.

Kadaga did not specify whether she has reported these incidents to the police or if she has taken steps to enhance her security. Instead, she called for peace throughout the electoral process. Busoga North Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha stated that they could only provide further comment if Kadaga files an official complaint. However, he confirmed that they are investigating Muzaale’s allegations and the reported attacks on his supporters.

Political analyst Stephen Muzusa cautioned that the prevailing chaotic political landscape inhibits youth participation, as many lack the connections and financial resources necessary to navigate such conflicts. He emphasized that if these issues are not addressed, they could undermine democratic spaces and discourage electorates from making informed choices.

A jihadist faction has reported that its “special operation” resulted in significant human and material losses. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) is recognized as one of the most active militant organizations in the Sahel region, having carried out numerous attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

According to an army statement early this morning, a group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Faladie gendarmerie school. This facility was one of the several “sensitive points” targeted by terrorist attacks at dawn, as noted by the security ministry.

While there have been no official reports of casualties, two members of the security forces told AFP that they suffered injuries during the attack. In response, the security ministry reassured residents that they could continue their daily activities as usual. However, various international organizations, including the UN, have advised their personnel to limit movement in the area.

Social media footage has shown thick black smoke rising from a section of the city as gunfire erupted, individuals heading to a mosque for morning prayers were forced to turn back. Consequently, Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport has been closed in the aftermath of the attack.

The military came to power in a coup in 2021, citing the government’s inability to effectively combat the ongoing insurgency. Following the coup, the military expelled French troops and UN peacekeepers, opting to engage Russia’s Wagner Group to assist in the fight against jihadists, yet there remains no indication of an end to the insurgency.