Bushenyi District’s office of the Resident District Commissioner has disclosed that the district is experiencing a concerning rise in domestic violence cases with an average of five incidents reported daily amid the ongoing election activities.

District Deputy Resident District Commissioner William Donanto Katsigazi highlighted that most cases originate from Nyabubare and Kyeizooba sub-counties. He explained that these incidents often involve familial disputes such as parents refusing to pay school fees for their children and spouses being chased from their homes.

Katsigazi further noted that some cases involve husbands denying their wives the right to participate in the electoral process particularly at the local council level and other elective positions. These actions have exacerbated tensions within households during this politically charged period.

He urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to intensify their efforts in community sensitization campaigns to curb domestic violence and promote peaceful coexistence during the elections.

It is also noteworthy that earlier this year, the Women’s Action for Change and Social Fairness (WACSF) launched the “Real Fathers” project aimed at fostering responsible fatherhood. The initiative is set to be implemented across 1,631 villages and 52 sub-counties including Bushenyi District with the goal of reducing domestic violence and strengthening family values in the region.

Police in Isingiro district are investigating a tragic incident of murder by arson that resulted in the deaths of three individuals at Rugaaga Market in Rugaaga T/Council.

The incident occurred yesterday afternoon in Rugaaga cell, Kyampango ward sparking shock and concern among residents. According to reports, a heated quarrel erupted between two women over a man named Hamimu Masegere. The women, identified as Annet Kyarikunda and Caroline Kirabo allegedly clashed over Masegere who had previously been married to Kyarikunda but later married Kirabo after their misunderstanding.

The dispute intensified with reports that Kyarikunda left the home while threatening to harm Kirabo. Later that day, at approximately 2:30 pm, a fire broke out at Rugaaga Market engulfing more than ten wooden stalls including the one where Kirabo was staying. The flames also destroyed personal property notably a motorcycle with registration number UEU 559G.

Neighbors and first responders attempted to extinguish the blaze but the fire was overwhelming. They subsequently reported the incident to police for assistance. Police officers arrived at the scene and collaborated with local residents to contain the fire.

Tragically, three bodies believed to be of street children residing within the burnt stalls were recovered from the rubble. The identities of the victims are yet to be established.

Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police spokesperson confirmed the arrests of two women,Kyarikunda and Kirabo. They are currently in custody assisting police with investigations into the cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the deaths.

Authorities have condemned the violent clash and are calling for calm as investigations continue. The community remains in mourning as efforts are underway to establish the full details of this tragic incident.

Police in Kazo District are investigating under which a Ark Mugume,2, died., Mugume Ark. The incident occurred at approximately 9:49 am yesterday in Kikoni Lc1, Kikoni Parish, Migina Subcounty involving a 22-year-old man only identified as Ali, son of Asaph Mwesigye a resident of the same village

According to sources, Ali allegedly killed the young boy who is reportedly his nephew. Mugume Patrick, the boy’s father recounted the tragic events to Kazo FM revealing that his wife who worked in Kampala had requested that their son attend a party in Bushenyi alongside his paternal grandmother,Kyogabiirwe Jenifer. Despite their separation, Mugume Patrick had released the child expecting him to return home on July 19, 2025. However, the child’s grandmother did not bring him back and upon learning of the child’s death, Mugume was devastated.

Eyewitnesses claim that a few days prior the incident, Kyogabiirwe Jenifer allegedly brought an unidentified man purportedly a witch doctor home and performed a ritual sacrifice leading to the child’s death.

Boda boda Cyclist Tumwebaze Julius recounted how he saw Kyogabiirwe raising an alarm and shouting for help, “Come and see! My son has killed my grandchild!”

Following the tragic event, suspects including Kyogabiirwe Jenifer, her son Ali and Mugume Ark’s father Mugume Patrick were detained by authorities. However, tensions have escalated among residents with reports of property damage around the suspect’s home. Items including two cows, four goats, two pigs and banana plantations were destroyed as residents took to revenge.

Hon. Esau Mwebeiha Muramuzi, the councilor for Kikoni Parish expressed strong disapproval of the acts of vandalism while Mbaine Saverino, Chairperson of Kikoni 1 Parish and Mwesigwa Venerato, Chairperson of Kikoni Lc1 confirmed that the child’s body was moved to another house after bloodstains were observed around the compound. They emphasized that such an incident is unprecedented in their area and called for calm and justice.

The community remains in shock as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Authorities have assured residents that justice will be pursued and that measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Residents of Rwenkombero Cell-Igongo in Rwenshande Subcounty, Kiruhura District are in shock following the brutal murder of two children.

According to reports, 12-year-old Asingwire Ruth and Aruho Joshua 10 went missing on July 30th, 2025, after their parents sent them on an errand to collect money for a group and to fetch beans from home while they were working nearby. Their lifeless bodies were later discovered on August 1.

Ahimbisibwe Godfrey and Kabazarwe Deena, the parents of the deceased recounted how they sent their children on the task only to find them dead upon their return. They are now urging security authorities to investigate the incident and seek justice for their children.

Some residents mentioned that they last saw the children around 4:00 PM on the day they went missing, raising concerns about rising insecurity in the area.

Tumusime David, the Local Council I (LCI) chairman for Rwenkombero cell expressed deep concern over the recent events. He acknowledged that insecurity has been an ongoing issue but said the recent murder was particularly shocking. He called on the police to intervene and provide reassurance to the community, stating that residents are now fearful for their lives.

Kihira Stephen, LCIII chairman of Rwenshande Subcounty, condemned the killing as merciless and urged the government intensify security measures including deploying more police personnel and motorcycles for patrols. He emphasized that the area’s insecurity requires urgent attention to protect residents.

The two children were laid to rest on August 2.

Police in Kisoro district have apprehended three suspects in connection with an alleged case of aggravated robbery and malicious damage against a boda boda rider only identified as Ivan a resident of Busanza Sub County.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, the incident occurred in Shozi village, Gisorora Parish, Nyakabande Sub County at approximately 3:00 am on August 4. It is alleged that Niyonsenga Jerome received a call requesting urgent assistance to rescue Ivan who was reportedly caught engaging in adultery with another person’s wife and was about to be beaten to death. Unable to secure a motorcycle at that early hour, Jerome contacted Happy Rosemary a resident near Julius’s bar where the incident took place.

Rosemary responded swiftly, rushing to the scene and witnessing a group of individuals including Julius the bar owner, Mfitimukiza Papius, Ssimwe and a person known as Vibe assaulting Ivan. When Rosemary tried to intervene and question Julius about the assault, she was also attacked but managed to escape and hide in a nearby kitchen along Kisoro-Kabale Road continuing to observe the unfolding events.

Eyewitnesses report that the victim, Ivan, fled towards the Eucalyptus trees after the altercation. Rosemary observed that Vibe and two other men pushed Ivan’s motorcycle—parked outside Julius’s bar—towards a nearby trench while Julius followed holding Ivan’s clothes. Julius then threw the clothes onto the motorcycle, lit a match and set the motorcycle ablaze. The motorcycle, a Bajaj Boxer with registration number UES203X was subsequently destroyed by fire.

Following the incident, the suspects returned to the bar and Rosemary left the scene. The next morning, she reported the matter to the area chairperson who initiated investigations. The case was later reported to Nyakabande Police Station prompting a scene of crime visit during which the unconscious victim was recovered and rushed to Kisoro Hospital for treatment.

The police have since recovered the burnt motorcycle from the scene. ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson confirmed that three suspects had been detained and are assisting police with investigations. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure safety and justice in the community.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Kyengando II Village, Kyengando Parish, Engari Subcounty in Kazo District on Friday August 1 to pay their last respects to Tukesimira Herbert a distinguished Headteacher whose life was tragically cut short on Wednesday, July 30.

Born on November 26, 1971, Tukesimira was a respected educator and devoted parent who served in five schools across the greater Kiruhura region. He was pronounced dead after spending nearly three weeks at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital where he was on life support following a stroke that originated from severe head pressure.

The Kazo District Education Department led by District Inspector of Schools Cadre John Bosco Tumwesigye eulogized Tukesimira highlighting his diligent service. They commended his efforts in transforming Kyengando II Primary School from a poorly performing institution to one achieving top grades, elevating the school’s performance from U-grades to first and second grades.

The burial ceremony, held at his ancestral home in Kyengando II Village was marked by grief and calls for increased medical checkups as emphasized by Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the district’s LCV Chairman.

Tukesimira’s widow, surrounded by their six children, made an emotional plea for love and unity among family and friends during this difficult time.

Religious leaders, including Rt. Rev. Alfred Muhoozi, Bishop of North Ankole Diocese, praised Tukesimira as a man of integrity and dedication both in his professional duties and spiritual life. The prelate reflected on hope and resilience drawing inspiration from 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Mutojo Village, Sheema Central Division, Sheema Municipality on Thursday to pay their final respects to Edson Betware, a prominent businessman whose life was tragically cut short earlier this week.

Betware, 63, a well-respected trader and Coca-Cola distributor in the Greater Bushenyi region was attacked at approximately 6:10 a.m. on Monday morning as he was leaving his home in Rutooma Cell, Rutooma Ward, Kabwohe Division on his way to work.

Reports indicate that the assailants struck him on the head with a blunt object before fleeing with his bag which contained keys and a mobile phone. Despite sustaining injuries, Betware managed to walk to his business, NEEBS Bar in Kabwohe Town where he eventually collapsed. He was rushed first to Bushenyi Medical Centre in Kabwohe and was later transferred to Mayanja Memorial Hospital in Mbarara where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The violent incident has sparked shock, fear and outrage among residents and the local business community. Many described Betware as a hardworking, generous and humble man whose untimely death has left a profound void in the community.

Police in Kabale district have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a female adult, whose identity may be Orishaba Allen though this has not been confirmed. The incident occurred during the night of July 29 at Cheers Pub and Accommodation located behind the former Equity Bank building in Central East Cell, Central Division, Kabale Municipality.

According to police reports, at approximately 9:45 PM the deceased is believed to have visited the lodge with a male companion. The two requested a room and were registered under the names Orishaba Allen and Andy Julius respectively. Police have not yet verified whether these are their true names or aliases. The pair claimed to be from Katuna and were subsequently accommodated.

The following morning on July 30, the lodge attendant while performing her routine cleaning discovered the woman’s lifeless body in a pool of blood on the bed. She had multiple stab wounds specifically four deep cuts on the chest and stomach with a knife found abandoned beside her on the left side of the bed.

The lodge staff immediately reported the incident to the police, prompting an official response from Kabale Central Police Station. Scene of crime officers visited the scene, processed and documented the evidence which included a knife, unused HIV/Syphilis testing kits and a syringe. The deceased’s body was retrieved and transported to Kabale Regional Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident and urged the public to assist authorities by providing any information that may lead to identifying the deceased or the suspect. He urged anyone missing a loved one to visit the hospital mortuary for identification and proper burial arrangements.

Maate also called on the community to volunteer any relevant information regarding the circumstances surrounding her death to aid in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The police continue to investigate the case thoroughly.

The Banana Industrial Research and Development Center (BIRDC) marked its 20th anniversary highlighting significant social and economic contributions to the communities of the greater Bushenyi region.

During a press conference held at the factory premises, Director General Rev. Prof. Florence Mulanga reflected on the center’s milestones. She revealed that the facility now has the capacity to produce up to 10 tonnes of matooke-related products daily. She also revealed that the factory has recently secured ISO certification boosting its credibility and enabling it to expand its market reach internationally including markets in the USA and Asia. She attributed this to high quality of its products.

However, she acknowledged some challenges, notably the limited capacity of local warehouses to absorb all banana produce from the region. This has hampered efforts to domesticate the increasing demand from farmers. She assured that the government has plans to expand the facility within the next two years to address this issue.

Charles Kiberu, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kiruhura District and a board member of BIRDC emphasized the center’s achievements since its inception. He noted that many benefits have been realized both directly and indirectly including employment opportunities for the local population and pioneering research on banana varieties previously considered abandoned.

Dr. Frank Mabirizi, Chairman of the BIRDC Board echoed these sentiments stressing the need for further expansion. He highlighted that such growth is essential to ensure that all farmers across the Ankole region and the country at large are adequately catered for to promote broader economic development.

The center’s 20-year journey underscores its vital role in transforming banana cultivation and processing in the region, with a clear vision for future growth and expanded impact.

The Kigezi Regional Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Hon. John Kamara Nizeyimana, the Bufumbira North legislator aided the escape of several suspects involved in arson and malicious damage cases. The incident reportedly occurred on July 28 around 2:00 PM at Kisoro Police Station.

According to police spokesperson for Kigezi region, Elly Maate, the suspects—Gasigwa Jeremiah, Harerimana Augustine, Nkurunziza Apollo, Bavuzayubusa Paskazia, Mujawimana Dinavance and Basekuye Teleza were in police custody for allegedly setting fire to property belonging to Mahoro Jackline following a village dispute on May 3, 2025. The case had been under investigation and the suspects had been summoned to Kisoro Central Police Station for interviews and statement recordings.

However, police say that instead of cooperating, the suspects sought counsel from Hon. Kamara who is alleged to have advised them to ignore police summons. The suspects subsequently failed to report to the police as required.

On the day of the incident, after the suspects were brought in for questioning,Kamara reportedly went to the police station and requested that the suspects be granted police bonds. While the police officer in charge explained that the suspects needed to first give their statements, the lawmaker reportedly became visibly annoyed, left the station and according to police, he instructed the suspects to run away. He then entered his vehicle and drove off with the suspects who allegedly escaped under his guidance.

Police say the investigating officers attempted to intervene but the legislator pushed them aside and drove away with the suspects. A swift operation was launched to re-arrest the suspects who were eventually found and re-arrested at Kamara’s residence. However, efforts to arrest the parliamentarian were thwarted as he mobilized the community against police officers preventing his immediate detention.

Elly Maate emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating, “It is deeply concerning that a person of Hon. John Kamara Nzeyimana’s caliber, a legislator entrusted with upholding the law would act in defiance of legal procedures. Nobody is above the law and efforts to arrest him are already underway.”

Police have assured the public that they will continue their investigations and pursue legal accountability for all involved. The case highlights concerns over the abuse of influence and the importance of upholding the rule of law regardless of one’s social or political standing.

This development remains a significant test for law enforcement and local authorities in Kisoro reaffirming their commitment to justice and accountability.