Kiruhura District held active elections in five sub-counties yesterday while nine other areas did not conduct elections due to candidates being unopposed at the LCIII chairperson level. The winners in the contested areas were NRM flag bearers having secured victory in their respective races.

The declarations were made by the District Returning Officer for Kiruhura District, Komuhangi Alex earlier today.

In Rushere Town Council, Acwamu Peter Kamusiira of the NRM was declared the winner with 2,341 votes, defeating independent candidate Amos Matsiko who pulled 1,423 votes.

In Kinoni Sub-County, Kakye Fred of the NRM secured his political seat with 1,725 votes surpassing independent candidate Namara Apophia who garnered 1,578 votes.

For Sanga Town Council, Safari Mugyenyi of the NRM was declared the winner with 1,320 votes defeating Tumwesigye Richard an independent, who received 357 votes.

In Kikatsi Sub-County, Myanya Allan of the NRM emerged victorious defeating Sunday Moses, an independent candidate.

In Kashongi Sub-County, Rwamugizi Samuel was declared the winner, defeating Gumisiriza Nathan.

The election results affirm the NRM’s strong presence in the district with its flag bearers winning in the contested sub-counties.

Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni , the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese has carried out a significant reshuffle of his priests in various archdeaconries.

According to Nuwaha Bright, the diocesan Communications Officer, ‘the transfers are part of routine measures to fill existing gaps within the diocese’. The reshuffle comes in the wake of the demise of Rev.Can. Benard Mushabe, the diocesan education officer leaving the sector with notable gaps affecting delivery of required services.

Nuwaha explained that the transfers are intended to streamline operations and ensure continuity in diocesan activities. Among those affected are Rev.Can. Arthur Atwine, who has been transferred from Kitagata Archdeaconry to serve as the Diocesan Education Coordinator, Bathesel Namara moved from Kyanyakatura Archdeaconry to Kitagata while Rev. Can. Wilson Amukwatse transferred from Rwabutura to Kyanyakatura. Agaba Samson has been moved to Rwabutura Archdeaconry and Francis Magyezi has been appointed as the Assistant Education Coordinator in charge of secondary education.

The diocese emphasizes that these changes are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its administrative and educational capacities ensuring better service delivery across the diocese.

Kiruhura district residents have expressed their satisfaction and confidence in the use of the Biometric Voters Verification Kit (BVVK) during the ongoing local government elections. Voters praised the new technology noting that it has fostered discipline and transparency in the voting process.

Speaking to Kazo FM, Akankwatsa Nelson, one of the voters expressed optimism that the BVVK system will produce truthful election results, especially when compared to the recent NRM primaries. Akankwatsa’s hope is that the technology will enhance credibility and trust in the electoral process.

Elly Kenshunju, the Deputy Mayor of Rushere Town Council, highlighted that despite initial worries among voters, ‘the election has proceeded smoothly’. He attributed the peaceful atmosphere to the effective use of BVVK machines and emphasized that the results should be accepted and trusted by all stakeholders.

At Ekijinja C.O.U polling station in Rushere Town Council, BVVK operator Mark Muganga and presiding officer Stephen Nasasira reported a peaceful election with a good voter turnout. They commended the community for their cooperation and the orderly conduct of the exercise.

Kiruhura District Resident District Commissioner, Bakunda George confirmed that no incidents of insecurity or violence have been reported from any polling stations, reflecting the calm and peaceful environment that has characterized the elections so far.

Out of the 14 sub-counties in Kiruhura, nine candidates are unopposed at the LCIII chairperson level including Kenshunga, Nyakashashara, Kanyaryeru, Rwetamu, Kitura and Rwenshande. The remaining five sub-counties—Rushere Town Council, Kinoni, Kashongi, Sanga Town Council and Kikatsi are participating actively in the elections for LCIII chairpersons and parish councils.

The peaceful conduct of these elections demonstrates the district’s commitment to a transparent and credible democratic process, with technology playing a key role in ensuring discipline and trust among voters.

The results of Kigarama II Primary School in Ntambazi Parish, Kazo Subcounty have been withheld by the Uganda National Examinations Board over suspected examination malpractices. This was revealed by Kazo District Inspector of Schools, John Bosco Tumwesigye during an interview with Kazo FM.

According to Tumwesigye, a total of 61 pupils who sat for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) 2025 in Kazo district have not received their results which were released on Friday, January 30th, 2026. He explained that the ministry is currently investigating the matter and is in the process of convening a meeting involving school heads, pupils and district education officials to address the issue and determine subsequent steps.

Tumwesigye emphasized the importance of integrity in the examination process and urged school administrators to refrain from malpractice which tarnishes the reputation of both the school and the district.

He also reminded parents and guardians to ensure their children return to school for the upcoming term, scheduled to begin on February 10th, 2026. The district official urged the community to cooperate with education authorities to uphold standards and ensure a fair examination process.

Police in Rukungiri district have detained Darius Nabasa, 42, a local leader and area chairperson of Omukibungo village in Kanyamahwa parish, Nyakagyeme sub-county on allegations of disrupting campaign activities for Hon. Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, the NRM flag bearer for Rujumbura Constituency.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi regional police spokesperson confirmed the arrest and provided details of the incident. “Nabasa was arrested after allegations that he and others still at large committed an offense on January 7, 2026 at around 10:00 pm at Half London Trading Centre in Omukibungo village, Nyakagyeme sub-county,” Maate said.

He explained that the allegations stem from an incident during a campaign rally held earlier that day. “On the 7th of January between 17:30 hrs and 17:54 hrs Gen. Jim Muhwezi conducted a campaign rally at Half London Trading Centre where his campaign posters had been pinned around the area. It is alleged that Nabasa acting on instructions from others ordered the destruction of posters near the home of one Aryayijuka Obed and demanded that Hon. Muhwezi seeks permission before holding any rallies in his area,” Maate added.

The police spokesperson noted that the incident was reported to Rukungiri Police Station prompting an investigation. “Statements from witnesses were recorded, the crime scene was visited and exhibits including damaged posters were photographed and recovered,” he said.

Maate also indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the incident. “Inquiries are still active, and police are working to arrest the other two suspects who are still at large,” he confirmed.

The police continue to investigate the matter and urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure justice is served.

A boda boda cyclist lost his life in a tragic accident that occurred yesterday in Rwempiri Trading Center in Kazo Town Council, Kazo District . The deceased has been identified as Zabron Ampuriire alias Kibeesi.

According to reports, Zabron Ampuriire, a resident of Rwempiri Ward in Kazo Town Council was involved in a head-on collision with another bodaboda rider while riding in the area. The accident ocured at around midday and Zabron was immediately rushed to Kazo Health Center IV, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The other injured rider was swiftly transported to a nearby private health facility for emergency treatment after sustaining a broken leg.

Lauben Badede, the father of the deceased confirmed his son’s death in an emotional interview with Kazo FM. “Kibeesi was a loved, well-behaved and respectful man. We are devastated by his sudden departure,” Badede lamented.

Kazo District Police and health authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident while Kato Naboth the uncle of the deceased alongside Colleen Munanura who assisted in rushing Kibeesi to the health facility expressed dissatisfaction with the health workers at Kazo Health Center IV. They accused the facility of neglecting their patient and called for an urgent review of the treatment process to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ampuriire will be buried at his family home in Rwempiri Cell, Rwempiri Ward, Kazo Town Council, Kazo District later today.

Police in Rukungiri district are investigating a serious incident involving the attempted murder of Angello Twinomuhangi, an independent candidate vying for the position of LC V Chairman for Rukungiri district in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

The incident occurred on the night of January 6, 2026, around 9:00 PM. According to police reports, the victim was discovered abandoned and unconscious at Minera Bridge in Nyarushanje Sub County. He was found tied up and dumped at the scene.

It is alleged that at approximately 9:30 PM on the same night, Byamukama Alphonse, the head teacher of St. Jerome Secondary School in Ndama was driving from Nyarushanje Sub County towards Rukungiri Town when he encountered a suspicious scene. A boda-boda rider stopped him and pointed out a person tied up beside a stationary white vehicle with the registration number UA 257BH.

Upon closer inspection, Byamukama observed that the individual, later identified as Angello Twinomuhangi had a handkerchief across his mouth and his arms tied from behind with what appeared to be a USB cable. The head teacher raised an alarm that attracted other witnesses who confirmed the victim’s identity.

Responding officers from Kebison Police Station arrived promptly at the scene, rescued the unconscious candidate and transported him to Nyakibale Hospital for medical treatment.

A case of attempted murder was registered and a team led by SSP Ampaire Brian, the District Police Commander visited the crime scene to document evidence. Police recovered two handkerchiefs and two suspected USB cables from the scene. Additionally, the victim’s vehicle a white motor vehicle with registration number UA 527BH was confiscated for further examination at Rukungiri Police Station.

ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident and assured the public that police are actively pursuing leads. “We are investigating this heinous act thoroughly and are doing everything possible to apprehend those responsible. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in bringing justice,” he said.

Authorities have launched a manhunt to trace and apprehend the suspects involved in this heinous act. Efforts are ongoing to bring those responsible to justice as police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The traffic police in Buhweju District are investigating a tragic accident that resulted in the death of eight people and left seven others injured. The incident occurred late last night at around 10:45 pm on December 20, involving a Fuso lorry registration number UBA 649Z.

According to Appolo Tayebwa, the Greater Bushenyi Police Spokesperson, the unidentified driver was heading towards Rubindi when he lost control of the vehicle as he sloped down Musana hill. The crash claimed the lives of eight individuals and injured seven others who are currently receiving treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Musinguzi Justus, a male resident of Rubindi; Turyagyenda Jackson, a male; Kekimuli, a female; and Kemigisha, a female. Four other victims, whose identities are yet to be established, include three males Babanza Joab (45), Turyasingura Valentino (26), Akampurira Amon (31) and a female, Kyarikunda Jovanis (49). Additionally, three more males and one female remain unidentified.

Tayebwa stated that Buhweju Police responded promptly to the scene, rescued the injured victims and rushed them to Nsiika Health Center IV for medical attention. The eight bodies were also transported to the same facility’s mortuary for post-mortem examinations which are necessary to determine the precise cause of death as required by law.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were mobile market vendors. Authorities suspect that brake failure may have contributed to the accident. Efforts to apprehend the reckless driver are ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating him. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to share it discreetly with law enforcement authorities.