Candidates sitting for the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations officially began their written assessments today as mandated by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). The exams kicked off with Geography Paper One in the morning followed by the Biology Theory paper later in the day.

According to UNEB, all candidates across the country started their exams successfully with each candidate sitting for their papers registered examination centers within Kazo District. Mwiine Lamech, the District Education Officer for Kazo, confirmed to Kazo FM that the examinations had a smooth start. He urged school heads not to chase away any candidates during this period but to wait until the results are announced and to confiscate results afterward.

School officials from Kazo District expressed optimism about the candidates’ performance. Gordon Mutabazi, Deputy Headteacher of Kazo Secondary School, and Cyprian Beinomugisha, Deputy Headteacher of St. Catherine Girls School both located in Kazo Town Council shared positive remarks with Kazo FM. They noted that their students appeared confident during the exams and are hopeful for good results.

Some candidates interviewed by Kazo FM also expressed confidence, stating that their first papers went well and that they are determined to excel. As the country continues with the assessment process, all eyes are on the students’ performance in the coming days.

Police in Kanungu district are holding Brian Akampurira,30 on allegations of having carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl from Ndeba Cell, Kihihi Town Council, Kanungu District.

According to police reports, the incident is believed to have occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, around 11:00 a.m. The suspect, a secondary school teacher and resident of Ndeba Cell is accused of luring the young girl into a bush near Bright Future Primary School in Karaunda village as she was heading to prayers at Healing Allena Church.

It is alleged that the girl, upon reaching the school encountered Akampurira whom she recognized by appearance. He reportedly seduced her, took her to a nearby eucalyptus forest and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. The girl raised an alarm but no one came to her rescue as she was in a remote area. She reportedly was threatened with death if she dared to report the incident.

Fortunately, on her way home, a Good Samaritan assisted her and took her to Kihihi Police Station. Coincidentally, the suspect also appeared at the police station where he was identified by the victim. He was promptly arrested and charged with aggravated defilement.

Police spokesperson ASP Maate Elly confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspect will be produced before the courts to answer the charges accordingly. Authorities continue to prioritize safeguarding minors and ensuring justice is served in this case.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina’s whereabouts remain unknown amid mounting political turmoil with reports emerging that he was flown out of the country on a French military aircraft on Sunday, according to French broadcaster RFI. The destination of the president has not been disclosed.

Public Security Minister Mandimbin’ny Aina Randriambelo confirmed to that Rajoelina is no longer in Madagascar but he has not been seen in public since last week. The president is expected to address the nation later on Monday.

The political crisis intensified after a powerful military unit threw its support behind protesters demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. The situation on the ground remains tense with protesters gathering in the main square of Antananarivo, dubbed the “Square of Democracy,” where some have managed to breach security and enter the area for the first time on Saturday.

In response, Madagascar’s newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Demosthene Pikulas, along with Gen. Nonos Mbina Mamelison, Commander of the Gendarmerie Forces addressed the media emphasizing that the military is united and focused on restoring order. Both generals declined to comment on who is currently in charge of the government or whether President Rajoelina remains in the country.

Gen. Mamelison stated, “Taking power is not the army’s intention. It’s not for the moment. We work together, the army and the gendarmerie. It’s not the intention of the army to take over the government.” Gen. Pikulas added that their current role is to restore stability so that citizens can continue their daily activities.

Earlier, the armed forces minister announced Gen. Pikulas’s appointment which was supported by a segment of the military that has sided with the protesters. Soldiers have been seen joining demonstrators, some hanging off military vehicles as they converge on the capital’s main square.

Protesters have voiced their demands for President Rajoelina’s resignation, with many expressing hope that recent developments will lead to a change in leadership. As tensions continue to mount, the situation in Madagascar remains uncertain, with the nation watching closely for further updates.

The Vice President of Uganda, H.E Jessica Alupo has announced plans by the government to tarmac the Bwizibwera–Nsika–Kabwohe road aiming to improve connectivity among Mbarara, Buhweju and Sheema districts.

Alupo made the declaration through a speech delivered on her behalf by Francis Mwebesa, the Cabinet Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives during a ceremony held at the home of Prosper Tuhaise in Kitengure Cell, Bukiro Town Council on Saturday. The event was organized to celebrate the life and achievements of Tuhaise the NRM District Chairman for Mbarara.

The Vice President highlighted that the road project has been incorporated into the government’s budget for the upcoming financial year, emphasizing its importance in enhancing regional development.

Alupo also praised Tuhaise for his significant contributions and steadfast support to the NRM party. The celebration began with a thanksgiving mass led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Severinus Ndugwa, the Vicar General of Mbarara Archdiocese who called for unity among Ugandans and condemned divisions based on political affiliations.

During the event, Prosper Tuhaise urged residents to work diligently toward eradicating poverty within their households, stressing that President Museveni remains the leader with a clear vision for transforming the country.

Additionally, Sedrack Nzeire, the younger brother of President Museveni attended the ceremony and called on residents to support NRM flag bearers in the upcoming elections. He cautioned individuals planning to run as independents while aligning with the NRM, urging them to desist, citing such actions as contrary to party guidelines.

Police in Bushenyi District are investigating a series of coordinated night attacks that left ten people assaulted and robbed of their mobile phones and money on the night of October 9, 2025.

The incidents occurred in the Katungu Cell, Bwegiragye and Ibaare areas within Ishaka Division. Victims, some of whom sustained injuries, are currently receiving treatment at Kampala International University (KIU) Teaching Hospital in Ishaka.

According to SP Apollo Tayebwa, the acting police spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Police region, the police responded promptly to reports of the attacks. Preliminary investigations suggest that the affected areas lacked street lighting and CCTV surveillance, factors believed to have facilitated the attackers’ activities.

Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible. In response, authorities have intensified intelligence-led patrols and are working with relevant agencies to install CCTV cameras and security lighting in the vulnerable areas.

The police have assured the public that they will continue to update the community as investigations unfold and efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.

St.Daniel Comboni Hospital is appealing for approximately 189 million shillings to purchase a new X-ray machine following the breakdown of its current equipment several months ago. The hospital’s board of directors announced the fundraising initiative during the commemoration of the feast of St Daniel Comboni, the patron saint of the mission hospital operated under the Catholic Church and founded by the late Fr. Paulino Tamaino.

According to Fr. Vincent Birungi, the hospital’s chairman Board of Governors, the existing X-ray machine has been out of service for months significantly impacting the quality of medical care provided to patients. In the interim, a technician has been tasked with purchasing spare parts in Nairobi as the hospital continues efforts to raise funds for a replacement.

During the event, the Chief Administrative Officer of Bushenyi District, Sanyu Phionah acknowledged the vital role Comboni Hospital plays in enhancing healthcare services within the district. She revealed that the district leadership has allocated UGX147 million for primary healthcare (PHC) support at the hospital in the current financial year.

The celebration included a mass officiated by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese. In his homily, the Archbishop urged Christians to emulate the legacy of Fr Paulino Tamaino, who established several projects—including schools and the hospital—during his missionary work in Uganda. He emphasized the importance of service and dedication, highlighting that St Daniel Comboni Hospital has served approximately 26,000 patients annually since its establishment 31 years ago.

The hospital’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery and its call for community support underscore its vital role in serving the health needs of the local population.

Police in Kabale district are investigating the mysterious death of a male adult identified as Rubanja Juma, a mechanic and resident of Upper Bugongi Ward in Northern Division, Kabale Municipality. The body of the 30-year-old was found along a pathway lined with eucalyptus forest in Rugarama Pida Cell under unclear circumstances.

According to reports, on October 9, 2025, at approximately 7:38 AM, a resident on his way to Rugarama from Pida Cell came across a body lying along the route in the eucalyptus forest. The victim had multiple deep cuts on the head. The witness was able to identify the body as that of Rubanja Juma and promptly informed his family members. His brother, Barugahale Salim confirmed the identification and reported the incident to Kabale Police for further investigation.

A team of police officers including canine unit specialists responded to the scene. The scene was cordoned off for examination and the K9 sniffer dog was led to the arrest of five individuals from a nearby pork joint to assist in the investigation.

During the operation, police recovered several exhibits, including a T-shirt stained with suspected blood, a pair of shoes and a sandal from the suspects.

ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to help police identify and apprehend those responsible for the murder. He assured the public that police are committed to ensuring justice is served in this case.

Police in Kanungu district have detained Turinawe Philimon, 37, in connection with the murder of his wife, Turinawe Jacenta, 40, a resident of Rumba Cell, Western Ward, Kanungu Town Council. The incident reportedly occurred on the night of October 9, 2025.

According to police reports, Turinawe who had previously separated from her first husband with whom she had five children was living in her parental home in Rumba Cell with her children. She had reportedly begun cohabiting with Philimon her current partner. On the night of the incident, a misunderstanding between the two escalated. While Jacenta was asleep, Philimon allegedly picked an axe from their kitchen and fatally struck her multiple times on the head causing her death instantly.

The suspect surrendered himself to police in the morning of Thursday October 9, 2025. Police officers visited the crime scene, processed evidence and took statements from key witnesses. The murder weapon, an axe with suspected blood stains was recovered from under the bed in the children’s room.

Jacenta’s body was transported to Katate Health Center IV mortuary in Kanungu for postmortem examination. Sources close to the family indicated that the couple had a history of domestic violence.

Police investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the killing. The suspect remains in custody as authorities continue their inquiries.

ASP Maate Elly, Public Relations Officer for Kigezi police region, confirmed the incident and assured the public that authorities are handling the case thoroughly.

Ibanda District Health Department is currently grappling with a shortage of condoms across all its health facilities raising concerns about the potential impact on efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

In an interview with our reporter, Vincent Mugisha, the Ibanda District Condom Focal Person explained that since USAID withdrew its support for condom distribution in Uganda, the Ministry of Health has struggled to supply free condoms to health facilities nationwide. He revealed that at present there are no free government condoms available in the district.

Mugisha urged bars, clubs, lodges, guest houses and other social venues to purchase condoms from private clinics to serve their clients. He emphasized that this measure is crucial in the fight to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

Health authorities have indicated that addressing the condom shortage is a priority but for now they are calling on private sector partners and community spaces to play a proactive role in promoting safe sex practices.

A 53-year-old resident of Kibweera Village in Buremba Town Council, Kazo District was found dead in a water-logged area near Ekigoongi Bridge. The deceased has been identified as Kabagambe Charles also known as Kyakabale.

It is alleged that Kabagambe drowned in the moving water following heavy rains on Friday. His body was discovered on Wednesday evening in the flooded area.

Ekigoongi Bridge which connects the sub-counties of Kyampangara, Engari and Buremba Town Council, specifically linking Obuziinga, Keicumu and Kibweera has become a focal point in the ongoing investigation.

The Kazo Police are currently conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are yet to establish whether the drowning was accidental or otherwise as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.