Widows under Ruth Ministries Association in West Ankole Diocese have called on President Yoweri Museveni to support their skilling projects which have stalled following the death of their patron the late Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut former presidential advisor on public relations.
The widows gathered at Butsibo Church of Uganda in Sheema Municipality formed the association in 2023 to empower themselves and improve household incomes. The group which has over 200 members has been engaged in crafts such as basket weaving, pottery and mats production.
Vice Chairperson Grace Mwebaze explained that members previously sold their products at Ntambiko Crafts Centre owned by Karooro. However, the centre closed after her passing leaving the women without a market.
Mary Mugisha, a widow from Butsibo Church of Uganda expressed concern that many members are struggling to provide for their children amid the setbacks.
Rev. Amon Tumusiime, parish priest of Butsibo Church of Uganda noted that widows are often neglected after losing their husbands as they no longer fit into the Mothers’ Union. He urged local leaders to intervene.
Ruth Ministries was established by Karooro to unite widows facing hardships. Members say Karooro had promised to personally introduce them to the president to seek more support, a promise they hope the government will now fulfill.
The Greater Bushenyi Regional Police is currently conducting a week-long refresher training for all police constables and personnel across the region. The training, which commenced yesterday is taking place at Bushenyi Main Stadium.
According to SP Godfrey Achiria the Bushenyi Regional Police Commander, this refresher course is part of the police force’s mandate to enhance the skills and preparedness of its personnel. The training focuses on public order management, skills development and drills to improve interactions with the public especially as the region prepares for the upcoming general elections next year.
SP Achiria noted that the recently concluded NRM party primary elections served as an eye-opener for security agencies providing valuable insights into potential challenges during campaign periods and elections. He emphasized the importance of timely preparation and organization to ensure security and order during the electoral process.
Apollo Tayebwa, the regional police spokesperson disclosed that participants were carefully selected from all five districts within the region. The ongoing week of training aims to equip police officers with the necessary skills to address any shortcomings as the elections approach.
Tayebwa added that the training includes rigorous physical exercises, shooting practice, public order management and other essential skills. A total of 182 personnel are participating in this initial phase of the training program.
Widespread protests and violent clashes have engulfed Nepal amid mounting anger over government corruption, social media restrictions and rising civilian casualties. The unrest has led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli who stepped down to pave the way for a potential constitutional resolution to the crisis.
In recent days, at least 19 people have been killed and over 100 injured following clashes between protesters and security forces. The violence has included attacks on residences of high-profile politicians including Oli and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba as well as vandalism at political party headquarters. Protesters defying an indefinite curfew have stormed government buildings and set fire to several residences and offices including Oli’s house in Balakot and Deuba’s in Budhanilkantha.
Amid the chaos, domestic flights at Tribhuvan International Airport have nearly ceased operations due to security concerns according to Nepal’s aviation authority. The protests initially triggered by a social media ban have expanded into a broad movement demanding accountability, transparency and reforms in governance.
Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation on Wednesday stating he was doing so to allow for a “constitutional solution” to Nepal’s political crisis. His resignation follows days of intense protests which saw a surge in youth participation across Kathmandu and other cities. Several ministers including Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Ram Nath Adhikari and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have resigned in protest against the government’s heavy-handed crackdown.
The situation remains volatile. Videos circulating on social media show protesters entering the Parliament complex and vandalizing government properties. The residences of prominent leaders such as Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist Center leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal have been targeted with petrol bombs and vandalism highlighting the widespread anger and frustration among the populace.
In the midst of the turmoil, foreigners like Roger Woodend originally from Coleraine, Northern Ireland now residing in the Philippines reported being evacuated from their hotels in Kathmandu as protests intensified outside their accommodations. Woodend described a tense scene with smoke and a violent standoff outside his hotel and expressed concerns about crossfire during the clashes.
Among those protesting are individuals like 35-year-old Rachana Sapkota who joined the demonstrations demanding justice for those killed and an end to corruption. “After seeing what happened yesterday my humanity didn’t allow me to stay at home,” she said.
As Nepal grapples with its worst unrest in decades, many citizens remain in shock over the violence and destruction. The government’s failure to contain the protests has led to a crisis of confidence, with calls for urgent political reforms and accountability echoing across the Himalayan nation.
High Court in Mbarara sitting yesterday dismissed with costs a petition filed by three Democratic Party (DP) members seeking to challenge the party’s current leadership headed by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao.
The case which was presided over by Justice Allan Nshimye Paul was filed before the court by Edith Byanyima, Kasozi Kamya and Julius Dumba. The petitioners argued that the DP delegates’ conference held in Mbarara City from May 30 to June 2, 2025 was marred by irregularities that questioned the legitimacy of the leadership.
However, in his ruling Justice Nshimye described the application as premature emphasizing that the applicants had not yet exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution procedures. The judge also ordered the petitioners to pay legal costs to four of the eight respondents which included top DP leaders and representatives of the Electoral Commission.
Speaking through their lawyer, Isaac Ayebazibwe of M/s SK and Partners Advocates the aggrieved members expressed their intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal following a number of frustrations that arose prior the ruling. ”It is alleged that phone calls made rounds, zoom meetings made rounds over the weekend with the judge”,Ayebazibwe revealed.
Ayebazibwe further expressed discontent with the sitting judge in this matter. ”The judge cited 45 grounds that we raised in our application, he relied on two of them to dismiss the entire application,” revealed the plaintiffs’ lawyer.
Kamya Kasozi, one of the applicants revealed that DP’s president General, Norbert Mao is entirely responsible for the frustrations within the Democratic Party and the court system in the country. Kamya further encouraged party members to remain rooted within the party until a lasting solution to what he called bad leadership is arrived at.
Outside court, Byanyima who led the group expressed disappointment with the decision but reaffirmed their commitment to pursue the matter through higher judicial channels. Byanyima further revealed that court did not rule on the substance of the matter but rather on points of law raised by defendants.
The ruling marks a significant development in ongoing internal disputes within the Democratic Party with the petitioners indicating they remain determined to seek justice through Uganda’s appellate courts.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission in Ntungamo district officially declared the incumbent Ntungamo Municipality Member of Parliament Yona Musinguzi Bikwasizehi as the party’s flag bearer for the upcoming elections. The announcement followed a by-election conducted yesterday which was boycotted by four of Musinguzi’s opponents.
According to the district NRM registrar Ms. Maria Baitwa Mirembe, Musinguzi secured a decisive victory, polling 5,740 votes across the exercise. The other candidates—Philip Ankwasa Tumuhimbise who garnered 1,081 votes, Edward Beyendeza Bekunda with 423, Erick Nuwagira Kachafu with 79 and Micheal Katureebe who received 791 votes did not participate in the voting process.
The four candidates protested the election outcome claiming that polling was not conducted fairly. They argued that the vote should have taken place in all 13 polling stations within Ntungamo Municipality as opposed to only the seven stations that the tribunal recognized. They contended that the remaining stations did not hold votes during the July 17 exercise leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the results.
Ntungamo Municipality has a total of 26 cells serving as polling stations under the NRM raising questions about the conduct of the by-election. Notably, Musinguzi, who was injured during a fracas at a polling station in July was absent from the voting exercise himself and was represented solely by his brother, Emmanuel Mubangizi.
Speaking to journalists, Beyendeza emphasized that the four candidates could not participate in the vote as a form of protest against the tribunal’s ruling which they believe did not address their concerns adequately. He expressed hope that their complaints would be considered to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
The declared victory cements Musinguzi’s position as the NRM candidate for Ntungamo Municipality despite ongoing disputes surrounding the election process.
The aftermath of the 2025 National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections in Kiruhura district has left deep scars among losers fueling an increase in the number of independent candidates ahead of 2026 general elections. During a recent three-day Electoral Commission nomination exercise for local government positions, 11 independent candidates were nominated including one vying for the district’s LCV seat.
NRM leaders in the district hold mixed views on this development. Mr. Rutangana Lauben, NRM vice chairperson of Kashongi Subcounty and a member of the Historical Forum in Kiruhura district expressed concern over the rising number of independent candidates. He urged the party to convene these candidates to address their issues warning that their actions could divert party members’ focus from supporting President Museveni.
Namanya Justus, NRM chairperson for Akanaara Cell acknowledged that independent candidates are allowed to contest but emphasized they are not necessarily rivals of the party. He also criticized the fairness of the recent primaries suggesting they were not free and fair and called for increased security during polling to ensure credible election results.
Meanwhile, independent candidate for Kanyaryeru Subcounty LCV councillor, Abaho Paul confirmed that the NRM primaries were marred by irregularities prompting him to contest as an independent for district councillor in Kanyaryeru Subcounty.
Kiruhura district which is revered as being a stronghold for the NRM party continues to experience internal tensions following the preliminary elections with the rise of independent contenders signaling potential shifts in the district’s political landscape.
Ronah Kemirembe Ruranga, a former aspiring for the Kazo District Woman Member of Parliament seat returned to Kazo district yesterday after spending over 24 months abroad. During her stay in the United States, she completed her Master’s degree and was greeted with a jubilant reception from residents of her home district.
A convoy of boda boda riders and taxi drivers escorted Kemirembe from Nyamambo Trading Center in Kazo Sub-county through Kanoni SC, Engari SC, Kaicumu, Buremba Trading Centre, Nkungu SC, Kashasha, Migina SC and finally arriving at her home in Magondo-Burunga Sub-county. The procession was characterized by cheers and celebrations from the community members.
Expressing her gratitude, Kemirembe said, “Truly blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude. I am deeply humbled and honored to have such a warm reception from my dear friends who came out to celebrate my return from abroad.”
She also thanked the residents for their love and support, adding, “Your love, prayers and presence mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for standing with me and showing me love.”
Speculation has been rife that Kemirembe might contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections for the same parliamentary seat. However, she clarified that she will consult with her supporters before making any decision emphasizing that she will follow their counsel; whether to run or not.
Addressing rumors about her political stance, Kemirembe dismissed claims that she supported a candidate in the recent NRM primaries, stating, “I have not campaigned for anyone and have not called on others to do so. I cannot support someone I am politically far better than.”
Many residents who spoke to our reporter expressed their eagerness for her to contest and assured her of their support should she decide to run. The community remains hopeful that Kemirembe’s political future in Kazo District will unfold in the near future.
Police in Buhweju District have launched investigations into the suspected murder of Kyogabirwe Olivia, 35, a resident of Enkombe Trading Centre, Kiyanja Parish, Kyahenda Sub-county.
She is alleged to have been strangled by Turinawe Kenneth, 24, a resident of Ruzinga in the same sub-county.
SP Tayebwa Apollo, the Acting Spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi sub-region confirmed the incident and said the case was reported on September 2, 2025, at around 7:00 am.
According to preliminary findings, the deceased’s husband, Kabatungye Nicholas, returned home from gold mining and found his wife’s body lying on the floor of their house.
Reports further indicate that the couple had long-standing, unresolved family conflicts related to alleged witchcraft which may have contributed to the tragedy.
Police officers responded to the scene, conducted investigations in line with standard procedure and later took the body to Nsiika Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death, as required by law.
SP Tayebwa confirmed that one suspect has been arrested to assist with the investigations.
He appealed to members of the public to distance themselves from acts of lawlessness, warning that such actions are punishable under the law.
Police in Kazo district have arreste, Babrah Kansiime, 19, following allegations that she murdered her 1-year-and-3-month-old daughter, Tusingwire Christine by drowning her into a water body.
The tragic incident occurred in Buhenda village, Rwamuranga Parish, Kazo Subcounty. Authorities have not yet established a clear motive resulting into the incident but police suspect domestic discord may have contributed to the incident.
Kansiime who has two children with different men and works as a daily wage laborer reportedly claimed that she was chased from her home along with her children before the act.
The police have launched an investigation under file REF CRB 535/2025. The child’s body has been transported to Ruhoko Hospital for further examination.
Local LC1 Chairman Samuel Manuunu expressed shock and sadness over the heartbreaking event calling for a thorough investigation.
