Police in Rubanda district are investigating circumstances under which two men in at Nyamuriro Wolfram mining site in Rubanda on the night of June 3. Two individuals lost their lives after being buried by sand during an illegal mining operation while the third one is still at large. They reportedly sneaked into the mining site to carry out unauthorized sand extraction.

According to police reports, the three individuals entered the site around 5:00 a.m. on June 3, they became trapped in a sand-filled hole leading to the death of two of them on the spot while the third person whose identity has not yet been established managed to escape unhurt and remains at large.

The victims have been identified as Acleo Bushato, 27 and Muhumuza both male residents of Kalere Trading Centre,Kara Parish in Muko subcounty.

Police reportedly received a distressing call from the officer in charge of Nyamuriro Mineral Police Post. The police team led by the District Police Commander (DPC) responded swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the bodies had already been retrieved from the site but discovered police guards and Onesmus, the former chairperson of KI3R Mining Company Limited at the scene.

In an effort to prevent further illegal activities, the police including officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) conducted community policing exercises in Kalere Trading Centre. Authorities are urging the public to desist from illegal mining practices that pose serious safety risks.

The police have launched investigations into the incident and are actively pursuing the suspect who escaped. They also continue to warn the community against unauthorized mining activities that endanger lives and property.

This tragic incident underscores the dangers associated with illegal mining operations in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of mining laws and enhanced community awareness.

Police in Rukungiri district have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Sunday Innocent Akim, 23, a nresident of Ncwera Cell, Rweshama Parish, Bwambara Sub-county.

Kigezi region police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate identified the suspects as Moses Mujuni and Goodrah Mugabirwe. The suspects are in detention as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Akim’s death.

Further details about the incident and the motive for the killing have not yet been disclosed. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The government of Uganda has allocated UGX200 million for the construction of a new central market in Kabwohe town in Sheema Municipality. The announcement was made over the weekend by Sheema Municipality Member of Parliament, Dicksons Kateshumbwa during a meeting with market vendors.

Kateshumbwa revealed that the new market which is situated along the Kabwohe–Masheruka road, will be constructed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade. He explained that the current market would be affected by the upcoming tarmacking of the road and to prevent disruption of business particularly for the women who constitute the majority of vendors; construction of the new facility will commence before road works begin.

However, he acknowledged that the allocated funds might not be sufficient to complete the entire project. He assured traders that those currently operating in the existing market would be given priority for space once the new market is operational and emphasized the need to engage the municipal council authorities to consider reducing the taxes levied on vendors which many find burdensome.

Kateshumbwa said“We are committed to ensuring that vendors are not left stranded during the road upgrades and we will do our best to support them through this transition.”

Juliet Kebirungi, the chairperson of the Kabwohe Mid-Market, welcomed the development but highlighted several pressing challenges facing the current market. She pointed out issues such as lack of electricity, poor sanitation and the absence of a perimeter fence all which hinder the effective operation of the market. Kebirungi also reiterated concerns over high taxes despite the market hosting over 150 vendors.

The planned construction aims to improve trading conditions and address infrastructure gaps, promising a more conducive environment for both vendors and shoppers in Kabwohe.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa paid tribute to the late Gen. Elly Tumwiine for his role in the National Resistance Army (NRA) Bush War and his legacy as a patriot and freedom fighter.

Tayebwa was speaking at a fundraising event yesterday at Mukuru Church of Uganda in Rwemikoma Archideaconary Kazo district. The event was organized by Mrs. Jolly Tumwine to support the church’s construction; a project initially conceptualized by Gen. Tumwiine before his passing.

He emphasized the importance of honoring Gen. Tumwine’s vision and announced plans for tarmacking the Kazo-Kyegegwa road as part of this year’s development agenda.

The church service which was led by Rt, Rev. Alfred Muhoozi of North Ankole Diocese focused on patience and the right timing for action. The event was attended by MPs Hon. Dan Kimosho and Hon. Janepher Muheesi, Uganda People’s Defence Forces officers among other leaders. Over UGX200 million were raised to support the church project.

Catholics in Kazo district have raised UGX145million to support the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund (AMDEF). This contribution significantly boosts the archdiocese’s overall fundraising target of UGX8.5billion aimed at financing the construction of a mega arcade in Mbarara City.

The fundraising campaign which commenced earlier this year seeks to bolster the Archdiocese’s development initiatives and enhance service delivery across its various Catholic institutions. Kazo district was allocated a target of UGX150 million. The event marked a major milestone with the remaining balance expected to be pledged in the coming weeks.

The mobilization effort kicked off with the Holy Sacrifice of mass celebrated by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese. During his homily, the prelate emphasized the importance of self-reliance within the Church’s development efforts.

“We must stop relying solely on donors. The Church needs to build its capacity to fund and sustain its own projects. I thank all of you who have supported this noble cause,” he stated.

The event was attended by several leaders including Members of Parliament Hon. Atwijukiire Dan Kimosho of Kazo County and Hon. Janepher Muheesi, the Kazo district Woman Member of Parliament along with other political figures. During the gathering, these leaders contributed over UGX45million towards the campaign.

Eng. Silver Mugisha, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Archdiocese of Mbarara provided an update on the project’s financial needs noting that UGX8.5 billion is still required to complete the construction of the proposed development projects.

In his message read by Kazo County Member of Parliament Dan Kimosho, Kazo Member of Parliament emeritus Hon. Eng. John Nasasira commended the Catholic Church for enhancing community services, particularly in education and health. He made a contribution of UGX 5million to the cause.

Bainomugisha initiated AMDEF to create a sustainable model for resource mobilization with a goal of strengthening the Church’s mission in community development and service delivery.

Kazo joins other districts such as Bushenyi, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Isingiro, Rubirizi, Mitoma, Sheema, Buhweju, Kiruhura, and Ibanda, which have already been visited as part of the ongoing fundraising campaign.

The Judiciary of Uganda is set to undertake a significant initiative to train religious leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and local council leaders in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. This effort aims to enhance access to justice and alleviate the growing backlog of cases in courts across the country.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Justice His Lordship Dr. Flavian Zeija during the commissioning of the newly constructed Sheema Chief Magistrate’s Court, held yesterday at Kibingo, Sheema Central Division in Sheema Municipality.

Justice Zeija emphasized the critical role community leaders play in the justice system noting that many disputes are first reported to religious, political and local council leaders. He stressed the importance of equipping these leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to resolve conflicts fairly and efficiently through ADR thereby easing the burden on formal courts.

In addition to the court’s commissioning, a Justice Centre worth UGX1.83 billion was officially opened. The complex comprises a Grade One and Chief Magistrate’s Court offices for the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and a police block. The construction of the facility which began in 2019 faced delays due to funding gaps, contract revisions and management challenges as explained by Eng. Priscilla Nakiboneka, the Principal Executive Engineer at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs who represented the Permanent Secretary.

Eng. Nakiboneka urged judicial officers and court staff to ensure regular maintenance of the new facility emphasizing that proper cleaning and upkeep are vital in preserving the building’s condition.

Fred Kyamuzigita, the Sheema District Resident District Commissioner praised the sector for the improved infrastructure highlighting that the new court complex would facilitate more efficient transportation of prisoners and bring justice services closer to the people.

Lucy Kabahuma, the Sheema District Chief Magistrate provided an update on the court’s caseload, revealing that the court is currently handling 821 cases both civil and criminal. She explained that civil disputes predominantly involve land disagreements and debt recovery issues by SACCOs while criminal cases are mostly petty offenses including coffee theft, matooke theft, cattle theft, assault and threats of violence.

In his remarks, Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa called on SACCO members to practice financial discipline and heed the guidance of their leaders to foster community development and peace.

Kazo District has commenced the construction of two vital roads in Kazo Sub County aimed at improving transportation and supporting local livelihoods. The project includes the Bafaki Road, spanning 11 kilometers with an estimated cost of approximately Shs38 million and the Mbaba Road covering 7 kilometers at an estimated cost of Shs22 million.

During the official launch, Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the LCV Chairperson for Kazo District urged residents to make full use of the new roads to enhance household income by facilitating the transportation of their products to markets.

Seth Byaruhanga, the District Secretary for Works and Councillor for Nkungu Sub-County expressed concerns regarding the upcoming road projects and their potential impact on the local road network, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning.

Dan Nahura Bwamunyonga, the district speaker and councillor for Kazo Sub County highlighted that the construction of these roads has been a long-standing community priority, essential for improving access and transportation within the area.

Residents and local leaders from Ntambazi and Mbaba parishes also voiced their gratitude to the district for finally constructing roads that had previously hindered their ability to transport their products efficiently. The new infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance movement and economic activity in the region.

Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality has approved a budget estimate of Shs18.5 billion for the 2025-2026 Financial Year with the education department taking a lion’s share. The budget was presented today by Secretary for Finance, Andrew Nimwesiga to the municipal council. The budget has slightly increased from last year’s Shs16 billion shillings.

Nimwesiga explained that the new budget has 43.9% accredited to education, 16% to health and 15% to works.Richard Byaruhanga,the municipality Mayor attributed the increase to efforts to maintain the district’s high standards in primary education which has improved the performance of the municipality in Primary Leaving Examinations for the past five years.

While presiding over the council, Evalist Rwambuga Mucunguzi, the municipality speaker emphasized the importance of proper implementation by technical staff to ensure quality service delivery.

However, tension erupted during the council meeting when some members demanded an increase in their allowances from shs10,000 to shs30,000, seeking to cut funds from the mayor’s shs100 million allocation for the year. The disagreement highlighted ongoing debates over resource distribution within the council.

Leaders from Kasambya county in Mubende district are preparing for the upcoming event dubbed “BUGANDA KU MUSEVENI,”(Buganda to Museveni) set for Friday May 30, 2025. The gathering in Kasambya town council aimed to organize efforts to rally voter support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni particularly in the Buganda region.

The meeting was attended by prominent officials including councilors at all levels, council speakers, LC5 Chairperson Hon. Michael Muhereza Ntambi, Woman MP Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe, NRM Chairperson Ainebyoona Thomas, RDC Alhaji Umar Mawiya Lule among other stakeholders.

In his address, Ntambi emphasized unity among leaders, urging cooperation to ensure visitors are well-treated to uphold the party’s image. “Security will be in place but we must not treat our visitors poorly as it tarnishes our reputation. I am committed to addressing any issues that make voters uncomfortable before the responsible ministers,” he stated.

Additionally, Mr. Tusabe Godfrey, the Personal Assistant to Hon. David Kabanda announced a health camp scheduled on the same day for the event and revealed that Hon. Kabanda will sponsor meals for attendees.

Mubende District has already hosted two similar functions the first was held on April 13, 2025, at Kasaana Grounds in Mubende Municipality with Hon. Bashir Lubega Sempa as the main host. However, several key NRM leaders including the LC5 Chairperson, Woman MP and Hon. David Kabanda did not attend raising concerns about leadership unity within the district.

Casbart Kasiano Tukundane, a youthful and successful businessman was officially nominated today to contest for the position of National Resistance Movement(NRM) district chairman for Bushenyi challenging the incumbent super tycoon Hassan Basajjabalaba. The nomination took place in Bushenyi town where local NRM officials endorsed Tukundane as their candidate.

Tukundane vowed to defeat Basajjabalaba in the highly anticipated contest scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025. He emphasized his commitment to running a peaceful campaign that would unite the NRM party in the district and the wider region.

Tukundane also pledged to strengthen ties with the business community in Bushenyi and to foster networks among top business people across Uganda and beyond. His candidature has already generated excitement among supporters especially after he led a large procession through Bushenyi and Ishaka towns attracting numerous cyclists and vehicle supporters.

The upcoming contest is expected to be fiercely competitive with many eyes on the outcome as Tukundane aims to make a significant impact in the district’s political landscape.