Police in Kazo District are investigating a chilling case of attempted murder involving a father and his five year old son. Kiiza Barnabus, a resident of Akagando Cell in Akatongole Parish, Migina Sub county is accused of allegedly attempting to kill his five-year-old son, Nuwasasira Ronald.

According to local residents, the incident occurred when Kiiza allegedly took his son to a secluded area and left him in a trench, hoping he would die. The child was discovered on Monday February 3 in a trench, showing signs of distress and in poor health condition. Residents have expressed their shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Kato Patrick, a police officer at Migina Police Station confirmed the incident and reported that a passerby found the boy and alerted authorities.

Following the report, police launched a search for Kiiza eventually locating him in his home village of Akagando. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at Migina Police Station as investigations continue.

Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and supportive, particularly for vulnerable children, while they work to gather more information and ensure the safety of Nuwasasira Ronald.

The case has raised alarm in the community, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support and intervention for individuals facing personal struggles that could lead to acts of violence against family members.

Hundreds of people in Ntungamo district gathered on Monday February 3 in Ntungamo Municipality to partake in the launch of Tarehe Sita activities organized by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 401 Brigade. The event was spearheaded by Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Gumizamu Kafureeka, alongside police and prison officials, as they led a procession through the municipal grounds and streets.

The gathering which featured a diverse group of participants including local leaders, civil servants, business owners and market vendors all of whom collaborated in cleaning and sanitizing the area. Lt Col Kafureeka emphasized the importance of Tarehe Sita celebrations highlighting the bond between the UPDF and the civilian population especially when deployed for operations.

“We appreciate the community’s support for the revolution,” said Kafureeka. “Your continuous cooperation with UPDF is crucial in our ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” he further said.

This year marks the 44th anniversary of Tarehe Sita which will be celebrated in the Greater Masaka region under the theme, “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation.” The term ‘Tarehe Sita’ means “the sixth day” in Swahili, referring to February 6, 1981, the day on which the fight against a government that arose from contested 1980 elections began with an attack on Kabamba military barracks.

During the event, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Ntungamo, Byarugaba Isaiah Kanyamahaane praised the UPDF for being a trustworthy army revered nationally. He commended the business community for their involvement in the cleanliness activities and urged them to continue these efforts within their respective areas of influence.

Senior Health Inspector, Jovat Tumushabe also expressed gratitude towards the UPDF and emphasized the vital partnership that has been cultivated between the forces and the local community.

The Tarehe Sita celebrations embody a historical legacy of struggle and a commitment to collective progress underscoring the harmonious relationship between Uganda’s military and its citizenry.

Police in Bushenyi district are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a 24-year-old woman, Janet Tunyumize.

According to Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi Region Police Spokesperson, the incident occurred on January 25, 2025 in the evening hours. The matter was reported by William Ssenge, an officer attached to Bushenyi Police Station who rushed the deceased to Bushenyi Medical Centre in Bwatoogo cell, Central Division, Bushenyi Municipality.

The deceased had spent the previous night at William Ssenge’s residence. The two got into a misunderstanding the following morning. The deceased moved out and went to Bushenyi town before returning to the boyfriend’s residence where she was later found unconscious and vomiting a strong-smelly substance that seemed to be a poison.

Ssenge immediately rushed Tunyumize to the hospital for medical attention, but unfortunately, she passed away.

The deceased’s body has been conveyed to Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Ishaka for a postmortem examination. During treatment, Tunyumize revealed to the medical staff that she had taken poison but did not provide any reasons.

As the police investigation continues, the community is in shock and mourning the loss of the young woman. The incident has raised concerns about the rising rate of mental health issues and domestic violence in the region.

Ntungamo District authorities have in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment launched the construction of a solar-powered water system in Mugyera Parish, Ngoma Sub-county. The launch ceremony held in Kabingo Village marked the handover of the construction site to Nexus Green, the contractor slated to carry out the project.

Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigooba, the Ntungamo District LCV Chairperson reiterated the district’s commitment to improving access to clean and safe drinking water for local residents. “We aim to extend similar water projects throughout Ngoma Sub-county where many households face persistent water challenges that hinder both daily life and agricultural productivity,” Rwakigooba stated.

The chairperson expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Water and Environment and development partners for their financial contributions to the initiative, as well as to local landowners who willingly donated land for the project.

District Water Officer, Prosper Butubuura elaborated on the project scope which includes the construction of a pump house, a security room, solar-powered pumps, fencing and a 1.3-kilometer transmission and distribution line culminating in a reservoir tank. This comprehensive water system is set to benefit Kabingo, Rwabashegi, and Muzeire villages, along with essential institutions like Burama Primary School.

Brian Ssemakula, a representative from the Ministry of Water and Environment underscored the project’s vital goal of providing clean water which in turn is expected to significantly reduce health-related diseases within the community.

Local Council III Councillor, Moses Beine voiced appreciation for the government’s prioritization of the area highlighting the dire situation where residents rely on muddy water sources shared with livestock — an issue that intensifies during the dry season. “This project brings hope and relief to our people,” he remarked.

Emphasizing the government’s substantial investment in water infrastructure, Ntungamo District Chief Administrative Officer Mathius Ndifuna urged community members to protect the new facilities and collaborate closely with contractors to ensure the project’s timely completion.

The launch event drew attendance from local leaders, clergymen and enthusiastic community members all of whom expressed optimism that the new water system would transform daily life by providing easy access to clean water.

Police in Rubirizi district have arrested a 25-year-old man on allegations of defiling a four-year-old child.

According to Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson, the incident occurred on Tuesday January 21 at approximately 11:00 am in Nyabubare Village 11, Kyabakara Parish. The suspect identified as Robert Tindyebwa, 25, a local peasant and resident of the same address has been taken into custody.

The victim, a four-year-old girl who is the daughter of Godfrey Kamukama, 35, was left at home while her parents attended to their work in the garden. The suspect allegedly lured the girl to a coffee plantation where he committed the act of defilement.

A witness, Akandwanaho, reportedly spotted the suspect in the process and immediately informed the victim’s mother. Upon receiving the information, the mother rushed to the scene and found the suspect in the middle of committing the act.

In light of this incident, the police urge everyone to be vigilant and ensure the safety of children particularly in their absence.

Mbarara City Councilors have threatened to impeach the City Mayor, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi due to his failure to convene an extraordinary meeting during which they intended to seek clarification from the outgoing city town clerk, Assy Abireebe Tumwesigire. This discontent follows a series of letters sent by the councilors in which they allege disregard by both the town clerk and the mayor and the speaker.

In a recent letter dated January 15, 2025, the councilors demanded an extraordinary meeting before the now-transferred town clerk officially hands over responsibilities. Jessica Mwijuka, the councilor representing workers, voiced concerns that the council might lose a significant amount of money under unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, Byansi Muhammad, the councilor for Nyamityoobora expressed that they feel they have no choice but to pursue impeachment due to the mayor’s perceived undermining of the council.

In response to the growing tension, City Council Speaker, Bonny Tashobya Karusya urged the councilors to remain calm, noting that a regular council meeting has already been scheduled for Wednesday January 22 to address their concerns.

The Mayor, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi confirmed receipt of the councilors’ letters and stated that he has formally instructed the city town clerk, in writing, to arrange the extraordinary council meeting.

Police in Rubirizi District are on the lookout for unknown assailants responsible for vandalizing and stealing three-phase power lines in Katanda 1 Village, Katanda Sub County.

The incident occurred during the night of January 16-17, 2025 when the thieves dismantled and took 120 meters of electric wires from the power line, causing significant disruption to the local electricity supply.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi police spokesperson confirmed the vandalism and said that a team of electricians from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Katerera Branch visited the scene to assess the damage.

Christopher Ntegyereize, a 49-year-old peasant and resident of Kakindo A cell in Katanda Sub County, reported the incident to the police and expressed concern over the theft. He mentioned that efforts are underway to identify the suspects with the community rallying to provide information.

The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their areas as they work to apprehend those behind this brazen act of vandalism. The theft of electric wires has raised concerns about safety and the potential for further disruptions to power services in the region.

Police in Sheema district have arrested a 55-year-old businessman, Johnson Ahimbisibwe over alleged kidnapping of Brian Agaba, 40.

Agaba, a resident of Kitamba cell in Kibanga East parish, Kitagata sub-county in Sheema district was abducted from his home on January 14 at around 2:00 pm. He was bundled into a Toyota Wish vehicle, Reg.no UBA 105S driven by Andrew Twijukye, 37 and taken to an unknown location.

The case was reported on January 15, by Robert Nuwarimpa, the LC1 chairperson of Kitamba cell at Kashekuro police station. Police launched a search operation and found Agaba drowning in River Ntungwa on the border with Kanungu and Rukungiri districts. He was rescued by some boys who were grazing animals on the river sides and informed police from Nyamirama in Kanungu.

Agaba sustained multiple injuries on the head, hands and legs, was rushed to St. Annah Health centre before being transferred to Kitagata Hospital in Sheema district where he is currently undergoing treatment.

In a statement to police, Agaba revealed that the kidnapping stemmed from an ongoing land dispute between him and the suspect. He said his kidnappers tied his hands and legs with ropes, blindfolded him with a piece of cloth and subjected him to severe beating before throwing him into the river.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed the incident and said that an investigation is ongoing. Ahimbisibwe has been arrested and will face charges related to kidnapping.

The incident has sparked concerns over the increasing cases of kidnappings in the region which are often linked to land disputes and other forms of conflict.

Residents of Kabushwere Parish in Kashongi Sub-County, Kiruhura District are grappling with fear and grief following the tragic kidnapping and murder of Medard Arinda,3. The boy’s lifeless body was discovered in a pit latrine at Akatogo Trading Center raising serious concerns among community members and local authorities.

According to Arinda’s father, Alex Bariyo, the horrifying incident occurred on January 7, 2025.

In a meeting attended by district security authorities including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) George Bakunda and the LCV chairman, the community was reassured that justice would be served in regard to the brutal murder of the minor.

Boniface Nuwamanya, Officer in Charge of Kashongi Police Post revealed that upon receiving the report of a missing child, he immediately initiated a follow-up investigation. “We acted swiftly to gather any leads,” he stated.

SP Hajji Kitaka Surite, the District Police Commander (DPC) for Kiruhura, urged the community to be vigilant and support one another to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. He confirmed that four suspects have been taken into custody including an Egyptian national as police continue to investigate into the matter.

Dan Mukago, the LCV Chairman for Kiruhura district, pledged that the bereaved family would receive the support and justice they deserve. “We stand with the family during this difficult time and will ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.

In light of this tragic event, RDC George Bakunda reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to investigate the kidnapping and murder of the minor.

Veterans in Ibanda district have been asked to continue the legacy of the liberation struggle by actively combating poverty within their communities. This was during an event at the Ibanda district head office on January 14.

Jovrine Kyomukama Kaliisa, the Deputy National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM), encouraged veterans to serve as role models and take a lead in addressing various challenges including poverty.

Kaliisa was handing over hoes donated by the government to civilian veterans in Ibanda Municipality as part of the initiative aimed at empowering Ugandans economically. She emphasized that the donation symbolizes the government’s gratitude for the veterans’ contributions to the country’s liberation struggle.

“This donation is not just support; it’s a sign that the government has not forgotten you,” she stated. “These hoes are tools to help you in your new struggle to create wealth and enhance household incomes,” Kaliisa revealed.The hoes will be distributed to civilian veterans across various sub-counties within the district.

The Deputy National PDM Coordinator commended the veterans for their pivotal role in supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) liberation struggle which paved way for peace and stability in Uganda. She pointed out that while the NRM’s fight in the 1980s focused on establishing rule of law and security. She further revealed that the current challenges require the veterans’ ongoing engagement and leadership.

Among those benefiting from the initiative was 80-year-old, Yusuf Katonyamu from Katooma II, Kagongo Division in Ibanda Municipality. Katonyamu expressed his gratitude for receiving two hoes and acknowledged previous support from the government, including 300 coffee seedlings he received two years ago.

Winnie Bagarukayo, representing Ruyonza in Kayenje Ward of Bufunda Division echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the timeliness of the hoes as farmers prepare for the upcoming planting season. “This support comes at a crucial moment as we get ready to cultivate our gardens,” she remarked.

Kaliisa’s message to the veterans underscores the vital role they can play in not only reviving their communities but also in contributing to Uganda’s overall development as the nation continues to navigate through new challenges.