Residents from various parishes in Buremba Town Council, Kazo District gathered yesterday at the home of Nasasira Emmanuel Magango’s residence to address concerns over the recent NRM structure elections held on May 16, 2025. Nasasira who has been serving as the NRM chairman for Buremba Town Council, submitted a petition to the NRM registrar’s office in Kazo District expressing dissatisfaction with the electoral process.

Kato Paul was declared the winner of the elections but residents allege that the announcement was made off the scene, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the vote. Residents including Ruhambana Fred, Turinawe Lawrance and Winnie Amanya voiced their frustrations stating that they are prepared to take action to defend the integrity of the election.

Nasasira confirmed to Kazo FM that he had initially visited the NRM registrar who assured him that the matter would be addressed. However, Magango later stated that the registrar reconsidered saying he would not handle the issue alone, as all candidates are his relatives and neighbors.

Residents are now calling on local leaders to intervene promptly to prevent unrest and ensure a fair resolution.

Michael Toyota Kaguta, the National Vice Chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has urged residents of Buhweju district to embrace coffee farming as a profitable alternative amid challenges in the tea sector. He was speaking at a farmers’ baraza at Nyakashaka Town Market in Nyakashaka Town Council yesterday.

Kaguta encouraged locals to prepare land for coffee while maintaining their existing tea plantations. He highlighted coffee’s potential for annual income and emphasized that a dual-crop approach can enhance farmers’ resilience.

The event which was organized by Inspire Africa Coffee in partnership with Buhweju West MP Ephraim Biraro Ganshanga aimed to promote agricultural diversification and raise awareness about coffee’s economic benefits. Kaguta advised farmers not to abandon their tea gardens, noting that both crops can complement each other for sustainable income.

Buhweju currently has over 3,000 hectares under tea cultivation. Despite recent declines in tea prices, market trends show a rebound with prices rising from an average of $0.74 per kilogram in late 2023 to $1.02 in 2025, a UGX 1,035 increase per kilogram. While this offers hope, smallholder farmers still face market and logistical challenges.

Asiimwe Nicholas Bangizi of Inspire Africa Coffee reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting farmers through training, field visits and quality control. He also encouraged participation in the upcoming Coffee Marathon, a community initiative to empower women in coffee farming.

Buhweju West MP Ephraim Biraro Ganshanga revealed that he has written to President Yoweri Museveni requesting for 150,000 coffee seedlings to distribute across the six sub-counties in his constituency.

Bushenyi District Council has condemned the poor condition of the Mbarara-Ishaka road and called for urgent government intervention to address its hazardous state.

The motion raised under the matter of public importance by Adinan Tumuhairwe, representing Kakanju Sub County informed the council that the road has become a death trap for travelers and residents alike. He highlighted that the deteriorating condition of the road has significantly impacted local business potential causing heavy financial losses. Additionally, he noted that the road is a crucial route for cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda revealing that its poor state hampers regional economic activities.

The council resolved to organize a joint regional council meeting to present a petition to the Ugandan government demanding urgent repairs. They also agreed to mobilize a peaceful demonstration involving concerned citizens as a wake-up call for swift government action.

During the session, Tumuhairwe emphasized that the road connects the Western region to key destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mount Rwenzori, Kitagata Hot Springs, Lake Mburo and Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest.

He pointed out specific sections that are in particularly in bad condition including the Kitojo-Kaziho stretch, Omukinanasi near Uganda Technical College Bushenyi, Nyakabirizi main stage and St. Kaggwa Trading Center among other areas.

The council’s stance underscores the urgent need for repairs to facilitate safe travel and support regional trade and development.

Bushenyi District Council has approved a budget of Shs 42.8 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year. The budget was presented yesterday during a council session at the district council hall by Didas Twijukye, Secretary for Administration, Planning, Finance and Investments and Leader of Government Business.

The Education and Sports sector took a lion’s share of the budget followed by Administration, Health and Community-Based Services. Twijukye reported that the biggest percentage of funds is expected to come from government grants with additional revenue from local taxes, donor funding and contributions from other line ministries.

The District Speaker, Douglas Mucunguzi commended councillors for fulfilling their leadership roles and called for further interventions based on recommendations from standing committee meetings. He emphasized the need for politicians to support local revenue mobilization especially in the wake of increasing urban centers.

Mucunguzi also expressed concern over challenges in local revenue collection urging district technical staff and stakeholders to address this issue to ensure sustainable funding for the district’s development programs.

Ibanda district Grade One Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Gilbert Kansiime, 27, a herdsman to two years in prison for stealing from his employer. Kansiime stole UGX1,800,000 million and clothes valued at UGX750,000 from Dickson Kempaaka of Rushaka 2, Karangara ward in November last year.

Kansiime admitted to housebreaking and theft on May 20 before Magistrate Vastine Kembabazi. He was sentenced to 12 months on each charge with the court ordering him to pay UGX2,550,000 in compensation to Kempaaka and UGX1,000,000 in costs within five months after his release. His jail term was reduced by six months for time served on remand.

Kempaaka praised the court’s judgment, emphasizing the importance of fighting crime and deterring betrayal of employers. Kansiime and another farmhand still at large broke into Kempaaka’s house on November 13, stealing cash and clothes. He was arrested on November 21 in Ishaka Bushenyi and charged with housebreaking and theft.

Residents of Nyakariro Parish in Burunga Sub County, Kazo District have been encouraged to join village groups as a strategy to combat corruption and promote development. Former Minister and Kazo District Woman MP aspirant Molly Nawe Kamukama speaking as the guest of honor yesterday urged Nyakariro Women’s Group members to fight corruption and called on NRM flag bearers to address rampant vote-rigging within the party.

Nawe emphasized the importance of diversification stating “Having large herds of cattle and vast land won’t make us prosperous unless we add value. For example, if you have 20 cows producing 60 liters of milk daily, aim to produce over 90 liters.”

The group’s chairperson, Lay Can. Naume Muhanguzi, thanked attendees including representatives from Kazo FM and shared the group’s history. “Our group started in 2017 with 25 members and we began giving out water tanks because Burunga is very dry. Local leaders have not supported us, so we call on the government to assist women,” she said.

The event was attended by husbands of members, political aspirants, government officials including the sub-county chief and delegates from various groups.

Nabimanya, a husband of a group member, commended the group for their transparency and efforts to improve yields.

Residents of Gabarungi ward in Kazo Town Council Kazo district have faced significant destruction after heavy rains and strong winds swept through the area yesterday. The severe weather damaged crops including cassava and banana plantations and destroyed several houses, leaving many residents displaced.

Davida Bitariho a resident of the same village who was severely affected has appealed to the government for assistance as he currently has nowhere to stay following the destruction of his home.

According to Justus Mugarura, the Kazo Town council Mayor revealed that residents of Gabarungi have suffered considerable property losses due to the adverse weather conditions. “Yesterday, heavy rains and strong winds caused extensive damage to crops, houses and belongings in Gabarungi,” he reported.

Mugarura assured that he would work closely with Members of Parliament to explore ways in which the government can support the affected residents and address their immediate needs. “We are coordinating efforts to find immediate assistance for those displaced and to assess the full extent of the damage,” he added.

Farmers in Kiruhura district are reaping benefits from four-acre model farm initiative inspired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on land use for small-scale farmers. The president recommends dedicating one acre to coffee, another to fruits and a third to food crops, promoting agricultural commercialization and household wealth.

Mr. Kyensheija Fred Buraako, a model farmer from Rwakitura Cell in Rushere Town Council has successfully implemented the model. His farm includes grass for animal feed, coffee, apiary and indoor cattle rearing. He credits President Museveni’s teachings on poverty alleviation for inspiring his diversification efforts.

Kyensheija also grows bananas and coffee to generate income and calls on district leaders to support farmers in achieving their agricultural goals.

The State Minister for Health in charge of Primary Healthcare, Margaret Muhanga has urged parents to ensure their children receive the malaria vaccine emphasizing its critical role in protecting them from the serious health risks associated with the disease.

Before officiating at the commissioning of Migina Health Centre III in Kagango Division, Sheema Municipality, Muhanga visited Kabwohe Health Centre IV where the government is currently upgrading the facility. She commended the UPDF engineering brigade contracted to carry out the construction for their quality workmanship.

The UGX Shs 2.3 billion project at Kabwohe Health Centre IV will include outpatient and inpatient wards, a maternity ward, theatre and hospital laboratory. The upgrade is expected to be completed within six months enhancing healthcare delivery in the area.

During her visit, Muhanga also highlighted the ongoing fight against malaria noting that the disease remains a significant threat to children’s health. “Malaria can cause lifelong complications including brain damage if not prevented effectively,” she said.

Addressing the community at Migina Health Centre III, Muhanga emphasized the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to safeguard children’s health. “We must prioritize immunization especially the malaria vaccine to protect our children from preventable illnesses that can have lifelong impacts,” Muhanga revealed.

The newly commissioned health facility cost the government UGXShs916 million is well-equipped with a maternity ward, placenta pit, medical waste pit, outpatient department and inpatient and outpatient wards.

Sheema district leaders including the Woman Member of Parliament, Rosemary Nyakikongoro and Sheema Municipality lawmaker Dicksons Kateshumbwa praised the government for providing modern medical equipment to improve healthcare services. However, they appealed for the recruitment of more health workers to ensure the facility operates at full capacity and delivers quality services to the community. “We appreciate the support, but more health workers are needed to meet the increasing demand for services,” they said.

Muhanga also commended the dedicated health workers at Migina Health Centre III for their commitment to service delivery and safeguarding medical equipment. “I want to thank our health workers for their dedication. It is essential they remain committed and vigilant to serve our communities effectively, ” Muhanga said.

The Minister cautioned health workers nationwide against absenteeism urging them to remain devoted to their duties to improve health outcomes across the country.

Local leaders and community members have urged parents to refrain from involving their children in the ongoing political season.

Speaking to reporters today, Milton Kasubure, the Deputy Mayor of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality emphasized the importance of parental vigilance particularly concerning the safety of the girl child. Kasubure urged parents to monitor their children’s movements closely and to create structured routines to keep them engaged.

He advised parents to develop timetables that incorporate domestic chores and constructive activities suggesting that such engagement can help restrict unnecessary outings. Kasubure also called for a shift in mindset encouraging parents to view domestic work as a valuable skill rather than a form of unpaid labor noting that government recognizes these activities as an important skill development.

Kasubure emphasized the need for parental oversight to ensure children’s safety during this politically charged period.

In addition, Macky Twijukye, an aspiring LC4 councillor for Katungu Ward cautioned parents against sending their children to trading centers alone during night or evening hours. He warned that such times increase children’s vulnerability to criminal activities and urged parents to take extra precautions to protect their children from harm.

Community leaders agree that safeguarding children during this sensitive period is crucial emphasizing that responsible parenting can help prevent unnecessary exposure to danger and influence from political activities.