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.

Police in Kazo District are investigating allegations of torture involving a 13-year-old girl in the care of a woman only identified as Judith, who has been taking care of her since she was three. Residents of Bwizi A Cell in Buremba Town council report that Judith has subjected the girl to severe abuse including recent burns to her face, legs and private parts.

The minor has gone days with this excruciating pain but has not had access to medical attention since she experience the burns.

Twine Dan, the LC 1 chairperson of Bwizi A Cell confirmed the abuse and stated that he would take care of the girl until Judith returns from Kinoni Sub County, Kiruhura District where she has been attended a funeral.

Twine took the child to Buremba Police Station where officers advised him to prevail over her care while awaiting Judith’s return.

Sgt. Kwizera Fidel, Officer in Charge of Buremba Police Station, indicated that an investigation has been launched into the matter and the child remains under the custody of Twine.

Police in Rubirizi District are actively pursuing a group of unknown assailants who reportedly attacked Bernard Ndagano,45, and stole Shs2,000 from him. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 12, 2025 around 2:00 am in Kasungu Cell in Kasarara Ward.

According to the Police spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi, Martial Tumusiime, the victim sought refuge at his aunt’s house after the attack. She reported that he knocked on her door pleading for help. When she opened the door, she found him lying on the ground severely injured and bleeding from deep cuts to his forehead, left arm and the back of his neck.

The victim recounted that as he was approaching the Rugazi Hospital mortuary, two unknown men started following him. In an attempt to evade them, he took a feeder road he often used to reach home. However, the assailants caught up with him, demanded money and when he attempted to flee, one struck him with a large stick while the other inflicted cuts with a sharp object. The attackers then took Shs.2,000 he had in his left trouser pocket before fleeing the scene.

After the assault, Ndagano managed to make his way home where he was subsequently taken to Rugazi Health Centre IV for initial treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to Kampala International University (KIU) for further medical attention which included a CT scan.

The police have initiated an investigation into the incident and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in identifying the suspects involved in this brazen attack.

Police in Kazo District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Yusuf Kataryeeba, 90, a resident of Keicumu 1, Keicumu parish,Enagari sub county.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Kataryeeba committed suicide by hanging. According to the deceased’s wife revealed that her husband was struggling with estrangement from relatives which made him feel lonely.

Kenneth Taremwa Mukuru, the defense secretary,, urged community members to share their problems with neighbors, emphasizing that this was the second suicide incident in the area.

Alex Asiimwe, the chairperson of LC1 Keicumu1, revealed to our reporter that suicide is not a solution to life’s challenges. He encouraged residents to seek support and communicate openly about their struggles.

A soldier from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), attached to the 35th Battalion in Kisoro district, has tragically shot dead by a fellow officer in an incident that occurred on the night of Tuesday January 8. The deceased, identified only as Lawrence was a resident of Bushenyi District and sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the neck resulting in his immediate death.

According to sources within the battalion who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the incident took place while Lawrence and the suspect whose identity has yet to be confirmed were conducting a night patrol in Nturo Trading Centre along the Nturo-Nyarusiza road in Nyarusiza sub-county. The two soldiers reportedly got into a disagreement which escalated and led to the shooting.

Following the incident, security officials transported Lawrence’s body to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division confirmed the incident on Wednesday stating that investigations are currently underway. He urged the public to remain calm and reassured that efforts to apprehend the suspect are in progress.

Resident District Commissioner for Lwengo district Mr. Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera has revealed that Christmas and New Year festivals in the district were peaceful and successful.

Turyabagyenyi disclosed this through a message he extended to the people of Lwengo district appreciating them for their willingness to cooperate with the district security team to maintain peace and security by selecting patriotic village vigilantes.

He said Uganda Police Force is thin on the ground and as the district security committee resolved to recruit village vigilantes to guard their own people and property that has successfully made police service delivery more effective.

He commended the entire district local leadership for being patriotic leaders with vision of enhancing team work that will encourage people to work harder and increase their household income which will minimize some cases of insecurity usually caused by poverty.

Turyabagyenyi revealed that in the new year 2025 all sub county extension workers must ensure they take services closer to the needy communities whom they expected to serve instead of the people travelling long distances to the district headquarters for consultation.

He appealed to all the people to effectively participate in all government funded programs to increase value in their household income so that all people get into the money economy to fight and eradicate poverty in Lwengo district.

Police in the Rwizi region have arrested 290 individuals during the festive season, according to SP Samson Kasasira, the regional police spokesperson.

Among those in custody are 266 men, 17 women, and seven male juveniles.

Kasasira said the region also recorded four murder cases, one case of aggravated defilement and one kidnapping incident all of which remain under investigation.

Kasasira revealed that many of the suspects had been detained before December 31.

He confirmed that case files for the suspects would be forwarded to the state attorney for review and for necessary action to be taken.

Kasasira also highlighted the police’s commitment to enhancing community policing in the New Year aiming to strengthen security and foster cooperation with residents.

Joy Kyomugisha, 80, a resident of Akengyeya Cell in Akengyeya Parish, Kyampangara Sub-county, Kazo District is urgently seeking assistance from church leaders, government officials and other kind-hearted individuals due to her dire circumstances. She lacks shelter, food and other basic necessities.

Kyomugisha has three sons who have left her to fend for herself, leaving her in a situation that compels her to reach out for help. Currently, she is living with her 14-year-old grandchild.

Speaking to Kazo FM, Kyomugisha expressed the hardships she has faced for a long time due to lack of a stable housing facility.

Lawrence Bamanya, the chairman of LC1 for Akengyeya Cell, confirms that Kyomugisha is a genuine resident of the area and appeals to government leaders to provide her with the assistance she desperately needs.

Rev. Francis Onone Odeke of Emmanuel Akengyeya Church of Uganda condemns the troubling trend of children abandoning their parents and disregarding their needs. He urged the community members to take responsibility for the elders.

Any assistance to Kyomugisha can be channeled through 0786470724 in the names of Amon Tumwijukye.

Over 40 people have survived an accident involving a bus belonging to Freedom bus company Registration number UBJ 256S. This occurred in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at approximately 4:00 a.m in Kiruhura Town Council, along the Rushere-Ibanda Road, between Nyakasharara and Kiruhura trading centers in Kiruhura District.

The bus was headed to Ibanda when it encountered a cow on the road. In an attempt to avoid the cow, the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to veer off the road into a ditch.

The driver sustained minor injuries while six passengers also sustained minor injuries.

ASP John Wako, the Officer in Charge of Kiruhura district has confirmed that no deaths were registered but has discouraged natives from grazing on the roadside if accidents of this nature are to be averted.