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.

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.