The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Ntungamo district, Rosemary Atuhaire urged local leaders to take proactive steps in ensuring that communities have access to clean and safe water.

Atuhaire highlighted the critical role that clean water plays in reducing disease outbreaks and enhancing productivity within communities. “Access to clean water is a fundamental right and crucial for the overall health of our population,” she stated.

Elijah Atuhaire, the District Secretary for Finance encouraged district councilors to work collaboratively with both the government and local communities to improve water accessibility. “We must bridge the gap between policy and practice by engaging with our communities,” he emphasized.

The District Water Officer, Prosper Butubuura echoed the call for community involvement stressing the importance of resident education on maintaining water sources. He noted that proper care and management are vital for ensuring the longevity and sustainability of these resources.

Councilor Muhumuza Denis Savimbi from Itojo Sub-county reinforced this message and urged leaders and community members alike to collaborate in protecting local water sources. “It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the water resources that sustain us,” Savimbi said.

The meeting brought together district councillors and development partners who strategized on improving safe water coverage in Ntungamo. The discussions focused on enhancing community engagement and implementing sustainable practices to ensure that all residents have access to clean drinking water.

John Muhumuza a resident of Kicuzi Parish,Kicuzi subcounty in Ibanda district has been sentenced to 10 days of community service by the Ibanda Grade One Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to threatening his mother’s life. The incident occurred on January 31st and the charge contravenes section 77(a) of the Penal Code Act which carries a potential prison sentence of up to four years.

Muhumuza avoided a lengthy custodial sentence due to his guilty plea which saved the court time and resources. Magistrate Vastine Kembabazi, in delivering the sentence noted Muhumuza’s cooperation and the fact that he is a first-time offender.

The court has ordered Muhumuza to work five hours daily at Kicuzi Health Centre III for the duration of his sentence. He is also required to write an apology letter to his mother, Grace Nsheka and have it endorsed by the LC I chairperson and submit a copy to the court by February 28th.

Kembabazi issued a stern warning stating that failure to comply with the sentence will result in his arrest and an 18-month jail term at Nyabuhikye Prison.

According to the prosecution, led by Emmanuel Tian, Muhumuza had gone to his mother’s house on January 31st while intoxicated and threatened her. Nsheka fled to her house and locked herself inside and later reported the incident to the police the following morning. Muhumuza was subsequently arrested and charged. Prior to sentencing, Muhumuza had pleaded for leniency, requesting the court to consider an agreement committing him to refrain from future threats.

Police in Bushenyi District are currently investigating a suspected murder case involving a 57-year-old man identified as David Tugume whose lifeless body was discovered on February 17, 2025.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed the incident that occurred in Kakimba village, Kiyanga Parish, Kiyanga sub-county. The police received a report of the incident which took place on February 16, 2025.

Tugume wife, Lenonsia Kamayangi reported that her husband informed his family that he was going to the national park with a friend, Kombozo to fish. He packed items including a panga, maize flour, cassava flour and a saucepan and left the house on February 16, 2025. The deceased was found dead approximately 300 meters from his residence the following day.

A team of detectives from the Mitooma district police headquarters led by D/AIP Samuel Muhinda, along with the district scene of crimes officer visited the scene and recorded statements from witnesses.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the body showed no physical injuries but there was evidence of a struggle at the crime scene. The police also noted that the deceased’s neck was broken.

The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of death and identify any suspects. The case is ongoing and the police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the investigation.

Police in Bushenyi district have initiated an investigation into the death of a 40-year-old woman, identified as Kembabazi Jenifer, whose body was discovered in a forest in the Ruhumuro sub-county on February 17, 2025.

According to police spokesperson Martial Tumusiime, the incident occurred at an unknown time in Ekikorijo village, Nyeibingo parish, Ruhumuro sub-county. Tumusiime confirmed that four children had gone to collect firewood from Bakyindaho Solomon’s eucalyptus forest when they stumbled upon the lifeless body of a female adult.

It is alleged that Kembabazi had left her home in Nyakatete village on February 16, 2025 telling her husband, Kasasira Yonoka that she was heading to her parents’ home in Kayanga to check on her crops. Kasasira who reported to police that his wife was missing was later informed that her lifeless body had been discovered in the eucalyptus forest.

Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the deceased had a weaving needle and a knife found near her body which may have been used in the assault. Scene of crime officers also discovered semen droplets on the deceased’s thighs indicating that she may have been raped. A sniffer dog was introduced to the scene, but it lost the scent after traveling a distance of one kilometer.

“The body was taken to Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV for post-mortem and our investigations are ongoing,” said Tumusiime. “We appeal to anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist us in bringing justice to the family of the deceased.”

People of Ntuura, Nsiika and Bwengure parishes in Kagongi Subcounty Mbarara district have been rendered homeless. This follows a devastating hailstorm that wreaked havoc in Kagongi Sub County leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Over 362 households have been rendered homeless, critical infrastructure and gardens have been severely damaged.

The affected structures include Bwengure Health Center II where a portion of the building was struck by a falling tree, Ntuura Parish headquarters, Ntuura Christian School, and Nsiika Christian Union Vision Primary School.

The extent of the damage was assessed during a monitoring and inspection program led by Member of Parliament for Kashari North, Basil Bataringaya Rwankwene. The program was initiated in response to urgent pleas from the affected communities.

During his visit, Hon. Bataringaya assured the affected families and institutions that a comprehensive report compiled by village and sub-county leaders will be promptly delivered to the Office of the Prime Minister for urgent action.

Hon. Bataringaya emphasized the immediate needs of the affected population, including food relief, quick-maturing bean and maize seeds for planting. He also requested the Office of the Prime Minister to provide building materials such as cement and iron sheets along with essential beddings like blankets and bed sheets to assist families whose homes were destroyed.

The LCIII Chairperson for Kagongi Sub County, Evarist Twine, highlighted the need for government support for private schools specifically Ntuura Christian School and Nsiika Christian Union Vision Primary School to supplement their efforts in educating Ugandan children.

The Chairperson of LCIII Ntuura Parish, Gumisiriza Kamiiri, expressed gratitude for the swift response from Hon. Bataringaya who offered comfort and advised residents planning to construct houses to consult with qualified technical professionals. The community hopes for a swift and effective response from the government to address the widespread devastation caused by the hailstorm.

Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality authorities have launched an investigation into the increasing number of school-aged children engaging in street hawking. Deputy Mayor Milton Betunguura has expressed concern over the situation noting that children aged 8-12 years particularly boys are collecting scraps and hawking food items, which violates the child labor act.

Speaking to reporters, Betunguura highlighted the need to understand why these children are not in school, despite government programs like Universal Primary Education designed to support vulnerable families’ access to education. He expressed disappointment that children in the education-focused municipality are on the streets performing domestic-related work.

Betunguura urged parents especially those whose children are not enrolled in school, to ensure their children’s return to the classroom warning of potential arrests for child negligence.

Ibanda District coffee farmers are celebrating record prices this week with both Arabica and Robusta beans fetching unprecedented rates. Arabica coffee is currently trading at sh18,500 per kilogramme up from sh14,500 just three weeks ago. Robusta coffee prices have also increased reaching sh15,000 per kilo.

Deogratias Tihwayo of Nyakatookye Coffee Farmers Cooperative attributes the surge to high-quality beans and strong demand. He anticipates further price increases in the coming weeks.

Global supply uncertainties, stemming from challenging weather conditions in major coffee-producing countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia, are contributing to the favorable market conditions for Ibanda farmers.

Police in Kazo district have arrested Naboth Mugabe alias Young, one of the prime suspects in the murder of Rev. Mishach Kahembera who was a resident of Meru Meru Village, Kataraza Parish in Nkungu Sub County. Mugabe has been in hiding following the incident that claimed his father’s life on February 5.

Mugabe was nabbed by Crime Intelligence Police while in Katete, Mbarara City where he and his brother Amos Nuwabiine, another prime suspect in the murder of their father Kahembera have been renting. Nuwabiine is still at large after escaping before arrest this afternoon.

The Rwizi Police Region Spokesperson, Samson Kasasira confirmed the arrest and further revealed that investigations into this matter are ongoing.

Kahembera, 64, was a dedicated servant of the church, overseeing the United Pentecostal Churches activities in Kazo district and other parts of the country. He had been grappling with severe domestic issues particularly following the tragic death of his wife, Rosset Tushabe in June last year.

This incident resulted into the arrest of Mary Busingye, her son Arthur Agaba together with the two prime suspects in the murder of Kahembera.

The Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ntungamo district, Amiidu Rukundo, has called on PWDs and the elderly to take a leading role in fighting poverty to improve their livelihoods and achieve self-sufficiency.

Rukundo made the appeal during the handover of special grants at the Ntungamo District headquarters. The grants which total to UGX 72 million were allocated to 17 groups of PWDs and elderly individuals to support their small business ventures and family sustenance.

According to Rukundo, the grants provide a critical lifeline to many vulnerable individuals enabling them to start income-generating activities and improve their living standards.

A total of five groups of elderly persons received UGX 20 million under the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP). Additionally, 12 groups of PWDs were allocated UGX 52 million under the National Special Grant scheme.

Notable government officials and councillors lauded the government’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of PWDs and the elderly. Patrick Rwakabale, the Male District Councillor for Persons with Disabilities commended the district Chairperson, Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigooba for his leadership in promoting the welfare of PWDs.

Other officials, including Deborah Kobusingye, the female councillor for PWDs in Ntungamo and Ambrose Tusiime the Ntungamo District Community Development Officer echoed the importance of initiatives aimed at addressing the financial needs of PWDs and the elderly.

The government’s financial support is part of broader efforts to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment and a self-reliant and resilient society. Shallon Birungi, the Principal Assistant Secretary representing the Chief Administrative Officer emphasized the need for individuals to embrace change in their own lives for meaningful community transformation to occur.

Residents of Mashonga in Kyamuhunga subcounty Bushenyi district are living in fear due to a surge in theft including livestock and crops. Nuwe Sula Katura, the area LC3 councillor, reported that theft of goats and bananas occur daily despite ongoing village night patrols.

Katura urged residents to remain vigilant and keep guard over their animals expressing concern that this issue discourages local involvement in poverty alleviation efforts. He suggested that one factor contributing to the theft is the police practice of granting bond to criminals shortly after their arrest.

In response, William Katsigazi, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi confirmed that his office receives approximately five complaints per day from residents seeking security meetings on the escalating theft issue. He called for the restoration of village night patrols by local councils to help curb and apprehend criminals before the situation worsens.