At least seven people have been confirmed dead while over 30 have sustained injuries following a collision between a bus and a truck in Kirumba Village, Lwengo District, in the wee hours of Monday August 19 on the Masaka-Mbarara highway.

The accident occurred around 4 a.m. as a speeding bus, registration number UBQ 621 Z, owned by Gateway Bus Company, collided head-on with a Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBM 673 K, which was loaded with sacks of maize flour. The truck was traveling from Masaka to Mbarara City. The deceased, who are yet to be identified, were reportedly on the bus coming from Kabale in western Uganda en route to Kampala.

Eyewitness Richard Ssekitoreko, chairperson of Kirumba Village, stated that many passengers on the bus sustained various injuries, while those in the truck also suffered multiple injuries, including fractures. He attributed the crash to the bus driver’s attempt to overtake another vehicle.

“The bus driver was in the process of overtaking a Jaguar bus when he miscalculated, resulting in a head-on collision with the oncoming truck,” Ssekitoreko explained.

Close to 69 passengers are believed to have been on board. Many of the injured were taken to local clinics in Kyazanga Town Council and Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.

Twaha Kasirye, Southern Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that a traffic team is on-site gathering information about the crash and revealed that, “I will provide a detailed statement once our team returns from the field.”

This incident marks the third fatal crash involving a bus on this highway in the past year. On August 28, 2023, a bus owned by Global Bus Company, registration number UBB 985 M, skidded off the highway, resulting in two deaths and over 20 injuries. Just days later, another accident involved a bus from Perfect Coaches, registration number UBF 025G, also skidded off the highway, killing at least two and injuring 17 others.

In response to the rising number of road accidents, police reintroduced Operation Fika Salama (Reach Home Safely) along major highways last year to combat reckless driving. Despite the road’s smooth surface and climbing lanes, the Masaka-Mbarara highway remains one of the country’s most accident-prone routes.

A devastating road accident on the Mbarara-Masaka Highway in Sanga Town Council, Kiruhura district has claimed the lives of two individuals early this morning.

The collision occurred at approximately 5:45am and involved two Fuso trucks; a milk tanker with registration number UBB 905J, traveling from the Masaka side, and a truck loaded with matooke, registered as UBG 727P, coming from Mbarara.

The victims have been identified as Mugabe Eric, 48, a resident of Kyazanga in Lwengo District, and Gumisirizi Abubakari, an adult male hailing from Isingiro District. Both men died instantly in the collision.

The driver of the milk tanker sustained serious injuries and was rushed to an unspecified medical facility within Mbarara City for treatment. Due to the severity of the accident, local authorities arrived at the scene shortly after the collision, but the bodies of the deceased had already been transported by family members to Kyazanga.

Initial investigations carried out by the Traffic Police suggest that reckless driving by both truck drivers may have been a significant factor in the incident. Witnesses at the scene reported that the trucks collided head-on, resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles.

SP Samson Kasasira, the Public Relations Officer for Rwizi Region, states that police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

He urged the public to observe road safety regulations and drive responsibly to prevent similar tragedies. “We cannot overemphasize the importance of safe driving. This accident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless behavior on the road,” he added.

Naboth Nandeeba, an aspiring candidate for the Kazo District Chairman LCV position and Operations Manager at Capacity Services, has donated seven culverts to the residents of Rwemengo and Mbogo parishes in Kanoni Sub County.

The donation, made yesterday, aims to facilitate the construction of a crucial bridge at Nyanja Point, which is located along the essential route connecting Kanoni, Mbogo, and Ekyambu.

Nandeeba’s donation was prompted by a direct appeal from local stakeholders who expressed their dissatisfaction with the poor service delivery from current district leadership. They outlined their pressing needs and specifically requested seven culverts for the bridge project.

Nandeeba responded promptly, providing the necessary funds to acquire the culverts.

Local residents, including Nuwamanya Michael and Lay Can. Edward Black, voiced their appreciation for Mr. Nandeeba’s generosity. They conveyed their gratitude and pledged their support for him in the upcoming elections.

The community has faced significant challenges, particularly during the rainy season, when the condition of the roads hampers their ability to transport agricultural produce. This ongoing issue has exacerbated local poverty levels, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in the area.

In his remarks, Nandeeba expressed his gratitude to the residents for their commitment to the development of their community, emphasizing that the donation is just one part of his broader vision for enhancing the quality of life in Kazo District.

Bod boda riders from the Igorora stage in Igorora Town Council, Ibanda South Constituency, Ibanda District, have voiced their concerns to local leaders about the poor condition of the Igorora-Keihangara-Rwomuhoro road.

In an interview with Kazo FM, the riders reported that during the rainy season, the road becomes waterlogged and is filled with potholes, particularly in Fundo Valley, which resembles a flooded area. They are urging their local leaders to provide culverts to improve the situation.

Fred Tumuhairwe, the chairman of the Igorora stage, stated that they have tried to fill the potholes with bricks and soil, but the road continues to be in a deplorable condition.

Mr.David Kataniisa, the Igorora ward councilor and secretary for social services in Igorora Town Council, also expressed his concerns, warning that the August rains are likely to render the road completely impassable, putting residents at risk and businesses at stake.

The Chairperson of LC5 Ibanda District, Happy Herbert Mayanja explained that plans are in place for renovations, but they are yet to secure funding.

Attempt to reach the Area Member of Parliament, Hon. John Paul Ninkusiima for his input on the matter were futile since his known contact numbers were not reachable.

Robert Atuhairwe, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bushenyi, has initiated an investigation into allegations that parish chiefs in Nkanga Sub-County have been soliciting illegal fees from residents seeking access to parish model development funds.

During a recent meeting at the sub-county headquarters, local residents reported that parish chiefs were demanding payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 UGX to register beneficiaries into the system. Some residents also claimed they were asked to pay for office data.

Dorah Nagasha, the District Principal Commercial Officer, emphasized that registering beneficiaries should be a free process. She stated, “If anyone is found soliciting money, we will conduct a thorough investigation. Those implicated will face arrest and prosecution based on the evidence provided.”

RDC Atuhairwe supported calls for action against corruption, stressing the government’s commitment to fighting corrupt practices.

He assured the community that those found guilty of misconduct would be required to refund the money and face charges in court. Atuhairwe commended residents for coming forward to voice their concerns and encouraged them to continue reporting any suspicious activities.

With these developments, the district administration aims to restore integrity in the management of parish development funds and ensure that all citizens can access these vital resources without unnecessary financial burdens.

Police in Rubanda District recovered a lifeless body of Martin Twebaza Kagame, a boda boda cyclist from Rukungiri, in Ichuya Forest, Muko sub-county. This recovery took p

Kagame, a resident of Nyakishenyi sub-county in Rukungiri District, had reportedly been hired to transport a passenger from Kampala to Nyakishenyi but went missing along with his motorcycle, a Bajaj Boxer registration number UGE 705 U.

His disappearance caused fear and anger among the residents of Nyakishenyi, prompting them to launch an online fundraising campaign to gather funds to assist in the search for him.

Kagame’s motorcycle was later recovered in Kisoro District, which led his relatives to report the case to the police.

After a search organized by the residents of Nyakishenyi sub-county, Kagame’s body was found in Ichuya Forest, Karengyeri Parish, Muko sub-county, Rubanda District.

Police removed the body and conducted a postmortem examination before releasing it to the family for burial.

At press time, Police had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Mathias Twongirwe, 23, tragically passed away due to burns sustained following an incident involving accusations of theft. He succumbed to his injuries at Kazo Health Centre IV in Kazo District on Monday August 12.

Originally from Kyempene Ward in Rubaare Town Council, Ntungamo District, Twongirwe was reportedly attacked by unknown individuals who accused him of stealing while in Kyantuumo village, Ntambazi parish Kazo District.

Barack Nuwasasira Kwatakanwa, the deceased’s uncle expressed profound dismay and called for immediate police intervention and a thorough investigation into his nephew’s death.

Thomas Sserubanga, the LC1 chairman for Kyantuumo Village in Ntambazi Parish, Kazo Subcounty, provided insight into Twongirwe’s past visits to the area stating that the deceased was known to him for quite some time.

“During his first visit, he was accused of stealing property from a local resident. He was brought to me, and instead of involving the police, we requested that he returns the stolen items” ,revealed Sserubanga.

Sserubanga further revealed that on Twongirwe’s second visit, he sought refuge after allegedly stealing money from a resident of Kyampangara, which led to his arrest and he agreed to return the stolen cash.

He returned on his third visit with visible injuries on his face, back, arms, and legs, indicating that he had been caught stealing again and beaten.

On Monday, August 12, in the morning, the LC I Chairman received a call informing him that Twongirwe was at a health facility with burns, and he conveyed the message to his relatives.

Despite the theft history of allegations against Twongirwe, Sserubanga condemned the mob justice he suffered, emphasizing that such actions are not a solution and called upon residents of the area to avoid them.

By press time,Twongirwe’s body was still in the mortuary at Kazo Health Centre IV, awaiting the postmortem and the completion of police investigations.

Residents of Kyenshebashebe village, Ntambazi Parish, Kazo subcounty Kazo District were shocked to find the body of Ssajja, 40 dangling in a jackfruit tree. Ssajja tragically took his own life on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

The deceased had on the day before he ended his life told his mother, Hope Ntegyereize about his intentions to end his life but she dissuaded him from the act. Ssaja did not take his mother’s plea and insisted that he was ‘tired of life’. Ntegyereize was shocked the following morning to learn about the death of her son.

Twinamatsiko Lawrence, the Local Council I chairman, immediately notified the Kazo Central Police Station. Officers arrived, retrieved the body, completed the necessary documentation, and handed it over to family and community members for burial arrangements.

Community leaders, while at the burial of the deceased urged individuals facing challenges to seek support rather than resorting to suicide. They emphasized the importance of reaching out to friends, political leaders, or clergy for guidance as a way of minimizing the increased suicide cases in the area.

Twinamatsiko condemned the act of suicide, urging mourners to refrain from considering such drastic measures in times of distress.

Jackson Muheebwa, the area LC3 Chairman, extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased remarking that Sajja’s difficult character and rejecting advice culminated into his demise. Muheebwa used the moment to remind mourners of the sombre lesson learned from Sajja’s burial, which was performed without most of the usual rituals performed at a burial such as prayers. He described it as “shameful.”

Sajja is survived by his wife and five children.

The alleged ringleader of the Sheema Central Police Station cell break has been apprehended.

Accum Clinton, a 26-year-old resident of Kabwohe Division in Sheema Municipality, was arrested on Friday in Mbarara City by a team of joint security officials. He faces serious charges, including murder and aggravated robbery.

On August 1, 2024, eight suspects escaped from the Sheema Central Police Station cells by squeezing through the aluminum louvres of a toilet window. Since then, police have been conducting a manhunt to recapture them.

Kasule Consilata, the Sheema District Police Commander, confirmed Accum’s arrest, stating that he will be brought before the courts to face charges of aggravated robbery, unlawful escape from police custody, and murder.

She also reported that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining seven escaped suspects: Akampa Jocknius, Matovu Hakim, Mukasa Aggrey, Asingwire Musinguzi, Byamukama Ambrose, Mpumwire Benson, and Tugume Ashraf.

As the devastating effects of flooding grip Ntoroko district, leaders are calling on the government to expedite the relocation of vulnerable residents living in flood-prone areas. During a parliamentary session yesterday, Rwemulikya Ibanda, the Member of Parliament for Ntoroko County, passionately urged the government to adhere to its previous commitments regarding land acquisition for the resettlement of affected communities.

The entire area of Ntoroko district, encompassing three sub-counties, remains submerged following the recent overflow of the River Semliki, which has caused significant destruction to homes, schools, and businesses. The flooding has displaced countless families, compelling residents to navigate the hazardous conditions without adequate shelter or resources.

In light of the current crisis, MP Ibanda reminded the government of its earlier promises to secure land for the relocation of families in Kanaala Sub-County specifically.

“While land was successfully purchased for residents in Kasese, those in Ntoroko have been left waiting. Our people are living in a terrible situation, and we need clarity on when this land will be made available,” Ibanda emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja responded to Ibanda’s remarks during the plenary sitting, acknowledging the government’s challenges in procuring suitable land for resettlement. She explained that the delay has been primarily due to ongoing struggles to identify and secure adequate land parcels that can accommodate the displaced families.

“We understand the severity of the situation and the need for urgent action, but this process requires careful planning and resources,” Nabbanja stated.

The Prime Minister’s response came amidst inquiries from other legislators, including Edson Rugumayo, the Youth Representative for the Western Region. Rugumayo reiterated the necessity for immediate government interventions to save lives and preserve property in Ntoroko district, as families continue to face the consequences of the flooding.

Nabbanja assured the parliamentarians that the government is dedicated to resolving the land issue and is actively exploring options to expedite the process. The Prime Minister emphasized that the welfare of affected residents is a priority for the government and that a comprehensive plan for relocation would be implemented as soon as possible.

As the situation worsens, the residents of Ntoroko district find themselves in increasingly desperate circumstances, calling for immediate action from their leaders. The emphasis remains on the need for the government to facilitate the rapid acquisition of land for resettlement purposes to ensure that those displaced can live with dignity and safety.

Local leaders, alongside affected residents, continue to advocate for timely government action, as they urge officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of their communities amid the ongoing environmental challenges posed by flooding.