The Ibanda Grade One Magistrate’s Court has sentenced two individuals to significant periods of incarceration for the offenses of shop breaking and theft.

Frank Bagumirabingi and Ambrose Dembe, both residents of Bufunda cell in Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality, were sentenced by Her Worship Magistrate Esther Murungi. Bagumirabingi, 28, received a sentence of 28 months for shop breaking and an additional 28 months for theft, to be served consecutively. Dembe, 24, was sentenced to nine months for each count, also to be served consecutively.

The custodial sentences will be reduced by the eight months the convicts had already spent on remand at Nyabuhikye Prison, as stipulated by the court.

It is notable that the sentences imposed were significantly less than those sought by the prosecution. Prosecutor, Tian Emmanuel had argued for the maximum allowable sentences of eight years for shop breaking and ten years for theft for each defendant.

Both defendants were found guilty of breaking into the shop owned by Henry Biryomumaisho on Mpiira Road in Ibanda Town on January 27 from which they stole several items, including a television set, sugar, rice, salt and cooking oil.

Following the sentencing, Biryomumaisho, the complainant expressed that he found the sentences to be “fair.”

The Ibanda Grade I Magistrate’s Court convicted 20-year-old Herbert Twinomuhangi for breaking into a teacher’s house and stealing her money. Twinomuhangi, from Kafunjo I cell in Bufunda Division pleaded guilty to the charges before the Grade One Magistrate, Esther Murungi on October 1. He has been remanded to Nyabuhikye Prison until October 22.

On July 8, Twinomuhangi broke into the home of the 42-year-old primary school teacher, Alice Asiimwe and stole sh310,000. A neighbor witnessed him leaving the house and informed Asiimwe, who reported the incident to the Police. Twinomuhangi was arrested weeks later when he resurfaced.

After pleading guilty, Twinomuhangi claimed he found the door open and took only sh290,000 that was on the table in Asiimwe’s sitting room. Housebreaking carries a maximum penalty of eight years while theft can result in up to ten years in prison.

The Ibanda magistrate’s court has sentenced four family heads to community service due to lack of latrines in their homes. On October 1, 2023, Vital Akankwatsa (28) from Rwobuzizi, Richard Nuwabiine (30), Nicholas Gumisiriza (50), and Nasitario Bainoha (30) from Karushambya were each ordered to complete one day of community service at the court premises.

Magistrate Esther Murungi stressed the importance of constructing latrines and warned individuals that they must build these facilities within two weeks. Failure to comply could result into their arrest and a potential six-month imprisonment.

Isaac Mugobi, a senior law enforcement officer in the municipality had called for a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to other residents highlighting the need for compliance to protect public health. The four men were arrested by the Ibanda Municipality law enforcement team after it was discovered that their homes were a public health risk due to the absence of proper latrines.

Mugobi reported that 38 homes in the Nsasi and Rwobuzizi wards of Bufunda Division currently lack latrines. Under local law, individuals found without latrines may face a fine of 200,000 shillings or up to six months in prison.

A Local contractor, MUPA Technical Services has threatened to sue Ntungamo District Local Government to the Commercial Court accusing it of unlawfully terminating its contract for the construction of Kihanga Public Seed School. The contract that was signed in 2020 has become contentious after district authorities ordered the contractor to vacate the site due to significant delays attributed to the contractor’s failure to adhere to project guidelines.

Patrick Mugyenyi, Managing Director of MUPA Technical Services claims that these delays were primarily due to the district’s failure to provide timely funding. He emphasized that the project valued at Shs2.078 billion has suffered further complications due to the district’s neglect in signing necessary contract variations for earthworks costing 727 million shillings arising from the challenging conical hill terrain of the site.

Mugyenyi expressed frustration over what he describes as a breach of contract citing delayed payment while the district seeks to engage other contractors for the same project. He demands payment of over Shs1.254 billion from the district before any new contractor is hired.

He further warned that failure to address this issue will compel him to pursue legal action against the district.

He lamented that these challenges are faced by local contractors in Uganda who struggle against foreign firms that typically receive more favorable treatment.

Responding to the situation, Ntungamo District Chief Administrative Officer, Matthias Ndifuna acknowledged that the construction is currently about 72% complete and noted that some payments had been made to MUPA Technical Services.

However, the situation remains concerning particularly for the local community. Africano Ashabaheebwa, headteacher at Kihanga Public Secondary School voiced the community’s frustration stating that inadequate infrastructure is severely impacting the school’s performance.

As tensions mount, MUPA Technical Services appears prepared to escalate its claims against the district emphasizing the urgent need for resolution to ensure the future of the construction project and support for local contractors.

Councillors from Igorora Town Council were urged to encourage their community to engage in productive work to combat poverty. This call was made by Atukundiire Barnabas, the outgoing Councillor representing Ngango ward, during his last council meeting before starting a new role with Ibanda District Local Government.

Atukundiire noted that many people are engaging in politics and expecting handouts from aspiring candidates rather than working hard.

During the meeting, Tukamuhebwa Isaac was elected as the new Speaker while Natukunda Christine as the Deputy Speaker, both taking their oaths of office.

Tukamuhebwa expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and promised a smooth transition of power.

Deputy RDC Banjo Richard attended the meeting and encouraged councillors to actively promote government programs like Parish Development Money which are aimed at eradicating poverty in their areas.

A suspected anthrax outbreak has claimed the life of one individual, with four others now battling illness after consuming the meat of a dead animal, in Kyeizooba Subcounty, Bushenyi District.

The incident occurred in Kitagata Parish, prompting local officials to take action.

Victor Bakikunde, the chairman of the LC3 for Kyeizooba Subcounty, reported that while the situation has not yet been confirmed as anthrax, there are suspicions within the community that the illness may be the result of witchcraft. Bakikunde stated,

“The people are insisting that they were bewitched, but we are still gathering information.”

Local veterinary authorities have been alerted to the situation, and samples from both the individuals exhibiting symptoms and the deceased animal were collected for laboratory analysis. “We are waiting for the results to confirm whether anthrax is indeed the cause,” Bakikunde continued.

Dr. Roberts Natukunda, the Bushenyi District Veterinary Officer, acknowledged that the consumption of the dead animal was confirmed but stressed that it is too early to definitively label the cases as anthrax.

“While the individuals show symptoms similar to anthrax, we have yet to confirm the diagnosis. One of the affected individuals unfortunately passed away and was buried today,” he stated.

Dr. Natukunda urged the community to cease the dangerous practice of consuming meat from dead animals and to avoid contact with such carcasses. “Prevention is crucial,” he emphasized. “We urge everyone to report any dead animals to local veterinary services immediately rather than consuming them.”

As the community grapples with this developing health crisis, officials are working diligently to ensure public safety and prevent further cases.

The laboratory results are awaited, which will provide clarity on the situation and guide the next steps for the affected individuals and the community at large.

Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the Chairman LCV of Kazo District, has come under fire from local educationists who accuse him of undermining the quality of education in schools.

This allegation was prominently featured during an education symposium held yesterday at Compassion Hall, where headteachers, school management committees, parents, and community members gathered to address the pressing issues facing the district’s educational sector.

Participants at the symposium voiced their concerns that Katugunda’s political maneuvers are detrimental to the educational process. Headteachers specifically accused the chairman of misleading parents into withholding financial contributions for schools—funds that are crucial for facilitating effective learning.

Many attendees believe that these actions are politically motivated, aimed at securing the chairman’s own political gains at the expense of children’s education.

“This is a disservice to our children,” said one frustrated headteacher during the discussions. “Our educational institutions depend on community support, and when the chairman tells parents not to pay, it directly affects the learning environment.”

Kazo District Education Officer, Robert Agume, who spearheaded the symposium, remarked on the necessity for community involvement and a unified front to combat these adverse political influences.

“We must work together to ensure the educational welfare of our children remains a priority, free from political obstruction,” Agume stated.

Mr. Kananura Martin, a former headteacher and a facilitator at the symposium, echoed this sentiment by urging attendees to challenge any actions that jeopardize the educational future of their children.

“We cannot afford to allow politics to dictate the quality of education in Kazo. It’s imperative that we all play our part in fostering a conducive learning environment,” he said.

The symposium, attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, aims to develop and implement a new education ordinance to address these challenges. However, discussions revealed a palpable frustration with the current political climate, which many believe is hindering progress.

As the symposium concluded, there was a consensus among participants: the ongoing influence of political leaders poses a significant threat to educational advancement in Kazo District.

Attendees pledged to advocate for change and hold local leaders accountable, with the hope that education will be placed above political agendas in the future.

In response to these concerns, Chairperson Katugunda addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of adhering to government policy regarding education.

“I will never support the exclusion of children from schools due to fees. As a government, we cannot allow the right to education to be compromised because of financial constraints,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that all children in Kazo District have access to education.

The Ibanda Grade One Magistrate’s Court has convicted two young men, Frank Bagumirabingi and Ambrose Dembe for shop breaking and theft. The two hailing from Bufunda cell in Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality, have been remanded to Nyabuhikye Prison until October 1 when they will appear before court for sentencing.

Judge Esther Murungi found the duo guilty of breaking into Henry Biryomumaisho’s shop on Mpiira Street in Ibanda town and stealing various items including a TV set, sugar, rice, salt, and cooking oil, on January 27.

Their actions contravene Section 298 of the Penal Code Act for shop breaking, and Sections 154 and 161 for theft with potential prison sentences of eight and ten years respectively upon conviction.

During the trial, the magistrate noted that all evidence and witness testimonies placed Bagumirabingi and Dembe at the crime scene. Notably, Bagumirabingi, 28, dropped his phone at the scene which police used to call a frequently dialed number answered by Dembe, 24. Dembe also assisted the police in locating Bagumirabingi and recovering some of the stolen items which had been sold to a trader along Mpiira Street.

Prosecution led by Tian Emmanuel has called for the maximum sentences of eight years for shop breaking and ten years for theft.

Deus Kiiza, a 29-year-old man, was recently convicted and sentenced to community service by the Ibanda magistrate’s court for the assault of a 55-year-old woman, Norida Nagasha. The incident took place in August when Kiiza, while encountering Nagasha on her way to a trading center, beat her with a walking stick, resulting in actual bodily harm, as per section 219 of the Penal Code Act.

During the court hearing on Tuesday September 24, Kiiza pleaded guilty to the charges against him leading to a sentence of community service. He will be required to perform five hours of community service on three days each week. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in his arrest and a potential six-months jail sentence.

The Ibanda Grade One Magistrate, Esther Murungi emphasized the importance of Kiiza’s guilty plea and his intention to reform and warned him against any future instances of violence that could lead to a more severe custodial sentence. The prosecution, led by Emmanuel Tian, requested an appropriate sentence, noting that Kiiza was a first-time offender.

Kiiza had spent three weeks on remand at Nyabuhikye Prison prior to his sentencing and expressed his wish for a lenient sentence, claiming he had undergone personal reform during this time. The court considered these factors in determining the sentence.

Boda Boda riders in Kazo, especially those at the Hospital Stage, are in mourning following the tragic passing of their colleague, Justus Kiiza , 24. Kiiza was a member of the boda boda industry for approximately four years.

According to Geoffrey Musiime, the stage speaker, Kiiza lost his life on Sunday, September 22, 2024, while attempting to collect firewood. It is reported that Kiiza climbed a tall tree to retrieve a dried branch but fell at around 1:00pm. Tragically, he remained alone at the scene until approximately 4:00pm, when passersby discovered him in critical condition. He was transported to a clinic in Kazo Town Council but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Saul Ahimbisibwe Tinka, the General Secretary of Kazo Hospital Stage expressed grief and fond memories with Kiiza during their time together. He described Kiiza as a person of strong character with good moral values. Initially, based at the Rwamuranga Boda Boda stage in Kazo Subcounty, Kiiza later became a valued member of the Kazo Town stage.

Ahimbisibwe has called on fellow members and district leaders to join together in organizing a respectful send-off for their departed friend.

Kiiza resided in Ruziinga Village, Rwempiri Ward, Kazo Town Council, Kazo District. He is survived by one child and a pregnant wife. Arrangements are being made for him to be buried at his ancestral home in Kinyamugara, Kitagwenda District, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.