Recently, the National Teachers Bill 2024 was presented in the Ugandan parliament by the State Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Crysostom Muyingo.

This bill aims to address the deficiencies and gaps in the existing Education (Pre-Primary, Primary, and Post-Primary) Act of 2008. One notable proposal in this bill stipulates that all teachers at various levels of education must possess a degree.

In response to this development, teachers in Kiruhura District have shared their perspectives on the implications of the “No Degree, No Teaching” policy.

Mr. Nuwamanya Ronald, the head teacher at Rushere Model Primary School, expressed a positive outlook on the necessity of degrees for teachers. He believes that if all educators hold degrees, the education system in Uganda will significantly improve.

“This change would lead to enhanced research efforts, resulting in students acquiring well-researched knowledge,” he stated, emphasizing the potential benefits that could arise from a more qualified teaching workforce.

On the other hand, Nankunda Winnie, the head teacher of St. Mary’s Primary School in Rushere Town Council, raised concerns about the feasibility of this requirement. She acknowledged the government’s intentions but cautioned that the policy might not be practical.

“While this is not necessarily a bad idea, it could face significant obstacles,” she commented. She highlighted that many teachers may struggle to afford the tuition fees required to attain a degree, which could lead to a decrease in the number of qualified teachers within the system.

Other educators at Rushere Christian High School also contributed to the discussion, underscoring the varied opinions surrounding the proposed legislative changes.

Overall, the National Teachers Bill 2024 has sparked a crucial debate among educators, with some advocating for higher qualifications while others expressing legitimate concerns regarding accessibility and the potential impact on teacher availability.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bushenyi District has ordered the arrest of Hope Mbabazi, a loans officer for the Nyabubare Parish Development Model Sacco.

She is accused of extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model in Nyabubare Parish, Nyabubare Subcounty, Bushenyi District.

RDC Robert Atuhairwe reported that Mbabazi received 100,000 UGX from Scovia Kyomuhangi to expedite her application for funding.

However, after a period of waiting without receiving any assistance, Kyomuhangi became impatient and began to spread rumors that Mbabazi had failed to fulfill her end of the agreement, which was intended to help Kyomuhangi pay for school fees.

Atuhairwe highlighted that such corrupt practices have become increasingly common, even though many individuals have chosen to remain silent about the issue.

He stated that the arrest of Mbabazi should serve as a wake-up call to all members of the Parish Development Model committees involved in similar unethical activities.

Elly Muhwezi, the subcounty chief of Nyabubare, also cautioned members of the Parish Development Model committees against extorting money from beneficiaries.

He emphasized that authorities are prepared to take strong action against anyone involved in these practices.

In defense, Mbabazi confessed to having received the money from Kyomuhangi but claimed that she later returned it. She explained that the rumors about her failure to act on the funds caused significant distress.

Following the interrogation, the RDC instructed that Mbabazi be handed over to the Nyabubare Police Post to record a statement while investigations into the matter continue.

Residents of Nkungu Central Cell, located in Nkungu Parish of Nkungu Subcounty in Kazo District, were left reeling in shock and disbelief following the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy, identified as Matsiko Abel. He was the son of Kabagambe Guma.

The horrifying incident occurred on the afternoon of August 8, 2024, when it is alleged that Jameson Bate, 36, the boy’s paternal uncle, brutally murdered Matsiko with a panga, a traditional machete commonly used in the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that after committing the crime, Bate went on to set fire to various household items, including mattresses, in what authorities believe was an attempt to destroy evidence or express his rage.

Witness accounts indicate that prior to the murder of Matsiko, Bate had physically assaulted his brother, Kabagambe, leaving him injured.

This outburst of violence has been attributed to Bate’s known short temper, particularly when he is under the influence of alcohol. Kabagambe and Bate are both sons of Kahwa Robert Kanyarushokye Matadiyo, who also resides in the same locality.

Geofrey Mushabe, the area chairperson, publicly condemned the heinous act, expressing deep sorrow for the family and the community as a whole.

He highlighted the ongoing struggles to manage Bate’s aggressive behavior and described the local leaders’ efforts to protect him from the increasingly angry mob that had gathered in response to the tragedy.

Mushabe confirmed that he had contacted the Nkungu Police Post, requesting immediate police intervention to prevent further violence and to ensure Bate’s safety.

As of the time of this report, local residents were anxiously waiting for police from Kazo Central Police Station to arrive.

Their mission was to retrieve both the body of young Matsiko and to take Bate into custody for questioning and further investigation into the horrific incident that has shaken the community to its core.

The loss of a child in such a violent manner has raised concerns among residents about safety and the ongoing issues of alcohol-related violence in the area.

Police in Kazo District are investigating conditions under which a man murdered his father. The deceased, Musinguzi Geoffrey, 63, a resident of Omubuzinga II village in Kyampangara Sub County, Kazo District was on Sunday August, 4 at around 7:00pm  murdered by his son Elias Gumisiriza, 31.

The residents of Omubuzinga II who were angry after realising that Musinguzi had been murdered. They picked up clubs, sticks, hunted for Gumisiriza accusing him of murdering his father and they ended his life.

Gumisiriza has been a drug addict and this is allegedly the cause of Musinguzi’s murder.

Kyampangara Sub County Councillor, Ham Rubeinika confirmed this incident revealing that he suspects that murdered his father under the influence of drugs. He cautioned people to stop the habit of taking the laws into their hands. He noted that residents were wrong and encouraged them to always rely on authorities in such circumstances.

The bodies of the deceased people were conveyed to Ruhoko Health Centre IV for post-mortem as investigations continue.

The Resident District Commissioner(RDC) Mbarara district, Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the public servants of Mbarara District Local Government who have served diligently until retirement, as well as those who have transitioned to other organizations without complaints or regrets.

Turyabagyenyi conveyed his gratitude while officiating at a farewell party held for retired officers and those who have transferred their services at Bwindi Destination Hotel in Kamukuzi, Mbarara.

He encouraged the retired officers to reflect on their careers and recognize the legacy they have created for their successors to emulate in the pursuit of quality service delivery to the public.

The RDC cautioned heads of departments to mentor their subordinates rather than stifle them by monopolizing office tasks and resources. He emphasized that it is shameful for anyone to attempt to dominate office duties with the intention of restricting access to essential services and undermining human rights due to a lack of coordination and honesty.

Turyabagyenyi also urged local council leaders and district/sub-county levels to consider appointing retired public servants to commissions and boards to leverage their expertise.

Kagaba Allan Rukiri, the head of human resources, commended the retired public servants for appearing healthy and well-presented, which reflects their engagement in activities that generate income.

Moreover, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Mbarara District, Mrs. Tinks Betty Kamugisha, thanked the local leadership of Mbarara City, both the political wing and the technical team, for offering a warm welcome to public servants transitioning from the district.

Mbarara City MP Applauds President for Providing Free Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) Vaccines, Launches Vaccination Program to Boost Livestock Farming

Member of Parliament for Mbarara City, Hon. Rita Atukwasa Bwahika, has appreciated the President of Uganda for providing free Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines to assist livestock keepers in Mbarara City.

Hon. Atukwasa informed the livestock farmers that the FMD vaccine is free and safe, urging them to hand over all their animals for vaccination to ensure the vaccine is put to good use by vaccinating all animals in the city.

Hon. Rita Atukwasa made these remarks while officially launching the FMD vaccination program in Mbarara City South Division, Mbarara, at Nyakayojo. She emphasized that the vaccine is provided free of charge and it is important for farmers to get mobilized and permit the veterinary team to access and administer the vaccine.

The Mbarara City Production Officer and City Veterinary Officer, Dr. Amanyire Moses, said the launch is meant to extend services and create awareness among the Mbarara City South Division residents. He explained that the launch was aimed at creating awareness and providing accurate information about the free FMD vaccination facilitated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, where farmers only need to avail their animals and present their national identification cards for proper record-keeping.

Dr. Amanyire further explained that the FMD vaccination exercise is guided by government laws under the “Animal Disease Control Act,” and anyone who fails to bring their animals for vaccination will be handled and charged with sabotaging government programs.

The Mayor of Mbarara City South Division, Jomo Mugabi, requested the government to provide harsh punishments against known serial livestock thieves who are applying their own criminal tactics to steal and sabotage government programs aimed at fighting government policies.

Residents of Kyampangara I ,Kyampangara Parish, Kyampangara Subcounty ,Kazo district woke up to shock in the morning of Friday July 26 following the murder of a 25 year old man.

The deceased has been identified as Fred Bainomuhangi,25 who was allegedly murdered by his colleagues in the wee hours of Friday morning.  The deceased who originates from Rubirizi district has been a casual labourer in the area for almost a year. At the time of his death, Fred was employed at a local bakery in Kyampangara village.

According to the Chairman LC I, James Katsigazi and his Defence Secretary, Francis Siniya , they  were able to arrest four suspects who are now in custody at Kyampangara Police Post. The authorities are waiting for  their transfer to Kazo Central Police Station and as well retrieve the body from the scene for a postmortem.

Bernard Mugabi Kafure, the LC III chairman for Kyampangara sub county has condemned  the act  and encouraged residents to avoid excessive drinking of alcohol and drug abuse. He further encouraged people to endeavor to resolve their conflicts before they escalate to such horrible incidents.

Ham Rubinika, the  District councilor , has also condemned the act and discouraged residents  from taking the law in their hands as a way of resolving their misunderstandings.

By Press time, the body of the deceased was still lying in the trading center as the locals were waiting for police from Kazo Central Police Station to retrieve it.

Buhweju County legislator, Hon. Francis Mwijukye was given a heroes’ welcome on Friday July, 19 back to the constituency which he represents in the 11th Parliament. Mwijukye who has been hospitalised for close to three months at Agha Khan Hospital in Nairobi Kenya was attacked and injured while responding to a land conflict on May 12, 2024 at Rwanyamabare Catholic Church, Nyakishana Subcounty in Buhweju District.

The Member of Parliament had obtained a complaint from church goers of Rwanyamabare Catholic Church and members of Rwanyamabare Farmers Association, who alleged that their church was at risk of demolition by a one Kamugisha Frank. Kamugisha, a neighbor with whom the church is in a land dispute hired people to guard the land and deter people from accessing facilities including the church on this land.

In response to the complaint, the legislator moved to the scene where he was confronted by a group that was armed with sticks. From the confrontation, he sustained serious injuries to the head. He was rushed to Nsiika Health Centre IV, in Buhweju District for first aid and then Divine Mercy Hospital in Mbarara City. He was later referred to Nakasero Hospital for further management. Following the sensitivity of the injuries sustained on his head, the legislator was referred to Agha Khan Hospital in Nairobi ,Kenya where he has been admitted for close to three months.

 Mwijukye who was clad in a Kaunda shirt and his trademark kangaroo cap waved a V-sign relentlessly at his cheering supporters who had been eagerly waiting for him at Bukiro T/C , Kashari South in Mbarara District. Posters bearing Mwijukye’s portrait with inscriptions, “MP Waitu Mwiju Kuruka abatemu.Webare Kugaruka.Mp Waitu. Owaitu Buzima”loosely translated for “Our Member of Parliament, Mwijukye, congratulations upon surviving. Well be back, Our Member of Parliament. Ours indeed” were being waved by motorists who were also waving tree branches in jubilation.

He drove through Bukiro T/C, a town Council in Mbarara District that boarders with Buhweju County (Buhweju District) on the West, through Katara, Nyakishojwa, Kyankanda up to Bwoga Primary School playground, where the celebrations were hosted. This playground has hosted a number of Mwijukye’s life mark events amongst them, his 2015 wedding.

Speaking to his supporters and well-wishers, Mwijukye was thankful to God for saving his life after a nasty attack on his life and to the people of Buhweju who kept him in constant prayer. He thanked his friends, supporters and well-wishers for the warm reception. He asked those who hold authority to use it to serve justice and not injustice.

Mwijukye further encouraged people of Rwanyamabare to keep hopeful since the Inspector General of Police,Abbas Byakagaba has already been notified about the matter and that all those who had a hand in the attack will be brought to book. However, since the incident in May, no suspect has been arrested.

The function was graced by politicians, entertainers, the religious men and women, supporters and well-wishers of Hon. Francis Mwijukye.

Mbarara district has designated 12 acres of land in Mitoozo Parish, Kashare sub-county, to the Ministry of Education and Sports for the construction of the district’s first technical school.

Fred Mwesigye, the head of scholarships at the Ministry of Education and Sports, disclosed that on September 29, 2023, he wrote to the Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, who is also the First Lady, to remind her of the necessity to build a technical school in the district.

He said the technical school is to cater to the large number of youth in the district who cannot afford higher education.

While today touring the site where the technical school is planned to be built, Mwesigye, accompanied by leaders from Kashare sub-county, warned politicians against interfering with the construction of the school.

Mwesigye stated that the project will begin soon and is estimated to cost around 1.4 billion shillings.

Deus Ndyanabo, the mayor of Nyabisirira town council, praised the government for bringing the services of a technical school to the area.

It’s important to highlight that the government has committed to establishing vocational training institutes in every district to support and promote technical vocational education and training.

Police in Kazo district are investigating conditions under which Emmanuel Sande, 54, was allegedly shot-dead by a security guard attached to Saracen Security Company Ltd on Monday July 15 while at George Kwame’s farm in Kazo II, Central Ward, Kazo Town Council.

Sande, a resident of Kanyarigiri, Nyamarebe sub county Ibanda district  was shot in the back by a security guard, Micheal Mujurizi who works with Saracen private Security Company Ltd on Monday at around 7:30pm after he had crossed to the farm where he had allegedly gone to collect firewood.

Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, Samson Kasasira confirmed the incident and further revealed that the suspect is under detention as police continues to carry out investigations. Kasasira asked people to avoid trespassing as a way of minimising such incidents.

Justus Mugume, Chairperson LCI Kazo II, the area in which the incident happened was concerned about the incident and expressed sympathy to the deceased and his family but revealed that he was bothered by the way Sande’s life ended. He described the late as a peace-loving man who was never involved in any bad acts.

The deceased will be laid to rest today Thursday July 18 in Kanyarigiri Nyamareebe Ibanda district.