The villages of Obwiino, Rwentaka and Nyabwina in Bumbaire subcounty Bushenyi district are facing an imminent food crisis after a powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc on their agricultural plantations and homes. The storm which lasted three intense hours brought heavy downpours that destroyed critical crops including coffee, bananas, cassava and bean seedlings.

Residents are grappling with the aftermath of the storm, assessing the extent of the destruction and the impact it will have on their livelihoods. Kyompaire Evas, a resident of Rwentaka Village expressed deep concern about the damage to her community’s gardens and the looming threat of starvation. “This storm has left many of us without food and we are afraid of what the future holds,” she stated.

The local leadership is equally alarmed. Bakunda Saverino, the LC1 Chairperson has made a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate assistance. “We urgently need food relief items and seedlings to help our communities recover from this disaster. Many families are on the brink of starvation,” he urged.

As families begin to recover from the shock, the urgent need for support and resources is clear highlighting the vulnerability of agricultural communities to extreme weather events. The situation remains critical as residents battle not only the physical destruction of their homes and fields but also the emotional toll of uncertainty about their future food security.

The Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, has officially blessed a newly constructed clergy house at Our Lady of Fatima Mubende Parish at the parish’s centenary celebrations held on Sunday March,2 at the parish grounds in Mubende Municipality. The parish was constructed in 1925 by missionaries of the White Fathers.

Construction of the clergy house began on September 17, 2023, featuring 17 bedrooms, three dining areas and four office spaces.

In a ceremony held at the parish grounds, Bishop Zziwa together with the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mwerikande commissioned the new building for use.

“Today, we bless this house as we did to our church before,” said Bishop Zziwa. “I will delegate some priests to bless the bedrooms, while I bless the offices where their pastoral work will take place.”

Naloongo Clare Ssebitosi Kingongo, the chairperson of the centenary celebrations organizing committee expressed her gratitude to the prelate for his support and to all who contributed to the project.

Hope Grania Nakazibwe, Woman MP for Mubende District, also praised the parishioners for their generosity and thanked the community for their financial and material contributions that made the project possible.

President Yoweri Museveni’s recent assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative in the Ankole region has left local leaders and beneficiaries compelled to express a newfound awareness of the importance of proper management and utilization of PDM funds.

Apollo Mabati, Special Assistant to the Presidential Advisor on Citizen Veteran Affairs, noted that the tour highlighted a critical gap in understanding the PDM initiative among the locals. “Many still do not fully grasp the concept and significance of PDM as a Presidential Initiative,” Mabati stated. He emphasized the need for increased sensitization efforts, suggesting that the allocation of one million shillings could be pivotal for families in generating sustainable income.

Banabas Akantambira Bakekira, a local leader echoed these sentiments, asserting that the President’s visit would drive leaders to take the initiative seriously particularly regarding the continuous education of beneficiaries on the effective use of funds. “Leaders must be tireless in their efforts to ensure beneficiaries understand how to optimally utilize this money for its intended purpose,” he affirmed.

Yonah Rusooso Male, the district councillor for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kiruhura, raised concerns about the distribution of PDM funds. He claimed that many targeted beneficiaries do not receive the funds, which often go to individuals who do not qualify for the initiative. Furthermore, he criticized the few who receive the money suggesting that it is frequently mismanaged.

Rusooso highlighted that the Presidential assessment tour instilled a sense of accountability among the beneficiaries fostering a fear of future mismanagement of PDM funds. “This tour has made it clear that improper handling of funds will not be tolerated in the future,” he warned.

As communities in Kiruhura District reflect on the lessons from the President’s tour, there is a hopeful outlook for a more informed and responsible approach to the PDM initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth in the region.

Political leaders in Kazo District and residents of Buremba Town Council are in mourning following the passing of Hon. Caroline Mugume Rwakana, the Female District Councilor who has represented Buremba since 2021.

The news of her death was confirmed by her husband, Rwakana on Saturday afternoon leaving the community in shock and grief. He revealed that his wife succumbed to cancer of the breast after battling with it for long.

Leaders who spoke to Kazo FM expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to their late colleague. Hon. Leah Naturinda Munene, the Deputy District Speaker for Kazo District described the late as a true leader, a devout individual and a friend to many in the community.

Her passing leaves a significant void in local leadership, and many are reflecting on her contributions and dedication to the people of Buremba. As tributes continue to pour in, the community is coming together to celebrate her life and legacy.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced plans to establish communal irrigation systems for farmers in western Ugand aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring consistent production cycles particularly during dry spells. The president emphasized the need for proper wetland management during a meeting with leaders from the Ankole and Kigezi regions held at Kyamate playground in Ntungamo District.

In his remarks, Museveni highlighted the potential impact of the initiative predicting that improved irrigation systems could increase banana production by over 10% scaling yields from 5 to 50 tons. He referenced the success of the Presidential Banana Development Initiative in Nyaruzinga, Bushenyi District, as a model for the planned irrigation schemes.

“Let’s focus on wealth creation for the socio-economic transformation of our people,” Museveni urged, calling on regional leaders to abandon “politics of deceit” and prioritize agricultural development. He also noted that the government allocates UgX1.5T annually towards wealth creation interventions, totaling approximately UgX 7T over five years.

The meeting was attended by various leaders, including district chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from the Kigezi and Ankole regions who gathered to discuss the president’s vision for agricultural transformation in western Uganda.

President Museveni’s initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving food security and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region which is critical for the livelihoods of local communities.

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) against misusing funds. During a presser held on Thursday February 27 at his country residence in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, Museveni stated that individuals found guilty of diverting PDM funds for personal use such as spending money on alcohol will face serious repercussions. They could serve up to 10 months in prison and will be required to repay the misused funds through labor.

“Drinking PDM money is wrong. We will arrest them and send them to government prisons where they will work without pay until the lost funds are recovered,” Museveni emphasized, underscoring the importance of accountability for government resources. He added, “You can’t take government money, drink it and expect to go unpunished. You will pay through labor. A dog that steals pays with its back,” he said.

Museveni revealed that the Cabinet is set to finalize a decision mandating offenders to serve 10 months of labor in prison gardens as compensation for misusing UGX Shs1,000,000. The president further stated that anyone caught stealing from the PDM funds would be denied bail at any level highlighting government’s commitment to tackling this issue rigorously.

Additionally, Museveni announced plans to direct local leaders, including Residents District Commissioners and Chief Administrative Officers to actively mobilize support for the Parish Development Model. This announcement came at the conclusion of his three-day PDM zonal tour of the Ankole sub-region.The sub region is a host of districts such as Mbarara, Mbarara City and Sheema, Kiruhura, Kazo, Buhweju and Rubirizi, Ibanda, Bushenyi, Ntungamo and Rwampara.

During these engagements, he met with local leaders and citizens whom he encouraged to promote the success of PDM.

Hon. John Nasasira the former Minister for Information, Communication and Technology who is also former Kazo county Member of Parliament paid tribute to the late Fausta Nakawusi Karuhanga, a clinical officer who served with dedication to improve healthcare in the Kazo constituency.

In his eulogy, Nasasira described Nakawusi as ” a dedicated servant who served above self with a kind heart and love who was committed to saving the lives of the people of Kazo” .This was in message read for him by Geofrey Rurekyera, the station Manager for Kazo FM.

Nakawusi who was laid to rest on Tuesday February 25 in Ryakahabwa village, Ibaare parish, Kyampangara subcounty was remembered fondly by community leaders and mourners . She passed away at the age of 65 after a brave battle with cancer of the colon.

Hon. Dan Kimosho, the Member of Parliament for Kazo county described the pivotal role Nakawusi played in the development of health services in the area. “She was one of the pioneers of health education in Kazo,” Kimosho noted emphasizing the importance of regular health check-ups and raising awareness about the realities of cancer.

Dr. Jeconius Zirabamuzare, the former in-charge of Kazo Health Center IV and a colleague of Nakawusi, praised her as an exemplary figure in the health sector,“Nakawusi was an inspiration to everyone,” he remarked.

Fr. David Bakashaba who officiated the burial mass, encouraged mourners to emulate Nakawusi’s legacy of generosity and service to the community, urging them to prepare for their own journeys of life by helping those in need.

Born in 1960 in Kazo County, Nakawusi made history as the first female qualified clinical officer greater Mbarara district. Over her esteemed career, she rose through the ranks in Uganda’s health sector ultimately overseeing four health centers in various districts including Mbarara, Kiruhura and Kazo before retiring honorably in 2022.

Nakawusi had been diagnosed with colon cancer five months prior to her passing and succumbed to the illness after an unsuccessful surgery on February 22.

Her commitment to healthcare and unwavering dedication to her community left an indelible mark that will be remembered by all who knew her.

The Kazo Grade I Magistrate’s Court in Kazo district has remanded two brothers, Mugabi Naboth aka Young, 22 and Nuwabine Amos,29, for the alleged murder of their father, Rev. Misach Kahembera.

Prosecution revealed that the brothers, both residing in Rwobuyenjje, Katete-Mbarara City, intentionally killed their father, Rev. Kahembera. The prosecution referred to Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code which outline the legal definition of murder and the punishment for murder respectively.

Kahembera was murdered on February 5, 2025 at around 5:00 a.m in Meru Meru, Kataraza-Nkungu sub-county seven months after the murder of his wife,Rosset Tushabe, 45.The incident resulted into the arrest of several family members including,the two brothers, their mother, Mary Busingye, 45 and brother, Arthur Agaba, 29.

Since the matter is capital in nature, the Magistrate, Joshua Ndajano did not allow the accused to enter plea explaining that murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The suspects were remanded to Rugongi government prison until March 28, 2025, when they will appear for mention of their case.

Meanwhile, according to the Kazo District Police Commander, Joseph Nsabimana, two other suspects in this case, Peace Mumurinde and Olivia Kyarikunda have not been produced before court on the directions of the Senior Resident State Attorney as more inquiries into their contribution to this case are on-going.

Residents in Bushenyi district who are living with HIV/AIDS are increasingly living under uncertainty following the announcement by the US President Donald Trump regarding the suspension of USAID funds. This has led to reports of some healthcare facilities selling antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to patients.

Nobert Gumisiriza, the coordinator of Bushenyi District HIV/AIDS Network Forum confirmed that his office has received multiple complaints about this troubling trend. He condemned the practice emphasizing that despite the suspension of USAID funding, supplies of ARVs should still be provided to facilities at no cost. “There is no justification for selling these life-saving drugs,” Gumisiriza stated.

Reports indicate that some facilities have been charging patients up to UgShs10,000 per tin of ARVs whereby each patient is required to take three tins depending on their distance from care centers and individual health needs.

Henry Barekye, the HIV/AIDS focal person for Bushenyi district, also corroborated the complaints and revealed that investigations indicated that certain facilities were charging patients for medications. “This practice is illegal and goes against the government’s commitment to provide free drug supplies,” Barekye noted.

In response to these violations, the health department has instructed the facilities involved to cease these practices immediately. Authorities are reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that all individuals living with HIV/AIDS receive their medications free of charge as mandated by health policies. The situation remains a concern for community health leaders who are looking forward to protect the rights and health of patients in the district.

Mbarara Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Catherine Kamwine has strongly cautioned residents against using their national identification cards as collateral for loans from money lenders.

This was during a meeting held at the RCC’s office in Mbarara City where national IDs were handed back to their rightful owners from money lenders. Kamwine urged citizens to explore government initiatives such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model and the Youth Livelihood Programme instead of turning to high-interest money lenders.

“People should not risk their national IDs for short-term loans,” Kamwine stated. “There are safer and more sustainable options available through government projects.”

The RCC also addressed money lenders directly advising them to seek alternative forms of collateral and refrain from withholding national IDs from borrowers.

Supporting Kamwine’s stance, Elly Tubwine, the Regional Internal Security Officer for Mbarara condemned the practice of money lenders demanding original IDs as collateral. He warned that those found involved in such illegal activities would face arrest.

This press conference comes in response to numerous complaints received by the RCC’s office regarding money lenders who have been holding onto people’s national IDs leaving them in vulnerable situations. The officials’ actions reflect a growing concern over the safety and rights of citizens in financial transactions, and the importance of safeguarding personal identification documents from predatory practices.