Authorities at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital are urging the public to stay alert and adopt preventive measures against the spread of Mpox following a surge in confirmed cases in the region.

Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer revealed that since October 2024, the facility has reported 422 confirmed Mpox cases out of 475 suspected cases. Of these, 279 patients have successfully recovered and been discharged while 14 are currently receiving treatment at the hospital’s Infectious Disease Treatment Center. Tragically, four individuals have succumbed to the disease during this period.

Dr. Deus Twesigye, the Acting Director of the hospital and a Senior Consultant in General Surgery highlighted the primary mode of transmission stating that majority of infections can be traced back to sexual contact. He cautioned that while physical contact is the main route of transmission, condoms may not provide complete protection against Mpox.

In response to the outbreak, the government has initiated a vaccination campaign aimed at high-risk groups including commercial sex workers, bar attendants and healthcare workers. According to recent reports, approximately 8,000 individuals have been vaccinated in Mbarara City.

As of April 14, the Ministry of Health reported a total of 5,386 confirmed Mpox cases nationwide with 40 fatalities recorded. Public health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance, proper hygiene and safe practices to curb the spread of the disease.

With the ongoing efforts to control the outbreak, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital remains committed to providing care and support to those affected, while reinforcing the need for community cooperation in implementing preventive measures against Mpox.

Police in Rubirizi district are investigating circumstances in which a traffic accident occured on April 21 at around 2:00pm in Katunguru Trading Centre, claiming the life of a 48-year-old man.

The accident involved a Scania motor vehicle with registration number T951B/T8AS and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle registration number UGD 423M which was red in color.

Martial Tumusiime, the spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Police confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Innocent Kadenge a resident of Kyenzanza in Kirugu Sub-County in Rubirizi district.

According to preliminary reports, Kadenge was riding his motorcycle from Kasese towards Kyambura when he collided with a stationary vehicle at Katunguru Trading Center. The impact of the crash was so severe that he died instantly at the scene.

The body of Innocent Kadenge has been transported to Rugazi Health Center IV mortuary where it will undergo a post-mortem examination. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the exact cause.

The Director for National Resistance Movement Manifesto Implementation, Willis Bashasha has called upon the public to desist from commercialization of politics emphasizing that it has led to the manipulation of leaders and the election of officials who do not reflect on people’s true choices. He asserted that it has resulted into poor service delivery across the region.

Speaking at the baptism ceremony of Elineo Nuwagaba’s children held at his residence in Kikuba village Ruharo Ward, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality on Thursday April 17, Bashasha underscored the importance of accountability as the political season approaches. He urged current political incumbents to highlight the achievements of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to demonstrate the party’s commitment to fulfilling its pledges from the last political cycle.

Annet Katusiime Mugisha, the Woman Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District echoed Bashasha’s sentiments and advised voters not to make decisions based solely on excitement or financial incentives which may lead to the displacement of proven leaders.

The ceremony was officiated by Fr. Rev. Felix Mutambi, a priest at St. Kaggwa Catholic Parish who praised Nuwagaba for leading his children in faith by bringing them to Christ.

The event also attracted notable figures including Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and Councilor Muhereza Nicholas along with other political leaders who expressed their support for responsible leadership and community engagement.

A 30-year-old man has been lynched by an angry mob on Kashaka landing site in Katunguru Sub-County Rubirizi district following allegations that he murdered his wife.

Benard Musinguzi also known as Master was reportedly attacked on April 21, 2025 after the tragic incident involving his wife, Mackline Ninsiima. Authorities suggest that the altercation escalated when Musinguzi allegedly stabbed Ninsiima to death prompting the community’s outrage.

Lilian Mugume, a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Officer for Rubirizi District reported that Musinguzi’s body was discovered some distance from his home bearing numerous injuries on the head which was indicative of a violent mob attack.

Martial Tumusiime, the spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Police confirmed the incident and stated that they are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and subsequent lynching.

The body of Musinguzi was taken to Rugazi Health Center IV for a post mortem examination as authorities seek to piece together the events leading to this tragic loss of life.

Police in Buhweju District are investigating a disturbing incident involving four unidentified men dressed in army uniforms who are alleged to have committed aggravated robbery on April 18, 2025. The robbery, which took place around 9:30 pm in Musaana Village, Rwengwe Sub County resulted in the theft of two motorcycles, an unspecified amount of money and mobile phones from the victims.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson confirmed that the incident was reported to the police on April 19, 2025, at 6:45 am. He identified the victims as Saturday Jonan, 31, a timber businessman; Goodman Tukashaba, 20; and Aron Katagira, 45, all residents of Nsiika LC1, Nsiika Town Council in Buhweju District.

According to reports, the victims were traveling from Bwizibwera Town to Nsiika Town Council on two separate motorcycles when they were ambushed in Musaana Village. As they arrived at the location, they were stopped by three armed men who were dressed in military uniforms and brandishing a firearm. The victims were reportedly tied to eucalyptus trees with ropes while the assailants made away with their two motorcycles—registration numbers UFR 384R and UFE 828K—along with their mobile phones and a sum of money.

Saturday Jonan, one of the victims who reported the incident to the police described the robbery as a premeditated act suggesting that the culprits had strategically planned the attack in an area surrounded by eucalyptus trees to facilitate the crime.

Authorities are actively pursuing leads in the case and are urging anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspects to come forward. The police have heightened patrols in the area to deter further criminal activity as they continue their investigation into this alarming incident.

Over 150 homesteads in Kyeitembe Ward, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality,Bushenyi district are counting their losses following a heavy downpour that has wreaked havoc on local farms destroying vital crops and banana plantations.

The torrential rains accompanied by strong winds and storms began yesterday evening around 5:00pm leading to significant damage throughout the area. Crops such as bananas and cassava have been particularly affected raising concerns among residents about their food security.

Jenipher Mukundane, the LC3 Lady Councillor reported that the intense rainfall completely submerged Kyeitembe East and Kyeitembe West villages leaving families with little to eat. “We are now facing a critical situation,” Mukundane stated. “Many residents have lost everything and are in urgent need of assistance.”

John Nyabugaro, the LC1 Chairman of Kyeitembe West echoed these concerns warning that the widespread crop destruction could lead to a famine. He is appealing to the central government for immediate relief aid to support the affected families in the wake of this disaster.

As the community reels from the impact of the storm, local leaders are mobilizing efforts to assess the damage and provide relief where possible. Residents hope for swift action from government and relief organizations to alleviate their suffering and restore hope in the face of this adversity.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to increase facilitation funds for local leaders specifically LC1 and LC3 chairpersons and councilors to enhance their ability to monitor government programs effectively. This commitment came during a meeting with leaders from the Greater Mubende sub-region held at St. Gonzaga Mirembe Maria Primary School Grounds.

While addressing the local leaders, President Museveni acknowledged the underfunding of lower local chairpersons compared to their LC3 and LC5 counterparts. “I know lower local chairpersons have not been well facilitated like the LC3 and LC5 chairpersons and councilors,” he stated, responding to concerns raised about the lack of resources for grassroot leaders to effectively monitor government initiatives. Currently, LC1 and LC2 chairpersons receive only 300 Ugandan shillings per day, totaling approximately to shs120,000 annually and often face delays in payment.

During his address, President Museveni also warned against rising corruption among District Service Commission officials who are reportedly auctioning local government jobs. He emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy to corruption stating, “Being corrupt is not good. I used to see such corrupt people in previous regimes like those of Obote but in our NRM (National Resistance Movement), we don’t support corruption because this is what the government condemns.”

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja echoed the President’s sentiments encouraging Greater Mubende leaders to continue sensitizing communities about NRM strategies. She also criticized opposition leaders for misleading voters humorously remarking that the Democratic Party is essentially under the NRM umbrella.

During his tour, President Museveni commissioned the Greater Mubende Zonal Industrial Hub and urged youth in the region to pursue hands-on courses such as carpentry welding and tailoring to improve their prospects. He also officially opened the Mubende Daily Market and several constructed roads in the area.

In a bid to empower local entrepreneurs, the President directed that Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) funds should be disbursed through district structures to ensure that graduates from the industrial hub can easily access startup capital for their ventures.

Security officials in Sheema district have arrested the Parish Development Model (PDM) chairperson for allegedly extorting money from beneficiaries of the program.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a government-led initiative aimed to move 39% of the country’s 45 million population from subsistence living to the money economy and reduce poverty. Each of Uganda’s 10,594 parishes has received a total of 200 million shillings in installments.

The culprit has been identified as Katushabe Juliet, the chairperson of Masyoro Parish Development Model SACCO.

She was arrested on orders of the District Deputy Resident Commissioner, Sam Orikunda after receiving several complaints from beneficiaries that she had been soliciting funds from them which is an offense.

He said that the suspect had demanded between Shs 200,000 to Shs 300,000 to have the names of the beneficiaries included on the list to be submitted to benefit from the program.

Kyotungire Annah, a resident of Masyoro Parish claims Juliet, the Parish Development Model chairperson, has extorted over 70 people since the program started.

This is not the first time security has arrested leaders in the PDM program scandals. Last November, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) arrested two district councillors including District Speaker Robert Nkwemerire who also serves as Masheruka Subcounty LCV councillor and Robert Matsiko the Masheruka Town Council LCV councillor. They were accused of forcefully benefiting from Parish Development Model (PDM) funds which is against presidential directives stating that civil servants and political leaders are not eligible for the program.

Mourners gathered in Bugarihe, Rwemikoma Sub-County yesterday to pay their respects to Jane Kantengwa Kimosho who passed away at the remarkable age of 98. The burial service was attended by family, friends and local leaders who celebrated her life and faith eulogising her as a devoted Christian.

The Bishop Emeritus of North Ankole Diocese, Steven Namanya delivered a powerful message encouraging mourners to fear God and maintain a light-hearted spirit to receive His blessings. “We should always act with integrity,” Bishop Namanya urged, drawing inspiration from Jane’s 81 years of unwavering belief in Jesus Christ, which she embraced fully in 1944.

Atwijukire Dan Kimosho, the Member of Parliament for Kazo County and Jane’s grandson shared heartfelt reflections about his grandmother. He expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by their forebearers stating, “They provided the necessary foundation for our grandchildren’s future.” Atwijukire emphasized that the support of the older generations has permitted the younger ones to pursue opportunities and build upon their rich legacy.

Local resident Benon Tindimwebwa also paid tribute to Kantengwa recalling how she served as a role model for the community. “She inspired many to attend church and embrace marriage with their partners,” Benon noted.

Kantengwa is survived by an extensive family including 36 grandchildren and 76 great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. The community will remember her not just for her age, but for her deep faith and the legacy she created through her family and dedication to her community.

The veterinary department in Bushenyi District in coordination with the local security committee has announced a suspension of animal slaughtering and the sale of animal products in three sub-counties for a month.

During a press briefing following a district security meeting, Dr. Roberts Natukunda, the Bushenyi District Veterinary Officer confirmed that the affected areas include Kyabugimbi Sub-County, Kyabugimbi Town Council and Ruhumuro Sub-County.

Dr. Natukunda reported that over 12 cases of anthrax have been recorded resulting in one fatality linked to the outbreak. He attributed this tragic loss to individuals who have disregarded health guidelines by continuing to consume meat from dead animals.

To mitigate the spread of the disease, Dr. Natukunda urged residents to adhere strictly to the health guidelines and cautioned against transferring livestock and animal products to neighboring sub-counties that are not under quarantine.

He emphasized the importance of community cooperation, called on local council leaders and the public to support and comply with the measures under implementation by the health committee.