Police in Mbarara City have arrested three men suspected of masterminding a series of hotel burglaries that resulted in the theft of valuables such as laptops, phones and money.
The suspects are Samba Joseph, 60, from Busia, Muhinda Rajab, 50, from Iganga and Masereka, 40, from Kasese. They were apprehended on the evening of September 15, 2025 in the aftermath of a break-in at Rwampara Suites on September 14 during which several guest rooms were targeted and robbed.
Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira stated that the suspects were found in possession of multiple keys believed to have been used to access the hotel rooms. The keys have been recovered and are now held as evidence at Mbarara Central Police Station.
Kasasira confirmed that the suspects will face charges of theft and burglary, as investigations continue into their alleged involvement in the hotel break-ins.
Police in Mbarara City have arrested street children and men found within the city’s business area. In a coordinated effort between police and the Mbarara City South Probation Office, a night operation on Monday resulted in the arrest of 124 street children and men.
Gershom Kakuru, the Mbarara City South Division Probation Officer explained that the rising number of street children in the city center is partly due to an influx of refugees from Nakivale Refugee Camp in Isingiro District. Many of these refugees have drifted into Mbarara contributing to the increasing street population.
The operation targeted key areas including Kisenyi, Kakoba, Kijungu and High Street. So far, 24 of those apprehended have been handed over to officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and transported back to Nakivale. The remaining individuals are expected to either be reunited with their families or transferred to rehabilitation centers for support.
Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira confirmed that out of the 124 arrests, 74 were minors, 24 were foreign nationals, and 23 were adults aged 18 and above. The adults are currently undergoing police screening to determine further action.
The authorities emphasized their commitment to addressing the issue of street children in Mbarara, balancing law enforcement with social interventions.
Kazo District has demonstrated a strong sense of community solidarity by coming together to support Divine Kyogabeirwe, a dedicated public servant in her urgent need to travel abroad for life-saving breast cancer surgery. Divine Kyogabeirwe, the Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) for Kazo District, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May this year and now requires specialized treatment in India.
The fundraising run organized to support her was led by Hon. Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, the Member of Parliament for Kazo county. During the event, the legislator called on community members to prioritize health checkups and early detection as vital steps in fighting cancer. “Regular checkups can save lives. I urge everyone to be vigilant about their health and seek medical advice early,” he emphasized.
The event saw a large turnout of community members, government officials and health advocates who turned up in large numbers to show their support and solidarity. Kimosho, a key supporter and community leader, expressed gratitude to all who participated and contributed emphasizing the importance of collective effort in supporting those battling health challenges.
Astone Ahimbisibwe, the in-charge of Kazo Health Center IV also addressed the gathering urging women in particular to be vigilant and proactive about cancer screenings. “Early detection is crucial. We need to encourage women to undergo regular screenings and tests to identify any abnormalities early,” he stated.
Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the District Chairman called for continued community support and compassionate habits toward individuals facing health crises. “This is a collective effort. We must continue to support Divine and others in similar situations to help them access the care they need,” he appealed.
The community’s efforts are a testament to the unity and compassion that define Kazo District. As Divine Kyogabeirwe prepares for her journey to India, the district remains committed to standing by her side and supporting her recovery. The organizers and community members hope that their collective support will ease her path to treatment and recovery inspiring others to prioritize health and community care.
Police in Kabale district have detained 21 suspects allegedly involved in a series of criminal activities within the area including robberies, burglaries, thefts, possession and smoking of opium and bag snatching from travelers. The operations which were intelligence-led took place between Friday Sept 12 and last night.
According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, among the suspects are individuals recently released from Ndorwa Prison who are now back in circulation as well as those listed on security wanted lists. Those arrested include; Owamani Martin, Asiimwe Osbert, Kirabo Alex, Aryamba Elijah and Byaruhanga Ronald. These are linked to different robbery cases. Other suspects Akankwasa Martin, Nuwagaba Joshua, Naturinda Obedi and Akankwasa Gerald are believed to be involved in possession and smoking of opium.
The suspects were arrested from various locations including Mwisi Kitumba sub-county, Kigongi area, around the stadium and Mwanjari areas. During searches at their residences, police recovered several properties, including laptops, TVs, gas cylinders, clothes and other assorted items which have been brought to Kabale Central Police Station for identification.
ASP Maate emphasized that the operations will continue across the region to dismantle criminal networks. He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and local leaders by providing any vital information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects and help restore peace and security in the area.
Widows under Ruth Ministries Association in West Ankole Diocese have called on President Yoweri Museveni to support their skilling projects which have stalled following the death of their patron the late Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut former presidential advisor on public relations.
The widows gathered at Butsibo Church of Uganda in Sheema Municipality formed the association in 2023 to empower themselves and improve household incomes. The group which has over 200 members has been engaged in crafts such as basket weaving, pottery and mats production.
Vice Chairperson Grace Mwebaze explained that members previously sold their products at Ntambiko Crafts Centre owned by Karooro. However, the centre closed after her passing leaving the women without a market.
Mary Mugisha, a widow from Butsibo Church of Uganda expressed concern that many members are struggling to provide for their children amid the setbacks.
Rev. Amon Tumusiime, parish priest of Butsibo Church of Uganda noted that widows are often neglected after losing their husbands as they no longer fit into the Mothers’ Union. He urged local leaders to intervene.
Ruth Ministries was established by Karooro to unite widows facing hardships. Members say Karooro had promised to personally introduce them to the president to seek more support, a promise they hope the government will now fulfill.
The Greater Bushenyi Regional Police is currently conducting a week-long refresher training for all police constables and personnel across the region. The training, which commenced yesterday is taking place at Bushenyi Main Stadium.
According to SP Godfrey Achiria the Bushenyi Regional Police Commander, this refresher course is part of the police force’s mandate to enhance the skills and preparedness of its personnel. The training focuses on public order management, skills development and drills to improve interactions with the public especially as the region prepares for the upcoming general elections next year.
SP Achiria noted that the recently concluded NRM party primary elections served as an eye-opener for security agencies providing valuable insights into potential challenges during campaign periods and elections. He emphasized the importance of timely preparation and organization to ensure security and order during the electoral process.
Apollo Tayebwa, the regional police spokesperson disclosed that participants were carefully selected from all five districts within the region. The ongoing week of training aims to equip police officers with the necessary skills to address any shortcomings as the elections approach.
Tayebwa added that the training includes rigorous physical exercises, shooting practice, public order management and other essential skills. A total of 182 personnel are participating in this initial phase of the training program.
Widespread protests and violent clashes have engulfed Nepal amid mounting anger over government corruption, social media restrictions and rising civilian casualties. The unrest has led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli who stepped down to pave the way for a potential constitutional resolution to the crisis.
In recent days, at least 19 people have been killed and over 100 injured following clashes between protesters and security forces. The violence has included attacks on residences of high-profile politicians including Oli and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba as well as vandalism at political party headquarters. Protesters defying an indefinite curfew have stormed government buildings and set fire to several residences and offices including Oli’s house in Balakot and Deuba’s in Budhanilkantha.
Amid the chaos, domestic flights at Tribhuvan International Airport have nearly ceased operations due to security concerns according to Nepal’s aviation authority. The protests initially triggered by a social media ban have expanded into a broad movement demanding accountability, transparency and reforms in governance.
Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation on Wednesday stating he was doing so to allow for a “constitutional solution” to Nepal’s political crisis. His resignation follows days of intense protests which saw a surge in youth participation across Kathmandu and other cities. Several ministers including Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Ram Nath Adhikari and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have resigned in protest against the government’s heavy-handed crackdown.
The situation remains volatile. Videos circulating on social media show protesters entering the Parliament complex and vandalizing government properties. The residences of prominent leaders such as Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist Center leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal have been targeted with petrol bombs and vandalism highlighting the widespread anger and frustration among the populace.
In the midst of the turmoil, foreigners like Roger Woodend originally from Coleraine, Northern Ireland now residing in the Philippines reported being evacuated from their hotels in Kathmandu as protests intensified outside their accommodations. Woodend described a tense scene with smoke and a violent standoff outside his hotel and expressed concerns about crossfire during the clashes.
Among those protesting are individuals like 35-year-old Rachana Sapkota who joined the demonstrations demanding justice for those killed and an end to corruption. “After seeing what happened yesterday my humanity didn’t allow me to stay at home,” she said.
As Nepal grapples with its worst unrest in decades, many citizens remain in shock over the violence and destruction. The government’s failure to contain the protests has led to a crisis of confidence, with calls for urgent political reforms and accountability echoing across the Himalayan nation.
High Court in Mbarara sitting yesterday dismissed with costs a petition filed by three Democratic Party (DP) members seeking to challenge the party’s current leadership headed by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao.
The case which was presided over by Justice Allan Nshimye Paul was filed before the court by Edith Byanyima, Kasozi Kamya and Julius Dumba. The petitioners argued that the DP delegates’ conference held in Mbarara City from May 30 to June 2, 2025 was marred by irregularities that questioned the legitimacy of the leadership.
However, in his ruling Justice Nshimye described the application as premature emphasizing that the applicants had not yet exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution procedures. The judge also ordered the petitioners to pay legal costs to four of the eight respondents which included top DP leaders and representatives of the Electoral Commission.
Speaking through their lawyer, Isaac Ayebazibwe of M/s SK and Partners Advocates the aggrieved members expressed their intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal following a number of frustrations that arose prior the ruling. ”It is alleged that phone calls made rounds, zoom meetings made rounds over the weekend with the judge”,Ayebazibwe revealed.
Ayebazibwe further expressed discontent with the sitting judge in this matter. ”The judge cited 45 grounds that we raised in our application, he relied on two of them to dismiss the entire application,” revealed the plaintiffs’ lawyer.
Kamya Kasozi, one of the applicants revealed that DP’s president General, Norbert Mao is entirely responsible for the frustrations within the Democratic Party and the court system in the country. Kamya further encouraged party members to remain rooted within the party until a lasting solution to what he called bad leadership is arrived at.
Outside court, Byanyima who led the group expressed disappointment with the decision but reaffirmed their commitment to pursue the matter through higher judicial channels. Byanyima further revealed that court did not rule on the substance of the matter but rather on points of law raised by defendants.
The ruling marks a significant development in ongoing internal disputes within the Democratic Party with the petitioners indicating they remain determined to seek justice through Uganda’s appellate courts.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission in Ntungamo district officially declared the incumbent Ntungamo Municipality Member of Parliament Yona Musinguzi Bikwasizehi as the party’s flag bearer for the upcoming elections. The announcement followed a by-election conducted yesterday which was boycotted by four of Musinguzi’s opponents.
According to the district NRM registrar Ms. Maria Baitwa Mirembe, Musinguzi secured a decisive victory, polling 5,740 votes across the exercise. The other candidates—Philip Ankwasa Tumuhimbise who garnered 1,081 votes, Edward Beyendeza Bekunda with 423, Erick Nuwagira Kachafu with 79 and Micheal Katureebe who received 791 votes did not participate in the voting process.
The four candidates protested the election outcome claiming that polling was not conducted fairly. They argued that the vote should have taken place in all 13 polling stations within Ntungamo Municipality as opposed to only the seven stations that the tribunal recognized. They contended that the remaining stations did not hold votes during the July 17 exercise leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the results.
Ntungamo Municipality has a total of 26 cells serving as polling stations under the NRM raising questions about the conduct of the by-election. Notably, Musinguzi, who was injured during a fracas at a polling station in July was absent from the voting exercise himself and was represented solely by his brother, Emmanuel Mubangizi.
Speaking to journalists, Beyendeza emphasized that the four candidates could not participate in the vote as a form of protest against the tribunal’s ruling which they believe did not address their concerns adequately. He expressed hope that their complaints would be considered to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
The declared victory cements Musinguzi’s position as the NRM candidate for Ntungamo Municipality despite ongoing disputes surrounding the election process.
