Kashongi Farmers’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) has launched a new sustainability initiative aimed at enhancing environmental practices among its members. The initiative was unveiled during the SACCO’s 18th Annual General Meeting held yesterday at its headquarters in Kashongi Town Council,Kiruhura district

Brig. Gen. Freddy Joseph Onata, the Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO Ltd who graced the event as the chief guest urged SACCO leaders to make strategic decisions that would facilitate significant growth within the organization. “It is essential to evaluate the outcomes of your actions and their impacts,” he stated. “To be a sustainable SACCO, you need to create a positive impact that encourages members to engage in productive activities.”

The delegates of Kashongi Farmers’ SACCO in a meeting yesterday

Brig. Gen. Onata emphasized the importance of mobilizing members to save their own money, highlighting that sustaining financial benefits within the cooperative is crucial. “Instead of surrendering interest payments to commercial lenders, let that interest serve your members,” he urged.

Charles Nateekateka, the Board Chairman, shared a positive outlook on the SACCO’s progress, noting that Kashongi Farmers SACCO has employed 51 staff members, 40 of whom hold university degrees. “This qualified team is well-positioned to drive the development of the SACCO,” he said.

Nateekateka also reported impressive financial figures from the last financial year revealing that the SACCO boasts nearly 20,000 members, UGX 2.6 billion in savings, UGX 1.3 billion in fixed savings, a share capital of UGX 2.9 billion, a loan portfolio of UGX 9.3 billion, and a profit of UGX 512 million. He encouraged the public to join the SACCO for shared growth and development.

In her remarks, Rose Twinamatsiko, the General Manager, elaborated on the purpose of the sustainability initiative. She highlighted the numerous challenges facing members in the Nyabushozi region, including drought, low rainfall, disease outbreaks and issues stemming from environmental degradation. “This initiative aims to help our members revive nature and address these pressing concerns,” she explained.

The launch of the sustainability initiative marks a significant step forward for Kashongi Farmers SACCO as it seeks to empower its members while promoting environmentally friendly practices in the community.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has emphasized a crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing Uganda’s education system. Speaking at the inaugural AI exhibition organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) at the Kamukuzi grounds, Tayebwa spotlighted the transformative impact of AI in sectors such as business and healthcare and urged educational institutions to incorporate AI-driven learning solutions to foster societal development.

During his address, Tayebwa challenged students to become proactive problem solvers, underscoring the importance of embracing responsible AI practices in their academic pursuits. “As we stand on the brink of an AI revolution, our students must harness this technology to drive positive change,” he stated.

However, Tayebwa also issued a cautionary note regarding the potential misuse of AI. He stressed the importance of using this powerful technology solely for educational purposes, warning that failure to do so could lead to harmful consequences. “We must ensure that AI is utilized responsibly to safeguard the integrity of our education system and promote a sustainable future,” he added.

The AI exhibition marks a pivotal step towards integrating advanced technologies in Uganda’s educational framework setting the stage for a new era of learning and innovation.

Police In Bushenyi district are investigating circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of Matthias Muller, a 46-year-old German national who passed away at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital on March 27, 2025.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson confirmed the incident and identified Muller who traveled to Uganda for a visit. Reports indicate that he was in Uganda to reconnect with a friend he met during a music performance in Kigali, Rwanda in 2017.

Sad Mugisha Kadingidi, a 48-year-old DJ from Kyenzaza Cell in Rubirizi District reported the case to the police after inviting Muller to his home. Upon the German national’s arrival on March 18, 2025, Kadingidi noticed that Muller had developed a severe cough and was not taking any medication.

Concerned for his friend’s health, Kadingidi took Muller to St. Benjamin Diagnostic Centre in Kyenzaza for treatment. Unfortunately, Muller’s condition deteriorated, leading to his referral to Kampala International University Teaching Hospital.

At the hospital, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and, tragically, succumbed to the illness just days later. He was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30 AM on March 27.

Authorities are conducting an investigation to uncover the details surrounding Muller’s death and any further updates will be provided by the police as inquiries continue.

A house belonging to renowned gospel singer and politician, Levi Amarakutunga alias DJ Levi Nyamagoya was set on fire by unknown individuals in Kabujogyera Town Council, Kitagwenda district. Authorities suspect that the act may be an act of revenge linked to allegations surrounding ritual sacrifices.

Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire but are yet to confirm any details. The incident follows a recent court ruling in which the Grade One Magistrate for Kamwenge, Ahimbisibwe K. Innocent, remanded Amarakutunga along with four co-defendants to Katojo Government Prison until April 14, 2025. They face murder charges linked to the alleged ritual sacrifice of Nyamagoya’s niece, four-year-old Ainomugisha Tricia.

As the investigations unfold, the community remains on edge, grappling with the shocking allegations against a figure many had admired.

Kazo District Council has unveiled budget estimates totaling Shs25.16 billion for the fiscal year 2025/2026, as presented today by the Secretary for Finance, Hon. Ham Rubainika. Education has been allocated the largest share receiving 42.4% of the budget.

During a council session held at the Kan House Conference Hall in Kazo Town, Rubainika outlined strategies for effective budget implementation emphasizing increased household income and improved quality of life for residents of the district.

Councillors expressed their support for the education budget, citing the district’s strong performance in the 2024 results and a commitment to sustaining that success.

Additionally, the council resolved to collaborate with sub-counties to formulate bylaws regulating charcoal burning in the district. This initiative was introduced by District Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda during his address to the council.

Residents of Muttambwa, Muleete LC1, in Kyenda Town Council, Mubende District are in a state of alarm following a spate of gruesome attacks by a mysterious predator that has slaughtered 13 goats in just two nights. The nocturnal beast has left behind only bloodstains and bones, instilling fear among local families especially parents concerned about their children’s safety.

Residents report that the predator has not only targeted goats but has also attacked poultry causing widespread anxiety. “We worry about our children, especially those who are day scholars. If it can kill all our animals, it may soon target people,” one worried resident lamented. Another local farmer, Paul Rwabutugule described the predator’s tactics, saying, “This isn’t the first attack. It hides in nearby thickets and then vanishes without a trace.”

In light of the escalating threat, John Rwamwenge, the local chairperson has alerted the relevant authorities. Dr. Bernard Ssetaala, Muslims District’s veterinary officer urged residents to remain calm and to report any sightings of the animal promptly. “We will investigate before taking any action but as nights grow darker, it’s crucial for villagers to be vigilant and to trace the predator’s movements in hopes of finding a solution before more livestock—and potentially lives—are lost,” he stated.

The situation in Muttambwa echoes recent events in Lubimbiri sub-county, where an unknown beast killed over 56 goats and 18 sheep. Unfortunately, no definitive action was taken at that time, raising concerns among residents about how similar attacks might be managed moving forward. As fear spreads, the community remains on high alert, hoping for swift action to safeguard their livelihoods and security.

Police in Bushenyi District are investigating the murder of Vicent Kawesi,25, from Uganda Technical College commonly known as Kahaya. The tragic incident occurred on the night of March 18 in Kahaya Village, Rwentuha Town Council.

Martial Tumusiime, spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Police confirmed that Kawesi was a student at the college and had left campus that evening for leisure activities. His body was discovered on March 19, at approximately 7:30 AM by local residents along the roadside in Kahaya Village, adjacent to the Bushenyi-Mbarara Highway.

Sgt. Rajab Kutosi of Rwentuha Police Station reported that they received a phone call about the situation and acted swiftly to investigate further. Upon discovery, Kawesi’s body was found lying on its chest, with blood oozing from his mouth and nose. The condition of the body suggested significant trauma, as there were indications that his neck was loose.

Police are conducting an ongoing investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this heinous crime.

A 21-year-old woman, Charity Ayebazibwe, has been arrested by police in Bushenyi District on allegations of infanticide following the death of her five-months-old child. The incident reportedly occurred on February 27 at around 9:00 PM in Kigongo LC 1, Kyamuhunga Sub County.

Martial Tumusiime, spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Police, confirmed the details of the case, stating that the child had been suffering from a severe illness prior to her death. Ayebazibwe, a bar operator and resident of Bugongo LC I, had not been in contact with the child’s father for some time due to issues of child neglect.

Following the child’s death, Tumusiime reported that Ayebazibwe claimed she had nowhere to bury the body and subsequently disposed of it in a pit latrine. Concerns from local residents arose on March 17, when they noticed Ayebazibwe with only one child despite knowing she had previously cared for two.

When questioned by community members, Ayebazibwe admitted that her baby had died and disclosed the location of the body leading to her arrest and further police inquiries.

The investigations into the matter are ongoing as police seek to determine the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death.