The aftermath of the 2025 National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections in Kiruhura district has left deep scars among losers fueling an increase in the number of independent candidates ahead of 2026 general elections. During a recent three-day Electoral Commission nomination exercise for local government positions, 11 independent candidates were nominated including one vying for the district’s LCV seat.

NRM leaders in the district hold mixed views on this development. Mr. Rutangana Lauben, NRM vice chairperson of Kashongi Subcounty and a member of the Historical Forum in Kiruhura district expressed concern over the rising number of independent candidates. He urged the party to convene these candidates to address their issues warning that their actions could divert party members’ focus from supporting President Museveni.

Namanya Justus, NRM chairperson for Akanaara Cell acknowledged that independent candidates are allowed to contest but emphasized they are not necessarily rivals of the party. He also criticized the fairness of the recent primaries suggesting they were not free and fair and called for increased security during polling to ensure credible election results.

Meanwhile, independent candidate for Kanyaryeru Subcounty LCV councillor, Abaho Paul confirmed that the NRM primaries were marred by irregularities prompting him to contest as an independent for district councillor in Kanyaryeru Subcounty.

Kiruhura district which is revered as being a stronghold for the NRM party continues to experience internal tensions following the preliminary elections with the rise of independent contenders signaling potential shifts in the district’s political landscape.

Ronah Kemirembe Ruranga, a former aspiring for the Kazo District Woman Member of Parliament seat returned to Kazo district yesterday after spending over 24 months abroad. During her stay in the United States, she completed her Master’s degree and was greeted with a jubilant reception from residents of her home district.

A convoy of boda boda riders and taxi drivers escorted Kemirembe from Nyamambo Trading Center in Kazo Sub-county through Kanoni SC, Engari SC, Kaicumu, Buremba Trading Centre, Nkungu SC, Kashasha, Migina SC and finally arriving at her home in Magondo-Burunga Sub-county. The procession was characterized by cheers and celebrations from the community members.

Expressing her gratitude, Kemirembe said, “Truly blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude. I am deeply humbled and honored to have such a warm reception from my dear friends who came out to celebrate my return from abroad.”

She also thanked the residents for their love and support, adding, “Your love, prayers and presence mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for standing with me and showing me love.”

Speculation has been rife that Kemirembe might contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections for the same parliamentary seat. However, she clarified that she will consult with her supporters before making any decision emphasizing that she will follow their counsel; whether to run or not.

Addressing rumors about her political stance, Kemirembe dismissed claims that she supported a candidate in the recent NRM primaries, stating, “I have not campaigned for anyone and have not called on others to do so. I cannot support someone I am politically far better than.”

Many residents who spoke to our reporter expressed their eagerness for her to contest and assured her of their support should she decide to run. The community remains hopeful that Kemirembe’s political future in Kazo District will unfold in the near future.

Police in Buhweju District have launched investigations into the suspected murder of Kyogabirwe Olivia, 35, a resident of Enkombe Trading Centre, Kiyanja Parish, Kyahenda Sub-county.

She is alleged to have been strangled by Turinawe Kenneth, 24, a resident of Ruzinga in the same sub-county.

SP Tayebwa Apollo, the Acting Spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi sub-region confirmed the incident and said the case was reported on September 2, 2025, at around 7:00 am. 

According to preliminary findings, the deceased’s husband, Kabatungye Nicholas, returned home from gold mining and found his wife’s body lying on the floor of their house.

Reports further indicate that the couple had long-standing, unresolved family conflicts related to alleged witchcraft which may have contributed to the tragedy.

Police officers responded to the scene, conducted investigations in line with standard procedure and later took the body to Nsiika Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death, as required by law.

SP Tayebwa confirmed that one suspect has been arrested to assist with the investigations.

He appealed to members of the public to distance themselves from acts of lawlessness, warning that such actions are punishable under the law.

Police in Kazo district have arreste, Babrah Kansiime, 19, following allegations that she murdered her 1-year-and-3-month-old daughter, Tusingwire Christine by drowning her into a water body.

The tragic incident occurred in Buhenda village, Rwamuranga Parish, Kazo Subcounty. Authorities have not yet established a clear motive resulting into the incident but police suspect domestic discord may have contributed to the incident.

Kansiime who has two children with different men and works as a daily wage laborer reportedly claimed that she was chased from her home along with her children before the act.

The police have launched an investigation under file REF CRB 535/2025. The child’s body has been transported to Ruhoko Hospital for further examination.

Local LC1 Chairman Samuel Manuunu expressed shock and sadness over the heartbreaking event calling for a thorough investigation.

The Mbarara district LCV chairperson,Didas Tabaro Tumwesigye has strongly denied allegations linking the district council to the fraudulent sale of district land. The accusations surfaced amid ongoing investigations by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) into claims that district officials colluded with business people to allocate land unlawfully.

It is alleged that 30 Mbarara district councilors fraudulently allocated 10 acres of public land to Kampala International University (KIU) with each councilor allegedly receiving UGX 2.5 million to facilitate the transfer. The land in question is intended for the expansion of KIU’s Heart Institute currently under construction in Rwebikoona on Kamukuzi Hill.

The implicated councilors appeared before Sarah Magola, the IGG’s regional head for South Western Uganda at the regional office in Mbarara City where they were questioned regarding the matter. Magola confirmed that investigations are still ongoing and assured the public that the IGG would release findings once the inquiries are complete.

In response to the allegations,Tabaro dismissed the claims as politically motivated. He accused district NRM chairman Prosper Tuhaise of masterminding the accusations to favor his brother Hygiene Twongyirwe Kururagyiire who is vying for the district chairmanship as the NRM flag bearer. Tabaro, who recently declared his intention to run as an independent candidate expressed confidence that the allegations are part of a political scheme aimed at undermining his leadership.

Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Manifesto Implementation and the National Resistance Movement ( flag bearer for Sheema South parliamentary seat has called on NRM supporters across Sheema District to start paying subscription fees to be officially recognized as party members.

Kamuntu made the appeal during a meeting with NRM leaders and flag bearers held at the District Council Hall on Monday. He emphasized that the NRM has historically been a mass party with a presence in nearly every village in Uganda. He described the party as a significant and inclusive institution whose strength can be further consolidated through increased member participation.

He pointed out that Uganda’s recent classification as a middle-income country indicates that citizens are now capable of making financial contributions to support institutions they identify with. Currently, the NRM Constitution does not mandate supporters to pay subscription fees. Kamuntu believes that even modest contributions from members could help fund grassroots party activities.

The meeting served as a preparatory platform ahead of the upcoming NRM Delegates Conference scheduled for next week in Kampala. The conference is expected to bring together delegates from across the country to deliberate on party matters and gear up for the 2026 general elections.

Attending the meeting were all NRM flag bearers from Sheema district including councillors at various levels, the municipality mayor, Members of Parliament, the LC5 chairperson and subcounty NRM chairpersons.

In his remarks, Sheema District NRM Chairperson Richard Muhangi Bigirwa condemned the increasing commercialization of politics which he said was evident during the recently concluded NRM primaries. He also urged NRM leaders and supporters to actively engage in agriculture, advocating for the adoption of the four-acre model as a means of boosting household income and ensuring sustainable development.

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has raised concerns over the increasing incidents of vandalism across Uganda which have severely affected power supply and left many communities grappling with frequent outages.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement with security committees and local leaders at ERA’s Western Regional Offices in Booma, Mbarara City, on Monday, Shallot Kyohirwe, the Head of Legal Affairs at ERA, attributed the persistent vandalism to lack of awareness among Ugandans about the legal consequences. “Ignorance of the law continues to fuel vandalism, and despite efforts to curb it, the numbers remain alarmingly high,” she stated.

Kyohirwe revealed that only six vandals were prosecuted last year emphasizing that the actual incidents far exceed the legal actions taken so far.

During the meeting, Catherine Kamwine Hellen, the Mbarara City Resident City Commissioner (RCC), echoed the concerns highlighting that vandalism of power lines remains rampant within the region. She called upon the public to take responsibility for safeguarding government infrastructure and warned those involved in such criminal acts to cease immediately.

The authorities stressed the importance of community involvement in protecting critical national assets and pledged to strengthen enforcement measures to combat vandalism and ensure reliable electricity supply for all Ugandans.

Residents of Akatongore Central Village, Akatongore Parish, Migina Subcounty in Kazo district have expressed outrage following allegations of defilement of a 14-year-old girl by her stepfather, Buregyeya Steven,40. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation within the community.

According to reports, Buregyeya allegedly impregnated his stepdaughter, an act that has elicited shock and disgust among locals, including prominent community members such as Tugume Enock, Ainebyoona Gloria, Bukenya Mathias, and Apostle Isingoma Bernard. Many have called on the government to intervene and implement measures to curb such cases.

Benon Tumusiime, the LC1 Chairman of Akatongore strongly condemned the act and urged authorities to ensure justice is served. “This is a despicable act that must be condemned in the strongest terms. We are calling on the law to take its course,” he stated.

The suspect, Buregyeya Steven, is currently in custody at Kazo Police Station while investigations are ongoing. He is expected to appear in court once authorities conclude inquiries.

The community is demanding swift justice for the young girl and is advocating for stricter measures to prevent similar cases in the future. They emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring offenders are appropriately punished.

Police in Kanungu district are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Nkamwesiga Victor, 37-a resident of Rutooma Cell, Kashojwa Parish

ASP Elly Maate, the spokesperson for Kigezi Regional Police confirmed the incident and revealed that it occurred on August 16 when the deceased reportedly disappeared from his home. The following morning, August 17, he was found hanging from a Jack tree along the road near his residence.

Maate explained that police at Rugyeyo responded promptly after being informed of the incident. The scene was visited, examined and documented for further investigation.

He also noted that reliable information indicates the deceased had seasonal mental health issues and may have been receiving treatment at Katate Health Center IV. It is believed that these health problems could have contributed to his decision to take his own life.

Authorities continue to investigate the case to establish all facts surrounding Nkamwesiga Victor’s death and appeal to the public to provide any relevant information that can assist in the investigation.

Rubanda district police have launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding the alleged murder of 65-year-old Ruhugye Zaverio a resident of Nyakayenje Cell, Kitojo Parish, Bubare Sub County. The victim’s body was reportedly found lying along the pathway to his home.

ASP Elly Maate, the spokesperson for Kigezi Regional Police confirmed the incident and revealed that it allegedly occurred on the night of August 16. He explained that Ruhugye had gone back home after grazing cattle and later proceeded to Hakabungo Trading Centre for leisure.

Maate said that at around 1:00 am, the wife of the deceased waited for him but upon failure to return home, she went to the trading centre seeking her husband who she could not trace.

The following morning at approximately 6:30 am, Agaba Urban, one of the deceased’s sons who operates a shop at Hakabungo Trading Centre found his father’s lifeless body near the road on the way to their home. He raised an alarm, attracting other residents who came to see what had happened. The matter was immediately reported to police.

Police officers responded quickly to the scene, examined and conducted a postmortem at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest foul play but authorities have not yet established the exact cause of death.

Maate called on anyone with information that could lead to identifying the perpetrators to come forward. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that justice is served.