Teachers in Mbarara City have defied pressure from local authorities to return to classrooms, reaffirming their commitment to strike until the government fulfills its promise to improve their salaries. The ongoing industrial action led by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has brought learning to a halt in numerous schools leaving thousands of pupils stranded as the third term kicks off.

Ronald Ayebare, UNATU’s chairperson for Mbarara City called on more teachers to join the strike emphasizing the importance of unity in pressing for their demands. While some schools have distanced themselves from the strike, Ayebare stressed that a collective stand is crucial for achieving tangible results.

Ben Patrick Twahiirwa reaffirmed the teachers’ resolve, stating that they will not be intimidated or pressured to return until the government addresses their concerns regarding improved remuneration. The teachers remain firm in their stance urging authorities to fulfill their commitments to ensure a swift resolution to the ongoing industrial action.

Nominations for candidates vying for subcounty chairperson and municipal division seats in Bushenyi District have entered their fifth day with six subcounties yet to register any candidates, the district returning officer Joseph Tumwijukye revealed this evening.

Tumwijukye identified the subcounties as Ruhumuro, Kakanju, Ibaare, Kyabugimbi, Kyamuhunga and Kyeizooba. He explained that the nomination exercise which began mid-last week has so far seen approximately 26 candidates nominated to contest various electoral positions predominantly from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and independent contenders.

As of press time, the number of candidates contesting for councillor positions at the subcounty and division levels has increased significantly with 88 candidates in Igara West, 78 in Igara East and 62 in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.

Notably, among those nominated today is Bruno Mugizi, a seasoned journalist who is contesting as an independent candidate for Kitagata Subcounty. Also, James Tukwatse the mayor of Bitooma Town Council is running as an independent candidate while Steven Karuti who previously lost to Kijjanaman Omutuze for the Central Division seat in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality has also been nominated.

The nomination process continues amid anticipation for the upcoming elections, with stakeholders urging candidates and voters to adhere to the electoral guidelines and ensure peaceful campaigns.

Police in Kanungu district are investigating circumstance surrounding the death of a 62-year-old man identified as Sorobina Kabangari resident of Muramba Parish in Mpungu Sub County

Kabangari was found dead after a violent altercation linked to a dispute over livestock. The incident occurred in Muramba Parish raising concerns over escalating tensions within the community.

According to police reports, the trouble began on September 14, 2025 around 1:30pm when Twinomugisha Edisa reported to Kahunyira Nado that her two goats had been injured by Sorobina Kabangari, a 30-year-old resident of Kyambeya Cell in the same parish. In response, the Chairperson mobilized local residents, who apprehended Sorobina Kabangari who reportedly confessed to injuring the animals.

Further investigation revealed that Sorobina had been given a panga (machete) by a man identified as Bagyenyi, near his home in the area. As the group was escorting Sorobina to Mpungu Police Station, he disclosed this information which provoked anger in Bagyenyi. The suspect allegedly retrieved a panga and attacked Sorobina, cutting him on the head multiple times, leading to his instant death.

Police responded promptly, transporting the body to Mpungu Health Center IV for a postmortem examination. The scene was thoroughly processed and documented, and relevant statements from witnesses and involved parties were recorded.

The Chairperson LC II, Kahunyira Nado, was arrested to assist police with investigations. Meanwhile, Bagyenyi, the primary suspect in the attack fled the scene and remains at large.

Police authorities confirmed that inquiries are ongoing as they work to apprehend the suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Police in Rubanda district are investigating the tragic death of 41-year-old Deus Tukacungurwa who is believed to have been murdered by his 16-year-old daughter, Sarah Orikiriza. The incident occurred in Mungaara cell, Kyenyi parish, Muko sub-county, raising concerns over family safety and violence.

According to police reports, on June 16, 2025, at around 6:00 a.m., the wife of the deceased, Mary Tumuheise left their home with one of her children to work in the garden. She returned home at approximately 8:30 p.m. and was shocked to find her husband lying in a pool of blood inside the house with their children absent.

Neighbors were quickly called to the scene, where they confirmed the grim discovery. It was during this investigation that Miracle Trust, a 7-year-old girl and daughter of the deceased revealed that she had seen her father killing a rabbit belonging to her sister, Orikiriza Sarah, around 6:00 p.m. She further explained that after witnessing the act, she informed her mother and later, her sister who retrieved a machete and allegedly attacked their father inflicting multiple wounds to his head before fleeing the scene.

Police led by the area chairperson Bambabura Steven responded swiftly. The scene was processed and relevant statements were recorded from witnesses. The machete used in the attack was recovered and a postmortem examination was conducted.

ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing. She stated, “We are actively working to apprehend the suspect. Efforts are underway to ensure she is arrested and brought to justice. The scene has been processed and all evidence collected will aid in our inquiry.”

The incident has shocked the community raising questions about family relationships and the circumstances leading to such violence. Police continue to work diligently to resolve the case.

The alarming rise in teenage motherhood within Kiruhura District has become a major concern for community leaders and organizations working to promote girl-child development. Speaking at a meeting held yesterday at Kiruhura Women In Development (K-WID) headquarters in Kiruhura town council, local officials and representatives from various N0n Governmental Organisations (NGOs) highlighted the urgent need to address the root causes of the problem.

Fortunate Abaho, the Principal Probation Officer for Kiruhura District revealed that the number of teen mothers is increasing across all sub counties with girls giving birth at ages 14, 16 and 17. She attributed this trend to early marriages which she says are often arranged by parents seeking material wealth.

Abaho criticized some parents for marrying off their daughters at young ages and noted that early involvement in sexual activities coupled with a lack of proper guidance, exacerbates the issue.“The district has been trying to sensitize communities and discourage early marriages but efforts have not yielded the desired results,” Abaho lamented. “We remain overwhelmed by the persistent problem of teenage pregnancies and girl-child marriages.”

Representatives from organizations advocating for girl-child education and rights including Kyomukama Phoebe and Ayo Florence emphasized the importance of fighting against girl-child marriage and promoting education. They called for intensified community awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement of laws protecting girls from early marriages.

AIP Kalengusa Clovis the officer in charge of the Children and Family Unit at Kiruhura District Police pointed out that poverty is a significant factor contributing to early marriages. He urged stakeholders to collaborate and speak out against teenage pregnancies and girl-child marriage to protect the future of young girls.

Students from Bishops Girls School in Rushere including Natweta Dorreck voiced their concerns stating that early marriages not only destroy girls’ futures but also diminish respect for parents and the community as a whole.

The gathering underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat early marriages and teenage pregnancies, with community leaders emphasizing that safeguarding girl-child rights is essential for the sustainable development of Kiruhura District.

The nomination process for candidates at the Kazo Electoral Commission(EC) office is underway with candidates from various parties and independents being nominated.

Bashaija Charles, the Returning Officer for Kazo district announced that Mpiinga Kenneth who lost in the NRM primaries to Mugabe Bernard Kafure has officially been nominated to contest as an independent candidate for LCIII Chairperson, Kyampangara Subcounty.

Mpiinga criticized the NRM for not allowing voters to participate in decision-making, leading to his return into the race as an independent. He also accused the incumbent of lacking accountability.

Mugabe who is the current LC III Chairperson for Kyampangara expressed contentment with progress made in his tenure amongst which he cited new markets, health facilities and roads. He also pledged to complete ongoing projects including the requisition for a seed school and the construction of a subcounty office block. Mugabe previously served as LC 3 Chairperson for Kazo Subcounty from 2016 to 2021 before the subcounty was split.

Other nominations include Hon. Ntegyereize Winnie for Kiguma Parish in Burunga Subcounty running on an NRM ticket and her opponent Kamusiime Patricia who is contesting as an independent. Additionally, Hon. Karunga Edith Nankunda has been nominated as Lady Councilor for Magondo Parish.

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.