Ibanda District Health Department is currently grappling with a shortage of condoms across all its health facilities raising concerns about the potential impact on efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

In an interview with our reporter, Vincent Mugisha, the Ibanda District Condom Focal Person explained that since USAID withdrew its support for condom distribution in Uganda, the Ministry of Health has struggled to supply free condoms to health facilities nationwide. He revealed that at present there are no free government condoms available in the district.

Mugisha urged bars, clubs, lodges, guest houses and other social venues to purchase condoms from private clinics to serve their clients. He emphasized that this measure is crucial in the fight to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

Health authorities have indicated that addressing the condom shortage is a priority but for now they are calling on private sector partners and community spaces to play a proactive role in promoting safe sex practices.

A 53-year-old resident of Kibweera Village in Buremba Town Council, Kazo District was found dead in a water-logged area near Ekigoongi Bridge. The deceased has been identified as Kabagambe Charles also known as Kyakabale.

It is alleged that Kabagambe drowned in the moving water following heavy rains on Friday. His body was discovered on Wednesday evening in the flooded area.

Ekigoongi Bridge which connects the sub-counties of Kyampangara, Engari and Buremba Town Council, specifically linking Obuziinga, Keicumu and Kibweera has become a focal point in the ongoing investigation.

The Kazo Police are currently conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are yet to establish whether the drowning was accidental or otherwise as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Madagascar’s youth protesters rejected an invitation to join President Andry Rajoelina’s planned “national dialogue,” accusing his government of repression amid ongoing demonstrations. Inspired by “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, the protests that began on September 25 have become the biggest challenge to Rajoelina’s administration since his re-election in 2023. Demonstrators voice discontent over poverty and corruption, demands that have expanded to calls for the president to step down, apologize and dissolve the senate and election commission.

Last week, Rajoelina dismissed his cabinet, appointed a new prime minister and announced talks with spiritual leaders, students and youth representatives scheduled for Wednesday. However, protesters, via their Facebook page dismissed the talks as a “mockery” and refused to engage with a regime they accuse of repression, assault and humiliation of youth.

University students are expected to stage further protests following a 48-hour ultimatum for Rajoelina to meet their demands or face a national strike. The unrest has left at least 22 people dead and 100 injured though the government has disputed these figures.

In response, Rajoelina appointed new ministers for defense and public security, urging authorities to prevent further unrest. Madagascar’s protests occur during a fragile period for its export-dependent economy which relies heavily on vanilla, nickel, cobalt, textiles and shrimp exports. The country’s per capita GDP has declined by 45% since 1960 according to the World Bank.

Police in Rukungiri district have arrested 72 people in an intelligence-led operation targeting criminals terrorizing the township. The suspects who were picked from hotspots were found with house breaking implements, smoking opium or wandering on streets at night.

Following screening on October 8 at 0940hrs, 26 suspects were charged with offenses including public nuisance, possession and smoking of opium and possession of house breaking tools with court proceedings underway.

Similarly, Kisoro police carried out an operation since last week, arresting 20 suspects with 8 appearing in court. Others are still pending court action on similar charges.

In Kabale, efforts continue to apprehend remaining key suspects. Four individuals were arrested over the weekend from Mpigi, Mbarara, and Kabale are set to face prosecution.

ASP Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson emphasized that these operations will persist across the region until criminal activities are significantly reduced.

The ongoing industrial action by government arts and primary school teachers in Uganda has raised alarm among students particularly those in candidate classes as schools struggle to maintain academic progress. In Kazo town council, schools such as Kyabahura Primary School and Kazo Model Primary School have resumed operations by engaging learners especially candidates in alternative arrangements amid the strike.

At Kazo Model Primary School, Murarira Sam Kanduho expressed concern that the strike has impacted the school’s ability to cover the syllabus leaving students worried about their exam performance.

Similarly, Kamukama Evalist, Deputy Head Teacher at Kyabahura Model Primary School, noted that private teachers have stepped in to fill the gap left by striking government teachers though the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain.

The strike which involves over 100,000 teachers across the country was launched on June 6 by the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) and Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU). The teachers are protesting pay disparities between arts and science teachers as well as low pay for primary school teachers arguing that the current pay is discriminatory and demotivating.

In response to the strike, the government has issued stern warnings with Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Mary Grace Mugasa, cautioning teachers to return to their classrooms or face replacement by unemployed student teachers. She cited budget constraints for the salary adjustments attributing the lack of funds to the large expenditure on general elections.

The strike has underscored the challenges faced by Uganda’s education sector, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to ensure that students’ learning is not severely disrupted.

Tensions have risen between local residents and health officials over land encroachment and sanitation issues linked to the ongoing construction of pit latrines and placenta pits at Kikyenkye Health Center III. The controversy centers around a land dispute involving Editor Korimumpa a resident of Keihangara III in Keihangara Subcounty and the district authorities.

According to reports, during the construction of sanitation facilities in 2022, Editor Korumumpa claims that her land was encroached upon by Prasma Construction Limited, the company undertaking the project. She further alleges that the proximity of the pit latrines and placenta pits to her family’s residence has resulted in persistent bad smell which she says is adversely affecting their health.

The disagreement escalated when Ibanda District RDC, Godfrey Mbetegyerize visited the scene and remarked, “The health facility is more important than the resident’s and her family’s life,” a statement that angered Korimumpa who responded sharply asserting that she should not be made to suffer due to the construction.

Korimumpa also expressed concerns about the sanitation conditions especially during the rainy season when she claims the smell from the pits worsens. She further alleges that parts of her land were encroached upon during the construction process with the new structures built dangerously close to her home.

In response to the sanitation issues, Okello Denis, Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) for Ibanda, was seen instructing Baguma Damazo, the in-charge of Kikyenkye Health Center III to ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance of the pits to prevent health hazards.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure development with residents’ land rights and health safety. Authorities have promised to investigate the matter and address the residents’ concerns to foster better community relations and ensure the safety and hygiene of the health facility.

Youth in Rwetamu Sub-County, Kiruhura District have expressed a strong desire for increased support from political leaders to promote sports particularly football as a means of empowering them and shaping their future. They believe that sports have played a vital role in providing educational opportunities through bursaries and have helped deter youth from engaging in unworthy activities within their communities.

These sentiments were shared during the finals of a local football competition held yesterday, October 4 at Rwetamu Playground. The tournament featured teams such as Nakateete FC, Rwetamu FC, Rwetamu Boda Boda FC and C-TEC International School Rwetamu. In an exciting match, Rwetamu FC emerged victorious, defeating C-TEC International School with a final score of 2-0.

During the event, Mr. Byambwenu, coach of Rwetamu FC expressed concern over lack of support from leaders in facilitating sports initiatives. He emphasized that sports are crucial in managing youth, helping them acquire essential skills for their future survival.

Florence Tayebwa, wife of Hon. Herbert Tayebwa, MP for Kashongi County and Kato David a resident of Rwetamu Town highlighted the importance of sports in promoting youth fitness and fighting boredom which can often lead to involvement in criminal activities.

The guest of honor, Mr. Nuwagaba Nickson Kabuye who is contesting for the position of LCV Chairperson Kiruhura District reiterated the significance of sports in talent development. He criticized the district leadership for neglecting sports programs despite the availability of government funds allocated for sports development.

Kabuye shared his personal experience as a former youth leader and noted that although he is an independent candidate, he is a supporter of the NRM government. He called on local leaders to prioritize sports and youth empowerment initiatives to harness the potential of young people in the district.

Police in Bushenyi district have launched investigations into the tragic death of Tumuramye Deo, a male resident of Butare in Kyamuhunga following a hit-and-run traffic accident that also left three others injured.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening at approximately 7:00 PM along the Mbarara-Bushenyi road near Bushenyi Town. According to reports, Tumuramye was riding a motorcycle registration number UFM 668T from Ishaka towards Mbarara carrying three injured passengers when a FUSO truck loaded with cows collided with the motorcycle. The truck, registration number UBE 544Y was reportedly heading from Mbarara towards Kasese.

Immediately after the collision, the truck driver fled the scene, leaving Tumuramye and the injured passengers behind. The victims are Natura Javila, 34, Mugume Isaac, 24, and Mutahunga Juma who were rushed to KIU Teaching Hospital in Ishaka, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Tayebwa Apollo, the acting police spokesperson for the greater Bushenyi police region stated that authorities successfully intercepted and impounded the FUSO truck in Rubirizi District. Efforts to locate and apprehend the truck driver are ongoing with authorities appealing to the public for information regarding his whereabouts.

The police have also emphasized the importance of road safety, urging drivers, riders, and all road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.