A soldier from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), attached to the 35th Battalion in Kisoro district, has tragically shot dead by a fellow officer in an incident that occurred on the night of Tuesday January 8. The deceased, identified only as Lawrence was a resident of Bushenyi District and sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the neck resulting in his immediate death.

According to sources within the battalion who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the incident took place while Lawrence and the suspect whose identity has yet to be confirmed were conducting a night patrol in Nturo Trading Centre along the Nturo-Nyarusiza road in Nyarusiza sub-county. The two soldiers reportedly got into a disagreement which escalated and led to the shooting.

Following the incident, security officials transported Lawrence’s body to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division confirmed the incident on Wednesday stating that investigations are currently underway. He urged the public to remain calm and reassured that efforts to apprehend the suspect are in progress.

Resident District Commissioner for Lwengo district Mr. Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera has revealed that Christmas and New Year festivals in the district were peaceful and successful.

Turyabagyenyi disclosed this through a message he extended to the people of Lwengo district appreciating them for their willingness to cooperate with the district security team to maintain peace and security by selecting patriotic village vigilantes.

He said Uganda Police Force is thin on the ground and as the district security committee resolved to recruit village vigilantes to guard their own people and property that has successfully made police service delivery more effective.

He commended the entire district local leadership for being patriotic leaders with vision of enhancing team work that will encourage people to work harder and increase their household income which will minimize some cases of insecurity usually caused by poverty.

Turyabagyenyi revealed that in the new year 2025 all sub county extension workers must ensure they take services closer to the needy communities whom they expected to serve instead of the people travelling long distances to the district headquarters for consultation.

He appealed to all the people to effectively participate in all government funded programs to increase value in their household income so that all people get into the money economy to fight and eradicate poverty in Lwengo district.

Police in the Rwizi region have arrested 290 individuals during the festive season, according to SP Samson Kasasira, the regional police spokesperson.

Among those in custody are 266 men, 17 women, and seven male juveniles.

Kasasira said the region also recorded four murder cases, one case of aggravated defilement and one kidnapping incident all of which remain under investigation.

Kasasira revealed that many of the suspects had been detained before December 31.

He confirmed that case files for the suspects would be forwarded to the state attorney for review and for necessary action to be taken.

Kasasira also highlighted the police’s commitment to enhancing community policing in the New Year aiming to strengthen security and foster cooperation with residents.

Joy Kyomugisha, 80, a resident of Akengyeya Cell in Akengyeya Parish, Kyampangara Sub-county, Kazo District is urgently seeking assistance from church leaders, government officials and other kind-hearted individuals due to her dire circumstances. She lacks shelter, food and other basic necessities.

Kyomugisha has three sons who have left her to fend for herself, leaving her in a situation that compels her to reach out for help. Currently, she is living with her 14-year-old grandchild.

Speaking to Kazo FM, Kyomugisha expressed the hardships she has faced for a long time due to lack of a stable housing facility.

Lawrence Bamanya, the chairman of LC1 for Akengyeya Cell, confirms that Kyomugisha is a genuine resident of the area and appeals to government leaders to provide her with the assistance she desperately needs.

Rev. Francis Onone Odeke of Emmanuel Akengyeya Church of Uganda condemns the troubling trend of children abandoning their parents and disregarding their needs. He urged the community members to take responsibility for the elders.

Any assistance to Kyomugisha can be channeled through 0786470724 in the names of Amon Tumwijukye.

Over 40 people have survived an accident involving a bus belonging to Freedom bus company Registration number UBJ 256S. This occurred in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at approximately 4:00 a.m in Kiruhura Town Council, along the Rushere-Ibanda Road, between Nyakasharara and Kiruhura trading centers in Kiruhura District.

The bus was headed to Ibanda when it encountered a cow on the road. In an attempt to avoid the cow, the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to veer off the road into a ditch.

The driver sustained minor injuries while six passengers also sustained minor injuries.

ASP John Wako, the Officer in Charge of Kiruhura district has confirmed that no deaths were registered but has discouraged natives from grazing on the roadside if accidents of this nature are to be averted.

Police in Kigezi region have confirmed death of three people in separate accidents in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts on Christmas day.

The police spokesperson for the Kigezi police region, Elly Maate reported that one of the victims was Gilbert Bidodo, a boda boda rider who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle registered as UFU 567 B at Buyanja trading center, situated near the Buyanja SACCO head office in Rukungiri. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and is currently at large. The abandoned vehicle has been taken to the police for inspection to assess its roadworthiness.

In another incident at Mizimera in Kihiihi Town Council, two lives were claimed in a collision involving two vehicles. Maate identified the vehicles as a blue Mitsubishi Canter registration number UBN 507J and a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with the registration UGF 470U ridden by 45-year-old Christopher Byabasheija.

The police spokesperson indicated that the accident occurred when Byabasheija, a resident of Rutare Cell in Karangara Parish, Kanungu District reportedly collided with the back of the stationary Mitsubishi Canter. Byabasheija died at the scene, while his passenger, 39-year-old Kenneth Tusiime from Nyakabingo Cell in Karangara Parish succumbed to his injuries shortly after the accident.

The bodies of the deceased were transported to Kihiihi Health Centre IV Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. Both the Mitsubishi Canter and the motorcycle have been towed to Kihiihi Police Station, pending further inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles.

These tragic incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during busy holiday periods. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these accidents in hopes of improving safety measures for all road users.

The Member of Parliament for Kashari North in Mbarara district has called on the public to assess the achievements of their current leaders ahead of election season. Bataringaya made the remarks while at St. Joseph’s Rubindi Catholic Parish where he attended Christmas mass.

He pointed out several developments in the Kashari North constituency including but not limited to extension of clean water, notable improvements to public institutions in sectors of health, education and religious. He argued that these initiatives have significantly contributed to the socio-economic transformation of local communities, warranting appreciation from the constituents.

The legislator also appealed to all current and prospective political leaders to refrain from using divisive and derogatory language during their campaigns. He stressed the importance of fostering a respectful and constructive political environment which he believes will help the electorate make informed decisions in selecting responsible leaders capable of spearheading development.

As the year draws to a close, Bataringaya encouraged the public to adopt a mindset oriented towards economic transformation in the upcoming year. He urged community members to engage fully with government programs aimed at social and economic development including the Parish Development Model (PDM), to enhance their household incomes.

Rev. Fr. Julius Caesar Kamukama, the curate for Rubindi Parish who was also the main celebrant in the Holy sacrifice of mass encouraged parents to provide proper care and guidance to their children. He highlighted the necessity of nurturing both the physical and spiritual growth of the youth to ensure they become responsible citizens who contribute to stability and progress in the community.

As the election season approaches, the call for reflection and constructive dialogue from leaders like Bataringaya illustrates the importance of mindful political engagement and the collective responsibility of the electorate in shaping their future.

Christians have been encouraged to let go of evil practices and receive the new year as renewed and Godly people. The call was made by Rev.Fr.Dr. Godwin Muhangi while celebrating Holy Mass at St. Charles Lwanga Kihani Catholic Parish in Ibanda district.

Muhangi emphasized the importance of embracing love, humanity and other virtuous practices as they prepare for 2025.

He furtherasked the congregation to strive for a life reflective of their faith, focusing on positive contributions to themselves and the community.

Herbert Tweshengyereze, the Chairperson of the parish council, urged parishioners to always attend church services in large numbers as demonstrated during the Christmas celebrations.

Tweshengyereze invited the entire Kihani parish community to participate in the upcoming parish day, which aims to raise funds for the completion of the parish perimeter fence.

Police in Mitooma District are investigating circumstances surrounding the drowning of a three-year-old boy in Nyakitoko Village, Mahwizi, Mutara Sub County.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as the son of Anitah Nuwasasira, a resident of Nyakabale Village, Mahwizi Parish, Mutara Sub County.

According to reports, Nuwasasira secured a job in Kampala and left her son in the care of a woman only named Natukunda. On Sunday December 22 at around 11:30 am, Nuwasasira left her son in the home with others. However, upon her return at 4:00 PM, she discovered he was missing. On searching for him without success, she reported to the local chairperson.

Tumusiime stated that the following day, the boy’s body was found on the bank of the Katizi water stream. The body was retrieved and taken to Kitagata Hospital, where a postmortem examination was conducted.