Residents of Nyakariro Parish in Burunga Sub County, Kazo District have been encouraged to join village groups as a strategy to combat corruption and promote development. Former Minister and Kazo District Woman MP aspirant Molly Nawe Kamukama speaking as the guest of honor yesterday urged Nyakariro Women’s Group members to fight corruption and called on NRM flag bearers to address rampant vote-rigging within the party.

Nawe emphasized the importance of diversification stating “Having large herds of cattle and vast land won’t make us prosperous unless we add value. For example, if you have 20 cows producing 60 liters of milk daily, aim to produce over 90 liters.”

The group’s chairperson, Lay Can. Naume Muhanguzi, thanked attendees including representatives from Kazo FM and shared the group’s history. “Our group started in 2017 with 25 members and we began giving out water tanks because Burunga is very dry. Local leaders have not supported us, so we call on the government to assist women,” she said.

The event was attended by husbands of members, political aspirants, government officials including the sub-county chief and delegates from various groups.

Nabimanya, a husband of a group member, commended the group for their transparency and efforts to improve yields.

Residents of Gabarungi ward in Kazo Town Council Kazo district have faced significant destruction after heavy rains and strong winds swept through the area yesterday. The severe weather damaged crops including cassava and banana plantations and destroyed several houses, leaving many residents displaced.

Davida Bitariho a resident of the same village who was severely affected has appealed to the government for assistance as he currently has nowhere to stay following the destruction of his home.

According to Justus Mugarura, the Kazo Town council Mayor revealed that residents of Gabarungi have suffered considerable property losses due to the adverse weather conditions. “Yesterday, heavy rains and strong winds caused extensive damage to crops, houses and belongings in Gabarungi,” he reported.

Mugarura assured that he would work closely with Members of Parliament to explore ways in which the government can support the affected residents and address their immediate needs. “We are coordinating efforts to find immediate assistance for those displaced and to assess the full extent of the damage,” he added.

Farmers in Kiruhura district are reaping benefits from four-acre model farm initiative inspired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on land use for small-scale farmers. The president recommends dedicating one acre to coffee, another to fruits and a third to food crops, promoting agricultural commercialization and household wealth.

Mr. Kyensheija Fred Buraako, a model farmer from Rwakitura Cell in Rushere Town Council has successfully implemented the model. His farm includes grass for animal feed, coffee, apiary and indoor cattle rearing. He credits President Museveni’s teachings on poverty alleviation for inspiring his diversification efforts.

Kyensheija also grows bananas and coffee to generate income and calls on district leaders to support farmers in achieving their agricultural goals.

The State Minister for Health in charge of Primary Healthcare, Margaret Muhanga has urged parents to ensure their children receive the malaria vaccine emphasizing its critical role in protecting them from the serious health risks associated with the disease.

Before officiating at the commissioning of Migina Health Centre III in Kagango Division, Sheema Municipality, Muhanga visited Kabwohe Health Centre IV where the government is currently upgrading the facility. She commended the UPDF engineering brigade contracted to carry out the construction for their quality workmanship.

The UGX Shs 2.3 billion project at Kabwohe Health Centre IV will include outpatient and inpatient wards, a maternity ward, theatre and hospital laboratory. The upgrade is expected to be completed within six months enhancing healthcare delivery in the area.

During her visit, Muhanga also highlighted the ongoing fight against malaria noting that the disease remains a significant threat to children’s health. “Malaria can cause lifelong complications including brain damage if not prevented effectively,” she said.

Addressing the community at Migina Health Centre III, Muhanga emphasized the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to safeguard children’s health. “We must prioritize immunization especially the malaria vaccine to protect our children from preventable illnesses that can have lifelong impacts,” Muhanga revealed.

The newly commissioned health facility cost the government UGXShs916 million is well-equipped with a maternity ward, placenta pit, medical waste pit, outpatient department and inpatient and outpatient wards.

Sheema district leaders including the Woman Member of Parliament, Rosemary Nyakikongoro and Sheema Municipality lawmaker Dicksons Kateshumbwa praised the government for providing modern medical equipment to improve healthcare services. However, they appealed for the recruitment of more health workers to ensure the facility operates at full capacity and delivers quality services to the community. “We appreciate the support, but more health workers are needed to meet the increasing demand for services,” they said.

Muhanga also commended the dedicated health workers at Migina Health Centre III for their commitment to service delivery and safeguarding medical equipment. “I want to thank our health workers for their dedication. It is essential they remain committed and vigilant to serve our communities effectively, ” Muhanga said.

The Minister cautioned health workers nationwide against absenteeism urging them to remain devoted to their duties to improve health outcomes across the country.

Local leaders and community members have urged parents to refrain from involving their children in the ongoing political season.

Speaking to reporters today, Milton Kasubure, the Deputy Mayor of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality emphasized the importance of parental vigilance particularly concerning the safety of the girl child. Kasubure urged parents to monitor their children’s movements closely and to create structured routines to keep them engaged.

He advised parents to develop timetables that incorporate domestic chores and constructive activities suggesting that such engagement can help restrict unnecessary outings. Kasubure also called for a shift in mindset encouraging parents to view domestic work as a valuable skill rather than a form of unpaid labor noting that government recognizes these activities as an important skill development.

Kasubure emphasized the need for parental oversight to ensure children’s safety during this politically charged period.

In addition, Macky Twijukye, an aspiring LC4 councillor for Katungu Ward cautioned parents against sending their children to trading centers alone during night or evening hours. He warned that such times increase children’s vulnerability to criminal activities and urged parents to take extra precautions to protect their children from harm.

Community leaders agree that safeguarding children during this sensitive period is crucial emphasizing that responsible parenting can help prevent unnecessary exposure to danger and influence from political activities.

The National Resistance Movement(NRM) Party local council elections at the Kalokalungi B Village polling station Kalokarungi Parish, Lubimbiri subcounty in Mubende district faced significant disruptions on Tuesday May 6 leading to violence and tragedy. Originally postponed earlier in the week, residents returned yesterday Friday May 9 to cast their votes for the position of Local Council Chairperson for the NRM.

The electoral process which was marred by chaos when Tugumisirize Innocent one of the candidates suddenly lost control and collapsed while voters were preparing to cast their ballots. The incident occurred at St. Innocent Catholic Church polling station was serving at the voting venue. Mr. Innocent was immediately taken to church for prayers and later regained composure, allowing voting to resume at exactly 12:00 pm.

This election featured fierce competition between incumbent Kamukama David and Tugumisirize Innocent. For the first time, the candidates did not reach an agreement on certain election issues with Kamukama raising concerns of alleged rigging. The tensions escalated resulting in a tragic aftermath, death of their comrade, Tindyebwa Augustine and injuries to at least three others who remain hospitalized at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.

According to Tumwesigye Esau, the NRM registrar of Lubimbiri Sub County, the official results showed Kamukama won with 94 votes while Tugumisirize garnered 55 votes. Esau confirmed that despite the disturbances, the election exercise was completed smoothly with security personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent further incidents.

Yudaya Nakatudde Sebayiga, an aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Mubende district urged the defeated candidates and supporters to remain calm and accept the outcome from the polls.

Residents of Kalokalungi A, led by Kusingura Mosese expressed relief that the election process concluded without further violence though they mourned the loss of Tindyebwa. “We have been in fear, wondering how it would end but we are glad to see our friends come together after the saga,” Mosese remarked. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”