The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Johnson Twinomujuni, has called on couples to remain united and work diligently towards the development of their families.

He delivered this message yesterday while presiding over a confirmation ceremony at St. Paul Church of Uganda in Kitagata Archdeaconry where more than 530 Christians were confirmed into the Anglican faith.

The prelate highlighted that unity among family heads is essential for fostering wealth and progress, urging families to embrace this principle.

He also cautioned the clergy against engaging in adultery and other behaviors that could lead to the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

During the ceremony, attendees raised over Ugx Shs47million to support the ongoing construction of a new church projected to cost Ugx Shs1.5 billion.

Authorities in Bushenyi district have initiated an investigation into a fire that devastated a boys’ dormitory at Nyakabanga Senior Secondary School resulting in a damage estimated to be in millions of shillings.

The blaze broke out around 5:30 AM on November 10 while approximately 100 students were attending early morning study sessions.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson confirmed the incident which occurred in Nyakabanga Cell A, Bujengye Parish, Kyabugimbi Sub-County, Bushenyi District.

According to Bonny Barinyenka, the school’s head teacher, the fire erupted in Block E of the dormitory consuming numerous personal belongings including books, suitcases and other valuables. The flames were reported to have been ignited from two separate points; one in the back corner and another at the entrance of the dormitory.

Some students, who preferred to remain anonymous reported seeing an unidentified individual dressed in a dark jacket and cape carrying a small jerrycan leaving the dormitory shortly before the fire started. Initially, they suspected he was a teacher checking on students who might have skipped prep but within moments, the dormitory was engulfed in flames.

This incident marks the second such occurrence at Nyakabanga Senior Secondary School within a week. On November 4, 2024, another fire severely damaged a different boys’ dormitory resulting in considerable property losses.

His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese has praised the people of Bushenyi district for their unwavering commitment to development and cooperation which have fostered unity amongst residents irrespective of their religious denominations.

The prelate made these remarks during the holy eucharistic celebration on Saturday October 9 at St. Kaggwa Catholic Parish where he officially launched the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund. This initiative aims to promote the development of associated projects, financial support and unity among all Christians within the Archdiocese.

He highlighted that the ecumenical spirit exhibited by the people of Bushenyi reflects their commitment to cooperation, development and unity which are essential elements for building a successful future.

Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and Deputy Head of Laity for the Archdiocese of Mbarara expressed his satisfaction that the Archbishop chose to launch this important project within their denary which comprises five parishes of St. Kaggwa, Kitabi, Kyamuhunga, Bitooma, and Buhimba. He affirmed that the Archdiocese stands to benefit significantly from this initiative.

During the launch of the initiative, over Ugx Shs180 million was raised to kick-start various projects and establish an endowment fund within the Archdiocese.

Today, 37 inmate candidates from three different prisons in the Ankole region, including Kakika, Bushenyi, and Mbarara Main Prisons, participated in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) held at the Mbarara main prisons.

According to Winnie Musanyana, the principal officer and headteacher of the Mbarara Prisons Inmate Primary School, the distribution of candidates is as follows: 7 from Kakika Prisons, 4 from Bushenyi Prisons, and a significant 26 from Mbarara Main Prisons.

Out of the total 37 candidates, 30 are convicts while 7 are on remand. Musanyana noted that the school currently lacks female teachers, which is why only male candidates were registered this year.

This marks the second time that inmates at the prison have taken their exams. They are part of a larger national group of approximately 790,000 pupils who began their PLE examinations across Uganda.

The government has taken action to address the alleged encroachment on the Ankole Kingdom burial grounds located in Nkokonjeru Cell, Mbarara City, where approximately three hectares have been lost to land grabbers.

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Museums, and Monuments have announced plans to re-gazette the burial grounds to prevent further encroachment. Jacklin Nyirakiza, the Acting Commissioner of Museums and Monuments, informed our reporter on Monday that the ministry recently discovered significant encroachment on the land, with individuals erecting houses in the area.

She emphasized that the ministry is committed to reaching an amicable agreement with the local community to halt additional encroachment.

Willis Asingwire, the Chairman of Nkokonjeru Cell LC I, disclosed that part of the land was sold to local residents by the late Prince Barigye. Additionally, David Nuwabiine, a member of the royal family, has urged the government to provide compensation for those who purchased the land and have lived there for approximately ten years.

He expressed concern over the demolition of some royal tombs that have occurred due to encroachment.

On Monday morning at approximately 7:30 AM, a severe road crash occurred along the Mbarara – Bushenyi road in Mbarara city, involving three vehicles: a Grand Mark II with the registration number UAX 318V, a Toyota Wish bearing UAZ 388J, and a Toyota Hiace registered as UBK 951Q.

According to SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for traffic police, the accident was initiated when the driver of the Grand Mark II, traveling from Bushenyi towards Mbarara, failed to avoid a pothole.

This led to a collision with the oncoming Toyota Wish, resulting in the immediate deaths of two occupants in the Grand Mark II and injuring seven individuals in the Toyota Wish.

As emergency responders arrived on the scene to assist the victims, a speeding Toyota Hiace, also coming from Bushenyi, struck one of the crash victims being removed from the scene, causing another instant fatality.

The driver of the Toyota Hiace, who did not stop following the incident, was later intercepted at a checkpoint in Mbarara.

Police quickly transported the injured individuals to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and transferred the bodies of the deceased to the hospital’s mortuary.

All vehicles involved in the crash have been towed to Kashaka police station, where they await inspection.

Commentary: Hon. Jovanice Rwenduru Twinobusingye, the woman member of Parliament for Kiruhura district, has empowered P7 Candidates at Rwabigyemano Primary School Dedication Service. This was yesterday November 3, 2024.

In a heartfelt dedication service for Primary Seven candidates at Rwabigyemano Church of Uganda in Nyakasharara Parish, Kiruhura District, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiruhura District, Hon. Jovanis Rwenduru Twinobusingye, addressed the P7 candidates, urging them to harness their potential as they approach their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

Hon. Jovanis congratulated the students for reaching the verge of completing their primary education and praised their parents for the unwavering support they provided throughout their schooling journey. She emphasized the importance of education for both boys and girls, highlighting that investing in their future benefits not just the individuals but society as a whole.

Encouraging the candidates to remain dedicated to their studies, Hon. Jovanis expressed her confidence in their abilities to succeed, reminding them that the hard work they put in now would pave the way for greater opportunities down the line.

Supporting her message, Rev. Amanya Stuart, the Inspector of Schools for the North Ankore Diocese, who led the service, also encouraged the candidates to remain firm and hopeful in their faith in Jesus Christ. He underscored the importance of faith in overcoming challenges, warning against reliance on sorcery or other unwise paths.

In addition to these motivating words, Mr. Tumwebaze Henry Mugabi, head teacher of Rwabigyemano Primary School, and Mr. Calm Kabutu, chairman of the school management, emphasized the need for parents to actively cooperate with schools to foster educational development.

As the candidates prepared for their exams, many expressed their readiness, crediting the school for providing them with the necessary academic techniques and support.

This dedication service not only celebrated the hard work of the P7 candidates but also reinforced the crucial role that faith, parental support, and community involvement play in the pursuit of education.

The Chairman of LC5 Bushenyi District, Jafari Basajjabalaba, has called on the government to enhance the school capitation grant rather than resorting to threats of arresting headteachers for sending learners home to collect school fees.

During a prize-giving ceremony for top performers in the pre-PLE examinations in Igara East constituency, Basajjabalaba highlighted that the current capitation grant of 18,000 to 20,000 shillings per child under Universal Primary Education is insufficient to meet the diverse needs of schools. The event, which saw over 2,464 candidates participate, was officiated by Basajjabalaba and was supported by local Member of Parliament Micheal Mawanda.

He reminded parents of their responsibilities, emphasizing that the limited government funding often necessitates parental contributions through Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). “There is no way a headteacher can raise funds needed for school operations without involving parents, which sometimes leads to students being sent home,” Basajjabalaba stated.

Moses Rutaafa, the Bushenyi District Inspector of Schools, commended the continuation of the pre-PLE examinations, noting that they build confidence among students and help assess their readiness for the forthcoming PLE, ultimately leading to better performance.

Joshua Asingwire, Political Assistant to the MP, advised the top performers not to become complacent with their grades. He encouraged them to continue their studies diligently and not shy away from striving for excellence.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the best performers, which included mattresses, blankets, mathematical sets, pens, and pencils, rewarding their hard work and dedication.