A total of 111 candidates from Kazo Model Primary School in Kazo Town Council, Kazo District have been dedicated today as they prepare to sit for the upcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

The dedication ceremony took place at St. John’s Kazo Archdeaconary in Kazo Town Council where Rev. Stuart Amanya, the Diocesan Inspector of Schools for North-Ankole Diocese delivered a sermon centered on the theme of hope.

Rev. Amanya emphasized the importance of hard work among the students encouraging them to stay focused and committed to their studies despite the challenges they may face.

Chrispus Tomanya, the Deputy Headteacher of Kazo Model Primary School who also addressed the candidates offering words of hope and motivation. He acknowledged that the students had faced disruptions due to nearly a month’s industrial action but urged them to remain confident and determined to succeed.

Keith Bahemuka, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Kazo District commended the efforts of teachers in guiding the candidates through their preparations. He also expressed appreciation to all teachers under the umbrella of UNATU for ending the industrial strike, which had affected the academic calendar.

The candidates, Amumpaire Darius and Lilian Mpumwire expressed gratitude to their parents for their support and declared their readiness to undertake the examinations.

The district officials and school administrators urged the students to stay focused and perform to the best of their abilities during the examinations, which are set to begin soon.

Nine pupils who were admitted to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital after a classroom wall collapsed at Kibale Primary School in Isingiro District are now out of danger, according to hospital officials.

The incident occurred during a heavy downpour yesterday afternoon when part of the classroom structure gave way, trapping the pupils inside. The students, comprising three boys and six girls were quickly rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

Halson Kagure, the Public Relations Officer at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital confirmed that the children were initially in critical condition upon arrival. “Four of the pupils had head injuries and underwent CT scans while others sustained fractures,” Kagure stated.

He added that the hospital’s emergency response team worked tirelessly to stabilize the children who have since been transferred to the surgical ward for close monitoring.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety and maintenance of school infrastructure especially during the rainy season when structural vulnerabilities are heightened. Kibale Primary School, a private institution founded by a church may face questions regarding its building standards and emergency preparedness.

The hospital administration praised the efforts of their medical team and expressed relief that the pupils are now recovering well. They also called for increased vigilance in ensuring the safety of students and school facilities in the region.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse and review safety protocols at the school to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Origyire kusingwa omukaruru  k’okukwata ebendera ya NRM ahantebbe y’obunyeishengyero ahabw’ishaza rya Kibale East omu disiturikiti ya Kamwenge, Asiimwe Chripas Mugisha ahamizegye ngu tihariho obu arikwija kuruga omukaururu aka kurekureira owakwatsire ebendera y’ekibiina kandi ori omunyeishengyero w’ishaza eri, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, hoona nabwo ori Minister w’ebyobuhingi n’oburiisa.

Ebingambo bya Mugisha nibyeijaho bwanyima y’orukiiko orurugyire kubaho omuri disiturikiti egi ahangati y’abebembezi ba NRM abarimu omuhwezi wa mukuru w’ishengyero, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa hamwe nabakwatsire ebendera n’abarikwenda kwetsimba nkabanyamwegyendaho. Ekigyendererwa ky’orukiiko oru kibeire kiri ekyokugarikanisa abantu aba boona kugyira ngu nabarikwenda kwetsimba nkabanyamwegyendaho bashagikye abeine ebendera ya NRM ahabwobumwe bw’ekibiina.

Bamwe omubabeire nibenda kwetsimba nkabateine bibiina ebibarikurugamu barigyire omukaururu aka kuhagyira aba NRM. Asiimwe Chripas Mugisha orikwenda entebbe ahamizegye ngu tarikwija kuruga omukaruru aka. Nagira ngu neija kugumizamu ayetsimbire nkoteine kibiina ahabwokuba abantu ba Kibale East tibarikwenda kufayo ahabibiina beitu ngu nibenda obuhereza.

Police in Kanungu district are investigating the mysterious death of Eric Ndamiye, 54, a resident of Nyakagyezi cell, Eastern ward, Butogota Town Council.

According to police reports, the deceased was a known drunkard and was last seen on the evening of October 26, 2025, at Niwamanya Gift’s bar in Nyakagyezi trading center. The following morning, residents found Ndamiye lying dead along the footpath leading to his home, a few meters from the bar.

ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi police region spokesperson confirmed that finger marks were observed around the victim’s neck, indicating possible violence. “The police were notified by Eridad Byaruhanga and a scene visit was conducted. Unfortunately, by the time the scene was accessed, it had been tampered with,” he explained.

A sniffer dog was introduced to assist in investigations but efforts to collect conclusive evidence were hindered due to scene tampering. A postmortem was carried out at Mpungu Health Center IV by medical personnel and the body was subsequently released to the family for a proper burial.

Maate emphasized that investigations are ongoing: “We are making efforts to identify and apprehend those involved in this incident so that they can be charged accordingly. We urge members of the community to cooperate with authorities in this matter.”

Police continue to work tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding Eric Ndamiye’s death and ensure justice is served.

Police in Kazo district have arrested a police officer and a woman over an alleged conspiracy to murder the woman’s husband.

According to police reports, IP Bebaze Steven, an officer stationed at Kazo Central Police station and the woman, Kyokuhaire Zam were arrested after their murder plot was uncovered by agents they had approached to carry out the crime.

The victim, Musinguzi Kasim, a taxi driver operating on the Mpara-Kazo route was reportedly unaware of his wife’s intentions until the plot was exposed.

The break in the case came when the agents, contacted by the suspects reported the conspiracy to the authorities. It is further alleged that Hadad Kabito, a stage blocker for the Kazo-Mpara route, played a pivotal role in foiling the plan after receiving a sum of UGX 1,300,000 shillings from Bebaze. Instead of executing the murder, Kabito reported the incident to his superior, Akim Mutahi, the chairperson of the Kazo-Mubende stage.

Following this, Kabito and Mutahi collaborated with police providing crucial information that led to the arrest of Bebaze and Kyokuhaire.

Bebaze has been transferred to the Rwizi police region for further investigation while Kyokuhaire remains detained at Kazo Police Station. The investigation is ongoing with authorities working to gather more evidence and ensure justice is served.

Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, emphasizing that police are committed to thoroughly investigating the case and bring those responsible to justice.

Ibanda district is gearing up for the January 15, 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections but the National Resistance Movement Party faces a significant challenge after a number of its aspirants in the recent primaries opted to run as independents. This development has prompted calls for the party to intensify its efforts to secure victory in the upcoming polls.

During the nomination exercise held at the district council hall on October 22-23, a total of 14 candidates were officially nominated to contest for four parliamentary seats—covering Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda South and North counties as well as the district Woman MP seat.

According to Ibanda electoral district registrar Aidah Barekye Nkaija, over 64% of the aspirants, nine in total, are running as independents. Four candidates represent the NRM Party while one is affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Notably, six of the independents are former NRM members who lost in the primaries while three are newcomers current district vice-chairman Elias Tumubweine (Ibanda North County), Winfred Aganyira (district Woman MP seat) and Sarapio Betungura. Other incumbents such as current Ibanda North MP Xavier Kyooma Akampurira, Innocent Bakamuhara (Ibanda Municipality) and Caroline Arituha (Woman MP seat) are also contesting some as independents.

The contest is further complicated by the limited party representation with only NRM and NUP fielding candidates. The NRM candidates include Jovrine Kyomukama Kaliisa, a former deputy national coordinator of the Parish Development Model contesting for the district Woman MP seat; Maj. Guma Gumisiriza for Ibanda North County; Dr. John Paul Ninkusima for Ibanda South County; and Pater Agaba for Ibanda Municipality.

On the other hand, Patricia Kenyangi is representing NUP for the district Woman MP seat.

Campaign activities are scheduled to commence on November 10 and will conclude on January 12, 2026. As the elections approach, the NRM Party faces the urgent task of rallying its supporters and consolidating its support base to ensure victory in the face of rising independent candidacies.

Gumisiriza Elly, a prominent figure in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the incumbent party Chairperson for Kanoni Subcounty has officially announced his decision to step down from contesting as the LC3 Chairperson in the upcoming general elections. Despite having initially picked nomination forms to run for the position, Gumisiriza cited his role as NRM party Chairperson and the support of his followers as reasons for his withdrawal.

“I have stepped down. I won’t run as the LC3 Chairperson. I picked my nomination forms to run for this post, but given my responsibilities as NRM party Chairperson for Kanoni and the support from my supporters, I have decided to step aside. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the best for our party and community,” Gumisiriza stated during a meeting attended by NRM party chairpersons at all levels, stakeholders and religious leaders.

In his address, Gumisiriza urged party members to foster unity and emphasized the importance of collective effort against rival political parties and independent candidates in Kazo District. He also called on the NRM District Executive Committee to intensify efforts in campaigning for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasizing the need for a united front.

Michael Kanyamiyenga, Chairperson for NRM Older Persons in Kazo urged members to remain calm and avoid intimidation tactics aimed at voters. He also condemned misinformation campaigns and criticized young leaders and panelists who disrespect the party leadership by spreading false information.

Hon. Dan Atwijukure Kimosho, Member of Parliament for Kazo County encouraged voters to support party flag bearers by ticking the party symbol, urging them to rally behind the NRM candidates. He congratulated Gumisiriza for demonstrating resilience and urged him to reconnect with grassroots supporters and bring them back into the party fold.

Hon. Twesigye Wycliffe, party Vice Chairperson of Kanoni expressed gratitude towards Gumisiriza for exemplifying the qualities of an committed NRM member. Youth League Chairperson for Kazo, Hon. Denis Tumuramye also thanked Gumisiriza and called on young people to actively promote the NRM manifesto and work towards safeguarding the party’s achievements.

The meeting was also attended by other notable figures, including Fred Ntungire the district Vice Chairperson for Kazo District, security officials and various stakeholders committed to strengthening the party’s presence in the district.

Gumisiriza’s decision marks a significant development in the local political landscape, emphasizing unity and strategic campaigning as the district gears up for the upcoming elections.

A fierce fire broke out yesterday burning several kiosks in Kazo II, Kazo Central Ward in Kazo Town Council leaving a trail of destruction and despair. Multiple businesses, including restaurants, salons, shops and woodworking enterprises, were reduced to ashes, with losses estimated at millions of shillings.

The blaze, which ignited around 11:40 a.m. is believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit. Rapidly spreading through highly flammable materials, the fire overwhelmed the affected kiosks before firefighting teams could effectively respond.

Eyewitnesses and affected traders were visibly distressed as they surveyed the smoldering wreckage. Many wept openly, lamenting the total loss of their livelihoods. “We are helpless, everything we worked for is gone,” lamented one trader emphasizing the devastating impact on their families and businesses.

The affected traders, including their Chairperson Nabenitwe John Mukasa, Pr. Naturinda Jutus, Auditor Nahabwe, Dez Tushemerirwe, Mbabazi Florence, Tumuhairwe Joyce and Namatovu Jane Muhairwe recounted the harrowing sequence of events. They criticized the slow response of emergency services and highlighted the urgent need for improved firefighting infrastructure in the area.

Mugume Justus, Chairperson of LC1 Kazo II, appealed to the government via the Prime Minister’s Office for immediate assistance. “These families have lost everything; they need a helping hand to get back on their feet,” he urged.

In a show of solidarity, Mayor Mugarura Justus visited the scene to console the victims and pledged to advocate for swift government intervention. “We will do everything possible to ensure these affected families receive the aid they need to rebuild,” the mayor assured.

Although police, fire and rescue teams arrived late, they managed to contain the flames but not before the damage was extensive. The incident has exposed the urgent need for better emergency preparedness and response mechanisms within the community.