The alarming rise in teenage motherhood within Kiruhura District has become a major concern for community leaders and organizations working to promote girl-child development. Speaking at a meeting held yesterday at Kiruhura Women In Development (K-WID) headquarters in Kiruhura town council, local officials and representatives from various N0n Governmental Organisations (NGOs) highlighted the urgent need to address the root causes of the problem.

Fortunate Abaho, the Principal Probation Officer for Kiruhura District revealed that the number of teen mothers is increasing across all sub counties with girls giving birth at ages 14, 16 and 17. She attributed this trend to early marriages which she says are often arranged by parents seeking material wealth.

Abaho criticized some parents for marrying off their daughters at young ages and noted that early involvement in sexual activities coupled with a lack of proper guidance, exacerbates the issue.“The district has been trying to sensitize communities and discourage early marriages but efforts have not yielded the desired results,” Abaho lamented. “We remain overwhelmed by the persistent problem of teenage pregnancies and girl-child marriages.”

Representatives from organizations advocating for girl-child education and rights including Kyomukama Phoebe and Ayo Florence emphasized the importance of fighting against girl-child marriage and promoting education. They called for intensified community awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement of laws protecting girls from early marriages.

AIP Kalengusa Clovis the officer in charge of the Children and Family Unit at Kiruhura District Police pointed out that poverty is a significant factor contributing to early marriages. He urged stakeholders to collaborate and speak out against teenage pregnancies and girl-child marriage to protect the future of young girls.

Students from Bishops Girls School in Rushere including Natweta Dorreck voiced their concerns stating that early marriages not only destroy girls’ futures but also diminish respect for parents and the community as a whole.

The gathering underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat early marriages and teenage pregnancies, with community leaders emphasizing that safeguarding girl-child rights is essential for the sustainable development of Kiruhura District.

The nomination process for candidates at the Kazo Electoral Commission(EC) office is underway with candidates from various parties and independents being nominated.

Bashaija Charles, the Returning Officer for Kazo district announced that Mpiinga Kenneth who lost in the NRM primaries to Mugabe Bernard Kafure has officially been nominated to contest as an independent candidate for LCIII Chairperson, Kyampangara Subcounty.

Mpiinga criticized the NRM for not allowing voters to participate in decision-making, leading to his return into the race as an independent. He also accused the incumbent of lacking accountability.

Mugabe who is the current LC III Chairperson for Kyampangara expressed contentment with progress made in his tenure amongst which he cited new markets, health facilities and roads. He also pledged to complete ongoing projects including the requisition for a seed school and the construction of a subcounty office block. Mugabe previously served as LC 3 Chairperson for Kazo Subcounty from 2016 to 2021 before the subcounty was split.

Other nominations include Hon. Ntegyereize Winnie for Kiguma Parish in Burunga Subcounty running on an NRM ticket and her opponent Kamusiime Patricia who is contesting as an independent. Additionally, Hon. Karunga Edith Nankunda has been nominated as Lady Councilor for Magondo Parish.

Police in Mbarara City have arrested three men suspected of masterminding a series of hotel burglaries that resulted in the theft of valuables such as laptops, phones and money.

The suspects are Samba Joseph, 60, from Busia, Muhinda Rajab, 50, from Iganga and Masereka, 40, from Kasese. They were apprehended on the evening of September 15, 2025 in the aftermath of a break-in at Rwampara Suites on September 14 during which several guest rooms were targeted and robbed.

Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira stated that the suspects were found in possession of multiple keys believed to have been used to access the hotel rooms. The keys have been recovered and are now held as evidence at Mbarara Central Police Station.

Kasasira confirmed that the suspects will face charges of theft and burglary, as investigations continue into their alleged involvement in the hotel break-ins.

Police in Mbarara City have arrested street children and men found within the city’s business area. In a coordinated effort between police and the Mbarara City South Probation Office, a night operation on Monday resulted in the arrest of 124 street children and men.

Gershom Kakuru, the Mbarara City South Division Probation Officer explained that the rising number of street children in the city center is partly due to an influx of refugees from Nakivale Refugee Camp in Isingiro District. Many of these refugees have drifted into Mbarara contributing to the increasing street population.

The operation targeted key areas including Kisenyi, Kakoba, Kijungu and High Street. So far, 24 of those apprehended have been handed over to officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and transported back to Nakivale. The remaining individuals are expected to either be reunited with their families or transferred to rehabilitation centers for support.

Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira confirmed that out of the 124 arrests, 74 were minors, 24 were foreign nationals, and 23 were adults aged 18 and above. The adults are currently undergoing police screening to determine further action.

The authorities emphasized their commitment to addressing the issue of street children in Mbarara, balancing law enforcement with social interventions.

Kazo District has demonstrated a strong sense of community solidarity by coming together to support Divine Kyogabeirwe, a dedicated public servant in her urgent need to travel abroad for life-saving breast cancer surgery. Divine Kyogabeirwe, the Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) for Kazo District, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May this year and now requires specialized treatment in India.

The fundraising run organized to support her was led by Hon. Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, the Member of Parliament for Kazo county. During the event, the legislator called on community members to prioritize health checkups and early detection as vital steps in fighting cancer. “Regular checkups can save lives. I urge everyone to be vigilant about their health and seek medical advice early,” he emphasized.

The event saw a large turnout of community members, government officials and health advocates who turned up in large numbers to show their support and solidarity. Kimosho, a key supporter and community leader, expressed gratitude to all who participated and contributed emphasizing the importance of collective effort in supporting those battling health challenges.

Astone Ahimbisibwe, the in-charge of Kazo Health Center IV also addressed the gathering urging women in particular to be vigilant and proactive about cancer screenings. “Early detection is crucial. We need to encourage women to undergo regular screenings and tests to identify any abnormalities early,” he stated.

Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the District Chairman called for continued community support and compassionate habits toward individuals facing health crises. “This is a collective effort. We must continue to support Divine and others in similar situations to help them access the care they need,” he appealed.

The community’s efforts are a testament to the unity and compassion that define Kazo District. As Divine Kyogabeirwe prepares for her journey to India, the district remains committed to standing by her side and supporting her recovery. The organizers and community members hope that their collective support will ease her path to treatment and recovery inspiring others to prioritize health and community care.

Police in Kabale district have detained 21 suspects allegedly involved in a series of criminal activities within the area including robberies, burglaries, thefts, possession and smoking of opium and bag snatching from travelers. The operations which were intelligence-led took place between Friday Sept 12 and last night.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, among the suspects are individuals recently released from Ndorwa Prison who are now back in circulation as well as those listed on security wanted lists. Those arrested include; Owamani Martin, Asiimwe Osbert, Kirabo Alex, Aryamba Elijah and Byaruhanga Ronald. These are linked to different robbery cases. Other suspects Akankwasa Martin, Nuwagaba Joshua, Naturinda Obedi and Akankwasa Gerald are believed to be involved in possession and smoking of opium.

The suspects were arrested from various locations including Mwisi Kitumba sub-county, Kigongi area, around the stadium and Mwanjari areas. During searches at their residences, police recovered several properties, including laptops, TVs, gas cylinders, clothes and other assorted items which have been brought to Kabale Central Police Station for identification.

ASP Maate emphasized that the operations will continue across the region to dismantle criminal networks. He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and local leaders by providing any vital information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects and help restore peace and security in the area.

Widows under Ruth Ministries Association in West Ankole Diocese have called on President Yoweri Museveni to support their skilling projects which have stalled following the death of their patron the late Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut former presidential advisor on public relations.

The widows gathered at Butsibo Church of Uganda in Sheema Municipality formed the association in 2023 to empower themselves and improve household incomes. The group which has over 200 members has been engaged in crafts such as basket weaving, pottery and mats production.

Vice Chairperson Grace Mwebaze explained that members previously sold their products at Ntambiko Crafts Centre owned by Karooro. However, the centre closed after her passing leaving the women without a market.

Mary Mugisha, a widow from Butsibo Church of Uganda expressed concern that many members are struggling to provide for their children amid the setbacks.

Rev. Amon Tumusiime, parish priest of Butsibo Church of Uganda noted that widows are often neglected after losing their husbands as they no longer fit into the Mothers’ Union. He urged local leaders to intervene.

Ruth Ministries was established by Karooro to unite widows facing hardships. Members say Karooro had promised to personally introduce them to the president to seek more support, a promise they hope the government will now fulfill.