Bushenyi District Council has condemned the poor condition of the Mbarara-Ishaka road and called for urgent government intervention to address its hazardous state.

The motion raised under the matter of public importance by Adinan Tumuhairwe, representing Kakanju Sub County informed the council that the road has become a death trap for travelers and residents alike. He highlighted that the deteriorating condition of the road has significantly impacted local business potential causing heavy financial losses. Additionally, he noted that the road is a crucial route for cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda revealing that its poor state hampers regional economic activities.

The council resolved to organize a joint regional council meeting to present a petition to the Ugandan government demanding urgent repairs. They also agreed to mobilize a peaceful demonstration involving concerned citizens as a wake-up call for swift government action.

During the session, Tumuhairwe emphasized that the road connects the Western region to key destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mount Rwenzori, Kitagata Hot Springs, Lake Mburo and Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest.

He pointed out specific sections that are in particularly in bad condition including the Kitojo-Kaziho stretch, Omukinanasi near Uganda Technical College Bushenyi, Nyakabirizi main stage and St. Kaggwa Trading Center among other areas.

The council’s stance underscores the urgent need for repairs to facilitate safe travel and support regional trade and development.

Bushenyi District Council has approved a budget of Shs 42.8 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year. The budget was presented yesterday during a council session at the district council hall by Didas Twijukye, Secretary for Administration, Planning, Finance and Investments and Leader of Government Business.

The Education and Sports sector took a lion’s share of the budget followed by Administration, Health and Community-Based Services. Twijukye reported that the biggest percentage of funds is expected to come from government grants with additional revenue from local taxes, donor funding and contributions from other line ministries.

The District Speaker, Douglas Mucunguzi commended councillors for fulfilling their leadership roles and called for further interventions based on recommendations from standing committee meetings. He emphasized the need for politicians to support local revenue mobilization especially in the wake of increasing urban centers.

Mucunguzi also expressed concern over challenges in local revenue collection urging district technical staff and stakeholders to address this issue to ensure sustainable funding for the district’s development programs.

Ibanda district Grade One Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Gilbert Kansiime, 27, a herdsman to two years in prison for stealing from his employer. Kansiime stole UGX1,800,000 million and clothes valued at UGX750,000 from Dickson Kempaaka of Rushaka 2, Karangara ward in November last year.

Kansiime admitted to housebreaking and theft on May 20 before Magistrate Vastine Kembabazi. He was sentenced to 12 months on each charge with the court ordering him to pay UGX2,550,000 in compensation to Kempaaka and UGX1,000,000 in costs within five months after his release. His jail term was reduced by six months for time served on remand.

Kempaaka praised the court’s judgment, emphasizing the importance of fighting crime and deterring betrayal of employers. Kansiime and another farmhand still at large broke into Kempaaka’s house on November 13, stealing cash and clothes. He was arrested on November 21 in Ishaka Bushenyi and charged with housebreaking and theft.

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.