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.”

John Baptist Asiimwe, the Principal Production Officer of Kazo District has emphasized the vital importance of environmental protection for a sustainable future during a series of meetings held yesterday in three sub-counties: Burunga, Rwemikoma, and Migina. The sessions aimed to raise awareness about the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP) focusing on educating stakeholders about the project’s objectives, benefits and strategies to promote resilient, sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices across Uganda.

Addressing local farmers, Asiimwe highlighted that the project which is set to run for six years is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in collaboration with agencies including the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the National Animal Genetics Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB), and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority. The initiative seeks to increase agricultural productivity, improve market access and build resilience within key value chains, enabling farmers to adapt to climate change and respond effectively to emergencies.

“The goal is to support Ugandan farmers in adopting climate-smart technologies and management practices that will help them increase yields, household incomes, and withstand climatic shocks,” Asiimwe explained.

In related remarks, Dickson Bigirwa, the Forestry Officer of Kazo District called on residents to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts. He urged them to plant more trees and protect existing forests while discouraging swamp encroachment, which threatens ecosystems and sustainable land use.

Furthermore, Ham Rubainika, District Councilor for Kyampagara Sub-County and Chairperson of the Local Council 5 (LC5), encouraged residents to open savings accounts in SACCOs and banks. He emphasized that saving money is crucial for securing their future and fostering economic stability within the community.

These initiatives reflect Kazo District’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and climate resilience, aligning with national efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and improve livelihoods for local residents.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s election process across the country faced challenges and unrest as residents participated in voting for their new NRM local council leaders. During voting, some polling stations were temporarily closed due to misconduct and irregularities.

In Mubende District, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Mr. Ssemango Steven Kasozi disclosed that polling at Kaabowa village in Ggwanika Parish, Kasambya Sub-county, was halted until further notice. He explained that the voter registration process in the parish was compromised when the registrar allegedly omitted voters for personal interests, registering only 250 out of 800 eligible voters.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in Kalokalungi B village, Lubimbiri Sub-county, Kasambya County where candidates Tugume Innocent and incumbent Kamukama David clashed. Kamukama accused Tugume of unfair practices claiming he had not won the race.

Supporters of Tugume erupted into celebrations driving cars and motorcycles in jubilation. Tragically, during the celebrations, a Toyota Wish registration UBQ 380 S lost control and struck four residents, resulting in the death of a 47-year-old Tindyebwa Augustine. The injured were rushed to Bijubuli Hospital in Kyegegwa and later transferred to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment.

At a recent funeral service for the deceased, Mr. Tushabe Godfrey P.A., Member of Parliament for Kasambya and a supporter of Hon. David Kabanada condemned reckless driving and expressed condolences to the family of the late Tindyebwa. He also urged voters to participate responsibly in the upcoming re-voting scheduled for Friday May 9.

“Everyone feels a sense of achievement when they reach their goal but seeing a casket in front of you changes everything,” Tushabe remarked. “Let us all be responsible citizens. On Friday, make sure you go to your polling station and vote for your leaders. We need a clear outcome to determine who will lead us next.”

Police in Mitooma district are currently searching for an unidentified man who allegedly assaulted the National Resistance Movement (NRM) registrar leaving him in a coma during the party’s Local Council 1 (LC1) elections yesterday. The incident reportedly occurred following a disagreement at a polling station.

According to the Mitooma district NRM registrar, Ephraim Byabakama declined to reveal the name of the injured registrar but revealed that elections were successfully conducted in all villages across the district with the exception of Bukuba 1 village in Kashenshero sub-county. It was in this village that an altercation between an electorate and the registrar resulted in the registrar being beaten into a coma.

Following the conclusion of the elections, several of newly elected LC1 chairpersons expressed their satisfaction with the process. Jezaho Wilson, the chairperson-elect for Rwenyangi LC1 and Byarugaba Gorden the chairman-elect for Karo Village in Kabira sub-county commended the government for organizing what they described as a free and fair election allowing citizens to exercise their right to choose their leaders in an organized manner.

However, Eryeza Natukunda, the chairman-elect for Mitooma Town cell in Mitooma Town Council voiced his concern regarding the significant involvement of money in the electoral process. Natukunda highlighted his unhappiness with this aspect and suggested that the government should consider measures to minimize the use of money in future party elections.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has recorded a significant voter turnout in the Local Council 1 (LC1) flag bearer elections across Bushenyi District signaling strong grassroots support for the party.

At Gongo Village in Kyamuhunga Town Council a particularly high turnout was observed. Incumbent village chairperson, Mwesigye Boniface secured a decisive victory demonstrating his continued popularity among the electorate.

Out of the 405 registered voters who participated, Mwesigye Boniface received a resounding 377 votes. His opponent, Arihona Medson Kabebe garnered 28 votes.

Following the announcement of the results Arihona Medson Kabebe graciously conceded defeat. He pledged his full support to Mwesigye Boniface emphasizing the importance of unity for the benefit of both the NRM party and the village.

Andrew Kabazokye, the NRM mobiliser for Bushenyi District lauded the party for implementing a transparent electoral process through the lining-up method which he believes contributed to the smooth conduct of the elections.

Boniface Tugume an aspirant for the Igara West parliamentary seat also commented on the high turnout. He described it as a clear reflection of the NRM’s strong presence at the grassroots level. Tugume added, “The enthusiasm and commitment we have seen today reaffirm the confidence people have in the NRM.”

Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Manifesto Implementation has encouraged women across Uganda to become more involved in the upcoming electoral processes. With both party primary elections and the 2026 general elections on the horizon, Kamuntu emphasized the crucial role women play in shaping the country’s future by ensuring their perspectives are heard.

Prof. Kamuntu recently held meetings with women in Rugarama sub-county and Shuuku Town Council within Sheema South constituency to discuss their engagement in both political participation and local development initiatives.

Addressing the women at gatherings held at Rugarama Church of Uganda and Ryakasinga Community Hall, Kamuntu highlighted key government programs designed to empower communities and individuals. He specifically drew attention to the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP) explaining how these initiatives can provide opportunities for women to improve their livelihoods and participate in economic growth. The meetings aimed to raise awareness about these programs and empower women to actively engage with and benefit from local development opportunities.

The meetings provided a platform for the women to voice their concerns and frustrations. During the discussions, women from both Rugarama and Shuuku Town Council expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding several pressing issues affecting their communities. They highlighted the persistent lack of access to clean water, the poor state of local road networks, and the inadequacy of healthcare services.

A particularly poignant point of frustration raised by the women was their disappointment over the failure to receive clean water despite having reportedly paid UGX100,000 to town council officials. This highlights a critical challenge in the effective delivery of essential services and underscores the need for accountability and transparency in local governance.

Prof. Kamuntu’s engagement with these women serves as a reminder of the importance of both encouraging political participation and addressing the tangible challenges faced by communities at the grassroots level. His message underscores the belief that women’s active involvement in elections and their ability to articulate their needs are vital for fostering inclusive and effective governance in Uganda.

Kyabahura 1 Model Primary School in Kazo Town Council, Kazo District bids farewell to its long-serving Headteacher, Gaston Bwesigye Katungye. The event which was held on Saturday May 2 brought together a diverse gathering of staff members, parents, pupils and headteachers, teachers, community leaders, politicians, businessmen and well-wishers to honor Mr. Katungye’s significant contributions.

The main celebrant of the farewell mass, Rev. Fr. Deo Mugisha, the Parish Priest of Kazo Catholic Parish commended the Kyabahura 1 Model Primary School community for their decision to officially recognize and celebrate the efforts of their outgoing Headmaster with such a fitting tribute.

During the Mass, Rev. Fr. Mugisha offered words of encouragement and guidance to the assembled teachers and all who attended the function. He urged them to serve diligently emphasizing the importance of preparing for a fulfilling retirement. The Priest also issued a strong challenge to teachers who “cheat learners” by skipping lessons stressing that such a habit is a detrimental gesture not only to the students but also to the nation as a whole.

Katungye retires after an impressive 37 years of dedicated service as both a classroom teacher and a headteacher. His long and impactful career was in schools including Kashwa P/S, Kinoni P/S, Rwebitakuri p/s, Rwemengo P/S, Kyabwayera P/S, Ibaare P/S and St. Paul’s Kyabahura P/S where he served on two separate occasions. He is retiring this year having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

In his address, the retiring Headteacher expressed his gratitude to all the staff and concerned bodies he had worked with throughout his career acknowledging their support in making his work easier.

Mary Kabagambe, the Chairperson School Management Committee lauded Katungye for his “service above self.” She specifically highlighted his “great job in reviving the glory of the Kyabahura 1 Model P/S,” which she noted had begun to deteriorate. Kabagambe extended her best wishes to the outgoing headteacher in his retirement.

Mackline Namanya, Senior Education Officer also spoke at the event praising Katungye for “transforming the school quantitatively and qualitatively.” She pointed to the increase in the number of pupils achieving Grade Ones during his tenure as a key factor that has boosted enrollment at the school.

The outpouring appreciation to Katungye was evident in the numerous gifts he received from all the attendees presented as a token of love and a fond farewell. The ceremony at Kyabahura 1 Model Primary School served as a fitting tribute to a dedicated educator who has left a lasting impact on the school and the community.