Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) has received a significant boost to its emergency care services with a donation of medical equipment valued at $35,000 (approximately 127 million UGX) from Seed Global Health. The equipment which was handed over to Acting Hospital Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye includes crucial items such as patient monitors, suction machines, oxygen concentrators, patient trollies and defibrillators.

Dr. Andrew Twinamatsiko, Programs Manager at Seed Global Health stated that the new equipment will enhance the hospital’s Accidents and Emergency Department and assist in the training of medical students.

Expressing gratitude for the generous donation, Dr. Twesigye noted that the new tools will complement existing medical devices and replace outdated ones. He highlighted the high demand for emergency services at MRRH, with between 1,000 and 1,500 patients seeking care each month. The hospital’s biomedical engineers stress the importance of regular maintenance for the equipment to ensure its optimal performance.

The newly donated equipment will enable healthcare professionals to provide timely and effective care to patients in critical situations.

Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, reported a significant reduction in mortality rates, attributing this success to the dedicated efforts of the hospital’s team of health workers, including emergency physicians.

With support from Seed Global Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital aims to train 120 emergency physicians by 2030, further strengthening the capacity of healthcare services in the region.

Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese has urged married women to support their husbands and abandon the practice of bewitching them. He revealed that such actions hinder family development.

The Bishop made these remarks during a confirmation service attended by thousands of Christians from the Mitooma Archdeaconry at the archdeaconry premises in Mitooma Town Council on Sunday October 17.

He highlighted that many women mistakenly believe that bewitching their husbands can bring peace to their families not realizing that it undermines family stability. He stressed the importance of mutual support for progress rather than resorting to harmful practices.

The Bishop also confirmed 566 Christians into the Anglican faith marking a significant milestone in the lives of confirmands.

Emmy Ngabirano has been welcomed by Bushenyi District leadership as the new Resident District Commissioner (RDC) replacing the suspended Robert Atuhairwe. The event took place on Monday October 28 at the district headquarters.

Atuhairwe is facing allegations of misconduct with a minor who is at the same time a student of S3 at Bweranyangi Girls Secondary School in Bushenyi district.

William Donanto Katsigazi, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner emphasized the district’s cooperative leadership in the event of the ongoing speculations involving the former RDC.

Ngabirano previously served in Masindi district for three years urged residents to collaborate with him to fulfill government programs and improve service delivery.

Bushenyi district LCV Chairman, Jafari Basajjabalaba expressed support for the RDC’s office stating that recent events were personal and affirmed his commitment to working together for the community’s benefit.

The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang has called on leaders in Mbarara District and Mbarara City authorities to collaborate with the government in advancing the development of Kakyeka Stadium. Speaking at Empuumo Marathon held at Ntare School grounds in Mbarara, Ogwang stressed the importance of unified efforts to enhance sports infrastructure especially in support of youth and health initiatives such as the marathon aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in southwestern Uganda.

Ogwang indicated that the Ministry of Education and Sports had allocated 1.5 billion UGX in the previous financial year for the initial phase of Kakyeka Stadium’s construction. This phase includes the installation of artificial turf, construction of a pavilion, modern toilets and other essential facilities. However, progress has been stalled by internal conflicts regarding the stadium’s land title with disputes emerging between Mbarara District and Mbarara City authorities.

Mbarara City North lawmaker, Robert Mwesigwa Rukari expressed gratitude for the strong turnout of community members in raising awareness to combat HIV/AIDS among adolescents. Rosette Mutambi Kajungu, the marathon’s organizer shared that the event organized in collaboration with the Initiative for Better Health, Ministry of Health, and Uganda AIDS Commission included various activities aimed at promoting awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS among the youth in the region.

The marathon attracted over 300 participants from across the western region including some travelers from northern Uganda. Winners received medals and cash prizes for their achievements.

William Katsigazi Donanto, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi has expressed deep concern over the decline of local societies which he believes has hindered community development due to a lack of reliable leadership.

Katsigazi pointed out that numerous cooperatives have collapsed under the management of self-serving leaders whose motives do not align with the success of these organizations. He urged current leaders to remain vigilant and dedicated to fostering the growth of cooperatives in their communities.

His comments were made during the annual general meeting of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) held yesterday Wednesday October 23 for the Tooke cooperatives which saw participation from over 24 cooperatives across the greater Ankole region.

Katsigazi emphasized the importance of trustworthiness among leaders when managing farmers’ funds stating that cooperatives can thrive if their leaders are willing to be accountable.

George Ruyondo, chairman of the Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society praised PIBID for its initiative affirming that agricultural development is key to eradicating poverty.

Meanwhile, Celian Muhumuza chairman of the Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative which was recognized as the top supplier of bananas in the region credited their success to the farmers’ dedication to their Tooke factory.

In the ranking of cooperative societies, Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative secured the top position, followed closely by Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society.

Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni of West Ankole Diocese has urged school leaders to incorporate home economics into their curricula to better equip students with practical life skills. He emphasized that while schools focus on English speech, they often neglect cultural and practical skills that are crucial for students’ roles in their communities and homes.

Speaking at the dedication of over 180 candidates from Bweranyangi Junior School on Wednesday October 23, the prelate highlighted the importance of reintroducing co-curricular activities to help students explore their diverse talents.

Molly Nshekanabo, the chairperson of the management committee encouraged female candidates to remain vigilant during the holidays and urged parents to ensure equal educational opportunities for both girls and boys noting that girls now often surpass boys in enrollment due to increased parental focus on the girl child.

The Ibanda District Security Committee, chaired by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Mbetegyerize recently held an engagement meeting with the administration of Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm. The meeting concluded with a recommendation that the farm immediately ceases all cultivation activities in the buffer zone of R. Nyabukurungo.

Held at the Nyabuhikye Prisons Farm, the meeting addressed growing public and leadership concerns regarding environmental degradation linked to the farm’s agricultural practices. It was agreed that after the harvest expected in February 2025, there will be no further cultivation in the protected wetland area surrounding the river.

Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm is situated in Kayenje Ward, Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality, alongside the Mbarara-Ibanda highway.

RDC Mbetegyerize emphasized that the government is acting on the directive of the President, who has mandated that individuals and institutions operating within wetlands must vacate peacefully or face potential eviction without compensation. He highlighted that the erratic weather conditions currently affecting the western region are largely due to human encroachment on natural resources and he urged an immediate cessation of these harmful practices which are often the result of ignorance or negligence.

Robert Tumwesigye, the Senior Environment Officer for Ibanda Municipality instructed the Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm administration to plant recommended trees or pastures as a means of restoring the degraded Nyabukurungo wetland.

Elly Kirya, the Ibanda District Natural Resources Officer pointed out that Section 36 of the National Environment Act prioritizes the protection of wetlands and prohibits reclamation and the construction of illegal structures. This law empowers authorities to demolish any unauthorized structures located within wetland areas. He further explained that the Act enables districts to manage wetlands within their jurisdictions and to clearly demarcate their boundaries, ensuring that communities understand where the wetland limits lie, even as water levels and vegetation fluctuate.

In response, Patience Nambuya, the Deputy Officer in Charge of Nyabuhikye Government Prisons Farm stated that their commitment to following the guidelines and directives to safeguard vital ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Bushenyi district leaders have decided to transfer funds designated for the water sector to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to enhance water services for local communities.

During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Western Region Resource Center yesterday, leaders expressed concern over the district’s neglect of water projects despite significant investments from taxpayers.

Denis Kanyankole, the Chairman of Works Committee for Bushenyi District supported the decision emphasizing that government grants for water projects have primarily been spent on protected springs which he believes are not providing sufficient value. He argued that the funds would be better utilized by NWSC to purchase necessary materials, such as pipes and extend water supply to various communities.

Kanyankole highlighted the challenges with existing projects such as the Kyamukubwa Gravity Scheme in Ruhumuro Sub County and the Nyarugote Gravity project which consumed approximately 500 million shillings but are now ineffective as water sources have dried up leaving communities in need.

Jafari Basajjabalaba, Chairman of LC5 in Bushenyi District endorsed the decision noting that the government is incurring losses while local residents continue to face water shortages. He advocated for the district to collaborate with NWSC for better infrastructure.

Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation noted that this policy has proven effective in other districts by facilitating the extension of safe piped water to communities. He expressed optimism about the potential impact of this collaboration in Bushenyi.

Five out of the13 National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates contesting to replace the late Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, the fallen Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament have withdrawn from the race. Their withdrawal follows a meeting held with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on Sunday October 13. The meeting aimed at harmonizing the candidacy though no consensus was reached prompting Museveni to suggest another meeting for party stakeholders on Monday October 13.

Kazo FM has learnt that President Yoweri Museveni urged primary aspirants to withdraw in favor of Ms. Grace Akifeza an idea that some of the candidates, including Fancy Nirere, opted to continue their campaigns for the party flag. Five candidates; Sylvia Dushime, Louise Niyikiza, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twizera stepped down after a meeting where it was suggested they would receive Shs30 million for doing so. However, Fredrick Tanga Odoi, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman, denied offering any compensation.

Five candidates withdrawing from the race, leaves Hellen Mbonye, Winfred Igiraneza, Jemimah Irankunda, Rose Kabagyeni, Blessed Kitentera, and Irene Mahirwe as challengers.

Dushime explained that her withdrawal was based on the President’s advice and a personal decision to support the party. Remaining candidates expressed that while they were open to a single candidate representing the party, consensus proved difficult. Jemimah Irankunda highlighted her intent to show that the NRM is inclusive of all generations.

The Kisoro District Woman MP seat became vacant following the passing of Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, the former State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.

The NRM has set October 25, 2024 as the polling date for its flag bearer while the Independent Electoral Commission will hold the by-election on November 14, 2024.

Police in Buhweju District are searching for an unidentified motorcyclist who allegedly hit a juvenile pedestrian killing her on spot.

The Greater Bushenyi Region Police Spokesperson, Martial Tumusiime confirmed that the accident occurred on Sunday October 13 at around 5:00pm in Kikyuzi Village along Nsiika-Kajani road. The victim has been identified as Prossy Tweshengyereze, 7, daughter of Lawrence Kabundama, a resident of Katobera Cell in Kikyuzi Ward, Nsiika Town Council.

Reports indicate that the motorcyclist was traveling from Kajani towards Nsiika who upon reaching Kikyuzi Village lost control of the motorcycle and struck Tweshengyereze who was walking on the roadside killing her on spot.

Tumusiime added that the body was retrieved and taken to Nsiika Health Centre IV pending a post-mortem. Efforts to locate the motorcycle and the rider are ongoing.