Authorities and veterinary staff in Ibanda district have called for vigilance among livestock owners and residents following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Kazo and Kiruhura districts.

Dr Hilary Arinaitwe, Ibanda district veterinary officer (DVO) said all parish chiefs and local leaders across the district, especially in sub-counties and town councils bordering Kiruhura and Kazo have been alerted as a preventative measure to deter spread of the contagious viral disease. He also urged farmers and the general public to cooperate with veterinary officers in their localities to fight the spread of FMD into the district.

The DVO said this seeks to protect businesses and people whose livelihoods depend on livestock production and related activities and services.

The viral disease affects cloven hoofed livestock and wildlife including cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and buffalos.

Cases of FMD have been confirmed in Buremba sub-county in Kazo and Kikatsi and Rwenshande sub-counties in Kiruhura district.

It should be noted that during the 2021 FMD outbreak the economies in the three districts were hard hit as livestock markets were closed and trade in livestock and livestock-related products banned following quarantines that were enforced for a long spell.

FMD Vaccination

Dr Arinaitwe revealed that the district has 6500 doses of anti-FMD vaccines and has started vaccinating animals in Keihangara, Kikyenke, and Nyamarebe sub-counties, as well as Rushango and Kanyarugiri town councils, and Bisheshe Division in Ibanda Municipality, which border with Kazo or Kiruhura districts.

According to the records, Ibanda has an estimated 50,000 heads of cattle, with sheep at about 30,000, while goats are in the region of 80,000 and 40,000 pigs. 

Ibanda chief magistrate’s court has charged a woman who reportedly threw stones at a bar, damaging its roof and windows after prosecution witness placed her at the crime scene.

Caroline Tumwekwase, of Kitontooma, Bisheshe division in Ibanda Municipality, is accused of malicious damage to property belonging to Wilbroad Katsigazi of the same area.

While testifying before his highness Aloysius Natwijuka, the Chief magistrate, Isaac Hakiza, a witness, said about 8pm on January 19^th, 2023, he saw Tumwekwase and a one Yona throwing stones at Katsigazi’s building which houses the bar.

He said the incident lasted over five minutes, explaining that the two would throw stones at the building at intervals, then dash into the neighbour’s house.

Hakiza said he was able to identify the suspect because a security light at the neighbour’s house provided enough light for him to recognize her and the colleague.  

Katsigazi (the victim) had told court that the suspect who is a breastfeeding mother believed that her husband was drinking at the same bar.

He added that the suspect’s act left his commercial house with a damaged roof and broken windows, adding that he found some of the stones inside the bar the following morning.

Natwijuka adjourned the case until April 12^th when hearing of the prosecution witnesses will continue.

Anyone found guilty for the crime of malicious damage to property faces up to five years in jail on conviction. The crime contravenes section 335 of the Penal code Act.

Rwampara district health officer, Dr Allan Twesigomwe has been arrested over allegations of forgery and mismanagement of funds meant for Village Health Team (VHTs) activities and primary health care funds.

Twesigomwe was arrested on Monday evening by the office of the Rwampara Resident District Commissioner and is currently detained at Nyeihanga Police station, pending investigations. 

Jane Muhindo, the Rwampara Resident District Commissioner revealed that Twesigomwe’s arrest followed several reports from the chief administrative officer (CAO) to have him investigated.

Muhindo narrates that the DHO has on several occasions manipulated and exaggerated the number of Health Center IIs in the district noting that the district has 29 parishes while Twesigomwe claimed and fed the Ministry of Health with 40 parishes.

Muhindo noted that they have in the meantime preferred charges that include abuse of office, forgery, and corruption.

Uganda Revenue Authority has asked women to embrace new technology and modern farming practices to ensure production of good quality products other than using the internet for non-profitable things like tik-tok.

Speaking at the annual Uganda Revenue Authority women’s conference at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara, Ephrance Tumuboine, the assistant commissioner in crop protection in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said that equipping women with information will strengthen their capacities.

“I want to once again encourage every woman here to embrace modern agriculture, use their phones to acquire more knowledge, explore external opportunities and embrace government opportunities to enhance business growth,” said Tumuboine.

She noted that women should use their own phones to promote their business rather than going on phone recording videos which will not help them.

Connie Kekihembo, the executive Director of Uganda women Entrepreneurs Association Limited appealed to women to spend their time in running their business to increase their income other than spending money on parties such as birthday parties, graduations.

Simon Mwijuka, the chairperson Mbarara city traders associations asked women to be patient while running their business.

Police in Bushenyi has arrested two security guards for shooting a suspected thief to death.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi region Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Onan Muramira, 47, a teacher by profession and a resident of Nyakabingo I cell, Rushinya Parish, Kakanju Sub-county in Bushenyi district.

The suspects allegedly shot the deceased on suspicion that he had come to steal a car battery at Katungu Filling Petrol station located at Bugomora cell, ward III, Ishaka Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality in Bushenyi district.

The security guards fought with the deceased and they later shot him in the chest killing him on the spot and reported to their supervisor Nuwamanya Joseph who reported at Ishaka police station.

According to Tumusiime, police visited the scene and the deceased was found lying down at the fuel station with torn clothes and with a cut wound on the forehead, small wound on the chest and open wound at back.

Tumusiime revealed that two security guards of Ruhama Veterans Uganda Ltd who were on duty have been arrested, their shoes and clothes with blood stains also recovered, an AK47 gun used in shooting was also recovered with 4 bullets.

The deceased’s body was taken to KIU Teaching hospital Ishaka for postmortem examination as investigations into the matter continue.

The minister of Local government, Raphael Magyezi has expressed concern over the increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Bushenyi district.

Speaking as a chief guest at the official opening of 5-day agricultural trade show at the Bushenyi main stadium, Magyezi noted that it’s a shame that in Bushenyi as a district, there has been a rapid increase in the number of HIV/AIDS infections where he urged district leaders to find ways on how to fight this. 

Minister Magyezi also decried the increasing number of murder cases and called upon the Government to beef up security in the area. The minister noted that many murder cases have taken place in the district which has left many in fear.

He said as leaders they are going to convene a security meeting to discuss the ways to end this insecurity in the district.

Edmund Bashaasha, the Chief Organizer revealed that this trade show aims at conducting various trainings in skilling the youth and women on the best farming practices, value addition, and financial literacy among others.

The Bushenyi Trade and Agriculture Show is an annual exhibition showcasing agricultural, manufactured and processed products, farm displays and innovations and attracts at least 6,000 exhibitors, farmers, consultants and other stakeholders.

Police in Bushenyi district are investigating circumstances under which a retired UPDF Officer was murdered in cold blood.

Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi police spokesperson identified the deceased as Mawanda Sarapio Magezi, 60, a resident of Bucuma cell, Kigoma ward, Kigoma -Kizinda town council in Bushenyi district, a business man and retired UPDF soldier.

Tumusiime revealed that the deceased was found in his house behind entrance corridor besides his bed room and dining room, lying in pool of blood with multiple deep head injuries and cuts around the neck caused by sharp object.

Tumusiime said that all the documents of deceased were found tucked in his pocket apart from the wallet which was found besides the body of the deceased.

He added that the glass door at sitting room was broken which was probably the entrance and exit of assailant.

He said the deceased was staying in the house alone and casual worker, a one Tumusiime Jackson staying in boys quarters.

Bridget Natukunda, the 29-year-old female resident of Kigoma-Kizinda town council, Bushenyi district who reported the case to police said the body of the deceased was discovered at around 8:30PM.

Tumusiime said that police visited the scene of crime and the body of the deceased was taken to Mbarara referral hospital for postmortem.