The Resident Commissioner of Bushenyi district, Emmy Ngabirano has urged Christians to remain vigilant and responsible during the Christmas celebrations. He emphasized the importance of celebrating within one’s financial means and being aware of personal safety and security.
In his Christmas message delivered today while in Mashonga parish, Kyamuhunga subcounty, Ngabirano highlighted that security is a collective responsibility, encouraging residents to keep a close eye on their domestic animals and properties during the festive season.
Nuwe Sula, the councilor representing Mashonga Parish in Kyamuhunga Subcounty, echoed Ngabirano’s sentiments urging Christians not to leave their homes unattended. He cautioned that criminals often take advantage of the holiday gatherings to target people’s properties.
The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, has urged clergy to foster a culture of support for existing church projects rather than abandoning them. During a commissioning ceremony for the refurbished bishop’s office at Bweranyangi Hill. The prelate emphasized the importance of sustaining projects for future generations.
Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, commended the bishop for promoting a message of love that unites the community and encourages collective action. He observed that in West Ankole, the focus is on serving the people of God, transcending religious affiliations.
Willis Bashasha, the head of laity for the West Ankole Diocese reported that the diocese has successfully achieved 75% of its project targets. He credited these accomplishments to visionary leadership and teamwork among Christians.
Bashasha also announced plans to advance work at Katungu Mission Hospital noting that they have completed the administration blocks.
Police in Kazo have arrested two men suspected of being involved in a series of criminal activities.The duo has been terrorizing the community overtime.
The suspects have been identified as Budget Nuwamanya and his father, Stuart Amanya both residents of Kanoni Sub-County, Kazo District.
According to Kazo District Police Commander, SP Joseph Nsabimana, the arrests were made during a security operation conducted in the wee hours of Saturday December 21. He stated that the police were tipped off about a gang called GAZA, allegedly led by Nuwamanya which operates in Kanoni and parts of Ibanda District.
Nsabimana reported that some members of the gang have already been apprehended and police have been actively searching for their leader, Nuwamanya. During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered various exhibits including tools believed to be used for breaking into homes, suspected military attire and illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine along with a GAZA stamp.
Nsabimana urged the general public to cooperate with security teams by providing information related to insecurity in their areas.
The suspects are currently being held at the Kazo Central Police Station.
Magyezi Henry Bihamu, the Vice Chairman of the sub-county, was present at the scene but declined to comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, residents who spoke with our reporter on the condition of anonymity expressed their concerns about the arrested individuals. They alleged that the suspects were involved in violent thefts, even during daylight hours.
Some community members voiced their fears, suggesting that the suspects come from what they described as a powerful family, with claims that certain relatives hold positions at the State House. This has led to skepticism among residents regarding whether the culprits will actually face charges.
The government of Uganda with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has initiated alternative livelihood projects for former wetland encroachers in Sheema District to help mitigate the dangers associated with climate change.
At least 200 families from sub-counties including Kigarama, Kakindo Town, Masheruka Town Council, Shuuku Town Council, Kyangyenyi and Kitagata were evicted from wetlands in the district. In return for vacating these areas, they were promised alternative livelihoods.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Dr. Masembe Kamadini, the program’s focal person in the Ministry of Local Government distributed livestock to the families which included 10 heifers, 150 piglets and 1,280 chicks.
During the handover ceremony, Sheema District Resident District Commissioner, Fred Nayebare Kyamuzigita urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the animals provided. He cautioned against using the heifers as bride price highlighting their potential for economic empowerment through breeding and multiplication.
Sheema District Chairperson Jemima Tumwijukye Buhanda praised the public for complying with the government’s directive to vacate the wetlands noting that this decision positively contributed to environmental restoration in the area. She also expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing support for those in need particularly those who willingly left the wetlands.
Patrick Turyatunga, the Sheema District Natural Resources Officer acknowledged the initial resistance to the wetland eviction directives but noted that sensitization meetings were instrumental in gaining community acceptance after assurances of compensation.
Turyatunga urged land owners near wetlands to maintain the recommended buffer zones to avoid penalties and stressed the importance of beneficiaries using their resources responsibly to ensure sustained benefits.
Community leaders and well wishers gathered at Mbogo Bataka Primary School in Kanoni Sub-County, Kazo District yesterday for a fundraising event at the school premises . The aim of the function was to raise funds for the construction of staff quarters at the school.
The headteacher, Herbert Kayibanda, who was transferred to the school a year ago, expressed his concerns about the school’s current condition stating that it was in a sorry state. He explained that lack of staff quarters is believed to be a contributing factor to the school’s poor academic performance as teachers are forced to commute from distances of 4 to 5 kilometers to school on a daily basis.
Kayibanda further revealed that challenges faced include dilapidated buildings, poor academic results, particularly in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) over the previous years and low enrollment which currently stands at 290 students.
Close to Ugx shs 20 million was raised in both cash and pledges to build staff shelter for a school that has been in existence for 50 years.
Hon. Jenifer Muhesi, the Kazo District Woman Representative, pledged to roof the structure that will be put up and urged attendees to work hard and combat poverty .She also asked them to aim at creating alternative sources of income in order to educate their children.
Agume Robert, the Acting District Education Officer, assured the congregation that the District Education Department has plans in place to renovate the school’s buildings in the coming financial year.
Hon. Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, the Member of Parliament for Kazo County, who was also the chief guest at the event asked parents to prioritize their children’s education, emphasizing that education is the key to success. He also condemned the rising incidents of animal theft in the area, calling for community vigilance.
Residents of Kaganda 1 Cell in Kiyagara Parish, Kahungye Sub County, Kamwenge district have taken matters into their own hands by constructing an outreach health facility for which they are now seeking government support to enhance the services provided by this health facility.
Pascal Roziyo Orisigara, the chairperson LCI Kaganda I, revealed that the community came together to raise funds for the facility due to the considerable distance to the nearest government health center. “To make health services more accessible, residents from Kaganda 1 and 2 collaborated to collect Ugx Shs 10,000 from each household and used it to construct the health facility,” he stated.
Gaston Turyahikayo, a Village Health Team member in Kaganda 1 shared his disappointment regarding lack of government response despite their attempts to reach out for assistance. “We tried contacting the authorities but we received no support which pushed us to take the initiative to help ourselves,” Turyahikayo said.
Though the facility is now operational, it currently offers only two health services antenatal care and polio vaccinations which are limited to once a month. Turyahikayo emphasized that this leaves a significant gap in healthcare services for the community.
Virginia Komworeko, the Assistant District Health Officer for Kamwenge District Maternal and Child Health Department acknowledged the residents’ efforts and expressed the district’s readiness to support them. “We are prepared to assist in expanding the health services available in Kaganda,” Komworeko confirmed.
As the local community continues to advocate for improved healthcare resources, they hope that their initiative will lead to more comprehensive health services and ultimately enhance the well-being of residents in Kaganda.
Authorities in Kiruhura district have asked residents to remain vigilant and safeguard their property With Christmas just around the corner. This comes amidst rising concerns of theft and other disturbances during the festive season in the area.
The Kiruhura District Police Commander, SP Hajj Kitaka Sulait warned that holidays often bring about an increase in security threats, including potential terrorist activities that may target large gatherings. “We urge the public to be alert and report any suspicious behavior,” he stated. He also emphasized the need for community awareness as celebrations commence.
Kitaka recommended that churches and other gathering places employ metal detectors aimed at screening attendees and further advocated for the establishment of neighborhood watch programs to strengthen local security.
Kitaka acknowledged challenges in police human resource and stressed the importance of personal responsibility in ensuring safety. “The number of police officers is not sufficient, so it is crucial for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property,” he cautioned.
Sgt (rtd), Apollo Tushemereirwe, the coordinator of district crime preventers echoed these sentiments, highlighting an uptick in incidents such as drunkenness, fights and thefts targeting passersby.He said that this is common in villages during the festive season. He urged crime prevention personnel and UPDF veterans to remain vigilant and actively work to prevent such behaviors from disrupting community harmony.
Drama unfolded yesterday at Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Hall as councillors staged a boycott against a scheduled council meeting, citing a lack of proper consultation from the council’s leadership.
The meeting, which was presided over by Speaker Evalist Mucunguzi, was met with backlash from councillors who accused the speaker of disregarding the necessary consultations with the business committee. Councillor Samson Ninyesinga voiced the sentiments of several members stating that the meeting could not proceed until the business committee convened to create a new agenda.
In defense, Mucunguzi claimed that the business committee had been invited to participate but had chosen not to attend. He insisted that his decision to convene a full council meeting was necessary to guide and formulate the business agenda which was ultimately rejected by the councillors.
The speaker further attributed the upheaval to underlying political dynamics, accusing members of the executive of colluding with certain councillors to disrupt council operations. In light of the unresolved conflicts and ongoing tensions, Mucunguzi announced the adjournment of the meeting until February 2025.
The decision has raised questions about the future of council operations in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality with many constituents expressing concern over the political infighting affecting local governance.
Security in Mubende have rejected a fundraising for basic necessities organised by Kyeyune Bazilondere of the National Unity Platform. Kyeyune who intends to contest as the LCV chairman was mobilising funds to purchase food,clothings among other items for the poor citizens in Madudu Subcounty.
Kyeyune and his team expressed disappointment over the actions of security personnel, who blocked their attempt to reach Madudu. He, however, informed the hopeful beneficiaries to remain patient until security provides a date for the delivery of these items.
The potential beneficiaries condemned the obstruction, emphasizing their urgent need for basic supplies, especially during this festive season.
Authorities in Sembabule District are considering a ban on livestock movement following an anthrax outbreak. The disease has spread to the Sub counties of Nabitanga, Kyeera, Lwemiyaga, and Ntuutsi, affecting both animals and humans.
Dr. Angelo Ssali, the District Veterinary Officer confirmed the outbreak last week which has resulted in the deaths of over 25 cows and two people in Nabitanga sub-county due to contact with infected carcasses. He expressed concern about the community’s reluctance to follow precautionary measures contributing to the disease’s rapid spread across the district.
Ssali warned that this resistance may lead the District Taskforce to enforce a quarantine on livestock movement as a containment strategy. He noted that despite warnings against handling or consuming meat from suspiciously dead animals, some residents continue to slaughter them, increasing their risk of infection.
Dr. Ismail Asiimwe, the Assistant Health Technical Officer at the Greater Masaka Regional Emergency Operations Center stated that field teams are assessing the situation to provide an effective response. They plan to collaborate with district veterinary and public health officers for public sensitization meetings to raise awareness about the disease.
So far, seven people have been identified as infected with anthrax and are receiving treatment.
