Leaders and stakeholders of Rwemikoma sub county gathered yesterday to bid farewell to former district councilor Hon. Laban Kanyohora, who has been appointed Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kiruhura. Kanyohora represented Rwemikoma since 2016 and was appreciated for his contributions during a ceremony at the sub county headquarters.

The attendees congratulated Kanyohora and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. They also expressed gratitude to the president for appointing as Assistant Resident Commissioner for Kiruhura District.

David Kikoko, a representative for people with disabilities, lauded Kanyohora for his service and transformative work in the area.

The Sub County Chief James Buturumba congratulated Kanyohora and mentioned the retirement of Turyaija Joseph, the sub accountant. In response, Kanyohora thanked the community for their support and emphasized the importance of education during his tenure.

The Guest of honour, Gershom Mushabe, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kazo, highlighted the need for unity among Rwemikoma residents in honoring the achievements of their outgoing leaders.

Francis Twase Kawesi , Chairperson of the Security Committee for Rugaaga Sub County in Bukanga North, Isingiro District, has highlighted serious concerns regarding the existence of ghost beneficiaries registered under the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. He called on higher security authorities to assist in identifying the technocrats allegedly involved in these fraudulent registrations for necessary disciplinary action.

These remarks were made during a one-day monitoring exercise focused on the PDM program, led by Coordinator Joseph Barugahare from the Office of the National Chairperson (ONC) of Greater Mbarara.

Joseph Barugahare confirmed that reports from the public indicate widespread corruption within the PDM program that needs urgent attention. He urged all committees involved to collaborate with local leaders and the community to ensure that funds are distributed to genuine beneficiaries in accordance with the program guidelines. Barugahare highlighted the importance of ensuring that by 2026, all deserving beneficiaries can participate in the money economy.

Moses Mukwasibwe Kapikiri, ONC Chairperson for Ibanda District, noted the discovery of ghost beneficiaries during the monitoring exercise. He proposed that lists of beneficiaries be displayed on public notice boards to promote transparency and accountability within the program.

Kiiza Livingstone, Coordinator of People with Disabilities from the Office of the National Chairperson ONC, called on parish chiefs and town agents along with other stakeholders to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive their allocated ten percent of the PDM benefits. He also stressed the need for parish chiefs and town agents to accurately document all data related to the PDM for effective accountability.

The collective objective of these officials is to protect the integrity of the PDM program and ensure that it effectively serves all eligible beneficiaries.

Residents, local leaders and officials in Ibanda district have been urged to work together to combat corruption. The call was made by Rev. Fr. Cyril Saasi, the parish priest of Kihani Catholic parish in Ibanda while presiding over mass at the sendoff of Mzee Peter Buyaaayo, a 79-year-old.

The Ibanda district chairman, Happy Herbert Mayanja, praised Buyaaayo as a hardworking man and advised residents to emulate his character. He also noted that some of the parish Parish Development Model beneficiaries complained that their coordinators demand bribes. Mayanja informed those who seek bribes to ready themselves to face the law.

Hon. Jovuline Kaliisa Kyomukama, former Woman Member of Parliament and National Deputy Coordinator for Parish Development Model promised to wage war on corrupt Parish Development Model coordinators. She urged beneficiaries to report corrupt coordinators and seek justice.

The event was attended by sub-county councillors, district officials, and other dignitaries.

Police in Bushenyi District are investigating a case involving two former radio presenters accused of burglary. The incident took place in Ishaka town within the Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality, where employees of one of the radio stations in Bushenyi attempted to break into a store belonging to prominent businessman Livingston Ahimbisibwe, commonly known as Kihimbi.

The two accused women, Marry Komuhimbo Akiki, a former Marketing Manager and News Anchor, and a woman identified only as Moreen, a former Response/Cashier, were caught on CCTV footage trying to unlock the store using master keys.

Ahimbisibwe stated that he had lost a significant amount of property and initially suspected his employees were responsible for the theft until he reviewed the footage.

Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed that the two women are under investigation. They have denied the charges, claiming they were simply trying to chase a rat from their rented room to the store.

The case has been registered under SD REF. 09/04/08/2024.

Private schools in Kazo District have been urged to operate according to required standards as education authorities adopt a stricter approach.

During a meeting held on Thursday September, 20th 2024 at Kazo District Council Hall, the District Education Officer, Agume Robert, emphasized the importance of adhering to minimum educational standards. He advised head teachers to meet these standards for the good of the education sector in the district.

Additionally, Agume underscored the importance of guiding students on HIV prevention, highlighting that Kazo District has seen an increase in HIV cases.

Namanya Mackline, the Senior Inspector of Schools, echoed these sentiments, urging school leaders to prioritize not just academic success but also the promotion of good morals among students.

The meeting was well-received by the private school owners and head teachers who expressed their gratitude to the Kazo District Education Department for organizing such gatherings. They noted that these meetings foster a sense of community and collaboration among educators.

A group of councilors in Mbarara district boycotted a council meeting accusing leaders from the works, transport and finance committees of embezzling road funds. The meeting, held at the district headquarters yesterday became contentious when the district chairperson Didas Tabaro presented a report claiming that 80% of roads had been completed, which contradicted the actual conditions on the ground.

The councilors demanded accountability for over Shs 500 million spent on the Mabira-Kitookye Rweshanku road, criticizing the Shs1billion budget allocation as corrupt. Councilor Mukama Asiimwe Edgar claimed that the finance and works committees had failed in their oversight responsibilities and engaged in mismanagement.

Hon. Bazil Bataringaya, the Kashari North Member of Parliament who is also the Mbarara district roads committee chairperson urged the district speaker to mentor councilors to prevent manipulation and bribery that disrupt the council’s unity emphasizing the need for collaborative leadership.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Simon Peter Kaswabri condemned the boycott warning that such actions undermine effective leadership and set a poor example.

The Resident District Commissioner for Lwengo District, Emmanuel Turyabagyenyi Kateera, has emphasized the importance of teamwork and transparent cooperation to ensure access to quality service delivery for residents and stakeholders.

During an engagement meeting with sub-county chiefs, town clerks, and district leaders at the Lwengo district headquarters yesterday, Turyabagyenyi called for collaboration among the district chairperson, political and technical teams, and the district internal security officer. He stressed that such cooperation is essential for promoting effective service delivery and combating corruption.

The meeting also raised concerns about increasing incidents of theft and break-ins in Nkingo sub-county, located in the Bukoto East constituency. Participants reported that police at the Kinoni Town Council on Masaka Road were exacerbating the situation by leaving damaged vehicles piled up in front of the police station leading to unsafe conditions for livestock and causing serious accidents.

Turyabagyenyi reiterated the necessity of collective efforts in reporting accurate and timely information to his office and other relevant security officials including the police to help prevent crime in the community.

Hon. Bazil Bataringaya Rwankwene, Member of Parliament for Kashari North and Chairperson of the Mbarara District Roads Committee has called for the responsible use of one billion shillings allocated by the central government for the improvement of the road network in Mbarara district. He emphasized that these funds must be managed effectively to ensure the construction of credible roads.

During a press briefing following a meeting of the Mbarara District Roads Committee at the district headquarters in Kamukuzi, Bataringaya stressed the importance of leveraging the improved roads for economic growth. He urged beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program to utilize the new roads to transport their goods to better markets thereby enhancing their household income.

The press briefing was attended by several officials, including Mbarara District Woman MP Hon. Magret Ayebare Rwebyambu, Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi, and Mbarara District Chairperson DidusTumwesigye Tabaro, among others.

Bataringaya also reported that the district has borrowed two tractors; one from Rwampara District and another from Mbarara City to assist with routine road maintenance. He indicated that these fully repaired tractors have already begun working in Kashari North, with plans to move to the Kashari South road network once their current tasks are completed. “The aim is to achieve road quality similar to that observed in Rwampara and Sheema districts”,he said

Additionally, the MP advised the Mbarara District Engineer to seek guidance from technical teams in Rwampara and Sheema which could prove beneficial in ensuring the construction of durable and high-quality roads in Mbarara.