The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine, has officially confirmed the deployment of 102 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in Kazo District. This development marks a significant step in strengthening healthcare services at the community level within the district.

Last year, the Ministry of Health launched a program to train Community Health Workers across 14 districts where Kazo District was one of those selected. Each of the 51 parishes selected two people to participate in the training. The training of these health workers took place from March to June 2024 and today they received their confirmation letters along with essential equipment to commence their duties.

The supplied equipment includes bicycles, mobile phones, gumboots and other tools aimed at facilitating their work and improving service delivery at the grassroot level.

Dr. Atwine urged Ugandans to be vigilant and take care of their health to prevent the spread of Mpox, a disease that has been increasing in the country. She emphasized the importance of community participation in health initiatives and advised CHEWs to work diligently as they have been officially commissioned to serve.

Esther Bule, the District Health Officer (DHO) for Kazo district shared insights into the challenges faced during the training process. She highlighted the difficulties encountered and the ongoing health sector challenges within the district emphasizing the need for continued support and resources.

Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the District Chairman expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their support to Kazo District. He assured the community that the district is committed to improving health services and thanked all stakeholders involved.

Hon. Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, MP for Kazo Constituency commended the CHEWs for their patience and dedication during the training period. He urged them to maintain their enthusiasm and serve their communities wholeheartedly. He reminded them that their efforts are vital in boosting health activities across the district.

Several CHEWs, including Lydia Kihembo, Radicle Natamba and John Mukundane, pledged to work tirelessly and wholeheartedly to improve health outcomes, promising to serve the community with dedication and professionalism.

This deployment is expected to enhance community health services in Kazo District bringing healthcare closer to the people and addressing local health challenges more effectively.

Mitooma District Roads Committee has handed over the District Engineer, John Baptist Tumwebaze to police for arrest as investigations begin into the alleged misuse of road funds.

The decision was made during a roads’ committee meeting held yesterday at the district headquarters chaired by Committee Chairman Capt. Mugabe Donozio Kahonda. Kahonda ordered the arrest of Eng. Tumwebaze after he failed to provide clear accountability for the third quarter road fund.

Speaking after the meeting, Capt. Kahonda stated, “The engineer has diverted funds from what the committee approved. We have discovered that UGX60 million is missing and this cannot be tolerated.”

Kahonda emphasized the importance of accountability, adding, “We are committed to ensuring that funds allocated for development are used appropriately. Any deviation will be met with decisive action.”

Karyeija Benon, the Mitooma District Chairperson, also voiced firm resolve against embezzlement. “As leaders, we are ready to fight any form of financial misconduct. It is essential that all technical personnel provide transparent and accountable services,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Kibuka Francis, the Mitooma District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), highlighted the security implications of the issue. “As part of the security team, we are prepared to implement the decisions of the roads committee. Embezzlement of funds is also a matter of insecurity and we will not tolerate it,” he asserted.

The district authorities have reiterated their commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring proper management of public resources to foster development and public trust.

Police in Rukungiri district are actively investigating and hunting for suspects believed to be responsible for the murder of Muhumuza Robert, 28 also known as Muja a resident of Ruyonja Cell, Nyarushanje Parish, Rukungiri District. The incident occurred on the night of June 2 at Ikondere Cell, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-County.

According to police reports, the deceased was last seen on June 1 around 10:00 p.m. when he went with Mwesigwa Hillary from Nyarushanje Trading Centre. The two, reportedly intoxicated decided to spend the night at Mwesigwa Hillary’s residence.

In the early hours of June 2 at around midnight, a group led by Turyahabwe Benson, the area chairperson of Ikondere Cell reportedly arrived at the residence. Turyahabwe, along with his wife Christina their employee Girigori, and others knocked on the door where Muhumuza and Mwesigwa were sleeping. When Mwesigwa opened the door, the suspects allegedly tied the two men with ropes and began assaulting them, accusing Muhumuza of stealing Benson Turyahabwe’s coffee from his home.

The assault drew the attention of Akampa Felix, brother to Mwesigwa Hillary, who intervened to stop the suspects from further violence. The suspects then left the scene leaving Muhumuza Robert and Mwesigwa Hillary in pain and distress.

Mwesigwa Hillary realized his colleague Muhumuza Robert had died and informed his brother, Akampa who reported the matter to police.

A murder case was immediately registered at Rubabo Police Station. Authorities visited the scene, documented evidence, recorded witness statements, and conducted a post-mortem examination on the deceased.

Police are currently on the trail of the suspects,Turyahabwe Benson, Christina Turyahabwe and others who remain at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and bring justice for Muhumuza Robert.

This tragic incident has raised concerns about community safety and the need for heightened law enforcement to prevent such violent acts in the region. Police urge anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to come forward to aid in their swift apprehension.

Police in Rubanda district are investigating circumstances under which two men in at Nyamuriro Wolfram mining site in Rubanda on the night of June 3. Two individuals lost their lives after being buried by sand during an illegal mining operation while the third one is still at large. They reportedly sneaked into the mining site to carry out unauthorized sand extraction.

According to police reports, the three individuals entered the site around 5:00 a.m. on June 3, they became trapped in a sand-filled hole leading to the death of two of them on the spot while the third person whose identity has not yet been established managed to escape unhurt and remains at large.

The victims have been identified as Acleo Bushato, 27 and Muhumuza both male residents of Kalere Trading Centre,Kara Parish in Muko subcounty.

Police reportedly received a distressing call from the officer in charge of Nyamuriro Mineral Police Post. The police team led by the District Police Commander (DPC) responded swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the bodies had already been retrieved from the site but discovered police guards and Onesmus, the former chairperson of KI3R Mining Company Limited at the scene.

In an effort to prevent further illegal activities, the police including officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) conducted community policing exercises in Kalere Trading Centre. Authorities are urging the public to desist from illegal mining practices that pose serious safety risks.

The police have launched investigations into the incident and are actively pursuing the suspect who escaped. They also continue to warn the community against unauthorized mining activities that endanger lives and property.

This tragic incident underscores the dangers associated with illegal mining operations in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of mining laws and enhanced community awareness.

Police in Rukungiri district have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Sunday Innocent Akim, 23, a nresident of Ncwera Cell, Rweshama Parish, Bwambara Sub-county.

Kigezi region police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate identified the suspects as Moses Mujuni and Goodrah Mugabirwe. The suspects are in detention as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Akim’s death.

Further details about the incident and the motive for the killing have not yet been disclosed. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The government of Uganda has allocated UGX200 million for the construction of a new central market in Kabwohe town in Sheema Municipality. The announcement was made over the weekend by Sheema Municipality Member of Parliament, Dicksons Kateshumbwa during a meeting with market vendors.

Kateshumbwa revealed that the new market which is situated along the Kabwohe–Masheruka road, will be constructed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade. He explained that the current market would be affected by the upcoming tarmacking of the road and to prevent disruption of business particularly for the women who constitute the majority of vendors; construction of the new facility will commence before road works begin.

However, he acknowledged that the allocated funds might not be sufficient to complete the entire project. He assured traders that those currently operating in the existing market would be given priority for space once the new market is operational and emphasized the need to engage the municipal council authorities to consider reducing the taxes levied on vendors which many find burdensome.

Kateshumbwa said“We are committed to ensuring that vendors are not left stranded during the road upgrades and we will do our best to support them through this transition.”

Juliet Kebirungi, the chairperson of the Kabwohe Mid-Market, welcomed the development but highlighted several pressing challenges facing the current market. She pointed out issues such as lack of electricity, poor sanitation and the absence of a perimeter fence all which hinder the effective operation of the market. Kebirungi also reiterated concerns over high taxes despite the market hosting over 150 vendors.

The planned construction aims to improve trading conditions and address infrastructure gaps, promising a more conducive environment for both vendors and shoppers in Kabwohe.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa paid tribute to the late Gen. Elly Tumwiine for his role in the National Resistance Army (NRA) Bush War and his legacy as a patriot and freedom fighter.

Tayebwa was speaking at a fundraising event yesterday at Mukuru Church of Uganda in Rwemikoma Archideaconary Kazo district. The event was organized by Mrs. Jolly Tumwine to support the church’s construction; a project initially conceptualized by Gen. Tumwiine before his passing.

He emphasized the importance of honoring Gen. Tumwine’s vision and announced plans for tarmacking the Kazo-Kyegegwa road as part of this year’s development agenda.

The church service which was led by Rt, Rev. Alfred Muhoozi of North Ankole Diocese focused on patience and the right timing for action. The event was attended by MPs Hon. Dan Kimosho and Hon. Janepher Muheesi, Uganda People’s Defence Forces officers among other leaders. Over UGX200 million were raised to support the church project.

Catholics in Kazo district have raised UGX145million to support the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund (AMDEF). This contribution significantly boosts the archdiocese’s overall fundraising target of UGX8.5billion aimed at financing the construction of a mega arcade in Mbarara City.

The fundraising campaign which commenced earlier this year seeks to bolster the Archdiocese’s development initiatives and enhance service delivery across its various Catholic institutions. Kazo district was allocated a target of UGX150 million. The event marked a major milestone with the remaining balance expected to be pledged in the coming weeks.

The mobilization effort kicked off with the Holy Sacrifice of mass celebrated by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese. During his homily, the prelate emphasized the importance of self-reliance within the Church’s development efforts.

“We must stop relying solely on donors. The Church needs to build its capacity to fund and sustain its own projects. I thank all of you who have supported this noble cause,” he stated.

The event was attended by several leaders including Members of Parliament Hon. Atwijukiire Dan Kimosho of Kazo County and Hon. Janepher Muheesi, the Kazo district Woman Member of Parliament along with other political figures. During the gathering, these leaders contributed over UGX45million towards the campaign.

Eng. Silver Mugisha, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Archdiocese of Mbarara provided an update on the project’s financial needs noting that UGX8.5 billion is still required to complete the construction of the proposed development projects.

In his message read by Kazo County Member of Parliament Dan Kimosho, Kazo Member of Parliament emeritus Hon. Eng. John Nasasira commended the Catholic Church for enhancing community services, particularly in education and health. He made a contribution of UGX 5million to the cause.

Bainomugisha initiated AMDEF to create a sustainable model for resource mobilization with a goal of strengthening the Church’s mission in community development and service delivery.

Kazo joins other districts such as Bushenyi, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Isingiro, Rubirizi, Mitoma, Sheema, Buhweju, Kiruhura, and Ibanda, which have already been visited as part of the ongoing fundraising campaign.

The Judiciary of Uganda is set to undertake a significant initiative to train religious leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and local council leaders in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. This effort aims to enhance access to justice and alleviate the growing backlog of cases in courts across the country.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Justice His Lordship Dr. Flavian Zeija during the commissioning of the newly constructed Sheema Chief Magistrate’s Court, held yesterday at Kibingo, Sheema Central Division in Sheema Municipality.

Justice Zeija emphasized the critical role community leaders play in the justice system noting that many disputes are first reported to religious, political and local council leaders. He stressed the importance of equipping these leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to resolve conflicts fairly and efficiently through ADR thereby easing the burden on formal courts.

In addition to the court’s commissioning, a Justice Centre worth UGX1.83 billion was officially opened. The complex comprises a Grade One and Chief Magistrate’s Court offices for the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and a police block. The construction of the facility which began in 2019 faced delays due to funding gaps, contract revisions and management challenges as explained by Eng. Priscilla Nakiboneka, the Principal Executive Engineer at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs who represented the Permanent Secretary.

Eng. Nakiboneka urged judicial officers and court staff to ensure regular maintenance of the new facility emphasizing that proper cleaning and upkeep are vital in preserving the building’s condition.

Fred Kyamuzigita, the Sheema District Resident District Commissioner praised the sector for the improved infrastructure highlighting that the new court complex would facilitate more efficient transportation of prisoners and bring justice services closer to the people.

Lucy Kabahuma, the Sheema District Chief Magistrate provided an update on the court’s caseload, revealing that the court is currently handling 821 cases both civil and criminal. She explained that civil disputes predominantly involve land disagreements and debt recovery issues by SACCOs while criminal cases are mostly petty offenses including coffee theft, matooke theft, cattle theft, assault and threats of violence.

In his remarks, Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa called on SACCO members to practice financial discipline and heed the guidance of their leaders to foster community development and peace.