Day

By Ambrose Kweronda

RUBANDA

Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba has emphasized the importance of catering for minority interests in the district.

He made this statement yesterday during Eidd Adhuha celebrations held in Karegyere Parish, Muko sub-county, Rubanda district.

Ampeire revealed that he has often wondered about the representation of Muslims in the district, given the dominance of Catholic and Protestant leaders.

The Rubanda district LC5 Chairperson recalled finding the district grappling with land disputes between Catholics and Muslims, with some leaders using derogatory language towards Muslims as a minority group.

He emphasized that their leadership philosophy prioritizes inclusivity, with the slogan “minority interests must be catered for.”

He noted that Muslims are also Ugandans with equal rights and participate in elections.

The district council, under his leadership, instructed Muko sub-county council to donate land to Muslims for the construction of a mosque, promoting religious equality.

Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba added that he is also working towards securing land titles for Muslim land.

Chairman Kasyaba expressed concern over false accusations on social media and radio stations alleging that he solicits bribes from Muslims in exchange for public land.

Meanwhile, Rubanda District parliamentary hopeful Jacqueline Katabazi used the celebrations to preach a message of love and unity among different religions.

Dr. Haruna Mutabazi, Vice Chairperson for Rubanda Twale, said that they have never had a leader who supports Islam like the current district LC5 Chairperson, Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba.

He added that Muko sub-county has plenty of public land, but previous leaders deemed the Muslim community as a minority group, unfit to share it.

He however said that Chairman Kasyaba has included and supported them.

By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

Kasese political leaders have asked the Rwenzururu King (Omusinga) Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma to advocate for the improved public healthcare services and the reinstatement of Kilembe Mines Hospital in Bulembia Division, Kasese Municipality.

The leaders sounded the remarks this evening while addressing the Omusinga at Rwenzori Square in Kasese town. The Omusinga had been invited by the Municipal leaders to inspect and monitor the implementation of government projects in the urban centre.

In his remarks, the Municipality Mayor, Chance Kahindo, reported that the whole urban centre with a big population has two public health centre IIIs and four health centre IIs.

Kahindo noted that the population finds it hard to get healthcare services from the privately owned facilities due to high levels of poverty.

He appealed to the Omusinga to lobby for the reinstatement of Kilembe Mines Hospital so that it continues serving the population in both urban and mountainous areas.

He, however, hailed government for releasing shillings 800 million for the construction of maternity wards at Rukooki Health Centre IV and Katiri Health Centre II respectively.

The Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Florence Kabugho told the Omusinga that the expectant mothers were suffering a lot while seeking services from health facilities that are not within their vicinity.

The Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Ferigo Kambale, explained that they had tried their level best to present the issue of Kilembe Mines Hospital that their efforts have remained answered, appealing to the Omusinga to amply the community’s voice to have the facility reinstated.

Mr. Richard Bomera, the Bulembia Division Chairperson told the Omusinga that after the withdrawal of the health workers from Kilembe Mines Hospital, the surrounding communities are finding it hard to access medical care, asking the King to report the challenge to President Museveni for his intervention.

ENDS

By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

Three children who had been stuck in the Middle of River Nyamwamba in Kasese Municipality have this evening been rescued by the Police Fire and Water Brigade, officials from the Uganda Red Cross and the community.

It is reported that today morning, the victims went with their parents to Bitsumba in Kiraha Ward to look after their crop gardens but upon return, they found when the water volumes of the river had increased.

After crossing one stream heading the second one, the victims could not proceed with the journey because of the increased water volumes. At that time, they couldn’t go back and the only option was to remain in the middle of the two streams yelling for help.

The rescued children including Regan Bwambale, 13, Ian Masereka, 12 and Lodrick Awithe, 13 belong to the same father, Elijah Muhindo who lives in Kizungu Cell, Nyamwamba Division in Kasese Municipality.

Mr. Isaiah Thembo, the Chairperson Local Council I for Kitooro Cell where the incident happened warned the residents against crossing rivers during the wee and late hours.

Mr. Godfrey Kule Kiwede from the Uganda Red Cross hailed police and the residents for their quick response towards rescuing the victims.

SP Wilfred Isaiah Bagenda, the Kasese Divisional Police Commander, who described the rescue mission as hectic, however, noted that they were able to rescue the victims. He hailed the rescue team including officers from the Uganda Police Force, UPDF and Red Cross for their quick response.

ENDS