Day

By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

The Head teacher and four teachers at Nyambuku SDA Primary School in Ibanda – Kyanya Town Council, Kasese district have been summoned to appear in the office of the District Chairperson over allegations of absenteeism from duty.

Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi summoned them yesterday after visiting the school and observed that the accused teachers were not present. He subsequently ordered that they should appear in his office on Monday July 01, 2024.

He was dismayed after checking the attendance book and found that seven teachers out of ten attend on a daily basis.

The District Boss also observed that there were no lesson plans and schemes of work per subject at the institution.

Ms Yodesi Kabugho, the acting Deputy Head teacher at the institution, told our reporter in a separate interview that some of the teachers could have failed to report on duty because the learners are busy preparing for the forthcoming sports activity.

However, Mr. Gideon Marahi, the Director of Studies said the environment at the school forces his fellow teachers to absentee themselves.

ends.

By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

Victims of the recent mudslides and floods currently encamped at Nyambuku SDA and Buhunga primary schools in Ibanda – Kyanya Town Council have been encouraged to seek refuge from homes of their relatives to avoid contracting diseases and getting used to some bad vices associated with camps.

The encouragement was sounded today by the Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi who had paid a courtesy visit to the 234 households living in the two camps to deliver relief items including cassava flour, maize flour and beans to the victims.

Muhindi explained that it was on record that where people stay in large numbers, challenges including disease outbreaks and prostitution among others become the order of the day.

He therefore asked them to observe the health and sanitation measures, security and proper feeding especially for the children and pregnant women.

The District Boss also told them that while in the camps, they should be aware of the Parish Development Model funds being given out to their respective parishes.

Mr. Saul Bwambale Mughunza, the Local Council I Chairperson for Nyambuku Cell, told the District Boss that they were happy with government for the pledge from the Office of the Prime Minister.

According to him, the Office of the Prime Minister has pledged to give also donate relief items to them.
Ends

By AMBROSE KWERONDA

KABALE

Farmers in Western Uganda have been advised to stop importing banana plants from neighbouring countries where the banana bunchy top virus has erupted.

The warning was issued during a two-day meeting organized by the Uganda Revenue Authority, Border Traders, and Trademark Africa through the Ministry of East African Community Affairs was held at the White Horse Inn in Makanga, Kabale District.

Mr. Ronald Asiimwe, a senior Agricultural Inspector from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, who was one of the guest speakers revealed that the disease has affected four East African countries: Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi.

Asiimwe mentioned that in Rwanda, farmers have already started planting alternative crops due to the impact of the disease on banana plantations which has affected their banana plantation.

According to Asiimwe, when the banana bunchy top virus affects banana plantations, it takes approximately three months for the entire plantation to be destroyed.

He said that the decision to halt banana plant imports from affected countries is part of a broader strategy to protect Uganda’s banana industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. By taking proactive measures, farmers and the government aim to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on banana cultivation for their income.

Asiimwe says the signs and symptoms of banana bract mosaic virus, which include green or red-brown streaks or spindle-shaped lesions on the leaf stalks and sometimes on the midribs of new banana leaves. Chlorotic (pale yellow or yellow-white) streaks can also appear on the bunch stems and fingers.

He noted that some districts in Uganda are already affected, and other districts in the Kigezi Region are at high risk of being affected.

Asiimwe urged farmers to inform veterinary officers if they notice symptoms in their banana plantations. He recommended mixing water and soap to create a spray solution as a control measure.