Day

By Moses Andama

www.mknewslink.com

In Bunyoro—-

Subjects of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom from Masindi district have spoken about the current leadership impasse in the Kingdom.

This came after Eng. Fred Rucunya Mugenyi, the Chief Prince (Okwiri) of the Kingdom, announced an interim Kingdom cabinet led by Dr. Kyamanywa Kasirivu Atwooki as the new interim Prime Minister replacing Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga.

This decision came after an emergency meeting held by the Babiito clan, which issued a one-week ultimatum for Byakutaga to vacate his office, alleging that his tenure was illegal.

The Babiito clan was dissatisfied with the Royal Commission’s decision in July to extend Byakutaga’s term by one year.

However, Byakutaga has vowed not to vacate his office, claiming that the new interim cabinet appointed by the Babiito clan is illegal.

Byakutaga asserts that only the Omukama, Dr. Solomon Gafubusa Rukirabasaija Agutamba Iguru I, has the power to appoint or dismiss kingdom officials.

Phenehas Kyotosaborwa, one of the kingdom’s subjects is worried that if not amicably and quickly resolved, the impasse is likely to hamper development in the kingdom.

Kyotasobora appeals to the kingdom’s royal commission to intervene and resolve the impasse as quickly as possible.

On his side, Fredrick Banage Bitamale, another kingdom’s subject, advises Byakutaga to step aside for the good of the kingdom saying that serving the kingdom is not a permanent job. He also advises Byakutaga and his cabinet to give a chance to the other subjects to also serve their kingdom.

This is not the first time Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom is experiencing a conflict resulting from changing the prime minister.

In 2018, the then prime minister Norman Lukumu dragged the kingdom to court after being replaced by Andrew Byakutaga.

Byakutaga says he is consulting with his legal team to determine the appropriate response to the new interim cabinet, which he argues was established unlawfully.

By Isaac Mumbere

www.mknewslink.com

In Kasese—

In a remarkable display of determination and athleticism, Annet Biira, a mother of one, made history by becoming the only woman to participate in the 13-kilometer bicycle race in Kasese town.

Held yesterday morning, the race saw 17 men compete, with Biira securing an impressive 12th position. Completing the challenging course in 30 minutes and 52 seconds, she demonstrated her remarkable endurance and skill.

The race route took participants from Rwenzori Square through various landmarks, including Kasese Roundabout, Nyakasanga, Mumbuzi, Acholi Quarters, Rukidi Road, Kogere Road, Kamaiba, Rwenzori International, Kiteso, Mbarara Road, and back to Rwenzori Square.

In a post-race interview with our reporter, Biira shared her motivation for participating as to inspire women to explore their talents beyond family responsibilities, promoting health and personal growth.

Herbert Agaba, the race winner, finished in an impressive 20 minutes and 14 seconds. He attributed his success to rigorous training and body fitness, encouraging the youth in the Rwenzori Sub-region to embrace similar activities.

Morris Muhindo, Chairperson of the Kasese Municipal Sports Association, oversaw the event as part of the ongoing Rwenzori Theluji Festival celebrations.

He emphasized the benefits of bicycle racing and other sports activities, urging the community to adopt these pursuits for their physical and mental well-being.

Biira’s participation serves as a powerful reminder that women can excel in various fields, balancing family responsibilities with personal passions. Her achievement will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps, promoting a culture of inclusivity and empowerment in sports.

By www.mknewslink.com

In Kampala—

The Minister of state for Veteran Affairs (Defense) who is also the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi is dead.

According to her father, Philemon Mateke, the former Minister of state for regional affairs Sarah Mateke died of heart as they rushed her to the hospital.

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi (born 15 July 1974) is a Ugandan politician and educationist who has been the woman representative for Kisoro District. She was previously Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development appointed in 2021 by the President Yoweri Museveni.

Hon. Nicholas Kamara, Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “I am shocked and saddened by the death of our colleague and friend, the Woman MP for Kisoro and Minister of State for Defence and Veterans, Hon. Sarah Mateke. My condolences to the family”

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, and Member of Parliament for Kinkiizi East, Kanungu District, also posted on X: “I am sad to announce the death of Hon. Sarah Mateke, Woman MP for Kisoro District and Minister of State for Defence, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. May the good Lord comfort her family, and may her soul rest in eternal peace. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, shared with reporters: “I received the disturbing news this morning of the death of our Cabinet colleague, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke (DWR-Kisoro). This is truly sad. The National Organising Committee (NOC) will meet with the family and coordinate with the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to ensure a dignified send-off. A full burial program will be released in due course. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Mateke family, H.E the President, the entire Cabinet, the Ministry of Defence, the people of Kisoro, and all Ugandans. May God strengthen us and grant Hon. Sarah Mateke eternal rest.”

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi was born in the Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District in the Kigezi region to Philemon Mateke and Joy Rwanfizi Mateka a professional teacher.

Nyirabashitsi attended Seseme Integrate School then Maryhill High School for her secondary education. She joined Bugema University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

She also held a Master’s degree in Public Health from the same University and a Postgraduate diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University.

Nyirabashitsi entered her family’s businesses including timber production and transportation. She was the founder of Nyirabashitsi Foundation where she supports children to join boarding secondary schools from senior one to senior six. She was the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University, Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, Kampala.

Nyirabashitsi joined the public service as Assistant Town clerk of Kisoro town council. In 2021, she contested for the woman member of parliament of Kisoro District and won against incumbent Rose Kabagyeni.

Nyirabashitsi was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) replacing Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. She is affiliated to the National Resistance Movement.