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By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

The territorial police in the Rwenzori East policing region, Kasese district are overwhelmed by an increase in the number of criminal cases registered in a spate of one and a half weeks.

SP Luka Mbusa, the Regional Community Liaisons Officer says they have been registering a number of cases ranging from simple and aggravated defilement among others from the communities with the district.

Speaking to our reporter today morning at his office, SP Mbusa indicated that since last week, about 12 cases of defilement have been registered from all the four divisions in the region. The divisions include Kasese, Hima, Bwera and Katwe.

He attributes the cases to high levels of poverty among the family heads which in turn give a lee way to the young girls to seek financial support from men and hence pay in kind.

Mbusa also explains that in addition to cases of defilement, they have been able to register 16 cases of house breakings among other cases.

Mbusa implores the community members to get involved in hard work as an alternative way of preventing related cases from happening further in their respective places.

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

The state minister for ICT and national guidance Mr Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime has urged young people to use social media and internet technologies to market Kasese district as a top-tourism destination.

Mr Kabbyanga made the call on Saturday at the closure of a four-day ICT and multimedia training for youths at the district multi-purpose hall in Kasese town.

The junior ICT minister opines that Kasese has previously suffered negative publicity which poses a threat to the tourism.

He added that as the country moves towards enhancing network coverage, the young people should tap into that opportunity to enhance their digital skills if they are to fit in the fast-moving digitalized world.

Eng. James Beronda, the Head Technical Services at Uganda Communications Universal Service & Access Fund (UCUSAF), says Uganda Communications Commission remains committed to inculcating digital and internet skills among the youth.

Mr. Eddie Okila the Executive Director house of talent who was leading the team of trainers noted how they are pleased that the young people in Kasese had embraced the digital and multimedia training.

By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

The Uganda Communications Commission –UCC is emphasizing the need for young people to embrace ICT and Digital Skills in this fast-moving technological world.

Mr. Eddie Okila from House of Talents, who is working with UCC to train young people in internet and ICT skills, multi-media and entrepreneurship, said digital technology can play a crucial role in curbing the high rate of unemployment in the country.

Okila made the remarks yesterday during a training session of young people at Kasese Multipurpose Hall in Kisagazi, of Nyamwamba Division in Kasese Municipality.

He also made a passionate appeal to persons with disabilities to also embrace the digital world which he said provides enormous opportunities for employment and subsequently help reduce poverty.

Mr. Alfred Baluku the town Clerk, Maliba town council, who was representing the Kasese district Chief Administrative Officer at the opening of the four-day training, added that ICT and digital skills give people a competitive advantage in the job market.

ENDS.

By Ambrose Kweronda

In Rukungiri——

Police in Rukungiri District are investigating circumstances under which a casual labourer assaulted to death his colleague in retaliation the locals lynched him to death.

ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Sub Region Police Spokesperson has confirmed the incident saying that it occurred on Tuesday evening at Omukayembe Trading Centre in Muyanje cell, Bwambara Sub County in Rukungiri District the deceased have been identified as Julius Beinomugisha, 40, and Nelson Niwatuha Ndyagabondo, 25.

Julius Beinomugisha Kato, aged 40, and Nelson Niwatuha, also known as Ndyagabondo, aged 25, were engaged in a gardening contract for a local resident named Nsheija. However, what started as a routine work arrangement turned deadly on the evening of May 14, 2024, at Omukayembe trading center.

Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated between Julius and Nelson after they consumed alcohol while working. They say matters worsened when Julius demanded payment for their services, leading to a confrontation. Tragically, the altercation turned violent, resulting in Julius being fatally injured, leading to his death.

Maate, says that in a distressing turn of events, angered by Julius’ death, a mob descended upon Nelson, subjecting him to a brutal assault. Despite efforts to intervene and provide medical assistance, Nelson succumbed to his injuries at Bwambara Health Centre III

According to Local authorities, led by area chairperson Caleb Tumwekwasize, swiftly responded to the incident, as well as the police launching a thorough investigation, collecting evidence, recording witness statements, and conducting postmortem examinations on the deceased.

ASP Maate further says that authorities will pursue justice rigorously, ensuring that those involved in the mob violence are held accountable for their actions

By Walukamba Aldon—–

As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day in 2024, it’s essential to reflect on how professionalism, political parallelism, media markets, and the state influence journalism in Uganda today.

These factors intersect to shape the media landscape, impacting the quality of reporting, the diversity of perspectives, and the overall freedom of the press in the country.

Professionalism serves as the foundation of ethical journalism, emphasizing accuracy, impartiality, and accountability. However, in Uganda, the level of professionalism within the journalism sector varies widely.

While some journalists adhere to rigorous ethical standards, others may compromise their integrity due to political or commercial pressures. This variance in professionalism can lead to biased reporting, misinformation, and a loss of public trust in the media.

Political parallelism is another critical factor affecting journalism in Uganda. Many media outlets in the country have close ties to political interests, either through direct ownership or indirect control.

This alignment can result in biased reporting that reflects the agenda of those in power, while marginalizing dissenting voices. Journalists may face pressure to self-censor or report in a manner that aligns with the interests of their owners or sponsors, undermining their ability to act as watchdogs and hold the government accountable.Media markets also play a significant role in shaping journalism in Uganda.

While the country has a diverse range of media outlets, including newspapers, radio stations, and online platforms, the market is driven by commercial interests. Media organizations rely heavily on advertising revenue to sustain their operations, leading to competition for audience attention and advertising dollars. In this competitive environment, sensationalism and entertainment-focused content may overshadow in-depth reporting and investigative journalism.

As a result, crucial issues may be overlooked or sensationalized, further eroding the quality of journalism in the country.The state’s influence on journalism in Uganda cannot be overlooked. While freedom of the press is guaranteed by the Ugandan constitution, journalists often face harassment, intimidation, and legal threats from state authorities.

The government has been known to shut down media outlets, revoke broadcasting licenses, and enact restrictive laws that limit freedom of expression. This hostile environment creates a chilling effect on journalism, discouraging journalists from pursuing critical reporting and investigative work for fear of reprisals.

In light of these challenges, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of press freedom and the role of journalists in upholding democratic principles and promoting accountability. As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day in 2024, it is incumbent upon the Ugandan government to respect and protect the rights of journalists to report freely and independently.

Similarly, media organizations must prioritize professionalism and ethical standards, while also resisting political and commercial pressures that compromise their integrity. By fostering a media environment that values transparency, diversity, and accountability, Uganda can ensure that journalism continues to serve as a cornerstone of democracy and public discourse in the country.

Walukamba Aldon is a media consultant and communications manager at Kinyara Sugar Limited

By Ambrose Kweronda
In Kabale—-

Police in Kabale District apprehended Bashabomwe Kenneth aged 32, a businessman resident of Nyakahanga cell, Northern Division, Kabale Municipality, after discovering stolen goats at his residence on April 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, stating that a tip-off from Mugume Francis led to the discovery.

ASP Akanyijuka Andrew, OC Station Kabale, acted on the tip-off and dispatched officers to Bashabomwe Kenneth’s residence, where they found him in possession of the alleged stolen goats.

Despite claiming to have bought the goats from an unidentified boda boda operator at Karukara Market in Rubanda district, he couldn’t provide further details or lead the police to the seller, raising suspicions of theft.

Kenneth was arrested, charged with possession of suspected stolen property, and taken to Kabale police station.

The stolen goats are being held there as efforts to identify their rightful owners continue.

Maate urged anyone missing goats to report to the police station for identification and retrieval.

By Isaac Mumbere
in Kasese—

The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga has publicly revealed that he has forgiven the Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament over his statements indicating that the Junior Minister is behind the downfall of Kilembe Mines Hospital.

Last Friday when the Government Assurance and Implementation Committee of Parliament led by its Chairperson, Hon. Joyce Bagala, the Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament visited Kasese District, Hon. Ferigo Kambale did not hide to mention that Minister Kabbyanga was behind the downfall of Kilembe Mines Hospital.

This was after Dr. Bernard Balyana, the Medical Superintendent at Kilembe Mines Hospital had told the committee members in his report that the facility which formerly had 82 health workers is currently being manned by 14 medical staff following the recent withdrawal of 68 government employees.

Responding to the issue, Mr. Zedekiya Kambasu Kayiri, the Kasese Municipal Deputy Town Clerk explained that they were forced to make some transfers and redeployments of staff to nearby health centres as guided by the government policy and according to him, Kilembe Mines Hospital is not on the list of cost centres, hence making it ineligible to have employees who are on government payroll.

His statements did not please the political wing including Hon. Ferigo Kambale, who said he was disappointed with the technical wing for withdrawing the health workers from the health facility.

Hon. Kambale clearly stated that the Municipal Technical Wing was being influenced by external forces especially from the Minister Kabbyanga to have the health workers on government payroll withdrawn from Kilembe Mines Hospital.

Responding to Hon. Kambale’s accusations against him, Minister Kabbyanga today morning told the press at Shiloh Hotel in Kasese town that he was disappointed with the legislator when he heard such statements against him.

According to him, he had instructed his legal team to file a case against the Member of Parliament so that he defends himself in the Courts of Law. Kabbyanga described Hon. Kambale’s statements as baseless and uncalled for.

Minister Kabbyanga noted that after praying to God for guidance and divine mercy, he decided to forgive Hon. Kambale and has since instructed his legal team to stop pursuing the matter.

He used the same platform to caution his fellow politicians to avoid uttering baseless statements against their competitors for their personal interests, arguing that the act might cause conflicts and clashes .

Despite the counter –accusations, the Government Assurance and Implementation Committee of Parliament on Friday assured the population that they would advocate for the reactivation of Kilembe Mines Hospital, stressing that their work was to ensure that the citizens receive quality services from government.

AMBROSE KWERONDA
IN KISORO——

Police in Kisoro district are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a tragic accident that claimed the lives of three people.

According to Elly Maate, the spokesperson for the Kigezi Region police, the accident occurred yesterday at around 6:00 PM near Airland Hotel in Kabuga village, Chahi Sub County, Kisoro district, along the Kisoro-Kabale road.

The accident involved three vehicles identified as a white Scania fuel tanker with registration number KCH014K/ZF5477, a silver Subaru Forester with registration number UBM 445A, and a red Bajaj boxer motorcycle with registration number UDW017N

Maate identified the deceased as Byaruhanga Junior (22), a resident of Kanaba sub-county in Kisoro district and the motorcycle rider; Niyonzima Erisa (56), a resident of Gisasa village, also from Kanaba sub-county, who was a passenger on the motorcycle; and Byukusenge Federensi (22), a resident of Gikoro village, Nyakabande sub-county, who was also a passenger in the Subaru Forester.

Dusabimana Mathious (50), the driver of the Subaru Forester and a resident of Shozi village, Nyakabande sub-county, survived with injuries. However, the driver of the Kenyan fuel tanker remains unidentified and is currently at large.

Maate explained that the motorcycle and Subaru Forester were traveling from Kabale towards Kisoro when they encountered the incoming fuel tanker, which was moving at high speed. The tanker, apparently empty, lost control at a corner near Kisoro Airland Hotel, veered into the opposite lane, and collided with the motorcycle before pushing it into the Subaru Forester.

The accident resulted in the death of the two motorcycle occupants and injuries to both individuals in the Subaru Forester. One of the Subaru’s passengers later succumbed to her injuries at Mutolere Hospital while receiving treatment.

Maate said that the accident scene was promptly attended to by Asp Kushaba Michael and his team, a sketch map was drawn, and the victims were swiftly transported to Mutolere Hospital.

He also said that the bodies of the deceased were taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations, while the vehicles involved were taken to Kisoro CPS pending inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles whereas efforts to apprehend the unidentified fuel tanker driver are ongoing.

Maate attributed the accident to over speeding and suspected brake failure on the side of the fuel tanker, bearing registration number KCH014K/ZF5477.

BY WILBER MUHWEZI KASIBANTE
www.mknewslink.com
IN BUSHENYI/KAMPALA
The powerful minister of local government Hon. Raphael Magyezi has exclusively told www.mknewslink.com MD that he wont contest for Igara west parliamentary seat in 2025 because he is too busy with president Museveni’s works.
Journalist Wilber reeka nkore emirimo ya muzeeyi ebyo kwesimba Igara west timbirimu.
Minister Magyezi revealed to www.mknewslink.com MD in telephone interview on Saturday last week at 9:00pm night. Minister Magyezi was kampala whereas MD Mk newslink.com mk kasibante original was at him in Kabagarame in Bushenyi town.
Minister Magyezi declined to contest in 2021 against Embwa tekamwa Gaffa because of busy schedules still.
Embwa Tekamwa won in 2021 and abandoned the constituency and voters are more less orphans.
As magyezi quits the race, the most advantaged, in quest for Igara west parliamentary seat is Paul Turyamureeba Kahiigi because he run for the seat before in 2006 and even as Bushenyi district chairman twice.
Mr. Kahiigi has always been a popular candidate but was all the time FDC which greatly disadvantaged him but now he is NRM.
New comer counsel cohen Kyampane has a huge task to sell his name to seven sub-counties and town councils to be