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AMBROSE KWERONDA
IN RUKUNGIRI

One Person has been confirmed dead in the Nyarushanje-Kisiizi tragic road accident in Rukungiri District resulting in the loss of one life.

The individual identified as Akanyamba Kato Joseph (23), hailing from Butungwa Village, Kisiizi Parish, Nyarushanje Subcounty, tragically lost his life in an unfortunate accident involving an Isuzu Elf bearing the registration number UAU 445D.

This heart-wrenching incident unfolded on August 13, 2023, around 2:30 PM in the vicinity of Kasooni village.

The ill-fated vehicle was transporting 100 bags of cement on its journey from Nyarushanje Trading Center to Kisiizi when the driver, Akanyamba Kato Joseph, seemingly lost control due to excessive speed, resulting in a collision with a robust eucalyptus tree.

Joseph did not survive the violent impact of the collision. On a positive note, the two passengers who were also aboard the vehicle emerged from the accident un hurt.

Elly Maate, the spokesperson for the Kigezi Region Police, reported that Corporal Oketayot Micheal and his team promptly responded to the scene. The body of the deceased was respectfully taken to Kisiizi Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Subsequent to the incident, the consignment of cement bags was safely returned to its owner. Meanwhile, the badly damaged vehicle was carefully transported to Kisiizi Police Post, where it will await inspection by the IOV (Inspectorate of Vehicles) team.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the authorities attribute the cause of this unfortunate accident to the driver’s excessive speed

BY AMBROSE KWERONDA
IN RUKUNGIRI—-

Statistics reveal a concerning trend in Rukungiri, where a staggering 95% of boda boda riders operate without a license. CPL Oketayol Michael, the Traffic Officer in Rukungiri, highlighted this alarming fact along with other troubling statistics.

He reported that 90% of boda boda riders lack third-party or motor insurance, and approximately 50% of them ride without helmets. Moreover, most of these riders are unfamiliar with road signs and markings, putting themselves and others at risk.

Addressing the issue of accidents in the district, CPL Michael emphasized that many are a result of hit and run incidents. To curb this dangerous behavior, he urged all boda boda riders to obtain proper driving licenses by following the due process

Additionally, CPL Michael issued a stern warning to boda boda riders who carry more than two passengers, emphasizing the danger it poses to everyone involved. He announced that the police would conduct operations targeting riders without reflective jackets, helmets, licenses, and those carrying more than one passenger, and they would be held accountable for their actions.

According to Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, there have been 457 accidents across the country within a week, resulting in 79 fatalities and 338 injuries. This highlights the seriousness of the road safety issue, and it demands immediate attention from all stakeholders.

Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byabakama, expressed concern that 95% of boda-boda riders in Kampala are taking unnecessary risks, leading to the high number of fatalities and injuries. He urged the need for measures to address this issue promptly.

In Kigezi Region, some boda boda riders attributed the problem to alcoholism, drug addiction, and the high cost of driving permits. They called on the government to reduce the license fees to make it more accessible to riders, which could potentially lead to more responsible behavior on the roads.

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante
In Bukedea……

Post bank in partnership with MTN have innovated mobile wallet platform “Wendi” designed to support government in seamless disbursement of PDM funds.

Speaking on the launch of Wendi, Julius Kakeeto, managing Director Postbank noted the enthusiasm for the collaboration between Postbank and MTN as a testament to the Banks steady digital transformation journey. “This collaboration represents our unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of individuals through innovative financial solutions”

He added that Wendi is an electronic payments platform that strategically pivots on groups savings and funds management, digital money savings, deposits, withdrawals to drive financial inclusion within unbanked Ugandan communities.

Wendi is accessible for download from google play store and onboarding via *229# for mobile transactions including paying for utility bills as umeme, URA, NWSC, school fees and more others.

Postbank has distributed 170 smartforns with 5G network to 170 SACCO representatives in bukedea that will allow facilitation of convenient and timely transfer of PDM funds to beneficiariesmobile money account.

Sylivia Mulinge the MTN CEO, reiterated MTNs commitment to its customer’s growth and contribution towards the economic development of Uganda.

“At MTN we have been champions of financial inclusion through our mobile money services and we understand that in Uganda’s development story, no one should be left behind”

She added that the partnership with Postbank on the Wendi mobile wallet is yet another financial inclusion milestone for Ugandans to celebrate.

The Postbank Executive Director,Andrew Kabeera also assured customers that Wendi is the future of banking more so in the internet space.

“Postbank is committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and data privacy for its customers.” Kabeera remarked.

Wendis convenience meets affordability, security and financial inclusion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

BY Ambrose Kweronda
In Rukiga

Samuel Niwandinda, the Vice Chairperson of the Local Council five (LCV) in Rukiga district, has conveyed a message to the family of Apollo Nyegamehe, a billionaire and prominent business tycoon, urging them to preserve the legacy of the late Apollo, also known as Aponye.

During his tenure as a Guest of Honor representing Rukiga district Woman Member of Parliament, Kamusiime Caroline Muhwezi, at the handover and swearing-in ceremony of the Bishop Barham Rukiga Students Association on 08/07/2023 which held at Bishop Barham University College in Rugarama Hill, Northern Division, Kabale municipality, Samuel expressed his sentiments.

Samuel reminisced about the time when he started visiting Apollo Nyegamehe’s offices in Kampala and noticed that many of the employees hailed from Kigezi Region, particularly Rukiga district. He acknowledged the challenges these individuals faced in leaving their homes and families to work in Apollo’s offices, which required significant dedication.

Deeply saddened by the news of Apollo’s passing, Samuel conveyed his shock and emphasized the loss suffered by Rukiga district. He regarded Apollo as a man who had been instrumental in shaping the district into a model for the Kigezi region.

Samuel appealed to the family and relatives of the late Apollo Nyegamehe to uphold his legacy and ensure the continuation of his business endeavors.

Captain Christmas Damson Kivumba, the hopeful Member of Parliament (MP) in 2026-2031 highlighted Apollo Nyegamehe’s pivotal role in Rukiga district. He expressed the collective grief felt by not only his own family but also the entire Rukiga district community and Uganda as a whole. Apollo Nyegamehe was widely respected as an influential figure across various domains.

Captain Christmas explained how Apollo had provided guidance to both the elderly and the youth on generating income from their respective endeavors.

He described Apollo as a brilliant and hard-working individual who possessed an exceptional ability to identify opportunities and resolve crises through dialogue rather than resorting to protests.

Captain Christmas revealed that Apollo Nyegamehe, in addition to his business ventures, held the position of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson for Rukiga District.

Aponye was an extraordinary figure within the business community, renowned for his distinctive approach to problem-solving through dialogue. He possessed the ability to strategize and identify opportunities that may elude others
Nyegamehe was the owner of several businesses operating under the name Aponye Uganda Limited, with diverse interests in real estate, supermarkets, transit transport, and agriculture.

On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Apollo tragically lost his life in a car accident, instantaneously, when the vehicle he was traveling in collided with a stationary car at along the Ntungamo-Mbarara Road in Itojo. The vehicles involved were registration number UBF 300Z (a Land Cruiser) and UAZ 767D (a Fuso).

Apollo Nyegamehe was en route to attend another funeral in Rukiga district when the tragic accident took place.

By Twesigye Aggrey
In Mbarara……..

The police in Mbarara City have arrested seven people in connection with the murder of Denise Asiimwe 33years ,a carpenter and a resident of Katete central cell,Katete ward in Mbarara City south division.

The Rwizi Regional police Spokesperson,SP Samson Kasasira,said the suspects were picked from their homes on Saturday.

Kasasira identified the suspects as; Seth Mwesigwa , 33 years a boda boda rider ,Rosemary Kamatenesi 49 years,Isma Muhoozi 27 years,Halima Kyosimire 27 years,Jalia Nakabugo 16 years, Gilbert Bukenya 24 years and Olivia Komukama 22 years all residents of Katete central Cell ,Katete ward in Mbarara City south Division.

He said the deceased was beaten and assaulted to death using a sharp and blunt object before his body was dumped besides the road in Katete Central cell on 24th,June,2023.

Kasasira further shared that the body of deceased was then conveyed to Mbarara regional referral hospital for a postmortem report as police initiates investigations into the matter.

According to a 2022 police report,a total of 953 cases of murder by Mob action were reported to police during the year as compared to 759 cases reported in 2021 , giving an increase of 25.5%.

Victims of mob action were mainly suspected to have committed common offences including theft , robbery,murder, witchcraft and burglary, according to the report.

By Alvin Twebaze
In kasese

Police and army are investigating the circumstance under which ADF rebels attacked Lhubirira secondary school, in Mpondwe, Kasese last night 16th June 2023 killing at least 25 students and injuring several others.

The school that was attacked is located about 2 kms from the DRC border.

A dormitory was burnt and a food store looted leaving eight victims injured, and others reportedly in a critical condition at Bwera Hospital.

A hot pursuit by the UPDF and the police is also ongoing, towards Virunga national park.

According to UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye said that the CDF and CLF are joining the UPDF Division commander on ground for an onspot assessment

However, the president of Uganda, H.E Museveni has dispatched The Ministry of Education and Sports to commiserate with the school.

By Innocent Atuganyira
In Kiryandongo

Leaders in Kiryandongo district are struggling to recover the youth funds under the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP).

The recovery rate is very low at 10%, which is affecting the generation of new beneficiary groups since it is a revolving fund.

On Monday, the district leaders launched 16 enterprises worth 164.8 million shillings under the Youth Livelihood Program.

The youth livelihood program implementation, which started in 2013, has benefited 161 groups worth 1.3 billion.

According to Geoffrey Dabanja, the Kiryandongo District Commercial Development Officer, the youth livelihood program is designed to bridge the unemployment gap among the youth.

Dabanja asked the senior assistant CAOs and the youth leaders to ensure the recovery of the money from the beneficiary groups.

He also noted that the recovery of the funds was being affected by local politics, which made the beneficiaries perceive the program as a political token.

Denis Dacan, the principal assistant CAO, informed the beneficiaries that the funds had been disbursed to their bank accounts. He urged them to withdraw and use the money as per the work plan of the group.

He called upon the sub-county leaders to ensure that the groups adhere to the repayment schedule for timely recovery of the funds for the benefit of other groups.

Edith Aliguma Adyeri, the district chairperson of Kiryandongo, urged the youths to make good use of the funds to bail themselves out of poverty.

Aliguma also urged the beneficiary groups not to divert the funds to other activities but rather stick to their business plans.

The funds disbursed under YLP are to be repaid in three years with 5% interest. However, no interest is paid by a beneficiary group that repays within one year after disbursement of the funds.

By Innocent Atuganyira
In Buliisa

According to the statistic, Buliisa district registered 125 cases of child neglect last year, and 133 cases have been registered so far this year.

The Buliisa district senior probation officer, Ms. Stella Katusabe, blamed the surging cases of child neglect on the increase in domestic violence in homes, which has taken a huge toll on both boys and girls.

This was disclosed during a coordination meeting on child protection and case management with civil society organizations, district stakeholders, and leaders organized by World Vision.

The meeting was held on Wednesday at the Biiso guest house in Biiso town council Buliisa District.

However, the Buliisa District officer in charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit, Afande Apera, disclosed that the situation is worse, noting that the cases might be much higher, with some going unrecorded or concealed by the parents and leaders.

Afande Apera urged the community members to report such cases timely so that they have a proper way of handling them.

The regional child and protection technical programs officer at World Vision, Ms. Atuhairwe Bona, challenged parents and leaders to protect and nurture the children for a better future.

She also challenged parents to always consider disabled children when planning for their children, noting that some parents do discriminate against them once an opportunity comes.

The Buliisa District Community Development Officer, Mr. Benard Barugahara, also reechoed that the increasing child neglect in the district is mostly triggered by domestic violence, which is worse in most homes.

By Ambrose Kweronda
In Rubanda

The Police in Rubanda District are currently investigating the tragic suicide of a man who was suffering from mental health issues.
The incident took place in Muko Sub County, where a 41-year-old man named Alex Namanya ended his own life by hanging himself with a rope.

According to the police report, Namanya has been dealing with mental health challenges for an extended period of time. Over the past five days leading up to the tragic incident, his condition had significantly deteriorated, prompting his family members to make arrangements to take him to a mental health facility for professional assistance.

The deceased was a resident of Nyamiyaga village in Karengyere parish, Muko Sub County, Rubanda district. The discovery of his body was made by a local resident named Nyinaruzinda Constance, who immediately reported the death to the authorities.

Constance, who lives in Kasambya village in the same parish and sub-county, came across the distressing scene while on her way to her garden at around 9:00 AM.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, confirmed the incident and stated that a team of police officers, led by OC Station Muko ASP Okello Solomon, promptly arrived at the crime scene.

Police conducted a thorough investigation, which included creating a sketch plan, recording statements from witnesses, and performing a postmortem examination on-site. Following the necessary procedures, the body was then released to the family for burial.

By Ambrose Kweronda
In Kisoro

The angry residents of Matarama village, Gisozi Parish parish, Muramba sub county in the Kisoro district on 1st yesterday beaten a 20-year-old man to death after stealing a sheep in the same village

The deceased identified as Hafasha Stephen aged 20 years mufumbira by tribe a pleasant a resident of Matarama village Gisozi parish Muramba subcounty in the Kisoro district.

It’s alleged that yesterday 01/06/2023 at around 06:00pm, the deceased was seen with a suspected stolen sheep in Makurizo village in Bunagana Town council.

According to Bavakure John, one of the residents, the mob believed that the deceased had stolen the sheep and took matters into their own hands.

Following the assault, they carried the body to the deceased’s father’s home in Mutarama village and abandoned it on the compound before fleeing the scene.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, has confirmed that police were notified and visited the crime scene to document the incident. The body was subsequently retrieved and taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

A case of mob justice has been registered at Kisoro District Muramba Police Post under reference number SD REF 09/01/06/2023.

Maate urged the public that it is important to note that mob justice is illegal and goes against the principles of justice and the rule of law. Police will conduct their inquiries into the incident to identify and apprehend those responsible for the unlawful killing.