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By Aggrey Twesigye

MBARARA

A section of Members of Parliament in Ankole region have reportedly gone into hiding, while others have switched off their known contacts upon learning that the movers of the motion seeking to censor the four embattled commissioners of Parliament are in the region soliciting signatures.

Addressing the media in Mbarara city on saturday afternoon, the movers of the motion led by Theodore Ssekikubo of Lwemiyaga ,odria Arion of Aringa south said that out of 45 Members of Parliament in Ankole region, only 15 appended their signatures to censor four backbench commissioners over the controversial 1.7 billion shillings they awarded themselves as service awards.

The four include former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, Mathias Mpuuga; Bukooli County Central MP Solomon Silwany; Zombo District Woman MP Esther Afoyochan; and Rubanda District Woman MP Prossy Akampurira.

MP Ssekikubo mentioned they were in Ankole to inform their colleagues currently on recess about their presence. He discussed their recent activities in Bushenyi, where they engaged with the public and tried to contact other MPs, many of whom were either unreachable or not responding to calls.

“Yes, it’s true that Parliament is on break, and we are concerned about the Speaker repeatedly adjourning parliament when there is ample business at hand. With 170 MPs having signed, shouldn’t that be sufficient reason for Speaker Among to prioritize parliamentary business?”sekikubo explained.

The censorship motion requires at least 177 signatures to be tabled before the House for debate.

Ssekikubo said that 170 MPs have already appended their signatures to the censorship motion papers.

Odria Arion from Aringa South stated that yesterday they attended radio talk shows in Mbarara, and this morning they did the same in Bushenyi. Currently, they are at City Hall, waiting until 5pm for MPs from Ankole and Kigezi who haven’t yet signed to come forward and add their signatures.

“I urge MPs from Ankole who have not signed to come forward and join the fight against corruption in Parliament, the president, who hails from the region, is battling corruption alone”Arion explained.

He stated they are touring the entire region to gather signatures from fellow MPs. He noted they have already visited Bunyoro and Busoga and will travel to West Nile next week, followed by Northern Uganda. Arion encouraged voters to keep tabs on their MPs to ensure they have signed against corruption.

By Ambrose Kweronda

in Kabale—–

Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, has mandated a comprehensive re-verification of all vendors in the Ugx 23 Billion Ultra Modern Kabale Central Market.

In February last year Minister Magyezi formed a special committee to investigate corruption tendencies that allegedly marred the registration and relocation of vendors into the newly opened Kabale central market in Kabale District.

After the special committee’s report in July 2023, Minister Magyezi Order for fresh vendor relocation process in the Market which has been pending up-to-date on Saturday while meeting with discontented vendors held at the market located in the central division of Kabale municipality he ordered for the fresh verification of all vendors in the market.

Minister Magyezi emphasized that the re-verification aims to confirm the legitimacy of the vendors operating in Kabale Central Market. “This market is not for the wealthy elite,” he stated firmly, underscoring that no vendor should possess more than one stall. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the market remains accessible and fair for all genuine vendors.

Minister Magyezi reveals that following the verification process, stalls and lockups will be allocated to the actual sitting vendors.

He further made it clear that no vendor is permitted to lease out these lockups, thereby acting as landlords within a government-owned facility.

He warned that any vendor who keeps a lockup idle in anticipation of renting it out will have their space reallocated to someone in need.

“The purpose of this verification is to ensure we have the right vendors in Kabale Central Market. This market is not for the rich, and no one should have more than one stall. After verification, stalls and lockups will be allocated to the actual sitting vendors. No one should be renting out these lockups; they should not act as landlords in a government facility. If a vendor doesn’t use a lockup but keeps it locked waiting for tenants, it will be reallocated to someone else who needs it.” – said Minister Raphael Magyezi.

Magyezi also said that starting June 1st, vendors will be required to pay a revenue amount as approved by the council adding that this revenue will cover market utilities, enhance security, and improve sanitation conditions. Minister Magyezi assured the vendors that these measures are designed to benefit the entire market community.

Godfrey Nyakahuma, The Resident District Commissioner of Kabale district, expressed gratitude towards the minister for addressing the vendors’ grievances. Nyakahuma acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that he had recently received a letter from vendors threatening to demonstrate due to the minister’s delayed visit to Kabale Central Market. He praised the minister’s intervention as timely and necessary to restore order and confidence among the market vendors.

“We are grateful to the minister for coming back to resolve the vendors’ issues. They have been waiting for him for a long time, and recently, they wanted to demonstrate because of the delay. His visit today has brought relief and a way forward for all of us.” – said Godfrey Nyakahuma.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to ensure fair practices and enhanced conditions in Kabale Central Market, promising a better environment for all vendors involved.

By Andama Moses
In Masindi—–
Masindi police officer is on the run after killing suspect in Kinenabuhere village , Bwijanga subcounty Masindi district.

The incident happened last evening at Kinenebuhere trading center when Ssenono Eugineab.alongside his colleague wilson Musinguzi attached to Bwijanga police post went to effect arrest of assault case against Ronald Asiimwe 30 years old.

Speaking to mk news link.com reporter through a phone call this morning, Allan Hakiza regional police spokesperson says last evening one Sanon and his colleague Wilson Musinguzi went to effect arrest of Ronald Asiimwe but in the process there rose scuffle prompting Constable Sanon to shoot Ronald Asiimwe killing him instantly.

Hakiza reveals that Sanon and his colleague Wilson Musinguzi went to effect the arrest without the knowledge of their supervisor ( Oc station).

Hakiza adds that today morning police mounted search for Sanon and the gun , it wss found that after the incident he took the gun to Pakanyi police post since the police at Pakanyi were not awere about what had transpired in Bwijanga.

The officer adds that after handing over the gun, Sanon pretended to be around later fled to unknown destination.

“I condone with the Family of the deceased with the entire force , the core mandate of police is to protect the public not killing. The officer shall be arrested and face the law. Hakiza asserted ”

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante
In Bushenyi——
Grade one magistrate’s court sitting in Bushenyi town remanded two suspects for murder of Asiimwe Wilson a boda boda cyclist.
Her worship Omar Ahamed Halima remanded today afternoon May 13 2024 Musinguzi Vicent and Mpairwe Leonard on charges of murder and theft of the motorcycle belonging to the deceased.
While reading the charges, the magistrate revealed that the two suspects and others still at large murdered Asiimwe vicent in Nyamirembe cell in Nkanga sub-county Bushenyi district.
They were not allowed to enter plea since the case is heard only by high court. She also advised them to apply for bail in the high court.
She remanded them until 4/6/2024 to come to court for the mention of their cases. The state attorney told court that investigations are still going on.
CONTROVERSY OF THE MURDER CASE
The murder case occurred on April 23, 2024, and the above suspects were arrested by Bushenyi police and immediately given police bond which shocked every one.
The residents of Kyamuhunga town council drove to Bushenyi RDC’ s office and chairman LC5 and immediately contacted director CIID and sent and assistant commissioner and held a meeting with stakeholders on May 11, 2024 in Butare town.
After the meeting, the two suspects were re-arrested by police and immediately taken to court today.
SUSPECTED CORRUPTION BY BUSHENYI POLICE
In all meetings that were held on the same case, Bushenyi police was painted with a picture of being corrupt and taking money from these two murder suspects to kill the case. www.mknewslink.com could not independently verify this allegation but the online news company is investigating the matter and will give you details soon.

BY ANDAMA MOSES
IN BULISA DISTRICT BUNYORO—–

Four children have died in what is suspected to be an arson at Udukuru B village In Busingiro parish Biso subcounty in Bulisa district.

The incident that occurred at around 8pm on Thursday left Nelson Monday 7, Angel Giramiya 8, Steven Orochi 11 and Konsolete Kayeny Parwoth 14 children to ms Grace Chuki burnt beyond no recognition.

According to the village sec for defense mr Jonn Ulo, he was on his way back home when he show a blazing fire and huge smoke in a distance prompting him to rush to the scene only to find ms chukis grass thatched mad and wattle hut was alight .

Mr Ulo told MK news link that later he realised that the bereaved mother was not in the hut by the time of the incident as she had gone to the nearby trading center to buy some drugs since she was not feeling well.

Mr Michael Chusa the Udukuru B village chairman says the residents gathered at the scene and managed to retrieve the already cherished minors bodies later called the police .

The Biso subcounty local government chairman lc3 Mr Denis Oyewa was baffled by the incident advising parents and guardians not to leave children in the house alone especially at night.

The Albertine regional police public relations officer SP Allan Hakiza told this website that investigations into the matter are under way as the hunt for the suspects continues.

By Aggry Twesigye
in Mbarara—-

Angry Activists and other concerned citizens in Mbarara city ,under their umbrella Rise Against Poverty Uganda(RAP-uganda) have issued a resounding demand for the immediate resignation of the speaker of the 11th parliament of Uganda,Rt.Hon.Anita Annet Among following the recent UK government sanctions against her over alleged involvement in the karamoja iron sheet corruption scandal.

These led by Aaron Ainomugisha insist that Speaker Anita Among must promptly step down for a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption during her tenure in Parliament.

Addressing the press at grand holiday hotel in mbarara city on Saturday these further mobilized Ugandans to exercise their constitutional authority outlined in Article 83, urging them to hold their legislators accountable for failing to fulfill their oversight duties mandated by Parliament.

Peter Mpaka, one of the activists said”The sad part is that most of us who are busy explaining away this impunity and insulting whoever is putting in effort to expose it need functional public health facilities, functional public schools unlike the ones we are trying to shield who can afford treatment abroad”.

Denmark Adios said”it’s true that i will not distance myself from what my brothers have just requested the Rt.Hon.Annita Annet Among should resign and it’s our duty as citizens of Uganda to call for that! especially the young people because you are the main people who are suffering from this! ,I call you ladies and gentlemen to join the cause ,Anita Among must resign!”.

Amon Rubareema the secretary for works FDC National Executive committee,said “you can’t imagine in a country where roads are in intensive care, health systems are badly off and then you have a Parliament that can use shs. 2.6 billion per day,you have a president and a wife who use shs.2.1 billion per day and people keep quiet clapping,so this is a serious clarion call to all Ugandans to defend this constitution of ours or else we just head to the grave with a coffin like stupid flies but we have a duty to fight for Liberation of our mother land”.

By Andama Moses.
In Masindi—-
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members attached to Katonga faction in Masindi district have endorsed the formation of a new political party.
The decision was reached on Thursday during the consultation done by the FDC Katonga faction at Masindi Education Hall.
While delivering the decision, Innocent Bikorwamuhangi, the FDC general secretary for Masindi district, said that members agreed to form the new political party since Amuriat and the team were dining with the ruling party.

Dr. Kiiza Besigye asked the members to unite and support each other with the aim of overthrowing the ruling party despite the political differences.

The Kira Municipality MP, Ssemuju Nganda, asserted that he deserted FDC but stressed that President Museveni is accused of bribing opposition members in order to weaken them.

The Hoima City Woman Member of Parliament, Asinasi Nyakato, said that they have decided to form a new part because they can’t dine with Amuriat and the colleagues.
Rogers Kanti, the Former Masindi Municipality MP Contestant on National Unity Platform said their target to remove the NRM government from power, so that they should see NUP as their colleagues but not enemies.

After meeting the leaders, Besigye and the team moved through Masindi town and headed to Kijura Trading Centre.
They overpowered the police when they attempted to block them

By our reporter
in Mbarara—–

Four suspects have been remanded for their alleged role in the disappearance and murder of Anthony Takirwa ,an engineer who was reported missing for four days before he was found dead in Mbarara city at the start of April,2024.

They are Lynette Reachel otebwa 40 and a Journalist attached to the National broadcaster -UBC west ,Mandela Mathias 25,Justine Atuhaire 47 and Jonic Tukasingura, 35.

They all appeared before Mbarara grade one magistrate Racheal Tabaruka and were charged with murder contrary to section 188 of the penal code
However they were not allowed to take plea because they faced a capital offence which is only tried by High court

According to the charge sheet, the accused and others still at large unlawfully caused the death of engineer Anthony Takirwa on April 10th ,2024 while at Lugazi cell in Mbarara city with malice aforethought.

The suspects have been remanded until May,17th.

By Twesigye Aggrey
In Mbarara—–
The business community who have been saving money since 2014 to construct an arcade along Mbaguta street in Mbarara city,are crying foul after the Treasurer,Mary Kiconco vanished with over shs .50 million savings ,www.mknewslink.com news website has learnt.

Members of Mbaguta street owners condominium company limited reportedly learnt about the missing funds on Thursday in meeting convened at Mbarara city council hall.

The money is part of the eight year savings of 131 members of the association, majority of whom are the business community.

Its worth noting that in 2014,the then Mbarara municipal council subleased a portion of land along Mbaguta street to the members for a period of ten years to develop it,however since then the land has been lying idle.

Charles Ngabirano the Association chairman told the members that the Treasurer re-signed due to illness and is currently hospitalized in Kampala.

He mentioned that the assembly appointed a finance committee to probe the situation.

Background.
In 2014,the Association awarded a contract to Coronation Developers for the construction of a six-story arcade ,with a budget of 23 billion shillings.An agreement was reached with the contractor to make an advance payment,backed by a bank guarantee of shs.7billion.Despite managing to pay 970 million,the association discovered discrepancies in the payments made to the contractor.

Out of the shs.1.242 billion shillings realized by the association ,only 970 million was accounted for , leaving the members with unanswered questions and a balance of 143 million shillings in their account

By Ambrose Kweronda
in Rubanda—–

Rubanda County West Legislator Hon. Moses Kamuntu has declared war on the government’s proposal, urging farmers to defy eviction orders and continue cultivation.

His remarks came during the eulogy of the late mother of Rubanda District LC5 Chairman Kasyaba Stephen, the late Matilda Kasyaba, yesterday at Kakore – Rugambwa Catholic Parish, where he reaffirmed his unwavering support for the family.

Emphasizing his solidarity with the people of Rubanda, Hon. Kamuntu urged them not to be swayed by the government’s directive.

He called on the community to stand firm and fight for their survival, asserting that any government action must consider the welfare of its citizens.

“Leaders must stand with their people,” declared Hon. Kamuntu, warning government officials against further harassment and destruction of property. He emphasized that the government’s duty is to protect its citizens and their belongings, not to cause harm or loss.

Hon. Kamuntu further issued a fervent plea to Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and enforcement teams to cease the eviction of individuals from wetland areas, underscoring the critical importance of these ecosystems to the survival of communities in the Kigezi Sub-Region.

He also called upon the RDCs to tell President Museveni that the government evicted the Batwa from Bwindi and Echuya Forests and left them to die because they were not given alternative land. He further says that they won’t allow the people to leave the wetlands and die the way the Batwa were left to die.

“We cannot allow history to repeat itself,” declared Hon. Kamuntu. “We won’t permit our people to suffer the same fate as the Batwa. Wetland evictions must cease, and alternative solutions must be sought.”

Hon. Kamuntu rallied the community to resume cultivation, emphasizing the importance of earning a livelihood and providing for their families, including access to education for their children.

Last month, farmers from Kigezi sub-region, represented by the Kigezi Farmers Hamwiga Association, petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to protest President Museveni’s directive on wetland eviction.

Last year in December following presidential directive, the Kigezi sub-region, known for its limited land, has already suffered losses due to previous evictions, with over 200 farmers displaced in districts like Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga.