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By Ambrose Kweronda

By Moses Andama

www.mknewslink.com

In Masindi—-

Masindi Municipal Council has resolved to request the Ministry of Public Service to provide an independent service commission from outside Masindi to do recruitments.

Masindi District Service Commission has been non-functional for nearly two years after it was plagued by some issues that rendered it unable to perform its duties, according to Mayor Masindi municipality Kyomuhendo Ronald.

Kyomuhendo said this has significantly impacted the municipality, which has been unable to fill numerous vacant positions, ultimately affecting service delivery.

The mayor explained that despite the district service commission being split, one commission member’s term has expired, making it impossible to conduct recruitments. Furthermore, many schools in the municipality are understaffed, despite available funding for teachers’ salaries.

However, District Chairman Cosmas Byaruhanga disagreed, stating that the municipality lacks the mandate to seek external help, as this responsibility lies with the district council and its executive

Byaruhanga claimed that the district service commission is fully fledged, and the soon-to-expire member will be replaced by the district council.

He acknowledged past challenges with the commission’s chairperson, but stated that the issue has been resolved.

By Alvin Twebaze

www.mknewslink.com

In Bushenyi—

Police in Bushenyi are investigating circumstances under which a 52-year-old woman was murdered in cold blood.

The deceased is identified as Janiva Kyomugisha a resident of Ruharo central cell, Ruharo ward central Division Bushenyi Ishaka municipality Bushenyi district.

The lifeless body of Kyomugisha commonly known as Kyomu was yesterday 11^th Sept.2024 morning found lying along the road from Omuruhita trading Centre to St. Augustine SS., according to Panklasio Ndyanabo, the area chairman LCI.

SSP Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi police spokesperson told www.mknewslink.com reporter that police sniffer dog introduced to the scene picked scent and tracked up to the deceased’s residence and two were arrested.

According to Tumusiime, postmortem done at Ishaka Adventist hospital observed that the deceased had strangulation marks in the neck, soft tissue injury on the right frontal aspect, burst internal vessels of the face and neck.

He added that there was no sign of struggle at the scene which gives an impression that the deceased could have been killed from somewhere else and her body carried to where it was found.

She will be buried today at her ancestral home in Ruharo central cell, Ruharo ward central Division Bushenyi Ishaka municipality Bushenyi district.

www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
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By www.mknewslink.com

In Njeru, Uganda—–

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) and the National Defence College (NDC) are deepening their collaboration to address the interrelated issues of forestry management and national security in Uganda.

This was highlighted during a recent presentation by the Acting Executive Director of NFA, Stuart Maniraguha, to 22 students and faculty members at the NDC, led by Brigadier General Dr. Stephen Kusasira, head of the Faculty of Policy and Security Studies.

In his opening remarks, Brigadier General Dr. Stephen Kusasira emphasized the importance of a holistic understanding of security.

“The training allows the students to learn security in a broader sense. The intention is to train our students and make them see and plan beyond the military and to know how government does its business,” he said.

The course participants, comprising of professionals from law, administration, medicine, and other fields, are spending a year at the college, reflecting on a multidisciplinary approach to national security.

During his presentation, Stuart Maniraguha provided a detailed overview of Uganda’s forestry policies, strategies, and the critical role that forests play in national development and security.

Students at NDC attending a lecture by the Ag ED NFA Stuart Maniraguha on Forestry Management

Brigadier General Charity Bainababo attend the lecture on forestry Managemnet at NDC in Njeru

“Uganda’s forest cover, decreased from 24% in 1990 to 12% in 2021.If we also decide to do nothing and continue to use the forest resources available, by 2050 we will have nothing left of forests in Uganda,” Maniraguha warned.

He highlighted the dire consequences of deforestation, including increased human-wildlife conflicts and erratic rainfall patterns that are impacting livelihoods across the country.

Maniraguha further explained the NFA’s mandate to manage Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) in Uganda, which includes activities such as land use and land cover mapping, raising and supplying quality tree seedlings, demarcating CFR boundaries, restoring forest reserves, engaging communities in collaborative management, and enforcing laws.

“Forests are safety nets that whoever has nothing can run in and tap onto the resources to survive. Forests are no longer an issue of livelihood but life itself,” he said, emphasizing the critical role of forests in the lives of Ugandans.

The NFA’s efforts are supported by several legal frameworks and policies, including the 1995 Constitution, the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of 2003, the National Environment Act of 2019, the Uganda Wildlife Act of 2019, and the Climate Change Act of 2021. These frameworks provide the basis for sustainable forest management and restoration efforts, which include a national target to restore 375,000 hectares annually in line with Vision 2040. Maniraguha also noted recent government actions, such as executive orders on charcoal burning and timber exports, aimed at curbing deforestation.

During the interactive session, Brigadier General Charity Bainababo raised concerns about the challenges of balancing forest conservation with development.

“When we touch politicians about cutting forests, they say you are touching our voters. We need more mobilization and sensitization of these people,” she said.

Maniraguha agreed, underscoring the need for strengthened policy frameworks, improved enforcement, community empowerment, and increased investment in forestry management.

Col. Richard Kitatta Seguya also inquired about land issues related to deforestation.

“When we lost the forest, did we lose the land also?” he asked, reflecting a broader concern about land tenure and illegal titles in protected areas.

The engagement between NFA and NDC students and faculty marks a significant step toward integrating environmental sustainability into national security strategies. As Uganda faces increasing challenges related to deforestation and climate change, partnerships like these will be crucial in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.

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 Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante

www.mknewslink.com

In Kampala/Bushenyi–

The director general of Uganda civil aviation Authority Mr. Fred Bamwesigye has called upon Aviation operators to ensure that customers are safe as they fly in the region.

Mr. Bamwesigye said this on 26^th August 2024 while opening a workshop on a capacity building on annex 6 – on regulations on consumer protection for Eastern African region.

He noted that players in the aviation industry of East Africa should ensure that their customers are safe while flying on their planes.

He added that it’s a duty of civil aviation authorities to make sure that their customers are protected from any unscrupulous agents who want to steal and con from them while on their planes in East Africa.

He went ahead to say it’s a duty of the aviation authorities to put in place safety measures that protect passengers from any accidents while flying across East Africa.

The workshop which was on annex 6 in Kampala was aimed at creating capacity for east Africa authorities to be able to handle aviation professionally, timely and technologically updated.

Mr. Bamwesigye advised the aviation players in east Africa to have marketing skills and PR so that people are able to enjoy services of the aviation wholeheartedly.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority is highly ranked in Africa and beyond with many planes and routes by Uganda airlines that was revamped by the president of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently.

Passengers of Uganda airlines have of recent recommended that its safe and secure to travel with Uganda airlines under the stewardship of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority director general Fred Bamwesigye and Ms. Jenipher Bamuturaki.

By Aggrey Twesigye

www.mknewslink.com

In Mbarara—-

Bishop Stuart University community is mourning the sudden death of Florah Kyayemagye, a lecturer in the faculty of education, arts and media studies at the university.

The university shared the heartbreaking news on their official Facebook page today, expressing profound grief over the loss.

Rose Rwankole, the university’s Public Relations Officer, informed this reporter that the deceased, who was pregnant with her second child, collapsed around 3 PM on Friday. She was immediately taken to Neocare Clinic in Booma, where doctors determined that the baby had passed away. She was later referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital on Saturday morning for further care after experiencing breathing difficulties.

She stated that the deceased was pronounced dead on Monday morning, reportedly due to severe preeclampsia. However, Rwankole noted that they were still awaiting the postmortem report from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital at the time of reporting.

The university has now released a tentative burial program, which includes a vigil at her home in Nsikye, Kyeera, Nyamitanga today.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at All Saints Church, followed by another service at Kanyaryeru Church of Uganda. There will also be a vigil at her ancestral home in Akaku, Kanyaryeru. She will be laid to rest on August 28th, 2024, in Akaku, Kanyaryeru Sub County, Kiruhura District.

www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala—-
In a significant milestone, the Church of Uganda on Tuesday received its land title for the Janani Luwum Church House back from Equity Bank Uganda after successfully repaying a loan used to construct the 14-story commercial building in the heart of Kampala.
The ceremony, held at the sideline of the Provincial Assembly happening at Uganda Christian University, Mukono and witnessed by all 39 Bishops and over 200 delegates from Dioceses of the Church, was not just a formal handover but a celebration of a flourishing partnership between the Church and Equity Bank.
The journey began 14 years ago when the Church of Uganda, seeking to expand its revenue base and increase its capacity to fund various social and religious activities, approached Equity Bank for a loan worth $ 17 million (Shs 65 billion). The funds were earmarked for the construction of the 14-story commercial building, which was both ambitious and strategically important for the church’s long-term sustainability.
During the handover ceremony, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, expressed deep gratitude to the bank for their unwavering support throughout the project’s duration.
“We embarked on this journey with faith, knowing that this partnership would not only enable us to achieve our goals but also empower us to continue our mission of serving our communities. Today, we stand here with immense pride, having fulfilled our financial obligations, and we are grateful to Equity Bank for believing in our vision,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He went on to highlight the success of the commercial building, noting that it will generate significant revenue for the church, which will be reinvested into various community and church-led initiatives across Uganda.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Equity Bank Elizabeth Mwerinde Kasedde emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting development projects that have a positive impact on society.
“Today is a testament to what can be achieved when there is trust and collaboration between institutions. The Church of Uganda has been a reliable partner, and we are honoured to have played a role in this significant achievement. The successful completion and repayment of this loan is a clear indication of the church’s dedication to its mission and its financial stewardship,” Mwerinde remarked.
She also hinted at ongoing and future collaborations, revealing that the bank is currently funding several other church-led projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, and social services in underserved areas.
“The Church of Uganda has always been at the forefront of societal development, and we are proud to continue supporting their initiatives. Our partnership goes beyond just financial transactions; it is about transforming lives and communities and building a future for all Ugandans,” she added.
The relationship between the Church of Uganda and the Equity Bank is a model of a successful partnership between the Church and a financial institution, with both entities working towards common growth and development goals. The handover of the land title marks the completion of just one chapter in a broader narrative of collaboration that continues to thrive.
The 14-story building, now fully owned by the Church of Uganda, stands as a beacon of what can be achieved with vision, faith, and collaboration. It is a symbol of the church’s enduring commitment to self-sufficiency and community service, made possible through a strong and trusting relationship with Equity Bank, said Mwerinde.

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante
www.mknewslink.com
In Sheema/Bushenyi—-
Research done by Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante www.mknewslink.com managing director on how quick Sheema district will get a diocese curved out of West ankole diocese. Below are the findings that the company did.
Lack of unifying factor; late Yowasi Makaru. Sheema started a quest for a diocese in 1994 but lost focus as time went on until Bishop Katonene’s era when it gained momentum after Sheema Christians started fighting for their university but under it the issue of the diocese was much evident.

Currently, Sheema has very well connected children with fatty jobs who can fund the quest for the diocese but don’t have someone to bring them together.
HOW MUCH DOES SHEEMA CONTRIBUTE TO WEST ANKOLE DIOCESE
Sheema district is the highest contributor to west ankole diocese in form of cash but research done by www.mknewslink.com with its 7 huge archdeaconries and over 30 parishes contribute 41% of the total revenue at west ankole diocese. Anglican institutions are the highest contributor of the cash at the diocese.
For that matter therefore Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni can never allow Sheema to become an independent diocese because of his appetite for money.
Sheema will continue to cry like a child until they appoint a replacement for Makaru to reunite them and fight for a diocese.