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By Moses Andama

By Moses Andama.

In Masindi ————-

By Moses Andama.

In Kiryandongo……………….

www.mknewslink.com

Sandra Amaali an old woman from Gulu district says travelling from the Northern Uganda to central and Bunyoro regions has become a hurdle since the closure of Karuma bridge which was permanently closed on the September 23, 2024.

Amaali, who was stranded at Masindi Port ferry on Sunday said that crossing River Nile through Masindi Port ferry is taking them four hours or more because of the many vehicles in the queue.

” since the bridge was closed we are facing a lot of challenges as far as movement is concerned. I have been here for more than four hours but accessing the ferry is a hurdle. We are spending a lot of time here and our businesses are dying,” she explained.

Davis Balunada who normally uses Gulu high way to Juba explained to Mk News Link com that commuting to Juba and Kampala has become a hurdle, adding that they are spending a lot of time at the ferry because of the many vehicles and the people.

“The two Ferries being used are too small to accommodate many vehicles at once. You have to wait until the one on other side comes back. Our prayer to government is to deploy a bigger ferry which can carry many vehicles, the luggage and the people at once because what we are facing is intolerable,” he appealed.

Steven Aliguma who was going to Apac district said he had spent six hours waiting for the ferry very hungry and tired.

“I have spent here four hours waiting. We request government to bring a bigger ferry which can take at least 15 vehicles or bring more Ferries because we are suffering a lot and we are no longer productive now,” he added.

Nakalema Maimuuna explained that she left Elegu at 7:00 am but they reached Masindi port at 4:00 PM and yet by that they would be in Kampala.

She added that the transport fares have been increased specifically from Elegu to Kampala, adding that from Elegu transport fees have been increased from sh80,00 to sh100,000.

Musa Kagwa, the chairperson Elegu driver’s association told Mknewslink.com that the inconveniences caused and also the bad state of alternative roads have compelled them to increase the fares.

Our reporter managed to visit Masindi Port ferry and he found hundreds of small vehicles stranded in the queue waiting to be allowed to access the ferry by Police and other security operatives.

Two Ferries deployed 

There are two Ferries deployed on the ground one on the side of Kiryandongo and the other one the side of Apac district.

“We have two Ferries and we just alternate. When this one reaches there other one comes back,” a Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) official who is not authorized to speak to the media said.

The water weed is also sometimes interrupting the ferry’s movement. Sometimes disturbing the ferry to land.

Vehicles are released in bits to avoid too much congestion and also to avoid commotion at the ferry,” said a police officer who declined to be named.

Security has also been intensified to ensure that people are safe. Uniformed and non-uniformed men were seen on the ground by our reporter.

“The challenge we have most is the jam. The ordinary people are not respecting the VIPs. People are saying we are all equal sometimes which interrupts our activities,” A UNRA official who is not authorized to speak to the media noted.

The travelers also complained of the lack of enough man power on the ground.

On average over 600 vehicles are crossing using the ferry. For instance, MV Masindi port ferry two carriers 10 Small vehicles like taxis, double cabin among others and 4 Big vehicles like Fuso and bus and the passenger capacity is 120 while the MV Masindi Port 1 carries 6 Small vehicles and two big vehicles and has a capacity of 80 passengers.

On on Sunday 466 small cars crossed, 97 trucks,18 buses, 347 Motorcycles and 41 bicycles.

Following the closure of Karuma bridge to pave way for its reconstruction, apparently the alternative roads being used include Masindi Port Apac, Masindi via Murchison Falls to Pakwach and Masindi Biiso road.

However, travelers using Masindi- Murchison Falls National Park road are always inconvenienced since vehicles are not allowed to move 24 hours.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) released regulations and travelers are not allowed to use the road past 7:00 PM and also the speed limit is always not favorable to the travelers.

Sometimes travelers who are caught by that time Park at Murchison Falls get until morning. Others sleep in their vehicles while others look for where to sleep.

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante

www.mknewslink.com

In Bushenyi—

The Member of Parliament for Igara East and head of mobilization for Patriotic League of Uganda Michael Mawanda Maranga has revealed that president Museveni must retire in 2026 because even the best dancer leaves the stage at some point.

Museveni has been in power since 1986 and he has been preparing the son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba but he is delaying to give him the power.

Sources from state house around president Museveni told www.mknewslink.com managing director that president Museveni wants to run again for the last term but Muhoozi and his supporters want the seat in 2026.

He said this yesterday night 10^th Sept.2024 in a radio program on Hunter FM and Theo FM while on phone from Kampala.

Mawanda who has been in prison for one month on charges of corruption was on 30^th August 2024 bailed but since then he has not appeared in his constituency and last night was his first time to speak on air.

Mawanda who is head of mobilization for patriotic League of Uganda a pressure group headed by the first son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba was released after Kainerugaba abused his father on X formerly Twiiter saying that the father moves with the ‘biggest thief” Odrek Rwabwogo while his man Mawanda rots in prison.

The MP noted that he is strategically positioned in Muhoozi’s government and is in the kitchen and will be serving the people of Igara East and western Uganda with great services because he will be key decision maker.

In the studios were two PLU supporters; Rwakataka and Johnson Nagasha who noted that Mawanda is a great leader as well as a strong supporter of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba therefore people of Igara East should vote him in 2026 to work with Gen.Muhoozi.

Johnson Nagasha told listeners that there could be some things which are not going well because the MP has been in prison for some time but they will be sorted out soon.

Mawanda said that he would have come to the constituency but he is in Northern Uganda with David Kabanda doing an assignment from Gen. Muhoozi and he assured listeners that he will be back soon, dine with them, and celebrate release from prison.

He however said that he can’t talk about the case since the law doesn’t allow him to talk about a case which is still in court.

www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106

By Aggrey Twesigye

www.mknewslink.com

In Mbarara—-

It is a somber mood at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital after the body of their missing colleague, Judith Kyarisiima, was found floating on river Rwizi.

The 52-year-old senior midwife, in charge of the maternal and child health unit, was discovered and retrieved from River Rwizi on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Kyarisiima has been missing since September 2, 2024, when she was last seen around 7:00 p.m. at her home in Katete Central, Mbarara City. Her sudden disappearance prompted police to launch an investigation, and last week, her husband was arrested to assist in the inquiry.

Kyarisiima, who served as the National General Secretary for the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union, has been with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital since 1997.

Her death has left a deep void among her colleagues and the broader medical community. Police investigations are ongoing as they seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.

By Isaac Mumbere

www.mknewslink.com

In Kasese—

The Rwenzori East Police have issued a warning to residents living near River Nyamwamba to seek for temporary shelter with friends and relatives in safer areas.

SP Nelson Tumushime the regional police spokesperson emphasized the urgency of relocating to higher ground until the river’s turbulent waters subside.

This warning comes after River Nyamwamba burst its banks earlier today, claiming the lives of at least two people in Kizungu, Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality. One of the deceased, Teopista Masika, was a resident of Kyalhumba. The Police Fire and Rescue Services are working tirelessly to rescue those still trapped in Kiwa Heritage.

Lt. Joe Walusimbi, Resident District Commissioner for Kasese, echoed the call for residents to prioritize their safety by temporarily relocating to higher altitudes. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the disaster.

The authorities’ warnings and rescue efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the river’s overflow, which has already caused devastating consequences. Residents are advised to take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as necessary.

In the meantime, the community is urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid further casualties. The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety during natural disasters.

By Aggrey Twesigye

www.mknewslink.com

In Mbarara—-

A 20-year prison sentence for Niyonzima Valenzi, who had been convicted of murder, was overturned by the Appeals Court in Mbarara after he had already served 13 years in prison. The decision came after a panel of judges, including Eva Luswata, Oscar Kihika, and Asa Mugenyi, reviewed the case.

Niyonzima, a resident of Nakivale, was originally convicted in 2011 for the murder of Nanihoshira. He had pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

However, his defense attorney, Ninsiima Caroline, argued in the Appeal Court that the High Court judge had made an error in his judgment by not considering Niyonzima’s earlier guilty plea and the time he had already spent in custody before sentencing.

The Appeals Court judges agreed with Niyonzima’s defense, stating that the High Court had indeed made a mistake by not factoring in the 13 years Niyonzima had already served. They also acknowledged that Niyonzima had admitted to the crime, which further complicated the fairness of the original sentence.

As a result, the Appeals Court ruled that it was unjust to continue holding Niyonzima in prison for the remaining years, given the errors made in the original trial. Therefore, the judges ordered his immediate release.

By Joyce Apio

www.mknewslink.com

In Gulu City:

Tree planters from two cities and 15 districts in Northern Uganda have voiced their strong support for the National Forestry Authority (NFA), calling for its empowerment as an independent agency or even as a full Ministry of Forestry. These advocates, deeply engaged in forestry conservation, credit NFA with significant environmental and community benefits.

“NFA has been very useful, creating a symbiotic relationship where the forest helps us, and we benefit in return,” said Dina Ajok, a member of a Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) group. “Opit Forest is useful to us and the future of our children. Thanks to NFA, the forest has been revived, and the community helps protect it.”

Ajok highlighted how the forest, once limited to the edges near the road with few indigenous trees, had been nearly destroyed by people from the IDP camp who cut down the trees.

“It was NFA that resurrected the forest with the help of the community. Rain wasn’t reliable here, but NFA kept educating the people, and when the trees grew, we started receiving rain. NFA has done a great job in our lives; we grow crops and live a better life,” she added.

Oola Dennis echoed these sentiments, noting the positive impact of NFA’s efforts on local agriculture and quality of life. “NFA and the community are doing a great job to improve our environment, and we need more land for tree planting,” added Akullu Sofia.

Odida Michael, reflecting on the changes, remarked, “There is a big change compared to where people were in a camp. Where we are sitting was once a camp.”

Langoya Council Dickson, a conservationist turned plantation owner, has seen success through a public-private partnership with NFA. Since 2006, he has managed 130 hectares in Opok Central Forest Reserve (CFR).

“Land was made available in a forest reserve designated for tree planting, with grants from the EU – SPGS, training, and technical backstopping. Most people viewed it negatively, but those of us who followed the rules are now benefiting from this initiative,” Langoya said.

He emphasized the importance of learning from NFA and restoring the physical integrity of forests, noting that he has become a case study in the Acholi region with a certified tree nursery.

Richard Komakech from Opit Upper Cell also expressed concern about the possible transfer of NFA responsibilities to other ministries, calling it a big mistake.

He urged the Natural Resources Committee to ensure the allocation of resources to NFA and the provision of amenities in CFRs.

Dr. Balle Turyahumura of New Woodland Forests Company supported these sentiments, stressing the need to protect NFA’s role, including the National Tree Seed Centre in Namanve.

“We need to save our National Tree Seed Centre in Namanve with government support,” added Onen Pope, a retired forest officer from Gulu City.

By Ambrose Kweronda

www.mknewslink.com

In Rubanda—-

The police in Rubanda are investigating circumstances under which a boda boda rider died in a motorcycle accident at Murole B Cell, Nyakabungo Ward, Rubanda Town Council, along the Kabale-Kisoro road in Rubanda District.

The deceased, identified as Mbabazi Wensislus, was a boda boda rider residing in Rutoga Cell, Nyarurambi Ward, Rubanda Town Council, Rubanda District. He was riding a motorcycle, registration number UEU 931B, a Bajaj Boxer.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, told journalists   that the accident occurred on August 25, 2024, at around 10:15 AM. The rider, who was traveling from Kisoro towards Kabale, lost control of the motorcycle while navigating a corner sloping towards Mukivundwe area. The motorcycle went off the road and fell into a trench, causing the rider to hit his head on a road pavement. He died on the spot.

Maate added that the scene was visited, processed, and documented. A postmortem was conducted, and the body was handed over to the relatives.

He stated that the primary cause of the accident was over speeding.

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.