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The RDC Bushenyi Robert Atuhairwe, Dr. Bahati, UNEP and BIRDC team flagging the banana farmer’s insurance at Nyaruzinga

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante

www.mknewslink.com

In Bushenyi—

An insurance solution project aimed at tackling specific challenges of climate change adaptation is being implemented in greater Bushenyi banana farmers in Shuuku and Bumbaire banana cooperatives.

The director of  corporate affairs at BIRDC Dr. Joseph Bahati who represented the Director General Rev. Prof. Florence Muranga told www.mknewslink.com that the climate change insurance solution aims at taking charge of excessive rainfall and droughts among banana farmers in greater Bushenyi.

The project is being funded by Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator(AFICA) Programme operated UNDP.

The project was initially designed under the NDC Action Project, funded by the German Government and implemented by the UNEP Climate Change Division.

Dr. Bahati representing the DG- BIRDC presenting his welcome remarks.

According to Dr. Bahati, the banana insurance project is aimed at enrolling 930 smallholders banana farmers in Bumbaire Bushenyi district and Shuuku in Sheema district.

He added that the insurance banana project targets 50% of female banana farmers with smartphones for training and monitoring climate change smart activities.

He noted that the data collected will be used to provide justification for further scaling up in the first insurance across BIRDC’s 5000 existing banana farmers grouped in cooperative structures based on project performance.

UNEP project team lead Sumalee Khosla (senior adaptation finance expert) with Claude Sodokin (programme officer) and Lasse Hemmingsen (communications representative), AIC team lead Munyaratzi Daka, and Acre Africa team lead, Farid Wangara.C

He explained that 50,000 farmers across the country will in future benefit from climate change banana insurance.

Dr.Bahati told www.mknewslink.com that project is worth 125,000 USD beginning Sept.2023 to Dec. 2024.

Present at the event was UNEP project team lead Sumalee Khosla (senior adaptation finance expert) with Claude Sodokin (programme officer) and Lasse Hemmingsen (communications representative), AIC team lead Munyaratzi Daka, and Acre Africa team lead, Farid Wangara.

By Moses Andama

www.mknewslink.com

In Masindi—

Police in Masindi district have arrested two suspects in possession of marijuana and house breaking equipment.

According to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Masindi Emmy Ngabirano, the suspects are who are a couple were arrested during an intelligence led- operation conducted in Kijura, suburb of Masindi town.

He identified female suspect as Friday Joan while the husband couldn’t be identified by press time.

Ngabirano added that during the operation they recovered house breaking equipment, marijuana and others thus the suspects were handed over to police and detained at Masindi central police station as investigations into the matter go on.

The RDC revealed that the female suspect has been arrested several other times but was always released on police bond.

He however warned LCI chairpersons against issuing stamps to non-residents saying it is one of the causes for increased criminals in the district.

He as well asked landlords to always get details of their tenants and also bar owners to close before 11pm for their safety and their clients too.

Last week security arrested over 300 suspected criminals in Masindi, screened and detained some on charges of common nuisance and possession of opium.

Out of 300 suspects, 185 were women and 115 men. 41 of the female suspects were charged with being in possession of opium. During the operation, 30 motorcycles were also impounded.

By www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala—
Entebbe International Airport has registered a strong performance in the first half of 2024, having 226,795 more passengers than was recorded in the same period of January to June 2023.
According to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, the airport recorded half year figures of 1,069,224 international passengers, 527,692 arriving and 541,532 departing passengers from January to June 2024 compared to a total of 842,429 in the same period of January to June 2023.
Addressing journalists at the airport yesterday, the director general noted that July 2024 recorded a total of 182,494 international passengers, 92,379 arriving and 90,115 departing passengers, an average of 5,886 passengers per day.
“Cargo traffic also saw a significant boost, with a total of 32,794 metric tons recorded in January to June 2024 of which exports were 22,380 metric tons and 10,414 metric tons of imports compared to a total of 25,951 metric tons in January to June 2023. Export cargo grew by 18.9%, while import cargo saw a remarkable 46.2% increase. Despite the growth trends, exports have generally remained higher than imports in the last four years,” Mr.Bamwesigye added.
He said there was however a slight decrease in cargo recorded in July 2024, with 4,123 metric tons of exports and 1,618 metric tons of imports, a total of 5,741 metric tons compared to 5,745 metric tons in the previous year.
“It is good to see such strong growth in both passenger and cargo traffic. The numbers demonstrate the airport’s importance in fostering international travel, tourism and trade. We look forward to continuing to serve our passengers and customers with provision of world-class facilities and services,” He assured the public.
He added that movements were 15,223 in January to June 2024 compared to 14,575 in January to June 2023, reflecting a 4.4% growth, while overflights were 12,359 in January to June 2024 compared to 11,203 in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 10.3% growth.
On the other hand, transit passengers were 53,559 in January to June 2024 compared to 57,469 in January to June 2023, reflecting a decline of -6.8%.
In terms of infrastructure, Mr.Bamwesigye said the project for upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is progressing well, and is standing at 92% level of completion, overall.
“You may recall that as part of the same project, both runways were already resurfaced, a new 100,000 tones capacity cargo center completed in 2021, and Aircraft Aprons, 2, 4, and 5 (cargo Apron completed). Pending works are on the main Apron 1, which has been expanded (currently at 96%) and the new terminal building connecting to the current terminal, whose works are on-going and at 65% level of completion,” He added.
As part of further enhancement of service provision, the director revealed that new Business Class facility is currently being erected within the terminal building and this will be completed by early next year.
“We have also stepped-up stakeholder engagements with all the various service providers of services and facilities at Entebbe International Airport, including airlines, ground handlers, Immigration, Customs, Security and all concessionaires to ensure timely resolution of passenger complaints in order to ensure a better passenger experience,” He explained.

By Aggrey Twesigye
www.mknewslink.com
In Sheema—-

The police in the Greater Bushenyi region are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident where a vehicle carrying Rosemary Nyakikongoro, the Woman Member of Parliament for Sheema District, overturned multiple times at Bugongi village on the Kabwohe-Kitagata road on Sunday.

SP Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson, reported that the vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with registration number UAP 656W, carrying Rosemary Nyakikongoro, 59, along with her driver Fred Neli, 32, and her personal secretary Jane Natwijuka, 47, failed to negotiate a corner at Bugongi village.

The vehicle, which was traveling from the Kabwohe side toward Kitagata, lost control and struck a pavement.

Tumusiime stated that the Sheema District DPC visited the accident scene, a sketch map was drawn, and the vehicle was towed to Sheema Central Police Station for inspection.

He mentioned that the victims were initially taken to Kampala International Teaching Hospital by good Samaritans. However, by the time of reporting, it was learned that the legislator had been transferred to Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, while the other two victims had been discharged.

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.

By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Rukungiri—–
A primary school head teacher in Rukungiri has been arrested for allegedly sending pupils home over unpaid school fees, a clear violation of the presidential directive.
The suspect identified as Denies Akatukunda is a head teacher at Karuzigye Primary School in Buhunga Sub County, Rukungiri District.
According to Rukungiri Deputy Resident Commissioner (DRDC) Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, the arrest followed a complaint by a 70-year-old, Caleb Twinomusinguzi, after his four children were dismissed from school Monday despite having paid UGX 120,000 for the current term.
“The head teacher, however, demanded payment for the previous term, amounting to UGX 240,000, therefore he sent them back to get the remaining 120,000 shillings,” the deputy RDC noted.

Mr. Ongom said he found the pupils engaged in their exams, except for Twinomusinguzi’s children and when questioned, the head teacher denied the accusations, but the pupils confirmed they had been sent away.

Akatukunda Denies was detained at Buhunga Police Post before being transferred to Rukungiri Central Police Station for further investigation.
DRDC Ongom emphasized that the president has repeatedly insisted that no child should be sent home over unpaid fees and that schools should instead negotiate with parents. He warned other school heads that the government will not tolerate those who undermine its education programs.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has consistently stressed the importance of implementing the free education policy in government schools.

BY AGGREY TWESIGYE
IN RUHARO MBARARA——-

St. James Cathedral Ruharo was filled with thousands of Christians on Sunday, as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to Florence Nightingale, the late wife of Canon Bobs Nathan Mwesigye, Dean of St. James Cathedral and head of the clergy in Ankole Diocese.

Florence Nightingale tragically passed away on Friday night at her home in Ruharo, following a battle with cardiac arrest.

The children of the deceased described their mother as a strong, jovial woman who taught them the power of prayer in providing all one could ask for. They commended the large number of Christians who attended the service to celebrate their mother’s life.

Canon Bobs Mwesigye shared the heart-wrenching details of his wife’s final moments, revealing that she developed breathing difficulties before dying in his arms as they attempted to get her to the hospital. He also noted that they were to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on September 11, 2024. Florence Nightingale is survived by four children. Mwesigye praised his wife as a down-to-earth, gifted woman who was deeply loved by everyone and played a crucial role in the development of their family.

In his remarks, the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, urged Christians to prioritize regular medical checkups to monitor their health.

The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, urged Christians to offer comfort and support to the bereaved family during this difficult time of losing a beloved pillar.

Several dignitaries attended the memorial service, including the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, Mbarara Diocese Vicar General Dr. Severinus Ndugwa, Mbarara City North Legislator Dr. Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, and Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, among others.

Florence Nightingale will be buried tomorrow in Nyabuhikye sub-county in Ibanda district

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BY WILBER MUHWEZI KASIBANTE [MK]
IB BUSHENYI——
AMB. DR. Richard Nduhuura was born 68 years ago in Kyeizooba sub-county in Bushenyi district.
PARENTS
Teachers Mr. Erieza Barugahare and Mrs Marjorie Barugahare shaped the character of Ambassador Dr. Nduhuura of being humble, patient and corrupt free. He is married to Clare Nduhuura and blessed with 3 children all of whom are University graduates.
EDUCATION AND WORK
He graduated from the Makerere School of Veterinary Medicine in 1979 and lectured at the Veterinary Training Institute, Entebbe. He was later transferred to Bushenyi District as Veterinary officer. He later retired voluntarily into active local government politics in 1989, rising to the District Executive Committee. He also served as LC4 Chairman Igara County. He together with others campaigned very actively for Col. Amanya Mushega to become CA delegate in 1993 and later MP for Igara East in 1994.
CHAIRMAN DISTRICT SERVICE COMMISSION, BUSHENYI.
He was appointed Chairman Bushenyi District Service Commission in 1998 by Bushenyi District Local Government led at that time by the late Yowasi Makaaru who incidentally, Amb Nduhuura had not supported in the preceding elections.
He served for 3 years up to 2001 when he decided to contest for MP following the appointment of Col. Amanya Mushega to serve as Secretary General of the East African Community.
He won the parliamentary seat of Igara East and was immediately appointed Minister of state for Industry & Technology, later for Trade, before he was transferred to Ministry of Local Government and finally Health.
He served ten years as MP until 2011 before losing to Hn Michael Mawanda in the controversial NRM primaries of 2010.
After the 2011 elections, President Museveni retained him as Minister of State for Health (General Duties) before appointing him, in 2012, Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN in New York with ministerial entitlements.
Amb Nduhuura told www.mknewslink.com MD MK KASIBANTE that he together with his team at the NewYork registered several achievements including the successful lobbying of the UN to accept Uganda’s bid to deploy a UN Guard Force to guard the UN Compound and installations in Mogadishu. It was also during his tenure in New York that Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa was elected the President of the United Nations General Assembly. He also renovated Uganda House in New York which for years had been an eye and attracted the wrath of Parliament. This, he was able to do using revenue generated from renting space at the 14 storey building of which the Embassy occupied 3 floors. Significant too is the fact that even after extensive renovations and refurbishing, there was still a huge balance of funds to remit to the consolidated fund.
In 2017, after serving 4 years in NewYork, Amb Nduhuura was posted to Paris with multiple bilateral accreditation to France, Spain and Portugal; and multiple multilateral accreditation to UNESCO, OECD, BIE & OIE. During his tenure in Paris, which ended in December 2021 upon voluntary retirement, the bilateral relations between Uganda and the 3 countries greatly improved resulting into increased trade, tourism and investment. The Embassy building in Paris which too used to be an eyesore was modified and renovated courtesy of his lobbying efforts to Government.
Amb Nduhuura is very proud of his service to Uganda and lives a happy retired life.

BY WILBER MIHWEZI KASIBANTE
IN BUSHENYI
Residents of Kabagarame in Bushenyi –Ishaka Municipality are in shock after the international pork market got bunt last evening at around 10:00pm.
The International Pork Market is thatched with grass and according to the Chairman of Market Mr. Francis Kabaije the market has two security guards they don’t know nowhere the guards had gone for somebody to come and burn the market unnoticed.
All the leaders of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and the central division staff where the market falls www.mknewslink.com editor left everyone at the market trying to forge way forward.
Kabagarame international pork market has always been vulnerable to fires and land grabbers but the owners have stronger to save it for any eventuality.
This is like the forth time Kabagarame in 10 years the market being burnt by unknown people. Leaders come in and contribute for the restore the damage.
According to the Division Chairman for NRM Mr. Alozious Nshemerirwe they want to hold the meeting today and call all the leaders in the region to come and contribute for them to restore their lost properties.
Surprising Kabagarame was even burnt during COVID 19 time and as well leaders contributed and the market was brought back to normal shape.
However Kabagarame being a Saturday activity and enjoyment tomorrow 3/8/2024 it will still work.

BY WILBER MUHWEZI KASIBANTE
IN BUSHENYI/BUHWEJU—–
Suspected anthrax disease has ravaged the districts of Buhweju and Bushenyi after 50 people ate a dead cow suspected to be suffering from anthrax.
There 4 villages that are affected by the disease both in Bushenyi and Buhweju districts.
According to the one of the residents Mr. Prosper Twebaze, a journalist and aspiring LCV Chairperson Bushenyi district the affected villages are Karama in Burungira parish, Nyeibingo A in Nyeibingo parish, Katsya I and II in Burungira all in Ruhumuro sub county and Kihame cell in Rushambya parish Buhweju district.
Mr. Twebaze Prosper told www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website today morning July 24, 2024 that one person has already died and 49 are developing serious symptoms of Anthrax.
He added that health workers in Buhweju and Bushenyi districts have already taken samples from the suspected victims and results will be released on Friday this week.
Mr. Prosper told this editor that residents in the above villages are concentrating on witch craft rather than medical treatment. He called upon them to immediately go for medical treatment and abandon witch doctors.
“The whole day today Wednesday, I will spend it sensitizing in people in Ruhumuro sub-county and Rushambya parish in Buhweju district to go to health facilities for treatment and abandon traditional behavior of witch doctors” Mr. Prosper noted.