Uganda President warns traditional leaders fomenting trouble in Rwenzori

On Easter Monday 28th March 2016, Uganda's president and commander in chief of the Armed forces jumped on a military helicopter dressed in Military fatigue and looked every inch Combat ready. He was visiting the restive Rwenzori region for the first time since the outbreak of communal violence after the February 18th general elections. At least 20 people(accumulative figure)had been killed including 4 security officials in clashes btn bakonjo and Bamba-Babwisi in Bundibugyo and Kasese. Museveni visited kirumya and Ntotoro sub counties to assess the security situation. The violence begun in Kirumya where five people were killed including a woman and a 14 year old boy killed by machete wielding militia men reminiscent of Rwanda 1994 genocide shortly after Local gov't elections in March. Three hundred and sixty six(366) houses have so far reportedly been burnt by unknown people displacing over 10,000 people from their homes within Bundibugyo border district.The outgoing district Local gov't chairman Jolly Tibemanya told President Yoweri Museveni that the disaster preparedness ministry had not done enough to address the challenges of the Internally displaced persons-IDPs in his district. The communal violence is mainly between Bamba and Bakonjo ethnic communities are said to have been allies in their struggle against segregation and marginalization by ancient Tooro Kingdom in 1962.In 2014, a gang of militia armed with arrow and bows attacked key military installations including a military barracks of kanyamwirima in Bundibugyo. The conflict is laced with mysticism following reports that some militia men had been convinced by traditional medicine men that they could face any modern weapon unscathed after smearing their bodies with some herbal concoctions hence the incredible heroic confrontation with Security officials armed with AK 47 assault rifles. During the February 18 2016 elections, the two tribes voted on opposite sides with the Bamba/Babwisi voting for the incumbent and the Bakonzo voting the opposition with assurance that their grievances and needs would be addressed by the new FDC gov't.The Leader of the main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change-FDC Col.Kiiza Besigye visited the cultural leader of Bakonzo Charles Wesley Mumbere during elections and the two are said to have discussed issues of concern concerning his Cultural institution and hence the good returns in the general elections with all the 6 MPs elected on FDC ticket. However, Charles Mumbere says NRM mobilizers didn't do their work and hence the dismal returns. The internally displaced persons are in need of urgent attention and lack basic needs including health and sanitary services. The Rwenzori region lies astride the DRC-Uganda border and was used by Allied Democratic Forces ADF rebels who unleashed terror and havoc in the area from 1996-2001 before they were driven across the border to DRC.The ADF leader Jamil Mukulu was arrested in neighboring Tanzania in 2014 and extradited to Uganda where he is yet to be tried in courts of Law. In a press briefing at state lodge Njara in F/Portal on Easter Monday, President Yoweri Museveni urged the people of Rwenzori not to be misguided by Cultural leaders who don't care about their needs but enjoy seeing people prostrating before them. Museveni on a positive note said the conflict in Rwenzori is threatening tourism, and other economic activities like cocoa growing and vanilla which are the main economic activities in Bundibugyo and Kasese. The restive Rwenzori region remains a volatile area where a normal quarrel or act of theft of Agricultural produce could a park a tribal conflict anytime.

TENSION IN RWENZORI REGION AS TRIBAL CLASHES CLAIM AN ACCUMULATIVE 25 LIVES IN ONE MONTH

As the world marks the Easter holidays the cornerstone of the Christian faith the people living in restive Rwenzori region districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo are living in fear of their lives following a spate of clashes The death toll in restive Rwenzori region is rising with every passing day as the Bakonjo and Bamba/Babwisi ethnic communities who were once so close until central gov't accorded the Babwisi their own cultural Leader retired Lt.Col Kamya effectively curving the cultural institution out of Rwenzururu cultural institution of Charles Wesley Mumbere. The simmering tension between the two ethnic communities came to boiling point after the February and March general elections.While Kasese voted for Opposition FDC political party candidates from president to the lower Local Council, Bundibugyo and neighboring Kabarole voted the ruling National resistance Movement-NRM candidates including President Yoweri Museveni.At least 25 people have been killed in inter-communal violence between.In 2009, government restored or rather recognized the Cultural institution of the Obusinga under Charles Wesley Mumbere under the assumption that the cultural institution would cover even Bundibugyo where ancestral home and well aware that the two communities fought or resisted repression and segregation meted on them by Tooro kingdom in the 196os. It was a shock to the Bakonzo when government recognized and granted the Babwisi/Bamba their own cultural institution Obudinghigya which the Bakonzo interpreted as an act of betrayal. Meanwhile skirmishes between Bakonzo and security personnel have been reported in Kasese after LC election in Hima town council were won by NRM leaning Candidate. Addressing a press conference in Kasese recently the King/Cultural leader of Bakonzho urged people who don't pay allegiance to the institution not to incite the people or despise those who pay allegiance to the institution. In 2003, in my line of duty as journalist as Editor of A local fm radio in Fort Portal Uganda in Rwenzori region,a man who identified himself as Price SWALEH TIBAMWENDA came to see me in my office claiming to be the rightful or rather crown prince of Rwenzururu. Prince Swaleh belongs to the lineage of Basukale-Banyangalwa royal clan. According to Prince TIBAMWENDA,Mukirania-the father of Omusinga Mumbere,Kawamara and Peter Mupalya fought against Tooro discrimination as a political struggle but not as Royals themselves. It was news to me and I was hearing it for the very first time.In other news, there are reports or rather rumors of a secession movement which is is intent on building their own YIIRA state that would cover parts of Eastern DRC to Mubende which Obusinga administration has denied and dismissed as a fabrication. Several gov't officers and researchers insist that the agitation is real and sholdn't be denied. It reminded me of how some politicians at one point mooted the idea of seceding from uganda to form their own NILE REPUBLIC. The Bakonzho have their Kin across the border who are known as BAYIIRA. While interacting with my intellectual Bakonzho friends, they briefed me about how everybody else is a migrant and that they are the the only indigenous people of Uganda. Legislators and LC officials from Kasese say their area is marginalized and that during the 2007 land reform program, the program favored the Banyabindi, Basongora and other minorities. The Basongora are pastoralists or cattle keepers who the Bakonzho are cultivators.Clearly, the issues at hand are complex and need a Multi-sectoral approach and sober heads to address. As Nelson Mandela says, "Children are born innocent but it is the Adults that them to hate" Needless to say, there has been ........As I write this article, Inspector general of Police kale kayihura is camped in the Region and Sunday Sam a son of Monday who met and talked to the IGP yesterday has been speared to death. Sunday is one of the 5 people killed last night bringing to 25 the number of people killed over the last one month. On thursday night, a gang of people stormed kidodo police post in Kasese and killed one policeman and grabbed one AK47 which they took away. Research indicates that the Bakonzho have had longstanding and intricate grievances since colonial time and they only keep recurring.

The February 18 2016 general elections in Uganda are long gone but the repercussions are only beginning to be felt. At national level,one of the aggrieved contenders and looser of the presidential poll former Premier Amama Mbabazi has petitioned the supreme court as provided for under article 104 of the 1995 constitution of Uganda calling for the election which returned incumbent Yoweri Museveni as victor, to be cancelled on 28 grounds.The petitioner accuses first respondent of intimidating his supporters and taking undue advantage by using state facilities while the electoral commission is accused of failing to deliver voting materials on time and retiring the right voter's register which disenfranchising many voters. The President has been served the petition as first respondent with the Electoral Commission and Attorney general as 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively. Here in Rwenzori region, at least 12 people mainly women and children have been killed in post election related communal violence in Bundibugyo after supporters of rival district LC chairperson candidates embarked on hate speech and witch hunt of supporters of rival candidates. Most of the victims were attacked at night while they slept and their houses set on fire. Trouble broke out after early returns indicated that incumbent district Local council chairperson Jolly Tibemanya was leading and his supporters took to the streets to celebrate their candidate success. The electoral commission district returning officer Daniel Nayebare later after getting the results of the last 3 polling stations announced the flag bearer Mutegeki as winner which Tibemanya supporters could not comprehend and thought they has been robbed of their victory. Exactly One day after elections on 25th February 2016, hell broke loose with some aggrieved people while wielding machetes and other weapons descending of their own neighbors whom they believed to have been supporting rival candidates bludgeoning them to death while others were shot, others were hacked with machetes and knives. The killings were reminiscent of the Rwanda genocide of 1994. Some of the victims are Karungi and her 5 year old daughter and Muhindo and health worker among others. The communal violence occurred in Busaaru subcounty. Speaking in an interview after the murderous incidents, the Outgoing LCV chairman Tibemanya denied that the communal violence was as a result of the elections but rather tribal.Tibemanya says he won't even challenge the results in court for fear of causing more tension among the people of Bundibugyo who are mainly Bamba/Babwisi and Bakhonzo The restive areas on the foothills of Rwenzori have only recovered from the July 2014 violence which saw a gang of people's militia do a daring attack on government military installations at kanyamwirima in which an estimated 100 people were killed by the military.

Uganda Presidential/Parliamentary elections 2016

On 18th February 2016, Ugandans went to the polls to chose a new president and parliament. This is the 7th such election in the history of Uganda. The election was held under tight security after the main presidential candidate Retired Colonel Kiiza Besigye conducted what he termed as a "Campaign of defiance" saying he didn't trust the Electoral commission to deliver a free and Fair election. There was apprehension and anxiety as the campaigns reached a climax and the issue of Violence after elections even dominated the 2nd and final presidential debate attended by all the 8 contenders where Museveni warned that Violence would not be tolerated. There was a mass exodus of People from kampala-the capital city to their upcountry homes while a good number foreign investors also fled with their capital to avoid any eventualities. There were 8 candidates one of them being a lady identified as Faith Kyalya Walube.The other 7 men are incumbent Yoweri Museveni(in power since 1986 after assuming state power as a rebel leader of the National Resistance Army/Movement-NRA/M), His former Physicist during the Bush war Dr Kiiza Besigye got 3,508,687 votes Dr Abed Bwanika got 89,005, Retired General Benon Biraaro got 25,600, and former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi garnered 136,519 votes, Eng.Mabiriizi 24,498 votes and Prof.Baryamureeba-52,798. Of the 15,277,198 eligible voters,9,851,812 people turned up to vote reflecting a turnout of 64% and there were 28,010 polling stations in the entire country and on Saturday 20th Feb 2016 while beating the constitutional provision deadline which obliges the Electoral commission to announce results within 48 hours after end of voting, the Chairman Electoral commission Engineer Badru Kiggundu announced results from 26,223 polling stations. The Chairman Electoral commission reasoned that even returns from the balance of 1787 would not alter the results which handed the incumbent Yoweri Museveni 60% and leading opposition candidate of FDC got 35%. The opposition cried foul play saying the election was a sham and dismissed the results as well. Three days later, the Electoral Commission came up with final tally results and dropped a bomb of having results from 129 polling stations cancelled. The electoral process has been marred by controversies from legislation to allegations of intimidation of opposition especially Forum for democratic Change-FDC. The opposition had all along called for electoral reforms including composition of the Electoral commission. Elections in Uganda are always contentious bearing in mind it is the disputed 1980 elections that sparked off a 5 year guerrilla war against the elected president Milton Obote. That election was also characterized by irregularities and it is widely believed that Democratic Party-DP was robed of election. The incumbent president of Uganda General Yoweri Museveni contested the 1980 polls as President of Uganda Patriotic Movement-UPM but lost miserably only getting One legislator Crispus Kiyonga whose Victory was also said to have been a protest vote by DP supporters after their Candidate-Muhindo was abducted and killed by what is believed to be UPC functionaries. The Feb 2016 Presidential election is the the 4th time Besigye is challenging his former Commander in Chief Yoweri Museveni in vain. Besigye has called for an audit of the results from international observers after a delegation of observers from the European union said the Feb 2016 fell short of international standard. It remains to be seen if FDC's Kiiza Besigye will petition the supreme court over what he termed as massive irregularities.

To eradicate poverty in Rwenzori, Govt must target youths between 18-30--Report

To eradicate poverty in Rwenzori, Govt must target youths between 18-30--Report By Francis Tusiime 4/6/2015 Kabarole In Rwenzori sub region, government must target youths between 18 and 30 years, a recent survey in the region indicates. The assessment was carried out by Toro Development Network (ToroDev), an NGO based in Fort Portal in 2014 in the districts of Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Ntoroko engaged majority of the youth respondents in the Rwenzori sub-region. “The assessment team found out that youth were more willing and attached great relevance on the role of information and knowledge sharing in promoting public accountability and poverty eradication processes than any other population group” said Mr Johnstone Baguma Kumaraki, the Executive Director at ToroDev on Wednesday. The assessment also found that majority of the men (67%) accessed and used information and were engaged in some level of knowledge sharing than women (30%). “This could be explained by a number of reasons. One of them could be access to information tools like radio handsets, print newspapers and others” Baguma reasoned. The findings, however, show that married couples (62%) access information and were involved more in some form of knowledge sharing than single or unmarried individuals (32%), especially women. “One could argue that there is a likelihood women still face a challenge of high costs to access or own information tools in the rural community” the study indicates. The survey also found that major discrepancies in information access and knowledge sharing for improved service delivery and poverty reduction in the Rwenzori sub region are not as a result of basic illiteracy, but rather capacity to interpretation and application of “information for development”. However, 55 percent of grassroot citizens in the Rwenzori region expressed need for information to address poverty eradication. “Particularly, community members needed information to improve their agricultural activities, knowledge to do business/entrepreneurship, demand accountability for improved service delivery in their areas and so curb down raising cases of corruption in leadership” the report said. According to Kabarole district chairman Mr Richard Rwabuhinga, political leaders also feel that access and use of information and knowledge sharing increase their chances of winning confidence from the electorate. “Engaging with local citizens helps political leaders to understand well priority service delivery needs of their people and how to address them” said Rwabuhinga.

People asked to use media to engage leaders on service delivery.

People asked to use media to engage leaders on service delivery. By Francis Tusiime21/1/2015 Kabarole Johnston Baguma Kumaraki the Director Tooro Development Network has asked the people always to ask leaders accountability by sending their problems through the media houses. Speaking during a meeting for TRAC-Fm radio poll project said that leaders always listen to radios, read news papers. He said that when the views are sent to radios through calling in programs, sending messages they will be able to respond to the needs of people. Baguma said that this will enable leaders access the information directly while at their homes since majority can’t be reached directly. “News papers, radios publish well researched and verified information which is good for public consumption, the public should alyways use such platforms and this will help them get information “says Baguma “No leader in this country who does not read news paper or listen to the radio, therefore when the public uses the media the leaders will get the needs of the people”says Baguma Solomon Akugizibwe the communications officer Toro Dev, said that leaders always also use the media to share information to their voters so as everyone can get information. He said that the leaders should always avoid shunning from media house because they engage them on service delivery but instead always come out and explain the needs of the people.

People asked to manage Water

People asked to manage Water By Francis Tusiime The Karambi District councilor Joseph Mashuhuko has asked people always to manage water points provided by government. Speaking at the launch of a water project in Busokwa village Karambi sub county Kabarole District, said that water should always be managed to become use full to the community by not destructing it. Gideon Kamihanda the Kasokwa village chairperson for development said that their area lack electricity, water power and even roads. This has affected development in the area and this requires an address from the Kabarole District leaders. People can’t move during rainy season because of poor roads and this affects development and asked leaders to come and help the residents. For the last decades residents of Busokwa has been suffering with dirty water and their source of water was rivers and other dirty Wales. Residents have been also suffering with poor roads that are impassable and fail development.

Christ AID project donates houses to poor old women in Kabarole.

Christ AID project donates houses to poor old women in Kabarole. By Francis Tusiime 4/1/2015 Kabarole The was prayers of thanks giving in thome of Juliana Kyenda,70 years a resident of Kicuna Village –Busoro sub county Kabarole District today when she received amiraculous Shillings 20M fully furnished house donated to her by Christ Aids Project. The house was handed over to her by David Mporampora the Executive Director Christ AID Project and Rev.Etieni Kabagambe who was the guest of honour at the function. While receiving the house donation from Christ AID, Julian Kyenda said that the donation came at the time when she was leaving a ramshackle old building, and she is a total widow and could not afford even to build herself a grass thatched house. David Morampora the Director Christ AID speaking at the handover ceremony said that the project is meant to help the needy old women and also to glorify God practicall through practical action but not in words. He said that Christ AID is to donate 50 fully furnished houses to old women in Kabarole District those who are leaving in bad homes and they don’t have help. Under the project”Shelters in the storm”, the director said that they are voluntarily building houses and they don’t expect any pay back. Mporampora said that they are planning to establish a home for bedridden old women so as to leave and die a happy life on earth. Under supporting education, Christ AID has supported 1000 children in primary schools and institutions of higher learning to promote education in poor communities. “The biggest challenge faced by the organization is that they pay full tuition to children but they drop out of schools”. “The parents are also not supportive to the children we support, they give them a lot of work and they end up performing poorly in classes” says Mporampora, He criticized government leaders in Kabarole for not monitoring projects despite he has built schools, houses all leaders seem not to be minding. Rev.Etieni Kabagambe speaking as guest of honor encouraged organizations to be transparent and accountable when they receive donations from donors. He said that many religious leaders and organizations ask for donations from whites but when they get them they develop their homes and families. He thanked Mporampora for bring transparent and accountable in his actions.

Residents smile after their bore hole restored.

Residents smile after their bore hole restored. By Francis Tusiime Kabarole The residents of Kyamukoka village, Imaranjara zone, in Rutete sub county here in Kabarole district have this evening commissioned the re-opening of their only water borehole in the area following months of no safe water and long distances for the area residents to get water. The commissioning which has led by the Kitojo Integrated Sacco Manger KIDA Mr. Deogratious B Mugisa follows the failed attempts by residents to restore the bore hole and failure by the local leaders to mobilize resources for its re-construction. It was noted that pupils at Mutuli primary school, located just a few meter from the borehole had been forced to move long distances in search for water something that had affected their learning. The chairperson water committee Rubagumya Patrick narrates the difficulties. In his message Mr. Deo challenged the community to safe guard their borehole and work together for its menatainace. Asiimwe John the chairperson however observed the need for civic education to enlighten people on their responsibilities towards development.

Famers decry poor road.

Famers decry poor road. By Francis Tusiime 10/12/2014 Kabarole Farmers in Kasenda Subcounty, Kabarole district have decried the poor state of Rwankenzi Isunga road;the only district road in the subcounty that connects the farmers to Markets for their produce. The farmers sounded the alarm to the District councillor Hon.Tugume Emmanuel while attending a one-day training on Revolutionary farming approach and mindset change. Hon.Tugume promised to forward their concerns to the district to see if emargency works can be done as the road awaits full construction by the ADB funded CAIIP program. He challenged the farmers to embrace sustainable modern farming practices so as to produce high yields of high value crops which will fetch better incomes for households. He applauded the MP. Burahya Hon. Steven Kagwera for supporting the training of farmer groups by proving quality trainers. The Vice chairperson Kasenda Sub county hon.Sam Asingwire said the farmers are now preparing to start working on the district roads with Hoes if the district is defying their plea.

Ruhunda curse Tooro Kingdom for demolishing car assembling plant.

Ruhunda curse Tooro Kingdom for demolishing car assembling plant. By Francis Tusiime 11/12/2014 Kabarole Despite the people of Tooro are expecting to benefit from their Kingdom, The Fort Portal Municipality Member of parliament Hon.Alex Ruhunda has come out strongly cursing the manner in which the Tooro demolished a car assembling plant that was being developed on their land by a private investor. Tooro kingdom has the biggest resources they have land bigger than government but it’s not productive and it can’t benefit the Kingdom subjects. The Kingdom properties are only benefiting some few individuals with in the Kingdom. Ruhanda said that”W the leaders of Fort Portal Municipality the Mayor His Worship Edson Asaaba Ruyonga and I lobed a Chinese company that wanted to build a car assembling plant in Bukwali village, East Division Fort Portal Municipality, after the completion of the structures they were chased from the land by the Kingdom officials and all the structures were dismantled yet people are suffering on the streets” says Ruhunda. Speaking to Journalists at Kalya Courts Hotel in Fort Portal,he said the car assembling plant was to benefit over 500 youth who were directly to be employs in the plant and also others were to benefit indirectly as service provider. The MP said that the car assembling plant was going to bring income in Fort Portal Municipality and this was a great project for Tooro Kingdom that was going to make it have a project that is competing at National and International level. “In the name of the culture nonsense, the government has given high tittles “The King” but they can’t give anything to the people and they end up fighting development, The Kingdoms should become relevant but not parasites to the subjects” said Ruhunda. “In Uganda no Cultural institution that has a technology that is competing at International level, instead they are suffering from what to deliver and have turned into creating wars like recent June Bundibugyo attacks” They just want government sympathy in brutal way. In an interview with The Deputy Tooro Deputy Information officer Mr.Vincent Mugume said that the Municipality leaders who claim to have lobbed adonnor to put up acar assembling plant they never consul;ted the Kingdom on whether to put the project on their land or not. He further said that the car assembly plant was constructed in Bukwali play ground and the King looked at the place for youth where they used to go and carry out their sports activities like Mugume further disclosed that the Kingdom had secured a partner and in the same place they were planning to build a football stadium in the nearby future for the youth. He said that the allegation that the Kingdom failed the development that’s was not true but the investor never followed the right procedures while developing a project on the Kingdom land.

Kabarole Senior Accountant Interdicted

Kabarole Senior Accountant Interdicted By Francis Tusiime 11/12/2014 Kabrole Kabarole district NAADS Senior Accounts Assistant madam Bonabana Hilda has been interdicted over alleged embezzlement of shs8.5m. She is purported to have withdrawn shs8.5 from the district accounts that was meant for designing and producing a magazine for NAADS highlighting the progress of projects but she disappeared with it. The letter dated 5th Dec copied to chairman reads that Bonabana failed to comply to the directive issued to her on 21st October,2012 recover shs8.5 that as meant to facilitate NAADS activities. It also says that Bonabana failed to comply when she was requested to make a written explanation in two weeks indicating why she kept contravening the law. Bonabana is triable under sec 268+269 of the penal code Act Cap 120 since her actions tantamount to embezzlement and causing financial loss. According to the letter, Bonabana will be paid half salary during her interdiction till investigations are complete and she is charged in accordance to the law. She is also warned not to jet a flight outside the country without Chief Administrative Officer's permission.

Kabarole RDC attack councilors over poor reading culture.

Kabarole RDC attack councilors over poor reading culture. By Francis Tusiime 29/10/2014 Kabarole The Kabrole District RDC Mr.Stephene Asiimwe has attacked councilors for not reading information tabled in councils and this has led to poor service delivery in the district and sub counties. Asiimwe observed that some councilors go to councils to second motions but they don’t put in their own input and the needs of their areas are left behind. He said that majority of the councilors don’t know how to read and even is sub counties others don’t know how to write. Asiimwe said that the government needs to train councilors on deliberations and also challenged the public to vote for competent leaders. The RDC said that the councilors are ignorant about the laws and the constitution this gives a chance to technical persons in their areas to utilize their ignorance to steal money. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two days workshop Annual regional reflection conference 2014,organized by Tooro Development Net work under the theme Public Accountability for improved service delivery and poverty reduction in the Rwenzori region held at at Lisuiex guest center in Fort Portal, the RDC said that the councilors also fear to lobby for funds from government because they can’t write proposals and also can’t write concepts. The leaders should not stop at only focus at signing for allowances but also should focus on the output for the people they represent. Mr.Johnstone Baguma the Director Tooro development Net work accused the councilors and other leaders to have a challenge of lack of a reading culture. If someone is informed and exposed to the information that is within his areas of operation such a person can contribute articulately while demanding accountability He said that government should put up a strategy where by the leaders are availed with the relevant information that concern their area. Baguma said that the councilors they don’t know what to ask because they ignorant of the quality and quantity o what they are supposed to benefit from the government. Mary Rwakyaka the councilor South Division Fort Portal Municipality however said that the leaders are not given enough time to read and articulate the information that is given to them.

Residents of Rwimi demand trainings from leaders.

Residents of Rwimi demand trainings from leaders. By Francis Tusiime Kabarole Residents of Rwimi town council are demanding agriculture, business trainings from local leaders in Kabarole district to develop their skills and then fight poverty in their area. Isingoma Joseph a resident of Gatyanga Village in Rwimi town council said that leaders have focused on fundrising for functions, attending funerals, parties but they have not helped in organizing trainings to empower their communities. He said this has contributed to looming poverty in the villages. Byaruhanga Christopher a resident of Kyakatabazi in Rwimi village said that the leaders need to lobby government to support business and agriculture trainings to equip local with advanced knowledge on how to run their business at the national and international standards. Speaking during a training on mushroom growing and cake baking organized by peace Mutuzo at Rwimi town council headquarters, Florence Kahwa of Rwimi Town council said that women need a lot of basic trainings so as to create their own income generating activities. Peace Mutuzo working with the office of the president pledged to organize basic trainings for women in Kabarole District in order to empower them create income generating activities in their homes.

5 Fort Portal Municipality officials arrested.

5 Fort Portal Municipality officials arrested. By Francis Tusiime 17/10/2014 Kabarole Fort Portal Police is holding John Bosco Assistant Town Clerk South Division,Rymond the treasurer, Karwani Michel Municiapal Commercial officer ,Clovis Mugasa the town agent East division and Paul Mugambwa court Bailiff and resident of Rwengoma C II West division Fort Portal municipality on theft related cases. According to Police the administrators were yesterday thrown into frenzy after areport was made at police by municipal authorities. It’s alleged that John Bosco Rusoke the Assitsnt town clerk and the treasure identified as Rymond were involved in the embezzlement of unspecied amount of money. The two suspects, are accused of opening alternative and secret Bank accounts in UBA, are the Assistant Town Clerk South division John Bosco Rusoke and the treasurer of the same division Raymond It is alleged that the two connived with a Bank official of the same Bank and opened a secret Bank account where they have been depositing part of the local revenue which they would siphon off for personal use. A few months ago, the Mayor Asaba Edison Ruyonga warned that he had uncovered a gang of officials who where altering bank accounts to deposit their ill-gotten funds. Reports say the two suspects were tracked down while presenting their Bank accounts to the Chief Finance Officer and kept the controversial account out of the list they submitted. Mayor Ruyonga says they tipped Police which investigated the incident right from the Bank which resulted into the arrest of the two Men. Asaba says this is the beginning of his campaign against corruption and vowed to arrest more such people. Fort Portal municipality commercial officer Karwani Michael and two others have also have been detained at Fort Portal police station for the alleged forgery of documents and council minutes. The others are Clovis Mugasa the town agent East division and Paul Mugambwa court Bailiff and resident of Rwengoma C II West division Fort Portal municipality. Mugambwa was picked from his home on Wednesday afternoon by the police while Clovis Mugasa and Karwani Michael were nabbed when the police summoned them to make statements yesterday. It has been alleged that the suspects were netted over allegations that they forged documents and sold two vehicles belonging to the municipality. According to police investigations, in 2010 council reported that two vehicles Reg No.LG 0054/14 Lorry and UG 0637/M Double Cabin were rotting in the St.Joseph's Technical Institute garage after technocrats failed to pay money for repair worth shs 600,000. Investigations reveal that Karwani Michael while working as acting town clerk and Clovis Mugisa forged the minutes and indicated that council had resolved to sell the two vehicles and got shs2.6m and paid St. Joseph Management. They gave the forged documents to the court bailiff Paul Mugambwa who went with a potential buyer and got it from the St.Joseph's Technical Institute management after presenting the documents on Sunday night. The Lorry was sold at shs3.1m and were planning to go for the double cabin vehicle. Their arrest follows a complaint lodged by the municipality mayor Edison Asaba Ruyonga claiming that the two vehicles were missing in the garage. Meanwhile, the three suspects were released on bond today and ordered to recover the lorry from Kampala where they had sold it.

Kabarole-Ntoroko boarder conflict affects service delivery.

Kabarole-Ntoroko boarder conflict affects service delivery. By Francis Tusiime Kabarole Leaders of Kicwamba Sub County in Kabarole District have disclosed that the boarder clash between Kabarole District and Ntoroko are as a result of tribal conflicts and this has affected service delivery in the area. It’s alleged that the Bakoonjo tribe alleges that they have been missing leadership posts in Nyamisingiri Parish the disputed area and they decided to join Ntoroko so as to get leadership posts, he said that this create a conflict between the two local govournments in giving services to the local people. According to Businge Charles the chairman LC3 Kicwamba the conflict between Nombe sub county in Ntoroko District and Kicwamba sub county in Kabarole District some group of Bakonjo they feel marginalized when they don’t have leadership posts and leaders and feel that the only solution is to join Ntoroko and get their posts and lobby services for their area. The disputed villages include Mabale 1, nyabibya, Nombe,Kinyamange villages which Nombe sub county claim that it belongs to them. They received a letter from the minister of local government describing the boundaries of the area. Businge said that the issue is also turning a security threat as a group of people claim to be belonging to Ntoroko and they resist despite they are given explanation. He encouraged people at the border to be conscious on every action or activity they do that are within the law. This has affect also service delivery in the two areas where by some people were registered in Ntoroko and others were registered in Ntoroko District. Nyakahuma Innocent a leader at the parish some of the people now are getting double shares from the two governments of Ntoroko and that of Kabarole.

Ignorance of the law contributes to poor service delivery.

Ignorance of the law contributes to poor service delivery. By Francis Tusiime 6/10/14 Kabarole Lack of knowledge on the rights and freedoms prescribed in the constitution has failed local people to demand accountability in Kicwamba Sub County. Gilbert Rwaheru the coordinator Kicwamba Advocacy forum said that those leaders intimidate local people when they demand accountability and confuse them with the laws which they don’t understand. Speaking during accountability meeting held at the sub county headquarters in Kicwamba sponsored by Tooro development Network,Rwaheru said the government ,NGOs need to educate local citizens about their rights and freedoms as prescribed in the constitution. Solomon Akugizibwe the communications officer Tooro development network said that it’s aright for any citizen to access public information from any government office. He said that people should always ask leaders and technical people about their share from the national cake and how is managed. Edson Businge the chairman LC3 Kicwamba said that such accountability meetings are important in engaging leaders and technocrats to be conscious when they want to mis- use their offices. He said that Kicwamba has achieved much in social infrastructure, health, education because the engagements by such none-government organizations.

Irregular drug supply in Kabarole affects health department.

Irregular drug supply in Kabarole affects health department. By Francis Tusiime 6/10/2014 Kabarole The Kabarole District chairman Hon.Richard Rwabuhinga has disclosed that in adequate supply of drugs in health services has affected service delivery in the health sector in Kabarole District. Addressing a service delivery press conference organized by Tooro Development in partnership with Rwenzori journalist forum the chairman said that the government is allocating little budget for drug supply. He said that currently the government allocates drugs worth shillings 700,000 per sub county which is supposed to serve 3000 people. Rwabuhinga said that this increases drugs stock out and also attract people to get drugs for stocking in their homes for emergency due to fear of drug stock outs. The chairman also said that the government in the previous financial year has not been paying health workers promptly and this affects service delivery. This has contributed irregular attendance of health workers on duty. As the district they have recruited 233 workers and who include health workers who were recruited under Baylor project, build theaters and up gadded health centers. This has improved service delivery in the health sector in the finaciual year 2014/15 and also has reduced to maternal motility rate and maternal death. Rwabuhinga also said that the number of roads has been improved and constructed to help people reach health centers for services. He calls up on the government to increase budget allocation in the health sector.

Lack of District staff affects service delivery in Bundibugyo District.

Lack of District staff affects service delivery in Bundibugyo District. By Francis Tusiime 10/9/2014 Bundibugyo The Bundibugyo Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr.Hood Nsubuga has disclosed that lack of enough staff at the District has affected service delivery. He disclosed that 80% of the staff are in substantive positions and this fail the district to take some positions according to the law of Uganda. This has failed some departments to spend the money and this has resulted into taking back money to the central government but living many activities paralyzed. Nsubuga said that the government has tried to recruit some staff but because Bundubugyo is a hard to reach area the employees run away. In a bid to improve health sector the district pain every Doctor Shillings 1 million per month but due to under funding by the central government the district will be un able to manage service delivery financial year 2014/15. He futher disclose the central government has failed to provide enough budget allocation the activities. The district budgeted for 23 billion for the official year 2014/15 but only the central government has allocated only shillings 500 millions. speaking during a service delivery meeting in Bundibugyo organized by Tooro Development Net work, said that the district is likely to fail even to carry out some activities and the most affected department is the health department. Mr.Charlse Kisembo Salube the District health officer said that he had a budget of 1billion but he budget is not even going to be funded half. This is putting health department at risk in the district to fail offering services. He said that Bundibugyo being neighboring to Congo its prone to Ebola outbreak but the district don’t have enough money to handle such cases because of lack of enough money in the financial year 2014. Pastor.Peter Bamwitirebye the District Education Officer Bundibugyo said that in the district all primary schools lack desks and class rooms and this have failed children retention in schools. School drop outs is very high, pupils abandon schools because of the poor service at schools.

Monthly Press conference launched in Bundibugyo.

Monthly Press conference launched in Bundibugyo. By Francis Tusiime 10/9/2014 Kabarole In Bid to promote transparency and Accountability in Bundibugyo District,Bundibugyo Media Practitioners Forum with support from Torro Development Net work has launched a monthly press conference in Bundibugyo District. Solomon Akugizibwe the communications officer Tooro development Net work said that the purpose of the press conference is to improve service delivery advocacy by local citizens, improve accountability from local leaders and improve the participation of the marginalized population groups of rural youth and women in governance. Jolly Tibemanya the Bundibugyo District chairman LC5 said that the initiative of press conference is relevant in the time when there is corruption, shoddy work in government Tibemanya said that in the previous years there has been poor service delivery because technical staff and leaders were not being engaged by any person. Hood Nsubuga the deputy CAO Bundibugyo said that there is still a great challenge of understaffing in the District and this has affected service delivery. He said that 80%of the civil servants are in acting positions, because people are recruited but the district being hard to rich they live jobs. Pr.Peter Bamwitirabye the District education officer said that the education still face a challenge of lack of desks for learners, this affects children retention in schools in Bundibugyo.