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  • Security guard injured in an accidental shooting in Kamuli

    Security guard injured in an accidental shooting in Kamuli

    By Ali Lukomo

    Police in Kamuli Municipality are investigating a case of unlawful wounding following an accidental shooting incident that left two security guards injured at Blue Light Guards (U) Limited offices in Bunangwe Zone, Northern Division, Kamuli Municipality.

    The incident occurred on 19 June 2026 at approximately 7:00 a.m. while a security guard, identified as Batanda Anthony, aged 23, was reportedly carrying out firearm safety precautions. During the process, a bullet was accidentally discharged from his firearm, striking two fellow security guards.

    The victims have been identified as Kabili Denis, aged 20, who sustained an injury to the toe of his left foot, and Mugolo Hussein, aged 50, who sustained an injury to his left leg. Both victims were immediately rushed to Kamuli General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

    The Police reminds all licensed firearm holders and security personnel to strictly adhere to firearm handling and safety procedures at all times to prevent accidental injuries and loss of life. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

  • PDM leaders stand to grab, not to lead

    PDM leaders stand to grab, not to lead

    By Ali lukomo

    Buyende District leadership has raised concerns over challenges affecting the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) during a meeting with PDM chairpersons and secretaries at the district headquarters, aimed at addressing gaps in leadership and service delivery within the community.

    The Parish Development Model, a government initiative introduced to support households through the provision of UGX 1 million per beneficiary, has been in implementation for three years as a strategy to promote self-reliance and improve livelihoods.

    However, officials noted several challenges at the grassroots level, particularly relating to leadership structures responsible for coordinating the programme. Under the arrangement, elected parish SACCO leaders are expected to work closely with parish chiefs to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries.

    Concerns were raised that some leaders are failing to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, with allegations of mismanagement of funds in some areas. It was reported that, in some cases, beneficiaries have received less than the stipulated UGX 1 million, with some reportedly receiving as little as UGX 300,000.

    The programme is disbursed through mobile money platforms, including Wendi Transfer, with each eligible beneficiary expected to receive UGX 1 million.

    There are also allegations that some parish chiefs and SACCO leaders may be colluding to divert or mismanage funds, with claims that some beneficiaries receive payments in their absence or receive reduced amounts.

    As the district moves towards electing new PDM leadership structures, tensions have emerged, with some incumbent leaders reportedly resisting replacement, while community members express dissatisfaction with existing leadership.

    Buyende District Resident District Commissioner, Paul Kalikwani Mwiidu, warned against corruption in the implementation of the programme, stating that such practices would not be tolerated. He urged incoming leaders to uphold integrity and ensure that PDM funds are properly managed for their intended purpose.

    Buyende District RDC Paul Kalikwani Mwiidu addressing PDM leaders during a meeting at the district headquarters in Lusoga.

    However, the Buyende District Local Council V Chairperson, Sharif Mangareine, challenged the community and leadership to publicly display the names of beneficiaries who have so far received the funds, to enhance transparency, identification and accountability.

  • New water sources restore hope to water-scarce Kamuli communities

    New water sources restore hope to water-scarce Kamuli communities

    By Ali lukomo

    A young politician-turned-philanthropist has launched a charitable initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity in Kamuli District, following concerns that many communities are sharing water sources with animals.

    Through his non-governmental organisation, Sparrows and Eagles International, Mr Ntende Julius is working to construct over 50 boreholes across different sub-counties in Kamuli District.

    In an interview, Mr Ntende said he was moved to act after observing during his political campaigns that many communities lacked access to clean and safe water, with residents relying on unsafe sources shared with livestock. He also noted that other challenges identified included domestic violence linked to socio-economic hardships.

    He said that after establishing his organisation, he decided to focus on improving access to safe water as a way of restoring hope and improving living conditions in the community through the provision of boreholes.

    Mr Ntende Julius explains the initiative in English.

    According to his plan, the project aims to provide water sources to several sub-counties, including Kagumba, Balawoli, Nabwigulu, and Namasale. Many of these communities are affected by a lack of clean and safe water, which has contributed to broader social challenges, including domestic violence and, in some cases, the rise of street children due to weakened family structures. This is attributed to household conflicts that sometimes lead to separation, leaving children without adequate care and support, and forcing some onto the streets in search of survival and protection.

    The Kamuli District Water Engineer, Mr Waiswa Tom, said that 29 per cent of the population still lacks access to clean water. He noted that the district is working hard to extend water supply closer to communities. He also commended Sparrows and Eagles International for the initiative, saying it is complementing government efforts to improve access to safe water, and pledged full support to the organisation provided they continue working collaboratively towards the same goal

    Kamuli District is located in the Eastern Region of Uganda, within the Busoga sub-region. It has a population of approximately 170,000 people; however, access to safe water remains a significant challenge, and stakeholders say government should prioritise addressing this gap to prevent further socio-economic consequences.

    Although the district is surrounded by major water bodies, including Lake Kyoga and the River Nile to the south and north, access to clean and safe water is still limited for many communities.

    Kamuli District shares borders with Kayunga, Buyende, Jinja, Kaliro, and Luuka districts.