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Articles by Felix Basiime
Why Lake Munyanyange is facing extinction
Summary Salt lakes are geographically widespread, numerous, and a significant part of the world’s inland aquatic ecosystems. Many human activities threaten salt lakes, especially surface inflow diversions, salinisation and other catchment activities, mining, pollution, biological disturbances (for instance introduction of exotic species), and anthropogenically-induced climatic and atmospheric changes.
Banks opt out of oil pipeline funding
By Felix Basiime By Alex Tumuhimbise The $3.5b East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project could run into trouble after some international commercial banks withdrew from funding the construction of the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline proposed by French Oil Company Total and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
Tooro kingdom starts 10 million tree-planting drive
Advertisement By Felix Basiime Tooro Kingdom has embarked on planting 10 million trees in a campaign aimed at saving the environment in Rwenzori sub-region. Mr Polly Kateeba, the Tooro kingdom minister for lands and environment, on Thursday said the water catchments in the sub-region have been highly degraded while forests, river banks, and wetlands are encroached on. “Lately, we face both floods and severe drought which was not the case before.
US citizen arrested in Uganda over treason
Summary The security operatives reportedly confiscated his phone, camera and laptop after breaking into his car which was parked in the compound before they broke into his house. Advertisement By Felix Basiime Security forces have arrested a United States citizen for alleged subversion.
Kasese leaders move to save River Nyamwamba
Summary Catalysts. The district experiences devastating floods every year, with River Nyamwamba always bursting its banks, leaving a trail of destruction. More than 100,000 people were affected by floods that hit Kasese District last May, destroying gardens, bridges, schools, houses and other properties.
Uganda: Kasese Leaders Move to Save River Nyamwamba
By Felix Basiime Authorities in Kasese District have embarked on a plan of protecting River Nyamwamba that is increasingly faced with flooding due to encroachment and sand mining. The plan, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, involves planting of bamboo trees on the river banks.
Minister Kibanzanga petitions court over election loss
By Longino Muhindo By Felix Basiime BUNDIBUGYO-The State Minister for Veteran Affairs, Mr Christopher Kibanzanga, has petitioned the High Court in Fort Portal seeking among others to nullify the election of Mr Moses Acrobert Kiiza as Bughendera County MP. Minister Kibanzanga, the incumbent Bughendera county MP, was seeking re-election in the January 14 polls which he lost to Mr Kiiza.
Kabarole suspends singing of Tooro Kingdom anthem
By Alex Ashaba By Felix Basiime The land dispute between Kabarole District and Tooro Kingdom has taken a new twist, with the former suspending the singing of the latter’s anthem. Two weeks ago, the kingdom halted any developments on the 12-acre piece of land at Busoro Sub-county headquarters where the district had planned to construct their headquarters. The kingdom insists the contested piece of land is one of the properties the government owes to the kingdom.
Son held over beheading father
Summary The deceased had reportedly accused his son of stealing a neighbour’s matooke and was due to make a statement against the suspect at Karangura police post, Kabarole District, those knowledgeable about the matter told Sunday Monitor. Advertisement By Felix Basiime By Alex Ashaba Police in Fort Portal are holding a 27-year-old man on allegations of killing his father Joseph Okwil, 63.
Delayed Fort Portal-Hima road works upset traders
Summary Advertisement By Felix Basiime By Alex Ashaba The rehabilitation of a 4km road stretch from Mpanga Market to Kasusu Trading Centre on the Fort Portal-Kasese Road is behind schedule, causing an unease among the business community. The Shs4b 55-kilometre Fort Portal-Hima road snakes through the newly created Fort Portal City and its completion has delayed for more than seven months.
Unresolved land ownership halt development in Tooro
Summary The registered land totals 49 acres, and is occupied by the residents, whereas the unregistered land totals 12 acres, and is occupied by the kingdom. Construction of the new Kabarole District headquarters was halted as the kingdom and district local government could not agree on who owns the land.
Mobile money killers strike again
Summary Wakiso District, which has relatively been free of mobile money agent attackers after 2019 operations that led to the arrest of all suspects behind the incident and recovery of the firearm, got the first incident a fortnight ago when they shot dead Nambi Bogiya, 30, a mobile money operator at Nalugala.
Nyangoma: The resilient midwife
By Andrew Mugati By Felix Basiime Sylvia Nyangoma was raised in a peasant family in Kisansya, Kibwera Sub-County in Buliisa District. Her childhood dream was midwifery because she desired to help women after hearing her mother’s ordeal while giving birth to her. “My mother said she was about to die while delivering me. She suffered a haemorrhage and was saved by only two tablets that nurses administered.
Kasese schools hit by floods struggle to recover
Summary Some of the affected schools include Kisabu Primary School in Kisabu Village, Kitholu Sub-county at the border with DR Congo, and Bikone Primary School in Kyanya Town Council. Advertisement By Felix Basiime A section of schools in Kasese District are struggling to recover amid the ongoing phased re-opening of schools, almost a year after they were washed away by floods.
Three dead as fuel tanker explodes in Bunyangabu
Advertisement By Felix Basiime Three people have been confirmed dead after a fuel tanker hit a stationary lorry that at Kasunganyaja trading centre, along Fort Portal-Kasese Road in Bunyangabu District. According to Mr Edward Kyaligonza, a journalist who was at the scene, the fuel tanker was heading to Kasese from Fort Portal side and when it reached the slope along Kasunganyanja trading centre, the driver reportedly lost control before the tanker hit the lorry that was loading matooke.
NUP candidate pulls out of Bundibugyo Woman MP race
Summary The candidates still in the race are Ms Josephine Babungi (NRM), and former Bundibugyo Woman MP Harriet Ntabazi (Independent) Advertisement By Felix Basiime By Longino Muhindo The National Unity Platform Bundibugyo Woman Member of Parliament candidate, Ms Harriet Musumba, this week pulled out of the competition, leaving two candidates in the race. The candidates include the incumbent, Ms Josephine Babungi (NRM), and former Bundibugyo Woman MP Harriet Ntabazi (Independent).
Uganda: Tooro Keeping Museveni in Power, Says Gen Muntu
By Alex Ashaba The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party presidential candidate, Gen Mugisha Muntu, has said President Museveni should have lost power long ago but it is Tooro that has kept him in power since 1996. "It is you, people, here in Tooro that have kept Museveni in power all these past five elections where you have supported him and gained nothing.
Tooro keeping Museveni in power, says Gen Muntu
Summary Gen Muntu made the remarks while responding to Ms Annet Kandole, the ANT spokesperson for Rwenzori sub-region. Advertisement By Felix Basiime By Alex Ashaba The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party presidential candidate, Gen Mugisha Muntu, has said President Museveni should have lost power long ago but it is Tooro that has kept him in power since 1996.
Kyagulanyi pledges cocoa factories for Bundibugyo
By Longino Muhindo By Felix Basiime The National Unity Platform (NUP) party presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has pledged to help farmers in Bundibugyo District add value to cocoa. Addressing a rally at Kirumya Catholic Church playground in Ntotoro amid heavy security deployment on Tuesday, Mr Kyagulanyi said cocoa farming is a big source of income which can transform people’s lives.
Tooro princess dies a month after introducing husband
Summary Her demised occurred just hours before the Ministry of health on Tuesday confirmed five new virus deaths and 241 new infections as cases rose to 18,406. Advertisement By Felix Basiime Tooro Kingdom and the royal family are in grief following the death of one of their princesses, Ruth Cox Nyakairu Kugonza Amooti. Kugonza, 62, died at Mulago National Referral Hospital Tuesday morning, exactly one month after introducing her man on October 24.
I have Besigye backing - Bobi
Summary “We have been talking and we continue to talk with Dr Beisgye, one of the people whose opposition in this country can never go unnoticed.
Uganda: Bobi Asks Supporters to Vote All Change-Seeking Candidates
By Felix Basiime KYEGEGWA/KYENJOJO- Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has shifted from canvassing votes for only his National Unity Platform (NUP) party to rallying supporters to vote all candidates that represent change at all elective positions.
Uganda: EC Nullifies Kibale Nup Candidate, Declares Rival Winner
By Felix Basiime The Electoral Commission (EC) has nullified nomination of the National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate for Kibale County seat in Kamwenge District after voters, who signed on his nomination forms, claimed they had signed in ignorance. "The Independent Electoral Commission that sat on October 30 reversed the decision of dully nominated Mr Gibson Amanya for Kibale County Member of Parliament in Kamwenge.
EC nullifies Kibale NUP candidate, declares rival winner
Summary “I told the commission that before the people proposed me, supported my nomination, I consulted them. I did not send anybody to consult them and on the day of my nomination, they were present. I was shocked to hear that my opponent was declared winner,” Mr Gibson Amanya, NUP candidate.
Uganda: Voters Task Candidates to Fix Floods As Campaigns Start
By Felix Basiime Residents of Ntoroko District have tasked all candidates seeking elective positions to address the issues of floods and drought that have persistently plagued the area. The district experiences extreme floods during the wet season and drought during the dry season every year. Cattle keepers lose hundreds of cows to drought while during the rainy season, thousands are displaced.
Government set to revive copper mining industry in Kasese
Summary Jervois Mining Ltd also operates in DR Congo, Brazil, USA and America, Uganda, South Africa among other countries. Copper mining at Kilembe was stopped in the late 1970s due to the civil wars in Uganda coupled with the fall in copper prices on the world market. However, Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd still operates. Advertisement By Enid Ninsiima By Felix Basiime Government is set to revive the copper mining industry in Kasese District after 35 years of inactivity.
Ntoroko floods the worst in whole country, says minister
Summary Flooding in the district is a perennial problem but the problem escalated at the start of the year when Lake Albert burst its banks. More than 10,000 people have been living in camps after being displaced by the floods. Advertisement By Felix Basiime State minister for Disaster Preparedness Musa Ecweru has said the flooding in Ntoroko District is the worst in the entire country and called for government’s immediate intervention.
Uganda facing 2.4 million housing deficit - report
Summary The deficit stands at 2.4 million housing units, of which 210,000 units are in urban areas and 1.395 million units in rural areas. About 900,000 housing units in the country are below standard. Uganda’s housing situation is characterized by inadequate homes in terms of quality and quantity in both rural and urban areas.
Uganda: Kasese Faces Staff Shortage As 85 Resign to Join Politics
By Felix Basiime The local government in Kasese District is facing a staff shortage after 85 staff members recently resigned from their jobs to join elective politics. The district chief administrative officer (CAO), Mr Hamis Asuman Masereka, confirmed the development, saying 85 of his staff had tendered in their resignation letters while others sought early retirement in pursuit of politics. "It is true that our staffs have joined politics.
Kasese faces staff shortage as 85 resign to join politics
Advertisement By Enid Ninsiima By Felix Basiime The local government in Kasese District is facing a staff shortage after 85 staff members recently resigned from their jobs to join elective politics. The district chief administrative officer (CAO), Mr Hamis Asuman Masereka, confirmed the development, saying 85 of his staff had tendered in their resignation letters while others sought early retirement in pursuit of politics. “It is true that our staffs have joined politics.
Why Fort Portal is a top tourism destination
In Summary It is 290 kms from Kampala and a major regional town for Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo and Ntoroko districts. Fort Portal City lies at the foot of Rwenzori Mountain, 5,050 feet above sea level. It is dotted with more than 10 small hills where one gets a lovely view of Rwenzori Mountain.
Mumbere’s palace lies in ruins four years later
In Summary At the kingdom palace, one is welcomed by waste of the burnt kingdom houses as the palace remains abandoned and bushy. A day later, the situation turned ugly when a raid was carried out on the Omusinga’s palace, which erupted in flames in Muyenga village, Central Division in Kasese Municipality.
One killed, property destroyed in Bundibugyo flash floods
One killed, property destroyed in Bundibugyo flash floods Wednesday August 19 2020 Cyclists wade through floods in Ntandi Town Council in Bundibugyo District on Wednesday. Photo | Longino Muhindo In Summary Bundibugyo District is experiencing back to back floods and landslides since December 2019 and environmental experts predicted then, that the problem would bounce back during the March to May rains and during the August to November rains.
New districts, constituencies burden the treasury, says Kadaga
New districts, constituencies burden the treasury, says Kadaga Tuesday August 4 2020 Advertisement By Scovia Atuhaire & Felix Basiime Fort Portal- The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Rebecca Kadaga has said that Ugandans who agitate for the creation of districts, constituencies and other political units are creating a burden to the treasury.
Kasese leaders seek special status as hard-to-reach area
Kasese leaders seek special status as hard-to-reach area Thursday July 16 2020 Ministry of Education and Kasese District officials tour schools that were swept away my floods in Kilembe on July 9. PHOTO | FELIX BASIIME Advertisement By FELIX BASIIME & JOEL KAGUTA Kasese District leaders have appealed to the government to have their schools included on the list of hard-to-reach areas so that their teachers can benefit from the risk allowance.
Karangura: Caught between Covid-19 pandemic and water crisis
By Felix Basiime Young girls are getting pregnant. Domestic violence is on the rise. These are just some of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions in an area where water is scarce, says Mr Kikora Masereka, of Kyahwire zone, Karangura Sub County in Kabarole District of Western Uganda. “The challenges we have got during the lockdown due to Covid-19 is increased pregnancy due to young girls walking long distances to fetch water at far water sources,” Masereka said.
Uganda: Govt Launches Shs8b Project to Skill Oil, Gas Sector Students
Government is set to make Kichwamba Technical College in Kabarole District a centre of excellence in skilling students in the oil and gas sector. Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State minister for Higher Education, confirmed the plan on Friday while launching a Shs8 billion project under Albertain Regional Sustainable Development Projects. The works that will be undertaken by SARICK Construction Company for nine months include three workshops for the oil and gas training courses.
Govt launches Shs8b project to skill oil, gas sector students
Govt launches Shs8b project to skill oil, gas sector students Monday July 13 2020 Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo (Centre), the State minister for Higher Education, launches the ground breaking for Shs8 billion workshops at Kicwamba Techical College in Kabarole District on Friday. PHOTO | FELIX BASIIME Advertisement By FELIX BASIIME & ISMAIL BATEGEKA Government is set to make Kichwamba Technical College in Kabarole District a centre of excellence in skilling students in the oil and gas sector.
Lonely road, face masks in lockdown
Advertisement By Felix Basiime Topher Tumusiime travels on different routes around the country and more regularly on the Kampala-Mbarara route. However, due to Covid-19, his travel schedules changed due to the lockdown that was in place since March and almost no business. During the lockdown, pickup trucks were allowed to move. In May, Tumusiime got an urgent need to travel to Mbarara from Kampala and had to use his old pickup. His experience was strange as he was a lone traveller on the highway.
UPDF soldier sentenced to 35 years for killing lay reader
UPDF soldier sentenced to 35 years for killing lay reader Wednesday July 1 2020 Four soldiers identified as Pte Abraham Lokwap, Pte Jackson Nyero, Pte Joel Otim and Lt. Talent Akampurira, all attached to the 6th Mountain Brigade Battalion (Hima, Kasese) were on June 29, 2020 arraigned before the Mountain Division of the court martial chaired by Col. Felix Nyero at Karusandara in Kasese District.
Four soldiers plead guilty to murder of Kasese lay reader
Four UPDF soldiers charged for killing Benon Nsimenta Tuesday June 30 2020 Four soldiers identified as Pte Abraham Lokwap, Pte Jackson Nyero, Pte Joel Otim and Lt. Talent Akampurira, all attached to the 6th Mountain Brigade Battalion (Hima, Kasese) were on June 29, 2020 arraigned before the Mountain Division of the court martial chaired by Col. Felix Nyero at Karusandara in Kasese District.
How floods cleared tourist sites in Kasese
By Felix Basiime, Joel Kaguta & Enid Ninsiima Proprietors of tourist sites in Kasese are counting losses caused by the devastating floods that befell the area in May. The same tourist sites had already been grappling with the negative effects of Covid-19, considering that tourists were no longer accessing these recreation centres.
Kasese leaders register ghost flood victims, report shows
By Enid Ninsiima & Felix Basiime Some village chairpersons and relief camp leaders in Kasese District who were charged with registering flood victims inflated the numbers to benefit from free government land, a verification team has revealed. The floods occurred last month after five major rivers burst their banks, causing floods that destroyed infrastructure and household property.
How floods cleared tourist sites in Kasese
In Summary Washed away Counting losses Proprietors of tourist sites in Kasese are counting losses caused by the devastating floods that befell the area in May. The same tourist sites had already been grappling with the negative effects of Covid-19, considering that tourists were no longer accessing these recreation centres.
Uproar in Fort Portal over plans to remove lion effigy
Uproar in Fort Portal over plans to remove lion effigy Tuesday June 9 2020 To be removed. The lion effigy at the Fort Portal main roundabout. Photo by Scovia Atuhaire In Summary However, the Kingdom of Tooro has rejected the idea asserting that the sculpture is a symbol of their cultural heritage and should not be tampered with. The prime minister of Tooro Kingdom, Mr Bernard Tungakwo, has written to the mayor demanding clearance from the royals on the decision to remove the sculpture.
Uganda: Security Forces Block Plan of Ferrying Border Travellers
Security agencies in Kabarole District together with the Covid-19 taskforce have foiled a plan allegedly hatched by some taxi drivers to ferry passengers from border districts to Fort Portal Town. Public transport in border districts was extended for another 21 days from June 4 to curb the further spread of Covid-19. This affects 40 border districts including Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kagadi, and Hoima that connect by road to Fort Portal in western Uganda.
Panic as cyclist drops sick man at Fort Portal bus terminal
Panic as cyclist drops sick man at Fort Portal bus terminal Sunday June 7 2020 This photo taken on June 7, 2020 shows people looking at the sick passenger seated near Link bus terminal in Fort Portal town after a boda-boda cyclist dropped him off. Advertisement By FELIX BASIIME There was panic at Link Bus terminal in Fort Portal town in western Uganda Sunday after a boda-boda cyclist dropped a sick passenger stealthily from Ntoroko, one of the 40 border districts still under total virus-lockdown.
Security forces block plan of ferrying border travellers
Security forces block plan of ferrying border travellers Saturday June 6 2020 A taxi loads passengers at Mpanga Stage in Fort Portal Town on Thursday morning. PHOTO BY ALEX ASHABA In Summary The Kabarole District Police Commander, Mr Faustin Oese, said those who have plans of transporting passengers at night would be arrested because the curfew time remains in force.
Uganda: 60,000 Refugee Children Benefit From Home-Learning
More than 60,000 pupils in the nine refugee-hosting districts have benefited from a new programme of learning from home during the Covid-19 lockdown. The project championed by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has rolled out programmes aimed at providing learning and mental health support to refugee and local host community children who are currently out of school.
60,000 refugee children benefit from home-learning
In Summary So far Save the Children has spent more than Shs1.3 billion, which is more than $350,000 on materials to support the government-led Covid-19 response, which includes printing and distributing learning packs for more than 105,000 children across the country. Advertisement By FELIX BASIIME More than 60,000 pupils in the nine refugee-hosting districts have benefited from a new programme of learning from home during the Covid-19 lockdown.
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