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Tag: Kabale

  • Bwera Primary School gets new Major infrastructure boost from dfcu Bank & partners to enable Learning

    Bwera Primary School gets new Major infrastructure boost from dfcu Bank & partners to enable Learning

    Kabale: Each morning in the hills of Kabale District, children begin their school day long before they reach a classroom. The journey can take up to two hours on foot across steep terrain, leaving many of them exhausted before lessons even begin.

    For some, especially boys, the daily climb becomes too demanding; leading to irregular attendance or dropping out altogether to pursue entrepreneurial activities.

    Refurbished classrooms at Bwera Primary School that are now providing a safe and conducive learning environment for pupils in the area

    Uganda has made significant progress in expanding access to education through Universal Primary Education (UPE); bringing millions of children into school. However, in hard-to-reach communities, physical access and the quality of learning environments continue to shape how effectively that opportunity translates into consistent attendance and meaningful outcomes.

    Newly constructed latrine facilities improve hygiene standards and support the wellbeing of learners at Bwera Primary School

    Bwera Primary School, located in the remote and hard-to-reach Bwera Village in Kahama Subcounty, Kabale District, Ndorwa West Constituency, has for decades faced significant challenges related to access and infrastructure. With no road access and limited infrastructure, the school has long struggled to provide a conducive environment for learning.

    A newly installed rainwater harvesting system at Bwera Primary School supports better hygiene and a healthier learning environment for pupils

    Efforts to improve facilities have often been constrained by high transportation costs and logistical barriers; with some contractors previously declining to take on construction work due to the difficulty of accessing the site. On April 1, 2026, newly refurbished facilities were officially handed over at Bwera Primary School; marking a significant improvement in the school’s learning environment. The project was delivered through a partnership between the Mastercard Scholars Foundation and Makerere University and dfcu Bank; resulting in a renovated four-classroom block, new furniture, improved sanitation facilities, and a water harvesting system.

    The upgraded facilities now support over 270 pupils; providing a safer and more suitable environment for learning. Early changes are already being observed; with increased learner attendance and improved classroom conditions reported by teachers.Speaking at the handover, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, emphasized the importance of addressing physical barriers to education: “The journey to the school itself reflects the realities these children face every day. Improving infrastructure in such communities is essential to ensuring that access to education translates into real learning outcomes.”

    dfcu Bank, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program representatives, Bwera Primary School management and community members unite to celebrate a shared achievement in one group photo

    District Education Officer Tumwijukye Moses Bwengye welcomed the development and commended the Mastercard Scholars Foundation, Makerere University, and dfcu Bank for their role in improving infrastructure at the school. He noted that previous efforts to upgrade the school had stalled due to the area’s inaccessibility; with contractors unable to take on the work. He added that partnerships such as this are essential in unlocking development in hard-to-reach communities and improving education outcomes.

    The project was supported by a UGX 20 million contribution from dfcu Bank; reinforcing the role of partnerships in extending access to quality education in underserved communities. The improved infrastructure is expected to enhance both attendance and the overall learning environment at the school.

  • Ex PM Rugunda hails Museveni for improving life expectancy, cutting infant mortality rate

    Ex PM Rugunda hails Museveni for improving life expectancy, cutting infant mortality rate

    Rukiga: Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has praised President Yoweri Museveni for what he described as major improvements in Uganda’s health indicators, noting significant gains in life expectancy and reductions in infant mortality.

    Rugunda made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing NRM supporters gathered at Rushebeya in Rukiga District.

    “We should thank the President by giving all our votes to him. Even Fr Gaetano has agreed to vote for our candidate,” Rugunda told the crowd.

    He said government-led health interventions, especially universal immunisation, had transformed the lives of Ugandans over the last decades.

    “Life expectancy of Ugandans has gone up. It was at 43 years, now it is 68. This deserves appreciation,” he said.

    Rugunda added that infant mortality had fallen sharply: “Years back the infant mortality rate used to be 122 deaths per 1,000 children. Now it is at 28 per 1,000.”

    The NRM supporters turned up in large numbers at Rushebeya to welcome Museveni, the Party Presidential Flagbearer, who was in the district to unpack his 2026–31 Manifesto. The Party National Chairman arrived with his daughter, Patience Rwabwogo, and was received by several senior leaders.

    In his address, President Museveni highlighted the “seven bricks” he said the NRM has contributed to building Uganda.

    He cited peace as the foundation, recalling that Kigezi—because of its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo—once suffered frequent insecurity.

    “We have brought Uganda from very far… now all that is gone,” Museveni said.

    He named development as another contribution, pointing to the extension of the electricity grid “which used to stop in Kasese but now reaches all districts in Kigezi.”

    Museveni also listed key roads constructed or upgraded in the region.

    He attributed the establishment of a strong national army to prioritisation rather than spending on high salaries, luxury vehicles or modern housing.

    “We were able to acquire stores and equipment because we focused on what was essential,” he said.

    Museveni further commended Rukiga residents for restoring the main swamp and urged them to embrace wealth creation as a pillar of household transformation.

    “Let us have development but also engage in wealth creation,” he said. He added that more funds would be added to the Parish Development Model (PDM) so remaining eligible beneficiaries could receive their support.

    The President also named jobs as the fourth contribution by the government. He cited some of the graduates form the Presidential Skilling Hubs who have been able to create jobs for themselves and others.

    Museveni dismissed rumours of him supporting any Independent candidate in Rukiga.
    Among urges Rukiga to deliver 100% vote for Museveni

    Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Anita Among, who also addressed the gathering, said leaders from eastern and northern Uganda were united in support of the NRM candidate.

    “We are only here to give a testimony that the people of eastern and northern Uganda have agreed to vote for Mr Museveni,” she said.

    Among appealed to Rukiga voters to rally behind the President.

    “We want to request the people of Rukiga to vote for Museveni 100%. On the voting day, go and tick the Old Man with the Hat and vote for the bus.”

    She dismissed calls for a protest vote, saying: “This country is not for trial and error. Ask those talking about the protest vote what they are protesting. Are they protesting the peace and development in the country?”

  • Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa presides over Groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Kisoro-Mgahinga, Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi Roads

    Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa presides over Groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Kisoro-Mgahinga, Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi Roads

    The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa representing President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Kisoro–Mgahinga Road in Kisoro District as well as Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi section in Kabale District. The roads will be constructed by Samcrete Engineers & Contractors, an Egyptian company, and financed by the African Development Bank.

    The President noted that the government has prioritised these roads due to their significant potential to boost tourism and socio-economic transformation by facilitating quicker movement of goods to market for farmers and traders.

    He urged local communities to embrace these projects wholeheartedly and seize the opportunities they will create, such as employment. Income from such projects can significantly improve household livelihoods.

    The Deputy Speaker extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Works and Transport led by Gen. Katumba Wamala, Members of Parliament, and local leaders from the two districts who joined in for the launch. This event is yet another demonstration of NRM government’s continued investment in infrastructure vital for seamless movement and for connecting rural areas with towns and cities.

  • Airtel Uganda expands Network Coverage in Kabale Municipality with Five New Sites

    Airtel Uganda expands Network Coverage in Kabale Municipality with Five New Sites

    Kabale: Airtel Uganda has today reinforced its commitment to providing superior network connectivity by commissioning five new network sites in Kabale Municipality. This expansion is part of Airtel’s continued investment in enhancing network coverage and ensuring a seamless digital experience for its customers in the greater Kigezi region.

    Speaking at the commissioning event, Airtel Uganda’s Sales Director, Mr. Wongani Muthayi, emphasized the company’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and supporting economic transformation through reliable connectivity.

    “Connectivity is more than just a service; it is a gateway to Cross Border regional trade, education, business growth, healthcare, and financial inclusion. We understand that for Kabale to continue thriving as a center of cross border regional trade, education, and innovation, it needs a strong, reliable network. Today, we are proud to announce five new network sites that will improve coverage, enhance call clarity, and provide faster internet speeds for our customers in this region.”

    The five new network sites serve the following areas in Kabale:
    Kyetobokeire
    Kekuubo
    Nyabushabi
    Rwakabara
    Ahakempu – Katuna road
    Irimbo – Katuna Road
    Mwanjari
    Kigongi

    This development will directly benefit local businesses, students, farmers, and families by enabling them to stay connected and leverage digital opportunities to improve their livelihoods. This is supported by a strong network of 96 Airtel Money Branches, 3400 Agents, 2 service centres among other interventions.
    Speaking at the launch of the sites, Kedress Mutabazi, the Kabale Municipality Deputy Mayor who represented the Chairman LC5 said “I thank Airtel Uganda for thinking about the people of Kabale and expanding the network to support the growing economic activity. We have known Airtel for being affordable but the network was a challenge and for finally thinking about this and fixing it, I applaud you”
    Airtel Uganda remains committed to supporting national development through continuous investment in network infrastructure across the country. As the preferred telecom partner for millions of Ugandans, the company continues to expand its reach, ensuring every customer has access to affordable, high-quality communication services.
    “We are grateful to the people of Kabale for their trust in Airtel Uganda. This investment is part of our broader strategy to enhance connectivity across Uganda, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution,” Mr. Wongani concluded.
    With this expansion, Airtel Uganda reinforces its position as the network that empowers communities, drives business growth, and fosters innovation across the country.

  • Kigezi College Butobere, Siniya Alumni Launch Siniya Academic Fund to Restore School’s Legacy

    Kigezi College Butobere, Siniya Alumni Launch Siniya Academic Fund to Restore School’s Legacy

    By Nathan Bahanga

    Kigezi College Butobere Alumni have officially launched the Siniya Academic Fund during a ceremony commemorating Siniya Day at the school grounds. This initiative aims to support academically gifted students who struggle to afford school fees, ultimately enhancing the school’s enrollment and academic performance.

    Counsel Elvis Twenda, Chairperson of the Siniya Alumni Forum (SAF), emphasized the importance of the fund, stating, “The aim of establishing this fund is to support students who perform well but cannot afford to pay school fees. This initiative will attract more students and improve the academic performance of the school. There are many students who are highly knowledgeable but unable to pay school fees.”

    During the event, Counsel Elvis highlighted several challenges the school faces, particularly its deteriorating infrastructure in need of renovation. He lamented the lack of funding for essential repairs, saying, “The school is facing several challenges, including poor infrastructure that needs renovation, but we do not have enough money.”

    Moses Turyomurugyendo Ntahobaari, Chairman of the Board of Governors, noted that the establishment of the Siniya Academic Fund aims to retain intelligent students who have been lured away by private schools offering bursaries. He stated, “Private schools used to take our intelligent students, especially those in Senior Three and Five, by convincing them and promising bursaries. That’s why we have established the Siniya Academic Fund to stop this practice, as it has significantly contributed to poor performance and a decline in enrollment.”

    He further explained that Siniya Day serves as more than just a reunion; it is a call to action for alumni to restore the school’s glory. “For example, we provide career guidance to the students and make contributions towards certain causes, rather than waiting for the government to provide everything,” he added.

    Head Teacher Justus Matsiko expressed optimism about the school’s future, stating, “As management, we have so far achieved peace, harmony, and stability within the school community. Soon, we will see the positive impact of these efforts, which is academic excellence.” He also thanked the alumni for their support, saying, “With our combined efforts, the success and glory of our school will soon be restored.”

    As the guest of honor, Kabale District Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma urged students to maintain discipline as a cornerstone of academic success. He stated, “Discipline is the key to academic success. Without it, your potential remains untapped.”

    Nyakahuma reassured attendees that the government is committed to rehabilitating traditional schools, including Kigezi College Butobere. He explained, “The government, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, allocated funds for the rehabilitation of Kigezi College Butobere last year, but those funds were returned because the school needed to address certain issues before receiving the money.” He assured the alumni and school management that funding would be allocated in this financial year, provided those issues are resolved.

    The celebrations were held under the theme “Restoration of the Legacy We All Cherish,” and the alumni successfully raised over 70 million shillings toward the 300 million shillings needed for the project.

  • David Bahati promises massive development for Ndorwa County West after taking oath

    David Bahati promises massive development for Ndorwa County West after taking oath

    Ndorwa County West in Kabale District MP elect Hon. David Bahati was today sworn in for the fourth term as the area MP.  After taking the oath in 11th Ugandan Parliament, Hon. David Bahati promised to ensure more support geared towards uplifting Ugandans from subsistence into the money economy.

    Hon. Bahati said he will continue to mobilise and organise his Ndorwa County West people under the parish development model to benefit from the revolving fund they have put at the parish level, beginning with this financial year.

    “In the coming days, we shall be visiting parishes to share the operationalization of this model,” Bahati said.

    Below is the full speech by Hon. Bahati after taking oath today…

    Remarks by Hon. David Bahati at the swearing-inceremony for the fourth term as MP for Ndorwa County West – Kabale District – 17th May 2021 at Parliament of Uganda. 

    Today I took the honour to swear-in and start a journey of representing the people of Ndorwa County West for the fourth term in Parliament.

    I have known few greater honours than the opportunity to serve the people of Ndorwa County West. I thank the Almighty God for the privilege of leadership and service to the country at large. 

    With the heart full of gratitude to the great people of Ndorwa County West, family and friends  who have supported, voted and prayed for me over the years,  I thank you. I’m grateful to H.E President Museveni for the confidence to serve as a minister in the government. 

    In the 11th Parliament, we will continue to pursue and support causes and programmes geared towards lifting the 3.3million households in Uganda from subsistence into the money economy and improve their livelihood. 

    We shall address the cause of improved service delivery to the people of Uganda and ensure that every coin appropriated is put to good use, delivers value for money and is fully accounted for in support of  improved  production and competitiveness for our country . 

    We will champion the deepening of regional integration and pan Africanism to broaden our markets for our goods and services and economic opportunities as well as strengthening the position and dignity  of Africa in the international community .

    When I first assumed this office in 2006, I pledged to serve the people of Ndorwa West to the best of my ability and promised to value your  vote- “akaruru kawe tindikakwata eijaga” I am glad that together we have achieved a lot and we shall achieve more in the coming years.

    We have ensured that each sub-country in Ndorwa West gets a health centre III. Now we have Butanda health centre III, Ryakarimira health centre IV, Kamuganguzi Health Centre III, Kasheregyenyi health Centre III and Kakomo Health Centre IV while Kitooma and Buramba  health centre IIIs  are  under construction.  

    We have also ensured that all households in Ndorwa County West have mosquito nets and provided an ambulance to service our constituency. These are aimed at reducing the infant and maternal mortalities  due to malaria, especially among our mothers and children and help pregnant mothers. Together let us continue fighting COVID-19 pandemic .We are grateful to God for the protection and H.E. President Yoweri  Museveni for the  guidance during this pandemic. I encourage all of us to wear masks whenever in public, keep the social distance and wash hands with soap and water regularly and when your turn comes do not miss the opportunity to be vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and save life. To the young people, HIV/AIDS is still around, please ensure that you abstain and if you have a partner, be faithful. The bestMedicine for HIV/Aids remains abstinence and faithfulness.

    We have ensured that the education services reach our people and to this end, in each sub-county, we have built a secondary school. These are Butanda SS, Rubaya SS, Karujanga SS, Kamuganguzi SS, Buranga SS and Kakomo SS. We have equipped some with computers so that our children acquire modern ICT skills in order to compete at the national and international levels. We call upon the teachers to continue teaching and learners learning so that these structures deliver value.

    Over the years, electricity has been extended to all sub-counties and in some cases to parishes. There is no sub-county without electricity. In areas which could receive telephones signals and was not uncommon for people to climb hills to find a signal, we have worked with telecom companies to erect masts and can now receive signals and we are working in areas that still need them.

    Regarding safe and clean water, we have since extended piped water from Lake Bunyonyi, Mwendo parish to Kitooma in Rubaya sub-county. This project was worth billions of shillings. We shall ensure that each and every village in the constituency has easy access to safe and clean water. Water is life.

    The building of one border post at Katuna is near completion . This  will ease travel and trade between  the two countries.  

    There are some areas which needed local services and we created more town councils, we now have Katuna Town Council and Ryakarimira Town Council; new sub-counties of Kibuga and Rubaya were also created; we have sourced for funds to build headquarters of these local governments and construction has been concluded in some while others are on-going. With enhanced administrative units , we now have increase resources to attend to our feeder roads to increase production and access to markets  

    We have supported all churches and mosques in our county with building contributions in order to support the work of God on earth. Our commitment to support faith based institutions is out of appreciation for their critical role they play in spiritual, moral and socio economic transformation of our people. 

    In order to support people living in subsistence to move into the money economy and improve their livelihood, I bought and distributed hand hoes to all households in Ndorwa County West. We also distributed planting seedlings of Irish potatoes to women groups in all villages. 

    In the coming years, we shall continue to mobilise and organise our people under the parish development model to benefit from the revolving fund we have put at the parish level, beginning with this financial year. In the coming days we shall be visiting parishes to share the operationalization of this model. 

    We have already secured billions of shillings to construct and tarmac the Kabale – Lake Bunyonyi road and the Katuna – Muko – Kachwekano – Ryakarimira road. We shall as well as provide two ferries on the lake to help our children and mothers who have for long risked their lives to use the small unsafe canoes in search of education and other social services. These roads will boost production and tourism in our area. 

    Collectively with my colleagues, we fought long and hard to make Kabale University a public university and it is now benefiting many of our children and their parents while also serving students from Rwanda and DR Congo. This means that salaries of lectures are now paid by the government and some students are on government scholarships and the university has created opportunities for business in hostels and food. 

    We have been fighting hard to have Kabale Referral Hospital well equipped and a maternity ward was completed. We have secured funds for a CT scan in the next financial year to help patients who have in the past been going to Mbarara hospital for the same services. 

    With our leadership and together with my colleagues, we ensured that Kabale was made a city and in the coming years we shall make all the necessary preparations before its launch in 2023.

    We shall continue to serve our National Resistance Movement Party under the able leadership of H.E President Museveni at the district and at national levels. 

    In serving, we recognise the simple but powerful truth: we need each other and we must care for one another. 

    Today, we rededicate ourselves to the idea of unity in diversity – “Agetereine nigo gaata eigufa” I appeal to you my brothers and sisters that as the scripture says, ” let us not be weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap, if we do not give up.” 

    Let us continue to work hard and do good to each other for in due season we shall reap big for our people, our district and our country.

    From this joyful day of swearing-in, we hear the same call we heard in 2006, a call to service. And now, each in our way, and with God’s help, we must answer that call. And today I say once again: HERE I AM TO SERVE YOU. Thank you and God bless.

  • Mosquito nets distribution Wave 2 underway in 28 districts

    Mosquito nets distribution Wave 2 underway in 28 districts

    The distribution of Mosquito nets Wave 2 by the government is underway in 28 districts across the country.
    The general public is requested to register and pick their mosquito net when the teams come to their houses.

    The Wave 2 kicked off on 9th August and will go on until 21st August.
    State Minister for Health in charge of General duties Hon. Robinah Nabbanja launched district activities for distribution of mosquito nets in Kakumiro District on Monday.
    The Ministry of Health has called on every individual to sleep under a mosquito net every night and prevent Malaria.
    The districts to be covered in Wave 2 are; Sheema, Kakumiro, Buhweju, Bundibugyo, Mbarara, Kabalagala, Bunyangabo, Bushenyi, Isingiro, Kabale, Kabarole, Kanungu, Kasese, Kazo, Kiruhura, Kiboga, Kisoro, Kyankwanzi, Lyantonde, Mitooma, Nakaseke, Ntoroko, Rubanda, Ntungamo, Rubirizi, Rukiga, Rukungiri and Rwampara.
    #SleepUnderTheNetUg campaign is aimed at kicking Malaria out of Uganda, embrace it.
  • Over 1000 Ugandan Students Enroll for the 2019 Huawei ICT Competition

    Over 1000 Ugandan Students Enroll for the 2019 Huawei ICT Competition

    Through presentations in Makerere, Kyambogo, Mbarara, Masaka, Kabale, Gulu, Lira and Arua, over one thousand have enrolled to study, compete in the Huawei ICT Competition

    Kampala: Over 1000 I.T students from Universities all over Uganda have registered to take part in the global Huawei ICT competition registration that happened in October.

    Huawei ICT Competition Presentation at Makerere University Business School on October 7th 2019

    Through presentations by Huawei made to students in Makerere, Kyambogo, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Nkozi, Mbarara, Kabale, Lira, Gulu, Muni, UCU and MUBS accordingly, there has been a tremendous turn up of registration by the students to study and compete in the global competition.

    The registered students are expected to access learning material free of charge on the Huawei online learning platform in the various courses such as Network and Cloud track. The network track consists of Router & Switch, Security and Wireless Lan while Cloud track consists of Artificial intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Storage. These students are expected to study and do exams prepared for them at preliminary level, national level, regional level on the African continent and global level.

    Muni University Students take part in a photo

    According to Ms. Wu Suqi, the coordinator of the Huawei ICT Academy, “the top students with the required pass mark after the various stages of the competition shall be awarded internship and job opportunities, professional Huawei certification recognition, gift devices and trips to South Africa and China for the regional and global competition respectively.”

    Gulu University Students taking part in the ICT Competition Lecture

    “This is a platform for Ugandan I.T students to obtain professional acknowledgment from the ICT industry through the Huawei Certification”, she added.

    With the theme “Connection, Glory, Future”, the Huawei 2019-2020 Global ICT competition aims to provide a platform for global ICT talents to compete and communicate, promote high-quality ICT talent development, and drive the growth of a robust and sustainable ICT talent ecosystem.

    Mr. Josephat, the Head of ICT Department from Muni University commended Huawei’s efforts of skilling and nurturing ICT Talent.

    “I thank Huawei for this ICT competition and also the Seeds for the future program where as university we have participated for three years. These are great skilling and nurturing efforts aimed at making our students better and ready for employment,” he said.