Author: Simon Mbago
Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses serious health risks to humans and the environment. While we now understand the life-threatening risks of using asbestos, it was once one of the most popular materials for roofing. Asbestos was first developed in the 1800s. A European chemist, who initially referred to his creation as Eternit (the Latin term meaning “everlasting”), filed a patent for asbestos-cement roofing shingles in 1893. By the early 1900s, asbestos had become a top choice for roofing products due to issues with early roofing materials. In Uganda, many historical schools were roofed with asbestos, as it was…
Busoga Kingdom, on Friday, January 10, 2025, officially launched the second edition of the MTN Busoga Cycling Championship to promote talent through a bicycle race. The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV, presided over the launch at the Kingdom’s headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City. The fixed-schedule race will feature ten participants, each representing a chiefdom. Busoga is comprised of 11 chiefdoms: Bunha, Luuka, Bulamogi, Bukooli, Bunhole Bunanumba, Busiki, Bugabula, Bukono, Kigulu, Bugweri, and Butembe. “Preliminary races to select the cyclists who will represent each of the eleven (11) chiefdoms will be held between January 18 and February…
Jinja: The Jinja District Council on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, presided over by its speaker, Ms. Monica Namukose Kamagu, held a special sitting to replace Mr. Samuel Akalyaamawa, who recently resigned from the office of Secretary for Finance. Mr. Akalyaamawa, a councillor representing Buyengo Town Council, signed his resignation letter on December 24, 2024, alleging that the district chairperson, Mr. Moses Batwala, only wanted to be surrounded by ‘yes-men’ who would rubber-stamp his wrong decisions. Belonging to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), the youthful councillor criticized the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader, Mr. Batwala, for disregarding any advice and…
Luuka: The Luuka District Service Commission Chairman, Mr. Paul Isabirye, is on the run following reports that he extorted Shs 17 million from Ms. Sylvia Baisemubaka, a clinical officer, who had applied for a job promotion. Last Friday, the police in Luuka District arrested Mr. George Mudhuli, the headteacher of Tabingwa Primary School in Busalamu Town Council, over the same fraudulent deal. In a letter dated January 6, 2025, the Luuka District Chairperson, Mr. Simon Wakaze, demanded an urgent defense from the commission’s chief, Mr. Isabirye, who is currently at large. “These are serious allegations and bring into question your…
Elderly people are calling on the government to lower the age for pension allowances, arguing that the proposed age of 80 years is too high for many struggling seniors to benefit from the government initiative. On Sunday, January 5, 2024, the elderly community received basic packages from the Evangelical Church in Masese, Jinja City. The seniors argued that even the 25,000 UGX they receive monthly is insufficient, given their special needs and healthcare expenses. Ahamada Mukama, the coordinator of elderly persons in the Eastern Region, commended the government for recognizing the elderly in its transformative programs but expressed dissatisfaction that…
Kamuli: Dr. Mathias Magoola, the director of Dei Pharmaceuticals, has assured fish farmers of a ready market for their fish, not only in Uganda but across the globe. Magoola, who was touring Buteme Fish Farm owned by the Buteme Fish Farmers Association on Friday at Bugwaala North village in Magogo Subcounty, Kamuli District, said that fish has high demand in the community and cannot perish on the stalls. He acknowledged the significance of fish farming, asserting that it could significantly contribute to the fight against poverty by improving household incomes among farmers. “With fish, you can never fail to find…
Jinja: The territorial police in Kiira region have reported that at least five individuals were arrested for allegedly causing public disorder while ushering in the new year, 2025. Covering Jinja city and the greater Jinja district, security chiefs ensured intensified deployment and steadfast patrols to manage any insecurities amidst the celebrations to bid farewell to 2024. In his statement on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, SP James Mubi, Kiira region police spokesperson, informed the media that no accidents or fire outbreaks were reported during the celebrations, including the Passover and fireworks displays. “We have withheld the identities of the five individuals we…
A horrifying accident has claimed the life of Budaka Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajjat Nusula Nabukalu. She died in a tragic road accident at Musita in Baitambogwe Subcounty, Mayuge District, along the Jinja-Iganga highway on Sunday evening, around 5 p.m. The RDC reportedly lost her life when her white Toyota Double Cabin, UG 4803C, which was heading towards Jinja, collided with a trailer, KDH 025V. “One of us has perished in a road accident. My heart is too heavy… A friend, a genuine person who never pretended or waged war. RIP Commissioner Nusula Nabukalu,” Kayunga Deputy RDC Trevor Solomon…
Parents have been cited as a key factor in the rampant spread of HIV/AIDS infections, owing to their failure to guide teenagers on the disease’s preventive measures. Dr. Shilp Sharma from the Jinja AIDS Information Center says that parents have turned a deaf ear to educating young people on the proper use of condoms, a key protector against the deadly disease. During an annual dinner of the Jinja Network of Young People Living with HIV (JNYPA) at Hotel Paradise in Jinja on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Dr. Shilp emphasized the importance of introducing family planning methods to young people as…
In an effort to crack down on motorcycle theft in the country, the Kiira regional police command has intensified a comprehensive manhunt for the prime suspects behind the boda-boda theft network operating in the Busoga sub-region. Three prime suspects involved in this unlawful practice were arrested on Sunday, December 22, 2024, and charged with murder and aggravated robbery. The suspects, who are currently detained at Jinja Central Police Station, include Fahad Magambo, a 25-year-old carpenter and resident of Buwenge Mpya in Kamuli Municipality, Kamuli District; Ali Ekido, a 48-year-old mechanic from Ojukai Village, Atooto Sub-County in Ngora District; and 42-year-old…