By VOM News Room
2023 knocks at our door and the crossover is eminent.
As we prepare to usher in the New Year, Voice of Muhabura takes a moment to reflect on the stories that caught your attention.
If you’re reading this article, consider yourself a winner because life is not guaranteed.
- Mudslides like Nine in Kisoro
At least nine people were killed and over 50 others left homeless after mudslides ripped through Mt Muhabura in Kisoro District, back in January.
A tragic event saw the country rally around the affected people of Kisoro as relief support from Uganda Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations poured in.
It would be the first time, our leaders and communities would interact with Minister Esther Anyakun, the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees but it would not be the last time. (RIP to the fallen souls)
- Fuel pumps run dry, Schools fail to keep up with payments.
In the month of January, the entire country experienced an acute shortage of fuel and Kisoro district was not spared.
For nearly three weeks, fuel prices reached their highest in the history of Kisoro, hitting 7000 per liter.
A revelation by Kisoro’s leading Savings and Cooperative society Mubuga SACCO showed that the leading private schools had failed to pay close to a billion shillings in loans.
None of the schools have completely closed and people are still getting fuel so, I guess we made it through that storm (Win)
- Members of Parliament face public court over Govt Loan Scheme
During a radio program on Voice of Muhabura, the Members of Parliament, including State Minister for youth and children affairs Sarah Mateke, Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera were put on the spot, why?
The entire district only managed to get two students onto the Government scheme despite having many vulnerable families.
The Leaders said such an incident would never happen again.
https://vomuhabura.com/kisoro-outraged-as-only-2-students-to-benefit-from-govt-students-loan-scheme/
Public court (Win) Members of Parliament (Loss)
4. Religious and literary Icon Rev.Canon. Samuel Mfitumukiza dies at 76 years.
The month of January was a dreary one following the passing of the retired Reverend whose life can be best described as instructive and intentional. A senior citizen and opinion leader on issues relating to Bufumbira and the Kigezi Sub-region.
5. Rotary Club of Mgahinga Kisoro awards 85-year-old Joy Shalita wins Vocational Service Award
Rotary Club of Mgahinga Kisoro, a social group with a lot of vibrancy and potential recognized Joy Shalita, widow to Bishop Emeritus Ernest Munyambabazi Shalita of Muhabura Diocese in Kisoro district, with the Vocational Service Award 2022.
Joy Shalita, the third recipient of the Vocational Service Award after renowned medical doctor Dr. Damian Ndagijimana and John Bavuga is the reason we recognize Rotary Club of Mgahinga Kisoro as winners this years.
They have managed to do a lot this year and we pray the trend continues for the benefit of Kisoro district.
https://vomuhabura.com/mutanda-island-benefits-from-medical-camp/
https://vomuhabura.com/rukeri-batwa-praise-kisoro-rotary-club-for-generous-donation/
6. St Francis Hospital Mutolere gets state of the art CT scan
Special praise goes to the Crown Beverages Limited and its Board Chairman Dr. Amos Nzeyi for contributing a modern CT scan The SOMATOM go. Now. (161118) CT to St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere.
Dr. Jerome, St Francis Hospital Medical Superintendent says the hospital receives close to seven patients every month seeking further treatment and further management for cancer related diseases.
Referrals to Mbarara regional referral hospital have been reduced however the price to use the machine is still high for the ordinary Mufumbira but we shall still take it as a win.
7. The Return of Hajji Shafiq Sekandi as Kisoro RDC
The man is a living legend. Respected and loved among the Bafumbira, Mr. Sekandi made a return to Kisoro in April, 2022 and no sooner had he settled into his office, than the issues that made him famous also began.
Congolese refugees from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As he enjoys his leave, we look forward to seeing him in the New Year, With Sekandi, Kisoro is winning.
https://vomuhabura.com/bizimana-laughs-last-as-peter-mugisha-bows-out-of-kisoro/
8. M23 rebels take Bunagana, Congolese occupation overwhelms Kisoro
March 28th, 2022, is a day few people living in Bunagana, Kisoro will ever forget because it is the day everything changed for their businesses and families.
For the next 6 months, Congolese would continue to spill into Uganda, living on people’s verandahs in Bunagana, Rukundo, Nyarubuye and Busanza while others would reluctantly go to the Nyakabande transit and holding camp.
The refugee situation in Kisoro captured the entire country’s attention as humanitarian agencies lobbied for more funding. Several youth go temporary employment (win) however the communities had to deal a lot more negative effects (loss)
https://vomuhabura.com/looming-crisis-in-bunagana-as-fleeing-congolese-hit-10000/
https://vomuhabura.com/unhcr-to-support-host-communities-in-kisoro/
9. EDEN Mission supports the Church and communities
The Non-Denominational, Bible-based ministry headed by Kenneth Rwego Gahuriro made significant impact to the communities in Kisoro.
Firstly, the organization trained religious leaders on financial management then helped them open savings cooperative schemes.
They went ahead to support pregnant mothers’ access mama kits and antenatal services and to crown it off, they organized trainings for unwedded couples on family life, finances and gave them a mass wedding this December. Well done Eden Mission, you are our big winners this year.
https://vomuhabura.com/eden-mission-support-lay-leaders-sacco-with-66-million-shillings/
https://vomuhabura.com/unmarried-couples-finally-put-a-ring-on-it-thanks-to-eden-mission/
10. Kisoro Potato Union signs MOU with Psalms Food
If you are interested in Value addition and progress, Kisoro district Potato cooperative Union signed a major deal to support Irish potatoes to one of the fastest growing industries in the region.
The two year, renewable agreement, between Psalms Food Industries and Kisoro District Potato Growers Cooperative Union was formalized back in February, 2022.
11. Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu and Bukimbiri By-elections
Defiant NRM MPs, Vehicles with concealed number plates, military presence, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja are just but a few things we shall always remember from the Bukimbiri By-election.
For the first time, opposition had something to say and it seemed people were listening however, it was not enough to keep Eddie Kwizera down and out of Parliament.
A win for Bukimbiri and the people of Kisoro, I will let you be the Judge.
https://vomuhabura.com/pm-nabbanja-in-kisoro-for-kwizera-wa-gahungu/
12. Suicide and Defilement cases overwhelm Authorities in Kisoro
Rtd. Captain Bagabe Claver, the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Commander for Bufumbira South Constituency and Kisoro Municipality, committed Suicide in August of this year.
His tragic death is one among many suicides registered by Police in Kisoro.
Health experts say families in the district are struggling with Domestic Violence, Alcoholism and poverty.
Cases of Defilement also sky rocketed in the district this year.
State Minister for youth and Children Affairs Sarah Mateke has her work cut out for her in 2023.
https://vomuhabura.com/kisoro-owc-commander-commits-suicide-money-problems-cited/
https://vomuhabura.com/minister-apologetic-as-defilement-cases-escalate-in-own-backyard/
13. Bizimana- Anyakun row over Congolese in Kisoro.
After nearly six months of hosting the Congolese asylum seekers at Nyakabande holding camp, the Government decides to close the camp.
State Minister for Refugees Davina Esther Anyakun closed the camp herself despite political pressure from Kisoro leaders.
Bizimana (Governor) of Kisoro distances himself from the Government move, His risings in ambition pitted him directly against Minister Anyakun who was also up to the task.
https://vomuhabura.com/bizimana-slams-govt-for-evicting-congolese-says-decision-was-regrettable/
https://vomuhabura.com/refugee-minister-anyakun-misinformed-concerning-kisoro-opm-funds/
14. Hundreds bid Sheikh Asuman fare well.
Kisoro district acting Kadhi, Sheikh Fadhil Asuman Ngenda was laid to rest in May this year.
His role as a religious leader was somewhat a contentious issue however his ability to present Kiswahili news and do unique radio programs on Voice of Muhabura.
His will forever be missed on the airwaves of Voice of Muhabura.
15. Hope Mission Church Rubuguri Saga
The Communities of Rubuguri town council remain dumbstruck as Romanian investors and head of lift up Jesus Ministries in Uganda Bishop Kiiza Aloysius continue sabotage themselves.
The projects on ground have a lot of potential however the two parties have failed to agree, this is a loss to the people of Kisoro.
16. Fr. John Bazimenyera, 72 years retires from active duty.
The Dean of Mutolere and (BwanaMukuru) Parish Priest of Gisoro Catholic Parish said his final goodbyes to the people of Kisoro after serving more than 17 years at the helm of the Catholic Church matters in the district.
He was an Educator, Trainer of Priests, and Actor extraordinaire
17. Bishop Cranmer Mugisha’s retirement woes
Most pressing, on the hearts and minds of Christians in the Diocese of Muhabura is the replacement of Bishop Cranmer Mugisha 64, who declared his intentions to retire early.
As the future of the church hangs in the balance, court cases, intrigue and drama continues to unfold into 2023. The Christians of Muhabura Diocese need a win because they have been losing.
https://vomuhabura.com/provincial-assembly-calm-nerves-in-muhabura-diocese/
18. Ichumbi hotel opens to the public with Swimming Pool
We have long valued ourselves as a leading tourism destination because of the mountain gorillas, adulating hills and lakes, however we can now take pride in saying, our amenities can include a hotel with a swimming pool in the heart of the municipality.
Word, has it we are in for a treat tonight, with fireworks.
(Winners)
We commend other investors in the district who have opened up beautiful places including Ikaze, Mgahinga Gorilla triangle Lodge, Kisoro airstrip cottages among others. You are warmly welcome.
19. 60-Year-old Ramathan Ndikuyeze sits PLE
The Kisoro District National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson and Central division Chairperson for Kisoro Municipality, Ramathan Ndikuyeze sat for his Primary Leaving Examinations, come Tuesday November 8th, 2022.
The embattled politician, who is facing charges of aggravated trafficking says he is not at liberty to discuss court matters however he advises his alleged enemies to pursue love instead of hatred.
https://vomuhabura.com/60-year-old-ramathan-ndikuyeze-to-sit-ple/
20. Bizimana PHD student, seeks to become MP 2023
Abel Bizimana, the two-time Kisoro district LCV chairperson says nothing will stop him from becoming the next Member of Parliament of Bufumbira East. As he pursues his PHD studies at Makerere University, he hopes to do more for women and children.
21. Minors Terrorize Kisoro, steal phones and Money
Police in Kisoro had their hands full during the last two academic terms because of students who would escape from School to set up roadblocks to steal from people.
No one was safe after dark on certain roads known to have little to no lighting.
People were beaten and maimed while others lost their valuables.
Police made several arrests, with many appearing in courts of law, others remanded and some fined.
Sanity has since returned to Kisoro Municipality thanks to the security presence.
22. Indian businessman shot dead by police officer in Uganda
https://vomuhabura.com/kisoro-murder-indian-killer-and-three-others-appear-in-court/
23. DUNDA Festival Excites as Radio Muhabura plans to launch Television
Voice of Muhabura radio celebrated 14 years of service and crowned 2022 with a mega festival that is expected to take place every year.
The award winning radio has the second best website in Kigezi region and is the leading entertainment, information and marketing platform in Kisoro district. Keep winning with Voice of Muhabura in 2023.
https://vomuhabura.com/dunda-festival-excites-as-radio-muhabura-plans-to-launch-television/
![Kitojo wetland users listen to the team from Kisoro Environment Office on Tuesday. [Photo by Gerald Niyirinda]](https://vomuhabura.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pixc-1-350x250.jpg)
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