According to a statement shared with URN reporter on Wednesday, the factory Country CEO Jean-Micheal Pons said the condition of the two victims had necessitated their evacuation to South Africa for further treatment at a specialized burns unit.
Carol Kezabu, the Hima Cement Factory Public Relations Officer URN on Monday that they have opted for DNA testing to positively identify the victims. The bodies were evacuated to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital-FRRH where DNA testing will be conducted.
On Sunday, a team led by Eng. Flavia Bwire, the Executive Secretary at the National Building Review Board picked samples from the fire scene to investigate the possible causes of the fire outbreak. Bwire says that after their investigations, they will produce a report that will inform both the government and the factory management on the next course of action.
Jean-Micheal pons, the country Chief Executive Officer Hima Cement said in a statement that operations at the factory has since been suspended as the company takes stock of the incident and ensure that the after-effects are fully contained.
Local leaders, both present and former all heaped praises on the deceased describing him as a pillar of unity who supported the health and education sector in the district.
Evaleri Bwamable, the deputy school headteacher of Ibanda Primary in Maliba Sub County, says that teachers have failed to have a comprehensive study outline due to the absence of a guiding curriculum.
In December, the Ministry of Education released 62 Billion Shillings as capitation grants for schools in the current financial year. The grant normally is used by schools to procure instructional materials, facilitate co-curricular activities, school management, and payment of utilities like electricity and water.
In a joint press statement issued by UPDF spokesperson Brig Gen Flavia Byekwas and her Congolese army counter Maj Gen Leon Richard Kasonga Cibangu on Monday, it says the armed group is harboring sinister clandestine plans deliberately intended to sabotage the military actions against ADF and the joint discredited the operation.
Alimah Aryemah, the chairperson of Muhokya IDP camp, says that the camp has about 183 school-going children many of whom are under the care of single mothers. She told URN that none of the 60 students in secondary school was able to report back on Monday.
David Kirere, the headteacher of Kabatunda SDA primary school in Kayabarugera Sub-county in Kasese, says that they have suspended parents’ contributions for this term until when they hold a general school meeting with the parents.
Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi, Kasese district LC V chairperson, says they presented a budget of Shillings 2.2 billion to the president’s office to help them complete the block.
Kasese RDC Lt. Joe Walusimbi says that the move is meant to regulate the fish business and help the domestic market also thrive. He says that once the local fish market is deserted it hurts the local economy.
Josinta Kabugho, the general manager for Bukonzo Organic Farmers Cooperative Union, says that the new machines are expected to bring down the cost of production by about 30 percent as it requires less labor to operate and gives out more output per hour compared to the old models they have been using.
Ismail Kaawo, the Rwenzori East police spokesperson confirms the arrest adding that the victims have been taken to the hospital for a medical examination.
Schools across the country will open their doors for learners on January 10, 2022, after nearly two years of closure. But Kibuga Primary, a government-aided school with an enrollment of up to 562 pupils has only 10 desks as part of its infrastructure. Its classrooms are also dilapidated and need urgent patch-up.
The Kasese Municipal HC III in charge, James Mwiruwabo, says Kilembe Mines Hospital first confirmed the death of the victims before referring their bodies to the facility for postmortem.
Richard Bomera, the Bulembia Division LC III Chairperson, says that whereas he welcomes the intention to keep all children in school, he insists that those who are pregnant and lactating need special places where they can attend to their children when the need arises
Lt. Joe Walusimbi, The Kasese Resident District Commissioner-RDC says bad elements especially the Allied Democratic Forces-ADF remains a threat to Uganda and the group might choose to use this merry making season to sneak into the communities.
