QTR3 LOSCO QUARTERLY HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING REPORT –

 LOSCO QUARTERLY HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION ANALSIS AND KEY ISSUES IN KIGEZI.

October 1, 2026.

Dear Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights Actors and Partners in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,

Greetings from Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO)!

Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) is pleased to welcome you to the Quarterly Human Rights Situation Review and Analysis for the Kigezi Sub-region.

This quarterly review provides a concise reflection on key human rights developments and emerging issues recorded during the reporting period, with particular attention to the human rights environment, governance, rule of law, civic space and the situation of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kigezi and Uganda more broadly.

LOSCO appreciates your continued commitment to advancing and protecting human rights and values the time you dedicate to reflecting on the information presented. We invite you to critically engage with the issues highlighted, share your perspectives and consider what you, your organisation or institution can contribute to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights, accountable governance and the rule of law at sub-national, national, regional and global levels.

This review is intended not only to inform, but also to encourage reflection, dialogue, collective learning and coordinated action among human rights actors and partners. We believe that timely documentation, evidence-based analysis and constructive engagement are essential to identifying emerging risks, strengthening protection mechanisms and advancing sustainable human rights outcomes.

KIGEZI SUB REGIONAL SITUATION.

Key Issues Highlighted

Below are some of the key human rights developments, concerns and emerging issues identified during the reporting period:

HIV Prevalence Remains a Significant Public Health Concern in Kigezi

Rukungiri District has the highest reported HIV prevalence in the Kigezi Sub-region at 8.1%, according to statistics from the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC). Kanungu District follows at 6.0%, while Kabale stands at 5.2%. Rukiga, Rubanda and Kisoro have reported prevalence rates of 4.3%, 2.6% and 2.0%, respectively.

While some districts have reported prevalence rates below the cited national average of approximately 4.7%, Masimbi cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that HIV prevalence and transmission are not evenly distributed within districts. District-level averages can therefore conceal significant variations between sub-counties and communities.

Human Rights and Public Health Context

The disparities in HIV prevalence across Kigezi highlight the importance of a rights-based and evidence-driven HIV response that recognizes differences in vulnerability and access to prevention and treatment services. Targeted interventions should be informed by reliable, disaggregated data and should address barriers that may prevent individuals and communities from accessing HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care without stigma or discrimination.

For LOSCO and other civil society actors, the findings reinforce the importance of strengthening community awareness, HIV prevention, linkage to services, stigma reduction, youth engagement and accountability for equitable access to HIV-related services, particularly in communities identified as having higher HIV burdens.

The UAC’s call for greater use of sub-county-level data provides an important opportunity for local governments, health facilities, civil society organizations, media and communities to move beyond regional averages and develop more precise, locally responsive HIV interventions.

Kigezi’s Violent Reputation Under Scrutiny After Back-to-Back Murders;

The Kigezi sub-region is gripped by the fear following a fresh wave of violence that claimed two lives in separate murder incidents in Rubanda and Kabale districts, placing the region’s security under sharp scrutiny

SP Nelson Tumushime, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, stated in an exclusive interview with the reporter that they had in custody one Ainamani Enock in connection with the murder incident in Rubanda District. https://westernpearlreports.com/index.php/2026/07/29/kigezis-violent-reputation-under-scrutiny-after-back-to-back-murders/

Kigezi Records 26 Crashes as Police intensify Road Safety Operations

Police in the Kigezi Region have recorded 26 road traffic crashes over the past two months, comprising 10 fatal, 12 serious and six minor crashes, according to the Kigezi Regional Police records.

Concerns are expressed over the reported increase in fatal road crashes and the resulting loss of lives and serious injuries among road users. The crashes were recorded along major road corridors, including the Kanungu–Rukungiri–Ntungamo and Kabale–Kisoro–Mbarara routes.

Police announced intensified road safety operations targeting motorists and other road users suspected of engaging in dangerous road practices. The operations are intended to strengthen compliance with traffic regulations and reduce preventable deaths and injuries on the region’s roads.

Among the incidents cited was a crash in Rukungiri District involving an Isuzu truck reportedly transporting pilgrims. According to police, the truck failed to negotiate a bend before colliding with a boda boda rider. The crash reportedly killed four people at the scene and left more than 30 others seriously injured.

In another incident on 20 September, a cyclist was killed after reportedly being involved in a collision with a runaway trailer. The victim, identified as Rodgers Akanyijuka, 19, a resident of Kahondo Village, Kaharo Sub-county, Kabale District, reportedly died at the scene.

The reported incidents raise significant concerns regarding road safety, enforcement of traffic regulations, responsible driving, vehicle roadworthiness and protection of the right to life and physical integrity of road users.

LOSCO notes that sustained road safety interventions should combine enforcement with public awareness, responsible driving practices, vehicle inspection, safer road infrastructure and timely emergency response. Particular attention is necessary along high-risk road sections and major transport corridors where steep terrain, bends, speeding and heavy traffic may increase risks to road users.

Key concern: The reported frequency of fatal and serious crashes underscores the need for coordinated action by police, local authorities, transport operators, motorists, cyclists, boda boda riders and communities to strengthen road safety and reduce preventable deaths and injuries in Kigezi. https://thesource.co.ug/accident/kigezi-records-26-crashes-as-police-intensify-road-safety-operations/

Kigezi’s Stakeholders Push for Stronger Community Accountability and Access to Justice

Stakeholders in the Kigezi Sub-Region called for stronger community accountability and improved access to justice, urging citizens to speak out on issues affecting their communities while using responsible and lawful channels to seek redress.

The call was made during a regional accountability dialogue held at White Horse Inn in Kabale, organized by Citizen’s Concern Africa (CICOA) together with LOSCO. The regional conversation brought together civil society actors, women, youth, persons with disabilities and government duty bearers to discuss challenges surrounding reporting, referral systems, human rights protection, access to justice and accountability. https://kigezitv.com/kigezi-stakeholders-push-for-stronger-community-accountability-and-access-to-justice/

KABALE DISTRICT:

LOSCO Report Reveals Persistent Gaps in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Across Kigezi;

Stakeholders in Kigezi Sub-region called upon to embrace evidence-based advocacy to address persistent gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), despite notable progress in health service delivery.

The call was made by the Team Leader of Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO), Mr. Albert Taremwa, during the dissemination of findings from a regional SRHR assessment held recently at White Horse Inn in Kabale Municipality. https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/losco-report-reveals-persistent-gaps-in-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-across-kigezi/

Kabale buys shs239m land for new landfill as Homes Encroach on Dump site.

Kabale Municipality acquired about five acres of land worth UGX 239 million in Kaharo Sub- County, Ndorwa East Constituency, for the construction of a new landfill after the current Kirengyere garbage collection centre became surrounded by residential developments, raising public health concerns.

The existing Kirengyere garbage collection centre, located in Kirengyere village, Kyanamira Sub- County, about six kilometres along Kabale-Ntugamo-Mbarara highway, has been operational since 2010. It receives waste from Kabale Municipality’s three divisions and also accommodates a section designated as a public cemetery. https://thesource.co.ug/nationa/kabale-buys-shs239m-land-for-new-landfill-as-homes-encroach-on-dump-site/

Hon. Enid Origumisiriza Joins the Ndorwa Secondary School Community in Kabale Municipality

Hon. Enid Origumisiriza, the District Woman Member of Parliament, joined the Ndorwa Secondary School community in Kabale Municipality, where she led a career guidance and mentorship session for students. The initiative continued her programme for providing free reusable sanitary towels to schoolgirls, aimed at supporting menstrual hygiene and helping girls stay in school. https://x.com/KigeziTv/status/2102009086422159426

https://x.com/CommunitiesOrg/status/2102284876812583418?s=20

RUBANDA DISTRICT

Two Dead, Several Injured in Rubanda Road Crash

Two people died and several others sustained serious injuries following a road traffic crash along the Kabale–Kisoro Road in Rubanda District.

The crash occurred on Monday at approximately 2:00 p.m. in Murutenga Village, Hamurwa Sub-county. The incident involved a silver Toyota Noah, registration number UAX 824H. Kigezi Regional Police reported that the vehicle was descending a steep slope when the driver reportedly lost control, allegedly due to excessive speed. The vehicle subsequently overturned several times, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

One passenger died at the scene and was identified as Rev. Sr. Tugumenawe Mary Gorret Kenda, 58, who was attached to Rushoroza Catholic Diocese in Kabale District. A second, unidentified male passenger reportedly died shortly after being transported to Rubanda Hospital. https://www.ugnewsline.com/two-dead-several-injured-in-rubanda-road-crash/

Man Found Dead on Road in Rubanda Amid Land Dispute

Investigations are underway by Police in Rubanda District for the murder of a 26-year-old man whose body was found lying in the middle of a road in Katojo Town Council who was identified as Ahimbisimbwe Elijah, a resident of Mukivunga Village, Bishakye Ward, Katojo Town Council.

Ahimbisimbwe is said to have left his home at about 11:30pm on Saturday to attend a burial in Kifumba Village, also in Rubanda District. His body was discovered by residents at about 7am on September 27, lying in the middle of the road about 350 metres from his home in Mukivunga Village.

Preliminary information indicates that the deceased had been involved in misunderstandings with some of his relatives over land matters. https://thesource.co.ug/crime/man-found-dead-on-road-in-rubanda-amid-land-dispute/