Residents want law on alcohol
JINJA-The residents of Jinja municipality have asked the Government to expedite the enactment of a law that would regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol and drugs. Patrick Bijja, a district councillor, said despite the dangers and evil caused by alcohol and drug abuse, efforts to fight the vices were being frustrated by lack of an enabling law. He was speaking at a stakeholders meeting on alcoholism and drug abuse organised by Ring of Hope-Uganda on Saturday. He said abuse of alcohol and other substances was responsible for the high HIV infection rates, increased number of street children in most urban centres and the soaring crime rates in the country. Jackson Isabirye, the Ring of Hope-Uganda coordinator, said if a law is put in place, cases of domestic violence, rape, defilement, arson and mental illness would reduce. He also said government would save the resources spent on ensuring social order.

Busia gets fish market project
BUSIA-The agriculture minstry has handed over a sh100m fish market project to the district. Dr William Olaho Mukani, the director of animal resources, officiated at the handover function held at Rand Hotel on Thursday. The African Development Bank (ADB) funded the project, which included construction of fish stalls in the main market. Charles Malowa Kudedi, the district vice-chairperson, said the project would greatly improve the standard of handling fish in the market and thanked ADB for the financial support.

WFP donates rice to farmers
SOROTI-The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has donated upland rice to farmers in Amuria district. WFP country director Stanlake Samkange launched the distribution, saying the donation aimed at making life better for every ordinary person. The NERICA 4 rice was distributed to 30 farmers in Obuku cell, Okutoi ward in Amuria town council. Each sack contained 20kgs. Olive Kobusingye, the WFP field monitor, said the rice would cover at least one hectare.