Day: May 8, 2026

In a region where Resident District Commissioners are often judged by their visibility, responsiveness and ability to protect public interests, Dokolo RDC Barbara Akech is increasingly standing out as one of the most admired government representatives in Lango. Her growing popularity received another major boost on Friday after Dokolo District councillors formally recognised her outstanding service with a certificate of appreciation during a district council sitting that approved the district’s Shs35.8 billion budget for the 2026/2027 Financial Year. The recognition reflected what many leaders and residents described as years of committed public service marked by discipline, accessibility and uncompromising supervision of government programmes. For many in Dokolo, Akech’s leadership has redefined the office of the RDC from a largely ceremonial government position into an active centre of accountability and public engagement. District leaders say one of the key factors behind her rising admiration is her consistency in monitoring government activities at grassroots level. Unlike many public officials who often operate from offices, Akech has built a reputation for personally inspecting projects, engaging local leaders and responding directly to community concerns. Her close follow-up on government-funded projects has reportedly increased transparency and improved implementation standards across different sectors in the district. “She does not wait for reports alone. She physically goes to the field and verifies what is happening,” a district official said during the council session. Leaders further noted that since her appointment as RDC, Akech has maintained a remarkable record of attending every district council sitting, a level of dedication that councillors described as rare and commendable. Her strict approach towards accountability has also made her one of the strongest defenders of proper utilisation of public funds in Dokolo. In particular, she has played a central role in supervising the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), where she has repeatedly warned local leaders and implementers against corruption and misuse of funds meant for poverty eradication. Community leaders say her hands-on supervision has increased public confidence in the programme and strengthened monitoring mechanisms at parish level. Beyond government programmes, Akech has also become a key figure in strengthening coordination between security agencies and local authorities in Dokolo. Local leaders attribute improved security coordination and faster response to public complaints to her active leadership and regular engagement with security teams. Her communication style has equally contributed to her growing influence across Lango. Unlike many public officials who maintain distance from the media and the public, Akech has earned praise for remaining accessible to journalists and residents whenever issues affecting communities arise. Recently, journalists in Lango ranked her first runner-up among the most responsive RDCs and RCCs in the sub-region, second only to Lira RCC Lawrence Egole. Media practitioners commended her openness, quick response to public concerns and willingness to address sensitive issues without hesitation. Political analysts in the region say Akech’s popularity cuts across political and social divisions because many residents view her as a practical leader focused more on results than public relations. Residents who attended the council sitting described her as a leader who follows through on commitments and remains closely connected to ordinary people. “She listens, responds and follows up issues affecting the community. That is why people appreciate her leadership,” one resident noted after the meeting. As praise for her leadership continues to grow, some leaders have already started calling for her retention in Dokolo, while others believe her performance qualifies her for even bigger national responsibilities. To many in Lango, Barbara Akech’s leadership has become an example of how active supervision, accountability and commitment to public service can transform government representation at district level. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira City council has approved a revised budget of UGX 48.78 billion for the Financial Year 2026/2027, with leaders prioritising road infrastructure, education, healthcare, physical planning and local economic transformation. The budget was passed on Friday during the final council sitting of the outgoing council held at St. Lira Hotel and presided over by Speaker Counsel Patrick Okwir. Presented on behalf of Mayor Sam Atul, the revised estimates were prepared in line with Section 14(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 and Article 155(1) of the Constitution of Uganda. The budget is aligned to the Parish Development Model (PDM), the City Development Plan IV and the Fourth National Development Plan under the theme: “Full Monetization of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.” City authorities said the approved budget represents a 16.8% increase from the previous financial year’s UGX 41.77 billion, largely driven by enhanced government transfers, improved local revenue mobilisation, and support from development partners. The education sector received the largest allocation of UGX 22.39 billion, representing 45.9% of the total budget, followed by administration with UGX 7.2 billion, works and engineering with UGX 5.23 billion, and health with UGX 4.82 billion. Lira City East Division was allocated UGX 1.58 billion, while Lira City West Division received UGX 1.57 billion. Under the expenditure categories, wage recurrent expenditure takes the largest share at UGX 24.91 billion, representing 51.07% of the total budget. Non-wage recurrent expenditure accounts for UGX 18.05 billion, while domestic development stands at UGX 5.65 billion. Speaking after the budget approval, Atul said the city remained focused on improving road infrastructure, trade, education, health services, and tourism. He revealed that the government had accepted to finance the construction of a city museum aimed at promoting tourism and preserving the city’s heritage. Atul also stressed the need for strict enforcement of the city physical development plan, warning against the construction of structures without approved permits. He attributed some of the implementation challenges to Uganda’s land ownership system, noting that compensation demands often delayed road and infrastructure projects. The mayor explained that whereas countries such as Rwanda and Kenya have stronger government control over land allocation, Uganda’s system presents challenges whenever infrastructure projects are implemented on privately owned land. He warned that structures erected without proper approval risk demolition in future during enforcement of the physical development plan. Atul further noted that the council had prioritised investment in development equipment, including plans to purchase an excavator to support bridge construction and murram excavation works. He also appealed to residents to cooperate with city authorities and pay taxes to support service delivery and urban development. The Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, James Omara Elem, attributed part of the budget increase to salary enhancements for civil servants. Omara expressed confidence that local revenue collections would improve from the current UGX 4.7 billion to between UGX 5 billion and UGX 7 billion in the coming financial years. He praised the city’s utilisation of local revenue in purchasing road maintenance equipment such as graders, rollers and double-cabin pickups, saying the investments had reduced dependence on hiring machinery. Omara noted that the city now mainly spends on fuel for its equipment instead of hiring machinery as was previously the case, adding that this had greatly improved road maintenance within the city. He also commended the performance of the education and health sectors under City Education Officer Canon Jane Obeny and City Health Officer Dr. Bernard Otucu, respectively. Omara added that the upcoming USMID project would boost tarmac road networks, drainage systems, and street lighting within the city. Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole described the budget approval as both an important financial milestone and the closing chapter for the outgoing council. Egole commended councillors for successfully debating motions, passing ordinances, approving work plans, and holding the technical team accountable throughout their five-year term. He noted that although no budget is perfect, the approved estimates were a product of dialogue, compromise and collective judgment aimed at improving service delivery. Egole urged outgoing councillors to remain ambassadors of peace and continue supporting development within their communities even after leaving office. He also encouraged the incoming council to promote teamwork and unity while implementing the city development agenda. Egole further praised the outgoing leadership for steering Lira City into becoming one of the exemplary newly created cities in Uganda. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, HRH Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has called on communities in Northern Uganda to embrace truth-telling, forgiveness, and reconciliation as a foundation for sustainable peace and development. Odongo Okune made the remarks on Thursday during the GANAL Prayer Peace Week celebrations at Lango College Playground in Lira City, where he commended the Catholic Church and Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok for championing peace and unity across the region. Addressing hundreds of faithful, religious leaders and cultural representatives, the Won Nyaci said the 2026 General Elections had revived old rivalries and divisions within Lango, noting that dissatisfaction persisted among both winners and losers. He, however, praised reconciliation efforts initiated earlier this year at Lango Cultural Centre and described the Catholic Church as a historic pillar in mediation, justice, peace-building, and dialogue both globally and within Uganda. Odongo Okune emphasized that lasting peace begins with inner spiritual transformation, warning that lack of inner peace often manifests through violence, land grabbing, domestic conflicts, ethnic tensions, cattle rustling, and war. We are Barkman Best Bees Co. Ltd. Drawing from Lango’s history, the cultural leader reflected on the community’s warrior past, colonial-era battles, and the devastating effects of the rinderpest outbreak in the early 1900s that weakened livelihoods in the region. He further recounted the suffering experienced in Northern Uganda during the regimes and insurgencies that followed Uganda’s political instability, including the Idi Amin era, Karimojong cattle raids, and rebellions such as the Lakwena, UPA, and LRA insurgencies. According to the Won Nyaci, the conflicts displaced thousands of people into internally displaced persons’ camps and destroyed the rural economy, leaving many widows, orphans, and families of missing persons without closure. He said genuine reconciliation can only be achieved when communities openly confront painful historical experiences and seek justice through truth and forgiveness. Odongo Okune also praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the UPDF, and other leaders for restoring peace in Northern Uganda after years of insecurity. Gulu City, We’re Coming! The cultural leader urged Luo-speaking communities and Ateker groups to preserve their languages, culture, and identity amid increasing threats of cultural erosion and language extinction worldwide. He highlighted “kayo cuk,” a traditional Lango justice and reconciliation mechanism, as an important tool for healing communities and restoring broken relationships. During the event, Odongo Okune revealed that Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok was formally initiated into the Omoloacolodyekonywaliceng clan on February 9, 2026, as a sign of cultural unity and belonging. He later congratulated President Museveni upon winning the 2026 presidential election and prayed for a peaceful swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 12, 2026. The GANAL Prayer Peace Week, hosted by Lira Diocese from May 3 to May 8 at Lango College Playground, marks the 20th anniversary of the regional peace initiative bringing together the dioceses of Gulu, Arua, Nebbi, Lira, and Kotido. Held under the theme “Peace Be with You” from John 20:19, the celebrations feature peace marches, prayers, dialogue sessions, and reconciliation activities aimed at strengthening unity and healing across Northern Uganda following decades of conflict and instability. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) is today hosting the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Uganda National Association of Hospital Administrators (UNAHA), bringing together hospital administrators from across Uganda to discuss healthcare management and service delivery improvement. The Association, which has 135 members drawn from General Hospitals, Regional Referral Hospitals and National Specialized Hospitals, is using the meeting to review hospital performance and assess how administrative systems are supporting effective healthcare delivery across the country. Now Available on Kakebe Shop! Speaking ahead of the meeting, UNAHA President and Principal Hospital Administrator of LRRH, Peter Okello Odeke said the AGM provides a platform for administrators to share experiences, benchmark best practices and identify innovative approaches that can strengthen operations in health facilities. Odeke explained that the Association rotates its annual meetings among different hospitals to allow members to appreciate how facilities operate in various regions and learn from one another. He noted that the arrangement exposes administrators to practical solutions that can improve efficiency, management systems, and healthcare service delivery in their respective stations. According to Odeke, Lira Regional Referral Hospital has, over the years, attracted several benchmarking visits from other regional hospitals due to its ongoing transformation and improvements in service delivery systems. He added that delegates attending this year’s AGM will have an opportunity to learn from the strategies that have enabled LRRH to register rapid transformation in key operational areas. Happening This Month in Gulu City! The AGM is also expected to elect new leadership for the Association as the current executive completes its three-year term. Hosting the national meeting is viewed as a recognition of LRRH’s growing reputation in promoting transformative leadership and quality healthcare service delivery in Uganda. Source

Lira, Uganda | Outgoing Mid-Northern Regional Prisons Commander SSP Godfrey Komakech has officially handed over office after serving in Greater Lango for nearly three years, highlighting major achievements in prison decongestion, justice delivery, and strengthening cooperation between Uganda Prisons Service and local leaders. Komakech handed over to ACP Ronald Kalali during a ceremony held on Thursday at Margaritha Palace Hotel in Lira City attended by senior prison officers, security officials, religious leaders, district leaders, and other stakeholders from across the Lango sub-region. Speaking during the function, Komakech described his stay in Lango since June 6, 2023, as a rewarding and career-defining assignment that greatly shaped his professional growth. He said Uganda Prisons Service improved its visibility and relationship with both local and central government institutions during his tenure, while access to justice was strengthened through collaboration with courts and other justice sector players. Komakech revealed that prison congestion significantly reduced under his leadership, with inmate numbers at Lira Main Prison dropping from 1,100 to 900, while Oyam Prison reduced from 530 inmates to 406. He attributed the reduction to plea bargain sessions, mediation, regular High Court sittings, bail processes, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that helped clear long-standing case backlogs involving inmates who had spent between six and eight years on remand. According to Komakech, aggravated defilement, murder, and aggravated robbery remained the most common offences handled during his tenure in the region. He announced that May 7 marked his final day in Lango as he prepares to assume duties in Gulu Region on May 8, where he will oversee a larger prisoners’ population of about 6,600 inmates compared to Lango’s 3,600. Komakech noted that Gulu Region hosts major prison farms in Aswa Region, which serve as the food basket of Uganda Prisons Service by supplying food to prisons across the country. He thanked the people of Lango for supporting and elevating his career, saying the region played a major role in his promotion and professional success. Incoming Mid-Northern Regional Prisons Commander ACP Ronald Kalali thanked leaders, officers, bishops, district representatives, and guests for warmly welcoming him to the region. Kalali said he preferred first learning the culture, language, and understanding the people before making many public pronouncements, adding that he is committed to serving the entire Lango sub-region through teamwork and consultation. Using a Biblical reference from the Book of Mark, Kalali emphasized continuity in leadership, saying he intends to build on the strong foundation laid by SSP Godfrey Komakech rather than disrupt existing achievements. He noted that he had come to continue building on what had already been established in the region. Kalali pledged to strengthen service delivery while maintaining humility and close cooperation with leaders, officers, and communities in the region. Senior Commissioner of Prisons Wilson Francis Magomu, who presided over the official handover and takeover ceremony, said transfers within Uganda Prisons Service are normal administrative procedures aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery. Magomu praised Komakech as a humble, hardworking, truthful, and self-made officer who rose through the ranks through discipline and continuous learning. He commended him for strengthening partnerships, establishing prison units, and improving cooperation between Uganda Prisons Service and stakeholders during his tenure. Magomu also described incoming RPC ACP Ronald Kalali as an experienced and stable leader who previously served in the Mid-Eastern Region for five years with minimal prison-related incidents. He revealed that Uganda Prisons Service continues expanding its national economic role following directives from President Yoweri Museveni to support cotton growing, maize seed production, sunflower farming, and national food security projects. According to Magomu, the government allocated Uganda Prisons about 300,000 acres of land in Aswa Ranch following national maize shortages experienced two to three years ago, leading to the establishment of prison units engaged in large-scale maize production. Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole praised SSP Godfrey Komakech for maintaining strong cooperation between Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and the Office of the President during his tenure. Egole described Komakech as a trusted consultant and senior colleague who contributed significantly to peace, security coordination, and stability in the Lango sub-region. Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, Egole said the scripture reflected how Komakech had fought a good fight and fulfilled his assignment with discipline, professionalism, and dedication. Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa of Lango Diocese described the ceremony as a reflection of faithfulness, stewardship, and commitment to public service. Bishop Olwa praised Komakech for his humility, calmness, discipline, and respectful relationship with officers and communities, saying his leadership consistently attracted positive feedback from both prison staff and the public. He welcomed incoming commander ACP Ronald Kalali and pledged continued cooperation between religious leaders and security agencies in serving communities across the region. Source