Day: May 15, 2026

By Ronald Alele Ongwech Otuke, Uganda | The newly sworn-in Member of Parliament for Otuke East, Julius Acon Bua, has pledged to wage a relentless war against corruption and to work hand-in-hand with the district’s top political leaders—including LC5 Chairperson Francis Abola and Woman MP Susan Jolly Abeja—to ensure effective service delivery for the people of Otuke and the wider Lango sub-region. Speaking to the media shortly after taking the oath of office on May 13, 2026, Acon described corruption as a cancer that has crippled service delivery, diverting funds meant for critical infrastructure and social services. He called on the central government to take immediate, decisive action against corrupt officials at all levels. “Corruption is the enemy of our people. Every stolen coin is a borehole not drilled, a classroom not built, a life put at risk. I will not tire in demanding accountability,” Acon said. In a significant show of political unity, Acon emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved by one leader alone. He specifically pledged to work closely with Otuke District LC5 Chairperson Francis Abola and the district’s Woman Member of Parliament, Susan Jolly Abeja, as well as other elected and grassroots leaders. “I cannot serve Otuke East alone. I pledge to work hand-in-hand with LC5 Chairman Francis Abola, with our Woman MP Susan Jolly Abeja, and with all councillors, sub-county chiefs, and community elders. Together, we shall deliver services effectively and transparently,” Acon told reporters. He noted that such collaboration will help eliminate duplication of efforts, reduce political friction, and ensure that government programs reach the most vulnerable households without delay. The Otuke East legislator reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the community-driven projects he began before and during his campaign, especially the drilling of boreholes across the constituency. Access to safe water remains a critical challenge in Otuke, and Acon noted that his office has already facilitated the construction of over 15 boreholes in the past two years, reducing waterborne diseases in remote areas like Orum village. “We started this journey with the people, and we shall not abandon it. My focus remains on borehole drilling, supporting education, improving rural roads, and now—working as a team with my fellow district leaders,” Acon said. He also vowed to tirelessly lobby for additional government programs and partner with development agencies to attract more projects to Otuke East and the Lango region. Acon’s swearing-in marks a continuation of a political career already defined by tangible results. In his previous capacity as community leader and MP-elect, he facilitated the rehabilitation of three dilapidated primary schools in Abur, Alango, and Orum, providing scholastic materials to over 2,000 pupils. He also spearheaded a village savings and loans scheme that has benefited more than 500 women and youth groups across the sub-county. Residents have credited Acon with reducing waterborne diseases through his borehole initiative. In Orum village, a community borehole drilled in late 2025 now serves over 300 households that previously relied on unprotected wells. Beyond his legislative duties, Acon urged fellow leaders from Lango to unite in demanding accountability from the central government. He reiterated that development cannot be achieved in an environment where public funds are mismanaged. “I will work tirelessly to lobby for projects, but government must also do its part. And here at home, I will work with Chairman Abola and Madam Susan Abeja to ensure that every project we start is completed and serves the people,” Acon stressed. The lawmaker concluded by asking his constituents to remain patient and vigilant, promising regular community outreach and transparency reports on every project his office undertakes. Julius Acon Bua was sworn in on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, following a legally concluded electoral process in Otuke East. His political rise has been closely linked to grassroots mobilization and a focus on basic service delivery. He is widely regarded in the region as a pragmatic leader focused on water, education, anti-corruption advocacy, and now—collaborative district leadership. Source

Oyam, Uganda |Oyam District Local Government Council has approved a budget worth Shs 69.84 billion for the financial year 2026/2027, the largest allocation in the district’s recent history. The decision was reached during a full council sitting held at the district hall on Monday, following adjustments made in the previous council meeting last Thursday.  The draft budget was presented by Chris Ongom, Vice Chairperson LC V and Leader of Government Business. Ongom described the new allocation as the highest passed during the current term of service, attributing the increase to Oyam’s expanding revenue base and growing population. He stated that the larger budget reflects the district’s ability to mobilize resources and respond to the needs of its people.  District Chairperson Benson Walter Dila Oyuku welcomed the approval, saying the budget is well aligned with the district’s capacity and ongoing development priorities. He pointed to projects such as the elevation of Anyeke Health Centre IV to hospital status, which will improve healthcare delivery for thousands of residents. Dila compared last year’s Shs 57 billion allocation to this year’s Shs 69.84 billion, noting the significant increase as proof of Oyam’s progress.  District Speaker Nomi Otyeno confirmed the budget’s adoption after thorough debate and recommendations from councillors. He cautioned the public that while the figure appears large, more than 60 percent of the funds will go toward salaries for civil servants across all departments. Otyeno stressed the importance of effective implementation to ensure that the remaining resources directly benefit service delivery and community development.  All councillors present unanimously endorsed the budget, expressing optimism that the new financial plan will strengthen infrastructure, expand social services, and improve livelihoods across the district. The approved budget now stands as the official working document for Oyam District Local Government for the year 2026/2027.  Source

Budaka, Uganda | Students pursuing Journalism and Mass Communication at All Saints University Lango have completed a benchmark study tour at LivingStone International University aimed at strengthening their practical media skills and preparing them for professional journalism practice. During the engagement, the Chancellor of LivingStone International University, Prof. Dr. Henri Buregea, challenged aspiring journalists to uphold truth, professionalism and ethical reporting in their careers. Buregea said journalism remains a powerful tool capable of shaping communities and influencing public opinion, urging students to use the profession responsibly. He revealed that his interest in communication studies was partly inspired by personal experiences with misinformation published by some media outlets. Buregea recalled an incident where media publications allegedly circulated false reports claiming he had purchased a house which he was only renting, a story that later trended widely on social media. “That experience made me realise that information was not being used responsibly, and it inspired me to go back and study communication so as to bridge the gap,” he said. He cautioned students against accepting money to spread false information, saying the practice destroys personal credibility and undermines public trust in journalism. The Chancellor further disclosed that LivingStone International University and All Saints University Lango are strengthening collaboration through academic exchange programmes that will allow students from both institutions to gain broader learning exposure. “We shall take our students to attend lectures at All Saints University Lango, and All Saints should also continue bringing their students to attend lectures at our university,” Buregea said. He also revealed that the university is in the final stages of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lango Cultural Institution to provide affordable scholarship opportunities to learners from the Lango sub-region. The Dean of Students for Journalism and Media Technique at LivingStone International University, John Kauka, said the institution is committed to nurturing students beyond academics by equipping them with leadership, mentorship and community transformation skills. Kauka encouraged learners to continue upgrading their academic qualifications in order to remain competitive in the evolving media industry. Meanwhile, Journalism and Media Technique lecturer Musumbi Hilary warned students against overdependence on Artificial Intelligence in academic work, saying excessive reliance on AI risks limiting creativity and innovation among learners. “We should use AI to help us find solutions to problems, but not to solve the problems entirely for us,” he said. The Head of Department for Journalism and Mass Communication at All Saints University Lango, Mustafiri A. Suwed, said the field study was organised to expose students to practical media operations beyond classroom learning. Suwed noted that the university does not yet have a fully established media studio, making such educational tours important in giving students hands-on experience in broadcasting and television production. He added that the department previously organised a similar study visit to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation where students gained practical broadcasting exposure. Students who participated in the tour described the experience as informative and transformative. Calvin Otim, a Bachelor’s degree student, said the visit exposed them to modern television production equipment and practical broadcasting techniques they had only studied theoretically in class. Another student, Violet Sanyu, said the hands-on training in camera operation and television production had greatly improved her understanding of media practice. After the engagement in Budaka, the students proceeded to Busia for a cross-border exposure visit aimed at broadening their understanding of society and regional interactions beyond Uganda. Credit: Uganda Standard Source