Ebong Michael

Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City are investigating the killing of an unidentified man who was lynched by a mob in the early hours of December 24, 2025, in an incident authorities say highlights the dangers of vigilantism. The killing occurred at Akitenino Cell, Omito Ward, along the Lango College–Omito Road in Lira City West Division, after an alarm was reportedly raised by unknown persons alleging an attempted theft. Residents responded, apprehended a man suspected to be involved, and beat him to death before police arrival. The body was discovered at about 6:30am by the area LC chairperson, who alerted police. According to the North Kyoga Regional Police, officers led by D/ASP Phoebe Nansereko, the Deputy CID Officer for Lira City West Division, visited the scene, documented evidence, and conveyed the body to Lira City Referral Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem. Police recovered a metal object and a piece of concrete, believed to have been used during the assault. The deceased was found with multiple fresh injuries to the head and legs and was dressed in a sleeveless green T-shirt and shorts. Speaking on the matter, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the regional police spokesperson, strongly condemned the killing, warning that mob justice is a criminal act punishable under Ugandan law. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Suspected criminals should be handed over to police for proper investigation and prosecution,” Okema said. He added that investigations are ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and trace those who participated in the lynching. Police have appealed to residents with information to cooperate with security agencies. Security officials noted that mob violence remains a challenge in some urban communities, often driven by fear, anger, and misinformation, and called for increased community-police collaboration to prevent similar incidents. By press time, no suspects had been arrested. Source The post Unidentified Man Killed in Lira City Mob Attack as Police Warn Against Vigilantism appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders in Lira City have raised concerns over their exclusion from a recent engagement between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and youth representatives from Northern Uganda, accusing organisers of failing to conduct broad consultations before presenting a memorandum to the President. Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday at Lipton Palace Hotel in Lira City, Leo Aguda, an NRM cadre, mobiliser and youth activist, said youths from Lira City were dissatisfied with the manner in which the December 16 meeting at President Museveni’s Kisozi farm was organised. Aguda stated that the memorandum presented on behalf of Northern Uganda youth was drafted without input from grassroots youth structures, particularly those in Lira City. He further questioned the eligibility of some individuals who attended the meeting, mentioning Byaruhanga Edmond of the National Youth Council, Aguma Rafella, and Oyella Vivian, whom he said are girl friends to some leaders who went there and did not qualify to represent the youth. He called on organisers to stop what he described as selective representation and urged unity and mutual respect among youth leaders to enable meaningful development. Awor Bena, the NRM Youth League Vice Chairperson for Lira City East Division and one of the attendees at the meeting with the President, said she is here to address the media to clarify what transpired during the engagement. She explained that President Museveni urged the youth to mobilise massive electoral support for him in order to safeguard the country’s achievements and advised them to desist from internal divisions that weaken the youth movement. In response to the criticism, Lira City Youth League Chairperson Brian Yeko Ongora said he is not obliged to respond to concerns arising from the meeting. He explained that those who attended were invited by the National NRM Youth League Chairperson, Tanga Collins, and that participants were drawn from across the Acholi, Lango, and West Nile subregions. Efforts to obtain a comment from Dr Mercy Lakisa, the NRM Youth League Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, who led the delegation to the meeting, were unsuccessful by press time. According to a statement issued by State House on December 17, President Museveni met NRM youth leaders from Northern Uganda at his Kisozi farm in a meeting led by Government Chief Whip and NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hamson Denis Obua. During the engagement, the president emphasised that security and economic empowerment remain central to Uganda’s progress. He urged youth leaders to focus on prosperity-driven mobilisation rather than political slogans and encouraged them to use Uganda’s history to explain the value of peace and stability. President Museveni cautioned young people against misinformation and irresponsible lifestyles, stressing that adulthood comes with personal responsibility, particularly in matters of health and productivity. He also defended the Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE) policy, blaming sections of the local elite for weakening it through the reintroduction of illegal school charges, which he said contributed to school dropouts. The President further explained that employment opportunities would largely come from commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, services, and ICT, supported by industrial hubs across the country. He urged youth to take interest in national budgeting priorities, particularly in defence and security, infrastructure, education, health, and wealth-creation programmes, and encouraged door-to-door mobilisation at the village level. In her address to the President, Dr. Lakisa thanked him for continued engagement with young people and said the youth felt recognised and included in the national development agenda. She noted that youth leaders play a critical role in grassroots mobilisation and appealed for special facilitation to support parish-level youth mobilisation efforts. Dr. Lakisa highlighted the impact of industrial parks, citing the Mbale Industrial Park as a source of employment for thousands of young people, and requested similar investments across other subregions. She also commended the rollout of Presidential Skilling Hubs in Northern Uganda while appealing for increased intake and expansion to the district level. She further requested additional support for NRM Youth League SACCOs, broader access to leadership and ideological training at the National Leadership Institute, and continued investment in sports infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of Akii Bua Stadium in the Lango subregion. She appealed for similar facilities to be extended to Acholi and West Nile after the Africa Cup of Nations. Dr. Lakisa concluded by reaffirming the commitment of NRM youth to President Museveni’s leadership and expressed confidence that they would deliver overwhelming electoral support in the 2026 general elections. Source The post Lira Youth Decry Exclusion from Museveni Meeting, Aguda Says Some Attendees Were Ineligible appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Luuka, Uganda | Two senior engineering officials in Luuka District Local Government have been charged and remanded to prison for allegedly stealing fuel meant for road works and conspiring to defraud the government, while a head teacher has separately been charged over alleged sale of jobs during district recruitments. The officials were on Monday arraigned before the Iganga Chief Magistrate’s Court by the Anti-Corruption Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID). Those charged are Rajab Musisi, the Acting District Engineer, and Daniel Sengoba, an Assistant Engineering Officer (Civil Engineer). They face charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and theft of fuel. Prosecutors allege that the two, together with Bernard Kayeyera, an Assistant Engineer who is still at large, misappropriated fuel worth Shs222.3 million during the 2024/2025 financial year. The fuel was part of a Shs1 billion Road Maintenance Grant allocated to Luuka District. The fuel was intended for road works on several roads, including Busanda–Ikumbya, Busalamu–Waibuga, Ikumbya–Nantamali, Bukoova–Nawaka, and Kyanvuma–Wandago roads. According to the prosecution, the engineers allegedly inflated fuel requirements for various road projects and later irregularly drew or diverted the fuel, issuing it to private individuals outside the approved works. To conceal the alleged theft, the accused are said to have colluded with managers of selected fuel stations to falsify accountability records, indicating that the fuel had been issued to Works Department drivers for road construction activities. However, investigations found that the drivers denied ever receiving or consuming the fuel. In a related case, George Muduuli, a head teacher at Tabingwa Primary School, has been charged with extortion for allegedly soliciting money from job applicants during recruitment exercises in the district. Prosecutors allege that Muduuli demanded sums ranging between Shs5.7 million and Shs17 million from different applicants, claiming the money would be paid to members of the District Service Commission to secure them jobs. Investigations into the alleged involvement of members of the District Service Commission and other corruption cases in the district are ongoing, according to prosecutors. All the accused persons have been remanded until January 8, 2026, as investigations continue. Source The post Two Luuka District Officials Remanded Over Fuel Theft, Job Selling Scandal appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | David Calvin Echodu, National Resistance Movement (NRM) Eastern Region Vice Chairperson and parliamentary candidate for Soroti City West, has pledged to improve infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities if elected. Speaking at a campaign rally at Agora Primary School in Agora Ward, Echodu thanked residents for their support, saying the turnout reflected their confidence in his leadership. He outlined plans to improve roads, expand access to clean water, connect more households to electricity, and enhance education standards. He also emphasized youth employment and economic empowerment as key priorities. Echodu called on residents to support NRM candidates, including President Yoweri Museveni, stating that coordination with government programs would strengthen development efforts in Soroti and nationwide. Residents welcomed the opportunity to interact with the candidate. Apolot Jesica from Ojikai Cell said she attended to evaluate his plans and expressed confidence in his practical approach. Odongo JJ, Youth Chairperson of Agora Ward, described Mr Echodu as a calm and respectful leader, noting that the large turnout demonstrated strong voter support in the area. Youth participants highlighted the need for backing in sports and creative initiatives. James, a local footballer, said young people have been largely neglected under previous leadership. During the rally, residents presented Echodu with livestock and locally made art pieces as a sign of appreciation for his continued engagement with the community. Echodu reiterated his commitment to service delivery, promising improved roads, schools, water supply, and job opportunities. The event concluded peacefully, with residents expressing optimism about the future under his leadership. Source The post Echodu Promises Development and Youth Support in Soroti City West appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, David Calvin Echodu, has warned party flag bearers against disunity and engagement with independent candidates, saying such actions threaten the party’s chances of winning elections in Soroti City. Addressing NRM flag bearers at Knock Tee Gardens on Monday, Echodu said electoral success depended on internal discipline and strict adherence to party structures. “NRM has the best chance to win in Soroti City. If we lose, responsibility will lie with our own members, not the opposition,” Echodu said. He warned that any party official or flag bearer found attending or supporting activities of independent candidates would face disciplinary action, including suspension. “Any leader, regardless of position, who attends independent campaigns will be suspended. Party structures must be respected,” he said. Echodu said the party’s strategy was to ensure victory for all NRM flag bearers and urged those who lost party primaries to remain loyal. “Those who contested and lost should wait for the next cycle and return through the party,” he said. He said NRM intends to reclaim political dominance in Soroti City by winning all elective positions, from village councils to Parliament. “Our objective is full control of leadership in the city. This requires unity and coordinated mobilisation,” he said. Echodu said he had committed to the party leadership to deliver Soroti City to NRM and warned against actions that undermine the party. “Activities that weaken the party will not be tolerated,” he said. He also pledged support to all NRM flag bearers, including those who opposed him during the Central Executive Committee elections. “The priority is winning. Personal differences must be set aside,” he said. Echodu noted that NRM has been a minority in Soroti City Council for years but said the party is targeting all council seats in the coming elections. “All councillor positions are being contested for NRM victory,” he said. NRM flag bearer for Kichinjaji Ward councillor in Soroti City East Division, David Okiroro, said internal disputes following primary elections had weakened grassroots mobilisation. Aloet Ward councillor and NRM flag bearer John Baptist Emukoke appealed for financial and logistical support for parliamentary flag bearers to strengthen campaigns. NRM flag bearer Elap John Wilfred acknowledged confusion among some candidates following meetings organised by former party mobilisers, attributing it to limited party support, and pledged loyalty to official party activities. NRM Woman Councillor flag bearer for Akisim Ward, Sharifa Abdullah, pledged to work closely with fellow candidates in line with party guidance. Echodu concluded by directing all flag bearers to attend and support official NRM campaign activities exclusively. The meeting ended with a renewed call for discipline, unity and coordinated mobilisation as NRM prepares to challenge opposition dominance in Soroti City. Source The post NRM Bars Flag Bearers from Supporting Independents in Soroti City appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | Ambrose Ocen, Town Clerk of Fort Portal City, has been installed as the Awitong of Otengoro Olang, pledging to use his leadership to promote youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and social cohesion in Dokolo District. The ceremony took place on Saturday at Iguli Parish, Amwoma Sub-county, and was presided over by the Lango Paramount Chief, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune. Ocen succeeds former minister Daniel Omara Atubo. In his remarks, Ocen said cultural leadership provides a platform to complement government and community efforts in development. He pledged to collaborate with elders, cultural institutions, and local authorities to mobilize youth, support education, and implement initiatives that strengthen families and livelihoods. Ocen highlighted government programs such as the Presidential Skilling Hub at Lira University, describing them as key interventions that equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic participation. Dr. Odongo Okune underscored the role of traditional leaders in guiding communities, preserving Lango customs, and promoting peace and unity. Lango Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo encouraged cultural leaders to work together to maximize the impact of their service to the people. The installation concluded with prayers led by Rev. Fr Augustine Odongo, Parish Priest of Dokolo, who reminded attendees that cultural leadership carries moral responsibility and should inspire harmony, ethical conduct, and community development. Source The post New Lango Clan Leader Ambrose Ocen Pledges Youth Empowerment and Community Development appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on Christian couples to view marriage not only as a sacred covenant but also as a cornerstone for peace, unity, and societal stability. Bishop Wanok made the remarks on Saturday while conferring the Sacrament of Matrimony to twelve couples at St. Peter Cleaver Ober Catholic Parish in Lira City. Addressing newly wedded couples and parishioners, he emphasized that marriage demands equal commitment, mutual responsibility, and faithfulness, urging couples to mirror the virtues of the Holy Family – love, patience, prayer, and self-sacrifice. “This Jubilee Year of Peace reminds us that strong families are the foundation of a peaceful community. Couples must embrace forgiveness, dialogue, and mutual understanding to overcome challenges and sustain harmony in their homes,” Bishop Wanok said. Rev. Fr. Vincent Orum AJ, Parish Priest and Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, encouraged parishioners who have not yet received the Sacrament of Matrimony to regularize their unions, emphasizing that the sacrament strengthens both families and their spiritual alignment with Church teachings. Bishop Wanok’s pastoral visit will conclude on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 190 Christians, reinforcing faith, commitment, and spiritual growth among parishioners. #LDNA Source The post Bishop Wanok Highlights Role of Marriage in Promoting Peace and Family Stability appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Dokolo North Constituency, Mr. Josep Jones Ogwal Omara, yesterday challenged voters to reject what he described as handout politics and instead demand accountability and tangible development outcomes from their leaders. Speaking at a rally in Bardyang Parish, which brought together residents from Aputi, Amiakony, and Ageni villages, Mr. Ogwal Omara stressed that leadership should be judged by results on the ground rather than campaign inducements. “Leadership should be measured by results, not money given during campaigns,” he said, urging constituents to focus on long-term development priorities. Residents highlighted a range of challenges affecting the community. Ms. Jenifer Okwer of Aputi Village cited lack of clean water, electricity, and good roads, and requested capital support for local savings groups (SACCOs) to boost household incomes. Ms. Betty Okot of Amiakony Village called for improved maternal health services, including provision of mama kits for pregnant women. Mr. Odongo Erick raised concerns over shortages of desks and sanitation facilities at Bardyang Primary School and noted that many government programmes targeting youth fail to reach intended beneficiaries. Responding to these concerns, Mr. Ogwal Omara outlined a comprehensive development agenda focused on education, health, youth empowerment, and women’s economic participation. He announced that construction of Adok Seed Secondary School is set to begin soon and pledged to ensure that every primary school in Dokolo North produces at least five students ready for higher learning. He further pledged to sponsor five students from the constituency to pursue medical training, including one from Adok, and thirty students to train as midwives. He also committed to lobbying for an increase in Parish Development Model (PDM) funding from 1 million to 2 million shillings and extending the repayment period from two to five years. On women’s economic empowerment, Mr. Ogwal Omara promised to provide tricycles for women to transport produce to Lira markets, fund village savings groups in every sub-county with 10 million shillings as startup capital, supply improved seeds for youth farmers, and distribute ten sewing machines per sub county to help single mothers and vulnerable girls gain income-generating skills. On land and social protection, he said he would advocate for policy reforms allowing clan leaders to issue land permits to safeguard customary land ownership. He also committed to lobbying for expanded support from non-governmental organisations targeting youth, the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities in Dokolo North. Mr. Ogwal Omara concluded by reminding residents not to be persuaded by incumbents offering handouts without tangible results, stressing that real development comes from sustainable programs and accountable leadership. The rally formed part of his ongoing constituency consultations ahead of the 2026 general elections.   Source The post Ogwal Omara Challenges Dokolo North Electorate to Reject Handouts, Demand Accountability appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Otuke, Uganda | In Apoke village, farmers gathered as dozens of goats were handed over to community members, an event many residents said symbolised hope for improved livelihoods rather than just livestock ownership. The Member of Parliament for Otuke East, Julius Acon Bua, has donated 60 goats to Obanga-akica community group as part of a long-running grassroots empowerment programme in Otuke District. The legislator, who is seeking re-election under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the 2026–2031 parliamentary term, said the initiative is intended to shift households from short-term assistance to sustainable income generation. He explained that his earlier focus had been on supporting farmers with crop seeds, but that the programme had now progressed to livestock rearing, which he said could multiply and provide long-term benefits to families. Acon noted that the project had started before he joined elective politics and said he would continue with it despite political pressure or criticism. He urged beneficiaries to properly care for the goats and encouraged residents to organise themselves into community groups so they could qualify for future support. The goats were delivered to the group through Love Mercy Foundation, an initiative associated with Acon’s development work. The chairperson of Obanga-akica group, Olwa Dickens, said the donation would have a significant impact on members’ lives. He said the goats would help families meet essential needs such as school fees, medical expenses, and household welfare, adding that such consistent community support from such a political leader is rare in the constituency. In a region where erratic rainfall, limited access to credit and persistent poverty remain major challenges, livestock rearing is widely viewed as a more resilient livelihood option compared to reliance on crop farming alone. According to information from Acon’s office, a total of 260 goats and 44 sheep have so far been distributed to at least 19 organised groups across Otuke East Constituency. The allocations have varied, with some groups receiving smaller numbers of goats while others have benefited from larger distributions, in some cases alongside small cash grants. The livestock initiative follows earlier interventions in agriculture and education. In March 2025, the MP distributed maize seed to an estimated 25,000 households across the constituency. In September 2025, more than 100 schoolgirls from Alangi and Anepmoroto Primary Schools received sanitary pads, while bicycles were awarded to high-performing pupils as part of efforts to improve school attendance and reduce teenage pregnancies. The run-up to Uganda’s 2026 general elections has placed politician-led development initiatives under the spotlight, with critics questioning their timing and intent. Acon says his efforts are focused on complementing government programmes and filling gaps at the community level. For residents of Apoke village in Ogwete Subcounty however, attention appeared to be focused less on politics and more on the practical benefits of the goats, with discussions centred on breeding, household income and the hope that the initiative would lead to lasting improvement in living conditions. Source The post Goats, Not Handouts: How Otuke MP Julius Acon Bua Is Using Livestock to Fight Poverty Across 19 Community Groups appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | MTN Uganda has officially handed over the newly rebranded Lira Main Market to Lira City authorities, in a move aimed at strengthening local commerce, improving the business environment, and boosting revenue collection. The handover ceremony, held on December 19, 2025, brought together market vendors, city officials, and representatives from MTN Uganda. The initiative forms part of the telecom company’s broader commitment to community development through infrastructure support and business empowerment. Speaking at the event, Lira City Mayor, Mr Sam Atul, urged traders to take advantage of knowledge and skills gained through partnerships with private companies to grow their businesses. “As Lira City, we are partnering with various companies, particularly MTN Uganda, to impart knowledge and skills to our people. We need to embrace these initiatives to develop our businesses and the city as a whole,” Mr Atul said. The mayor noted that many successful business owners in Lira started as small-scale traders at the main market and gradually expanded their operations, expressing optimism that the rebranded market would further support such growth. “We appreciate MTN Uganda for rebranding the main market. This will boost businesses and help us generate more local revenue,” he added. Lira Resident City Commissioner, Mr Lawrance Egole, called on vendors and political leaders to protect the newly renovated facility, warning against the posting of political posters on market walls. “This renovation and rebranding is our pride. Vendors must protect this market with all their effort,” Mr Egole said, directing the market leadership to ensure the facility remains intact. Meanwhile, Lira City Deputy Town Clerk, Ms Rebecca Acen, commended MTN Uganda for the facelift and for providing business training to market users, saying the city looks forward to continued collaboration. “We shall continue working together to ensure Lira City becomes a better place for all of us,” she said. Representing MTN Uganda, Mr Peter Ocen, the company’s Marketing Manager for Northern Uganda, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to improving the welfare of traders and promoting digital inclusion. He said MTN is encouraging the use of MoMo mobile money services to reduce risks associated with cash handling. “We want to eliminate physical handling of money because it exposes business people to theft and unnecessary losses. We are promoting MoMo for business transactions and working to make it more affordable,” Mr Ocen said. The rebranding of Lira Main Market is part of MTN Uganda’s nationwide effort to support economic empowerment and digitisation. City leaders and vendors expressed optimism that the upgraded market will attract more traders and shoppers, strengthening Lira’s position as a key commercial hub in northern Uganda. Source The post MTN Hands Over Rebranded Lira Main Market to City Leaders appeared first on Dokolo Post.