Ebong Michael

Lira, Uganda | The race for Erute South County has intensified after Ambassor Alex Lolo Abura, aspiring LC V councillor for Amach Town Council, officially quit the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) citing internal party conflicts, pledging his support to parliamentary aspirant Sam Engola. Addressing residents in Banya Parish, Abura said his departure was driven by UPC leaders who he accused of greed and blackmailing party members. He urged constituents to back Engola, emphasizing performance and development over party loyalty. “My priority is the community’s welfare. Engola has proven his commitment to development, and I urge my supporters to rally behind him,” Lolo Abura said. Engola welcomed the endorsement, outlining his development-focused agenda. He pledged scholarships for youth pursuing higher education, road rehabilitation, electricity installation from Bar to Wiodyek, and water projects. So far, 20 boreholes have been drilled, with more planned in Agali, Amach, and Wiodyek. He also distributed maternal kits to 10 mothers, highlighting his focus on health and family welfare. “Education, infrastructure, and access to basic services are central to progress in Erute South. Our youth deserve opportunities, and our communities deserve development,” Engola said. Local leaders at the event underscored the need for accountable and results-oriented leadership. Geoffrey Etwop urged residents to evaluate candidates on achievements rather than political parties, backing Engola as the candidate most capable of delivering tangible results. Etwop also pledged to repair Banya Parish roads before 5 January 2026 and criticized the incumbent MP for a decade of limited progress. Engineer Fred Apita added that Engola would advocate for the creation of Erute District in parliament, a move he said would bring administrative efficiency and boost local development. The developments signal a shifting political landscape in Erute South, with voters increasingly focused on leadership performance, youth empowerment, and community development ahead of the 2026 elections. Source The post Amb. Lolo Abura Quits UPC, Backs Engola in Erute South Race appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | Political leaders and senior party members in Lango Subregion have strongly rejected Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy James Michael Akena’s call on supporters to write his name on the presidential ballot paper, warning that the move risks invalidating votes and isolating the region from national development. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City, Joel Okao Tema, the FDC Chairperson for Lira District and a former parliamentary candidate for Erute South, described Akena’s remarks as reckless, unconstructive, and politically irresponsible. He said that while Akena has a constitutional right to challenge his exclusion from the presidential ballot, urging voters to deliberately spoil ballots is the wrong approach and add no value to the electorate. He argued that Lango should actively participate in peaceful elections aimed at securing development rather than engaging in actions that promote division and political frustration. Okao Tema added that Akena bore personal responsibility for failing to appear on the ballot and should take accountability instead of blaming others or attempting to mobilise protest votes. He warned that such statements could derail Lango’s recovery efforts, noting that the region is still rebuilding more than two decades after insurgency-related devastation. He also accused Akena of contributing to the recent growth of the NRM in Lango through past political decisions and said he could not now turn around and attempt to demobilise the same population by appealing to UPC’s historical dominance in the region. Jimmy Awany, also known as Cing Malu, a long-serving UPC member, traced Akena’s political journey back to 2005 when he first contested for Lira Municipality Member of Parliament. Awany said party members had expected Akena to contest for presidency in 2011, but he did not, a decision that later saw Dr. Olara Otunnu fly the UPC flag instead. He noted that similar expectations were raised in 2016 and 2021, but again Akena did not contest, citing party restructuring. Awany questioned why Akena had repeatedly failed to offer himself for the presidency yet now sought sympathy after missing the 2026 ballot. Awany also cited what he described as a political alliance between Akena and the NRM government, pointing to the appointment of Akena’s wife, Betty Amongi, as a cabinet minister. He argued that UPC members retain the constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice and expressed confidence that many in Lango would support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom he described as having a clearer development vision among the eight candidates. Awany challenged Akena to demonstrate political consistency by asking his wife to resign from government if he truly opposed NRM leadership. UPC member Okwir Jaramogi also criticised Akena’s directive, saying it undermined democratic participation and disrespected both the party and voters. He said Lango could not afford to isolate itself from the national agenda and warned that invalid voting would sabotage the region’s aspirations for new districts, infrastructure development, and an airport. Jaramogi noted that while Akena carries the historical legacy of being born to former president Apollo Milton Obote, that privilege should not be used to bring embarrassment to the Obote family, UPC, or the country. He stressed that UPC belongs to the people of Uganda and not to any individual, adding that leadership mistakes should not be passed onto voters. Earlier this week, Akena urged supporters to write his name on the January 15 presidential ballot as a show of solidarity after he was blocked from nomination following a court ruling that questioned his legitimacy as UPC president. However, the Electoral Commission dismissed the call as misleading and irresponsible. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi warned that writing names on ballot papers would only result in invalid votes, saying such actions amounted to abusing the voting process and wasting public resources invested in organising the election. The Commission reiterated that only duly nominated candidates whose names appear on the ballot are eligible to receive votes. The Lango leaders jointly called on elders and cultural leaders (Itogo) to intervene and encourage dialogue, urging Akena to calm down and prioritise unity. They encouraged voters to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and wisely, warning that protest voting could cost Lango future development opportunities. Okao Tema said the election should be about national transition, development, and unity, rather than one individual’s frustration or ego. Source The post Political Leaders in Lango Reject Akena’s Ballot Spoiling Call, Accuse Him of Driving NRM Growth in the Region and Urge Wife Amongi to Resign from Cabinet appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Apac/Lira, Uganda | Police in North Kyoga Sub-region are investigating two separate murder incidents reported in Apac District and Lira City, which have left three people dead under brutal circumstances. In Apac Municipality, two elderly spouses were burnt to death after their home was allegedly set on fire by assailants believed to have broken in to steal. The incident occurred on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Omukuwie A Cell, Olili Ward, Atik Division. According to police, the matter was reported at Apac Central Police Station (CPS) by the area LC I chairperson, Mr Jimmy Ogwal, 44. The deceased have been identified as Mr Charles Okello, 83, and his wife, Ms Polina Ejang, 79, both peasant farmers and residents of the area. Preliminary police findings indicate that suspects reportedly broke into the home in the morning hours intending to steal, believing the elderly couple had “sage money.” Investigators say the suspects later killed the occupants and set the grass-thatched house on fire in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. Police say Mr Okello was first attacked in a separate permanent house, dragged to the grass-thatched structure where his wife was, and both were tied using bicycle tyre tubes before being burnt. A bed in the permanent house was also found burnt. A team of officers led by the Apac District Criminal Investigations Officer visited and documented the scene. Postmortem examinations were conducted at the site. Several items, including a radio, bicycle, hoe, clothes, chickens and a walking stick, were recovered after a police canine unit led officers to the home of a suspect identified as Oyuru Elvis. One suspect has been arrested while another is still on the run. Police say the suspect in custody is a habitual thief. The case, initially reported as arson, has since been upgraded to murder under Apac CPS SD Ref: 21/12/12/2025 and CRB: 696/2025. Investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Lira City, police are investigating the murder of a 26-year-old bodaboda rider whose body was found dumped at Old Akii-Bua Stadium. The body of Mr Jimmy Otim, a resident of Awilango Cell in Ngetta, Lira City East Division, was discovered on December 9, 2025, at about 6:45am by Detective Inspector of Police James Acana, who was jogging in the area. The matter was reported to Lira City CPS, prompting a team led by the Officer in Charge of CID, D/ASP Mukiiza Innocent, alongside homicide detectives and Scene of Crime Officers, to visit and document the scene. Police said the deceased had visible head injuries, indicating he was killed elsewhere before his body was dumped at the stadium. Mr Otim was identified by relatives as a bodaboda rider operating near Lira Court stage. He was dressed in a blue T-shirt and blue jeans at the time of death. The body was conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem was conducted and results retrieved by investigators. Police say inquiries are ongoing to trace and arrest the assailants involved in both cases and ensure they are prosecuted. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station. Source The post Two Elderly Couples Burnt to Death in Apac Arson Attack as Bodaboda Rider Found Dumped at Akii-Bua Stadium appeared first on Dokolo Post.

By Woo Chris Oyam, Uganda | The community of Obete Cell in Western Ward, Kamdini Town Council, is celebrating a long-awaited relief after years of relying on contaminated water that exposed them to waterborne diseases. Residents expressed joy and gratitude following the repair of their borehole, a development they say has restored hope and safeguarded their health. Santa Okite, a resident, praised Patrick Ogwang Obura for spearheading the repair. “We used to share water with animals from the well, which made it easy to contract diseases. Now we have clean water, and this is a big step toward development,” she said. Okite added that the community needs leaders who work tirelessly for their people. “Before he steps into Parliament, we bless him and give him more strength, support, and love,” she noted. Beatrice David Okello Ogwal echoed the sentiment, describing Ogwang Obura as a true leader recognized through his actions. “God bless him, amen,” she remarked. Denish Rwakatanga, another resident, said the borehole repair has renewed their confidence in Ogwang Obura. “This time we shall vote for our son. We are ready to support and join hands with other communities in Oyam South to send him to Parliament,” he stated. Moses Otim, political assistant to Ogwang Obura, pledged continued efforts to address community needs. “We shall focus on clean water, healthcare, and economic empowerment,” he assured. Community members described Ogwang Obura as the only person capable of bringing lasting development to Obete Cell and beyond. Source The post Obete Cell Residents Celebrate Clean Water After Borehole Repair appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | Former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Peter Elwelu, has thrown his support behind NRM parliamentary candidate David Calvin Echodu, arguing that Soroti City West has suffered from weak leadership and now needs a representative capable of steering development. Speaking during a mobilisation event in Amen A Ward, Gen. Elwelu said the constituency has “lagged behind for years” and warned that continued political infighting would only frustrate progress. He described Echodu as a disciplined leader with the capacity to restore focus and deliver services. Gen. Elwelu commended the strong turnouts at Echodu’s rallies, saying the enthusiasm reflects public appetite for change. He urged residents to rally behind the candidate, insisting that unity within the ruling party is essential for accelerating government programmes in the area. Echodu, on his part, pledged to prioritise youth empowerment, improved service delivery, and transparent engagement with the community. He argued that Soroti City West needs a leader who understands local needs and can effectively coordinate government resources. The appearance of Gen. Elwelu is seen as a major boost to Echodu’s campaign, signalling growing support from senior figures within the NRM. Echodu is seeking to unseat the incumbent FDC MP Jonathan Ebwalu in 2026 on a platform centred on development, stability, and renewed opportunity for Soroti City West. Source The post Gen. Elwelu Endorses Echodu, Says Soroti City West Needs ‘Serious Leadership’ appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Oyam, Uganda | Security in Oyam District has been strengthened with the introduction of a police sniffer dog named Cruz, delivered by the Police Canine Unit Headquarters in Nsyambia. The dog is part of a broader initiative to enhance crime-fighting capabilities in the district. Inspector of Police Acwera Benson, Coordinator of Canine Unit Training, said Cruz’s services are free of charge and residents only need to report incidents to their nearest police station, post, or local leader for deployment. District Police Commander ASP Francis Okongo said Cruz would play a key role in supporting investigations and improving community policing. Meanwhile, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Patrick Ocen praised the government’s investment in modern policing tools, noting that tackling contemporary crime requires innovative approaches. Local leaders also called for cooperation, Sam Owili, LCI Chairperson of Teduka Cell, urged residents to protect the dog and report crimes promptly so that it can be used effectively. The Police Canine Unit is also expanding into specialised areas, including search-and-rescue dogs for collapsed buildings, explosive detection dogs for public events, and narcotic detection dogs at borders, airports, and schools. Residents are reminded that all deployments will be coordinated through the DPC’s office and local police stations, with timely reporting essential for effective use. Source The post Sniffer Dog ‘Cruz’ Deployed to Boost Crime-Fighting in Oyam District appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Oyam, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Oyam North, Willy Omodo Omodo, has dismissed allegations by his rival, Junior Engola Okello, accusing him of taking transport facilitation meant for local party leaders during a recent meeting of the NRM parliamentary flagbearer and local party chairpersons at Lango College. A video circulating on social media shows Engola alleging that Omodo collected UGX 50,000 and a pair of gumboots intended for lower-level NRM leaders. The accusation has sparked discussion among supporters as campaigns intensify across the constituency. Omodo rejected the allegations, describing them as fabricated and the lowest form of propaganda aimed at damaging his reputation at a time when his support in Oyam North appears to be growing. He said such claims represented narrow-minded politics and indicated that he had no intention of being drawn into what he considered petty distractions. He added that he regarded himself as too mature to engage in propaganda of that nature and appealed to his supporters to stay focused as the constituency moved toward what he believed would be a decisive victory. Providing further clarification, David Ogwang, the NRM LC1 flagbearer for Odoca B Village in Aromo Subcounty, Lira District, confirmed that the UGX 50,000 transport refund and gumboots were issued to all participants regardless of their district. His statement contradicted Engola’s allegations and aligned with the official processes typically followed during such party activities. The development has reinforced Omodo’s position as a candidate running a disciplined and issues-focused campaign, presenting himself as a unifying figure committed to service delivery in Oyam North rather than political confrontation. Source The post Omodo Omodo Fires Back at Junior Engola as Discredited Allegations Spark Political Fallout appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | NRM leaders in Dokolo North have called for united support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the party’s parliamentary flagbearer, Joseph Jones Ogwal, warning that divided voting could limit government investment in the constituency. Speaking in Agwata Subcounty on Thursday, NRM Chairperson Kirya James told residents that backing Ogwal without supporting President Museveni would weaken the constituency’s ability to secure development projects. He also appealed for political tolerance, urging communities not to allow differences in candidate choices to undermine peace. James said Dokolo North’s tendency to change MPs every five years had slowed progress and advised Ogwal to prioritise poverty eradication programmes if elected. His remarks were echoed by Martin Okech Ogwal, the NRM Youth League Chairperson for Adok Subcounty, who criticised the incumbent MP for what he described as five years of unfulfilled promises. Okech accused him of misleading youth over a poultry project that never materialised and argued that Ogwal was the only candidate capable of addressing the constituency’s needs. Campaigning in Alyec-juk B, Ogwal pledged to take local leaders for study tours to learn from districts performing better in service delivery. He accused National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi of misrepresenting the Parish Development Model (PDM), insisting the programme is already transforming rural livelihoods. Ogwal said he would push for increased PDM funding and extended repayment periods, arguing that the initiative remained central to wealth creation. He appealed for 100% support for President Museveni and all NRM candidates, claiming that coordinated backing would ease the flow of government projects to Dokolo North. He also said President Museveni had promised the tarmacking of the Dokolo–Bata–Abako–Aloi 43km road. The NRM flagbearer outlined a raft of pledges, including electricity extension to all villages, improvement of local road networks, support for women and youth groups, and lobbying for a district hospital. In education, he committed to sponsoring five doctors and 30 nurses from the constituency, expanding secondary school scholarships for P.7 leavers, and improving academic performance. He added that land had already been secured for a youth and adult learning centre. Ogwal, who likened politicians to medical officers applying different methods to solve community problems, said President Museveni still has a clear vision for Uganda and the Lango subregion. He pointed to recent government reforms, including the lowering of the SAGE beneficiary age to 65 and an increase in the stipend to 35,000 shillings, as evidence of progress under NRM. He criticised the incumbent MP for failing to engage the right government offices to deliver development to Dokolo North. Ogwal said he would work with the Lango Presidential Zonal Skilling Hub to enrol young people, continue discussions on electricity expansion, and support the elevation of health centres. He closed his address by promising to promote peace, empower women’s groups, and advocate for legislation giving cultural leaders a role in issuing land permits to help reduce land-related conflicts. Source The post “Five Years Wasted”: NRM Youth Leader Hits Out at Incumbent Over Failed Poultry Project as Ogwal Says Only United NRM Support Can Deliver Real Development for Dokolo North appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | NRM parliamentary candidate for Soroti City West Division, David Calvin Echodu, has intensified his campaign with a strong emphasis on unity, presenting himself as the leader capable of repairing political divisions and restoring trust between the community and government. During his rally in Amen Ward on Thursday, Echodu said the division had suffered prolonged political fragmentation that had hindered development. He positioned his candidacy as a chance to realign local leadership with national priorities and mobilise resources more effectively. He also dismissed allegations of land grabbing, describing them as baseless fabrications by rivals who lacked a clear development agenda. Echodu argued that such accusations only reflected the Opposition’s failure to focus on service delivery, insisting that development, rather than political hostility, should guide voters’ decisions. The Amen rally attracted residents from the ward and neighbouring areas, signalling growing enthusiasm as NRM intensifies its activities. It was Echodu’s third major event since the campaign season began, adding momentum in a race widely seen as one of the most competitive in Teso. Soroti City NRM Chairperson and head of the campaign taskforce, John Enomu, attributed the division’s slow development to strained relations between local leaders and government agencies. He said the constituency needed a leader capable of rebuilding these connections and noted that Echodu’s longstanding engagement with youth groups, families and vulnerable households demonstrated his readiness to lead a more collaborative approach. Retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu reinforced the unity message, stressing that the forthcoming election should prioritise peace, harmony and constructive leadership. He criticised leaders who, in his view, thrived on division and confrontation, arguing that such politics had done little to advance the interests of Soroti City West. He described Echodu as the only candidate championing cohesion among different age groups and communities within the division. Residents at the rally expressed concern over persistent challenges, including poor infrastructure, inadequate drainage and limited youth empowerment programmes. Many said the division required a representative capable of engaging national ministries effectively and ensuring that government commitments were followed through. They noted that Echodu’s accessibility and national connections placed him in a stronger position to address these issues. Eastern Region NRM Youth League Vice Chairperson, Ome Samuel Omaria, echoed these sentiments, arguing that Soroti City West needed a leader who could mobilise government interventions and ensure transparency in service delivery. Despite the heightened political environment, Echodu urged his supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the campaign period. He said the NRM’s approach in Soroti City West would focus on respect, truth and issue-based mobilisation. With NRM stepping up its ground campaign, party strategists believe the tide may be shifting, particularly among undecided voters seeking a less confrontational and more development-oriented leadership style. Echodu’s focus on unity and cooperation appears central to the party’s strategy to reassert its influence in the constituency. Source The post Echodu Leverages Unity Message as NRM Seeks to Rebuild Influence in Soroti City West appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Oyam, Uganda | Police in Oyam District are holding a 23-year-old man accused of murdering his aunt following a domestic dispute in Anamocamobago Village, Agulurude Parish, Loro Sub–county. The incident occurred on the night of December 10, 2025, at around 8pm and was reported the following morning by the area LC1 chairperson, Mr. Francis Abongo. According to preliminary police findings, the deceased, Ms. Aceng Lucy, 47, a peasant farmer, was allegedly attacked by her nephew, Mr. Ejura Dickens, with whom she shared a homestead. The suspect reportedly accused Ms. Aceng of spreading information in the community that he had raped his cousin. Police say that after the family members had retired to their houses, Mr. Ejura allegedly woke up Ms. Abodo Siliberia — the deceased’s mother — and told her that he had “prepared a house where Aceng would stay forever” before fleeing the scene. Ms. Abodo rushed to her daughter’s house and found her lying dead in the doorway with fresh head injuries. She sounded an alarm that drew neighbours, who quickly alerted the LC1 chairperson. Mr. Abongo later filed a report at Loro Town Council Police Station. A team of Scene of Crime Officers and homicide detectives from Oyam Central Police Station visited the scene and recovered a wooden log believed to have been used in the attack. Statements were recorded from key witnesses as part of ongoing inquiries. Police later traced and arrested the suspect, who is now in custody pending further interrogation. The body of Ms. Aceng was taken to Anyeke Health Centre IV for postmortem examination. North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, said investigations are still underway and updates will be issued once available. Source The post Oyam Police Arrest Man Accused of Killing Aunt Over Rape Allegations appeared first on Dokolo Post.