Ebong Michael

Kampala, Uganda | Uganda has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its economy tenfold to USD 500 billion by 2040, emphasizing the need for a more efficient public sector to strengthen private sector competitiveness. Participants at the Second Annual Doing Business Forum held at Golf Course Hotel, Kampala. The target was outlined at the Second Annual Doing Business Forum, held on Thursday at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. The forum, convened under the theme “Enhanced Public Sector Efficiency for Private Sector Competitiveness,” brought together senior government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners to discuss reforms aimed at improving Uganda’s investment climate. Delivering his remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, said Uganda had reached a defining point in its economic transformation, guided by the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and the Tenfold Growth Strategy. He explained that government’s long-term goal was to transition Uganda into a middle-income, export-driven economy, noting that a functional public sector was critical for enabling private enterprise to thrive through job creation, value addition, and increased investment. Ggoobi said the government, under the NDP IV Public Sector Transformation Programme, aimed to enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery from 70 to 90 percent, improve staffing levels in public institutions from 55 to 85 percent, and raise local government fiscal sustainability from 34 to 50 percent. He added that the government intended to expand access to efficient public services from the current 50 % of Ugandans to at least 80 % by 2030. He highlighted ongoing efforts to support businesses through improved access to standards and certification services, explaining that the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) had established regional offices in Gulu, Mbarara, and Mbale. According to him, the UNBS budget had increased from Shs 58.1 billion in FY 2024/25 to Shs 133.8 billion this financial year, allowing the institution to hire more staff and extend its reach across regions. He further noted that the government is reviewing the UNBS funding model to ensure that businesses could receive services more promptly once payments were made. Ggoobi also reported progress under the e-Government Procurement System (e-GP), which has been deployed to 62 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and 134 Local Governments, saying the system was already reducing delays and addressing inefficiencies in public procurement. He added that the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) was expanding broadband infrastructure to ensure affordable and reliable internet access for businesses nationwide. In her opening address, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, stressed that improved efficiency within government institutions was essential for Uganda’s economic transformation. She said all MDAs were required to have service delivery standards, client charters, and strategic plans aligned with NDP IV by 30th December 2025, warning that failure to comply would negatively impact the performance evaluations of Permanent Secretaries. Nakyobe observed that despite notable progress, the private sector still faced persistent challenges such as lengthy licensing procedures, fragmented infrastructure approvals, and limited access to serviced industrial parks and reliable utilities. She pointed out that exporters continued to deal with high compliance costs, excessive documentation, and border delays issues that raised the cost of doing business, weakened competitiveness, and discouraged both domestic and foreign investment. She emphasized that efficiency within public institutions was not optional and that services had to be delivered promptly, transparently, and at minimal cost. Nakyobe said government processes, including business registration, construction permits, land acquisition, and electricity connections, must be streamlined to meet modern standards of service delivery. She reiterated government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate, reducing the cost of doing business, and enhancing Uganda’s attractiveness to both local and international investors through sustained reforms. The Doing Business Forum provided a platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors to align national development priorities. Source

Samarkand, Uzbekistan | The 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand has elected Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz of Egypt as the new Director-General of UNESCO for the term 2026–2029. El-Enany secured 172 votes, with 2 votes against and 2 abstentions, out of a total of 175 votes cast. His election marks only the second time an African has taken leadership of UNESCO at this level, signalling a stronger African presence in global cultural and educational diplomacy. Uganda was represented in the election by H.E. Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, who cast Uganda’s vote in favour of the newly elected Director-General. The new Director-General will be officially installed in office on 11th November 2025. Attention now turns to tomorrow’s vote for the UNESCO Executive Board, where Uganda is among the candidates. There are 26 seats available, with 33 countries competing for representation. Securing a seat would place Uganda at the heart of UNESCO’s policy-making table, strengthening the country’s ability to influence decisions in education, culture, science and heritage at a global level. Ambassador Amule is expected to continue Uganda’s diplomatic engagements as the vote approaches. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court in Kampala has scheduled a mediation session in the ongoing leadership dispute linked to the Lango Cultural Institution. The mediation notice, signed by Deputy Registrar Jane Mugala, calls both parties to appear before the court on 31st March 2026 at 11:00 AM. The case, filed under Mediation Cause No. COA-00-CV-ME-0284-2025, lists Vincent I. Oling, Okello Hamza, Otim Tom, Willie Omodo Omodo, Eng. Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, and Ojwang Opota as the applicants, while Benjamin Okii and Obia Denis Acila are named as the respondents. The notice directs all involved to attend without fail, noting that attendance will “go a long way in having this appeal settled amicably.” Legal representation on record includes Makmot-Kibwanga & Co. Advocates and Egaru & Co. Advocates. Background to the Dispute The mediation is the latest step in efforts to resolve the long-running conflict over the cultural leadership of Lango, which intensified after competing claims to the Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief) title emerged. In March 2024, cultural heads from several clans elected Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the new Won Nyaci. However, a section of leaders contested the process, citing constitutional and procedural irregularities under the 2017 Lango Cultural Foundation Constitution. This disagreement led to parallel council meetings, public statements, and eventually, legal challenges, prompting the matter to be escalated to the Court of Appeal. The mediation session offers what many observers hope will be a path toward unity, following months of public debate, community tension, and appeals from stakeholders, including cultural elders, political leaders, and the clergy, for reconciliation. What Happens Next If the mediation results in a settlement, the court may not need to proceed to full hearing. However, if no agreement is reached, the matter will advance for further judicial determination. Community leaders and stakeholders across Lango are closely watching the process, viewing it as a critical moment for restoring cohesion and reaffirming cultural identity in the region. Source

Bukedea, Uganda | The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) appears to be tightening its grip on the Teso Sub-region following President Yoweri Museveni’s week-long campaign trail that culminated in a major rally at Emokori Grounds in Bukedea District. The rally, which drew thousands of supporters, signaled renewed political energy within the NRM as key regional figures including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Eastern Region Vice Chairperson David Calvin Echodu, and Kampala Region Vice Chairperson Salim Uhuru rallied behind the President’s re-election bid. Echodu described the event as “a new dawn for Teso,” saying the region was shifting decisively toward the NRM after years of political fragmentation. “The bond between the NRM, the people of Teso and Uganda is unbreakable. This time, Teso is changing — and we shall vote massively for President Museveni,” Echodu said, adding that the party’s message of unity and stability had struck a chord with voters. Analysts say the President’s deliberate engagement with grassroots structures, combined with visible infrastructure projects and youth-oriented programs, has softened political opposition that once dominated parts of Teso. Vice President Alupo framed the campaign as part of a broader mission to consolidate Uganda’s economic stability and social transformation under the NRM’s 10-Point Programme. “Under President Museveni, Uganda has seen peace and progress. The people of Teso must continue to stand firm with the NRM to secure the gains we have made,” she said. Uhuru, meanwhile, said the opposition had lost ground in the sub-region, insisting that recent mobilisation had revitalised NRM support ahead of 2026. “The opposition that makes noise in the media is nowhere on the ground,” he told reporters. The Bukedea rally marked the end of Museveni’s Teso campaign leg before shifting focus to the Bugisu Sub-region – a move political observers view as part of a wider strategy to consolidate NRM’s support base across Eastern Uganda. Source

Otuke, Uganda | Stakeholders in Otuke District have called for stronger community and institutional collaboration to address recurring human rights violations, during a dialogue convened by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) under its project “Human Rights, Our Concern.” The engagement, held at the District Council Hall, brought together human rights defenders (HRDs), civil society actors, local government officials, and media practitioners to deliberate on emerging human rights challenges in the district. According to Samson Okurut, the KAS project is currently being implemented in 14 districts across Uganda, with the goal of promoting localized dialogue and a responsive human rights culture. “When discussions happen at the local level, people are able to identify recurring violations and propose practical solutions. That’s how human rights protection becomes sustainable,” Okurut said. Participants identified several pressing issues, including gender-based violence (GBV), land grabbing, electoral violence, corporal punishment in schools, and poor prison conditions. Brenda Akullo, the District Probation Officer, decried the poor state of accommodation and sanitation facilities at Otuke Prison, describing them as “unfit for human dignity.” “Inmates face congestion and lack basic facilities. This amounts to a violation of their fundamental rights,” Akullo said. She also raised concern over persistent corporal punishment in schools and overcrowded dormitories, where “three pupils sometimes share a single bed.” Akullo appealed to school administrators to adopt child-friendly disciplinary methods and improve learning conditions. “Poor parenting in our communities is another silent human rights issue. Children are left to fend for themselves, which affects their growth and development,” she added. Sylvester Ocen, the Senior Community Development Officer, echoed the concerns, pointing out that gender-based violence, domestic violence, and land disputes remain the leading causes of human rights abuses in Otuke. “Community members often mediate serious criminal cases such as defilement and domestic violence, instead of reporting them to police. This undermines justice and encourages impunity,” Ocen warned. He urged for consistent sensitisation and joint interventions involving civil society, local leaders, and government agencies to strengthen human rights protection in the district. “If we work together and build awareness at the grassroots, we can gradually reduce the violations that continue to affect our people,” Ocen noted. Ocen also lauded Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for sustaining its partnership with the district leadership and promoting open dialogue on human rights concerns. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Lira and Lango Chapter of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) has revealed plans to build a UGX 5.8 billion Chamber House, a modern six-level facility designed to become the heart of business innovation, investment coordination, and private sector growth in the Lango Subregion. The ambitious project forms part of the Chamber’s 10-year Visionary Plan (2025–2035), aimed at strengthening Lango’s economy, stimulating trade, and fostering industrial growth. Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, Director of the Lango Chamber of Commerce, said the project will follow a corporate partnership model, bringing together private investors, government agencies, development partners, and the local business community. “…By sharing ownership, everyone has a stake in its success. It creates pride and ensures the project is sustainable…,” he explained. Once completed, the Chamber House will host modern offices, innovation and training hubs, a resource center, and spaces that support enterprise development and trade facilitation. It will also serve as a meeting point for investment networking and dialogue between businesses and government, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. The initiative is one of three flagship projects under the Lango Tri-Investment Initiative, alongside a proposed International Airport in Lira City and the Lira Industrial Park, all aimed at transforming the region’s economy, creating jobs, and putting Lango on the map as a competitive trade and industrial hub in Northern Uganda. Dr. Ongom said the groundwork, architectural designs, and implementation plans are already in place, with the next step being to mobilize partnerships and funding from government, local, and national investors to start construction in 2026/27. “…This is more than a building – it’s a symbol of Lango’s growth, innovation, and readiness to compete in a modern economy…,” he said. “…The Chamber House reflects our shared commitment to create opportunities, build wealth, and improve livelihoods…” He added that with strong collaboration between business leaders, government, cultural institutions, and development partners, the Chamber House is set to become a beacon of enterprise and progress, showcasing the power of vision, unity, and local innovation. #LUJA Source

Lira, Uganda | The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intensified efforts to fight corruption, warning taxpayers that offering bribes to reduce tax obligations is illegal and undermines public trust in the tax system. Speaking at the Regional Integrity Forum on Tuesday at Margarita Palace Hotel in Lira City, James Abola, URA Assistant Commissioner General, urged taxpayers to pay their dues or use official avenues such as installment plans and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for resolving disputes. Abola stressed the tax body’s disciplinary measures, revealing that 65 URA staff were dismissed last year for bribery, fraud, and corruption. “…We have a fair but firm system. No taxpayer should be pressured into offering a bribe…,” he said. Highlighting URA’s move towards digitalization, Abola said reducing face-to-face interactions with staff minimizes opportunities for corruption and ensures greater transparency. “…Even when interactions occur, they must be ethical and accountable…,” he added. Abola cited a case where a company’s tax liability dropped from UGX 7 billion to UGX 1.1 billion after ADR revealed accounting errors. “…The accountant had misclassified a loan as an asset due to a commercial building, which distorted the accounts. The corrected amount was accepted and paid…,” he explained. Morris Chris Ongom, Director of the Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lira branch, urged both public and private sectors to uphold integrity. “…Integrity is about action, values, and courage. Corruption is a symptom; URA must lead by example…,” he said. Former Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor, David Okello Opio, questioned the government’s increase of URA’s revenue target to UGX 40 trillion from UGX 31 trillion, describing it as “ambitious” compared to GDP growth of around 6%. Meanwhile, Tom Otim of Timo Associates criticized URA’s financial system, saying it issues notices and imposes interest even when taxpayers have sufficient funds, a process he described as taxpayer-unfriendly. The forum underscored URA’s commitment to strengthening transparency, promoting ethical compliance, and educating taxpayers while highlighting the challenges of balancing revenue collection with fairness and efficiency. #LUJA Source

Lira, Uganda | Uganda’s livestock sector is set for a major breakthrough as the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) prepares to roll out NAROVAC, a pioneering vaccine designed to prevent deadly tick-borne diseases. The initiative promises to significantly reduce livestock losses and bolster farmers’ incomes. Tick-borne diseases currently cost the country an estimated Shs 3.8 trillion annually, through treatment costs, decreased productivity, loss of market value, and livestock deaths. According to Dr. Fredrick Kabi, NARO’s principal investigator, these losses perpetuate poverty among smallholder farmers. During a media training session in Lira City, Dr. Kabi highlighted the limitations of conventional acaricides, which have been used for over a century but are now less effective and pose environmental and food safety concerns. “…NAROVAC is a safe and effective solution…,” Dr. Kabi said. “…It stimulates anti-subolesin antibodies that interfere with ticks’ blood feeding, block egg-laying, and prevent hatching, effectively breaking their life cycle. It works against multiple tick species and does not harm the animal or the environment…” He added that Uganda now has the infrastructure and skilled personnel in place for mass production and distribution of the vaccine. The project, which began in 2013, has received strong support from President Yoweri Museveni and the government through the ministries of agriculture and finance, which backed research, facility construction, and commercialisation efforts. Experts say NAROVAC has the potential to transform Uganda’s livestock sector, reduce treatment costs, improve product quality, and enhance market access for farmers. The vaccine rollout marks a significant milestone in NARO’s mission to promote livestock health and national agricultural productivity. #LUJA Source

Samarkand, Uzbekistan | H.E. Doreen Ruth Amule, Head of Uganda’s Delegation and Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Paris Chapter, has positioned Uganda as a global leader on youth empowerment, refugee inclusion, and innovation during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held on 4th November 2025. In her address, Amule highlighted Uganda’s efforts to equip young people with skills for the 21st century, citing the introduction of a competence-based curriculum in secondary schools and various initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. She emphasized that Uganda’s youth population, which constitutes about 73% of the nation, is at the core of the country’s development agenda. Amule also spotlighted Uganda’s commitment to refugee inclusion and higher education access, noting that over 1.8 million refugees reside in the country. Through the UNESCO Qualifications Passport programme, 49 refugees have been awarded passports to pursue higher education, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for marginalized communities. On innovation, Amule showcased Uganda’s strides in digital transformation, science, and technology, including plans to develop a national digital repository and initiatives to enhance responsible media reporting. She further highlighted the growth of Uganda’s creative sector, particularly the film industry, supported by regional collaboration under the International Funds for Cultural Diversity Project (IFCDP). Amule also drew attention to Uganda’s environmental and cultural achievements, including the designation of Mt. Elgon as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve with Kenya, and ongoing preparations for World Heritage nominations, including Lake Victoria, Mt. Moroto, Mt. Napak, and the Transnational Geometric Rock Art Sites. She expressed gratitude to Japan and Norway for supporting the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site destroyed by fire in 2010. Speaking on behalf of NAM, Amule reaffirmed the importance of global solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and equitable support for Africa and Small Island Developing States, while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and emphasizing the role of mother-language education and lifelong learning. Through her address, Amule positioned Uganda as a proactive and inclusive leader on the global stage, advancing education, youth empowerment, refugee inclusion, innovation, and cultural preservation. Source

Geoffrey Odur’s journey to greatness began with ten eggs and a handful of roasted groundnuts. As a Primary Four student, he sold them by the roadside, dreaming of a brighter future. One day, soldiers of General Tito Okello ate all ten eggs but paid him for only two. Many would have cried or given up—but Odur saw a lesson in resilience, determination, and problem-solving. That small moment planted the seeds for a life devoted to education, mentorship, and transformation. In December 2012, Rev. Ebong asked Odur about his plans for a new school and its name. Odur requested two weeks to prepare a proposal. During that time, he named it “Mentor”, reflecting the school’s mission: to guide, nurture, and inspire learners to achieve their fullest potential. With vision in hand, Odur began mobilizing funds and teachers. A parent’s generous contribution of UGX 5 million enabled him to launch the school with flyers and radio adverts. In 2013, Mentor School opened its doors to 114 students, initially admitting Senior One, Two, and Five. The school quickly gained popularity, with enrollment rising to 290 students by the following year. Odur personally taught and mentored students, instilling in them not just knowledge, but discipline, perseverance, and ambition. During the first Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, 34 candidates sat for the exams, with 8 passing in first grade, earning Mentor fifth place in Lira District. Word of the school’s quality spread, attracting more students and strengthening trust within the community. Over the next 12 years, Mentor expanded into three thriving campuses—Mentor Akwoyo (900 students), Mentor Gwengabara (800 students), and St. Mary Magalene, a girls-only campus (300 students). Today, the school serves 2,000 students and employs 198 staff, with no salary arrears. Mentor is recognized among the best employers in northern Uganda, earning a trophy from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for its commitment to staff welfare. Mentor School’s alumni have achieved remarkable success. Ocen Victor became the overall best student at Mbarara University, and currently, 16 former students are studying abroad on Ministry of Education scholarships. These achievements are proof that Odur’s vision for mentorship and excellence is shaping the next generation of leaders. Odur shared his story at the graduation of 34 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) trained under the Uganda Development Bank’s Enterprise Development Program (EDP). He encouraged young entrepreneurs to start small, dream big, and remain resilient, reminding them that challenges are stepping stones to success. “If you have a business mind, you can start with any small capital,” he said, recalling his childhood ventures. “One time, soldiers ate all ten of my eggs but only paid me for two. I was disappointed, but I learned a lesson I have carried through life.” Odur’s message is simple but powerful: resilience, creativity, and mentorship can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements. From selling eggs on a roadside to transforming thousands of lives through Mentor School, Odur’s story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the courage to make a difference. #LUJA Source