Ebong Michael

When Lynette Akol speaks about Krystal Ice Limited, her voice reveals a determined vision that has transformed a simple idea into one of Uganda’s rising agribusiness success stories. As founder and chief executive of the fruit-processing company, she has turned Uganda’s abundant fruit harvests into a thriving frozen fruit pops brand, creating jobs, empowering farmers, and inspiring a generation of women entrepreneurs. Akol’s breakthrough came in 2017 when she emerged among the top winners of the dfcu Bank Rising Woman Initiative, a flagship programme under the dfcu Women in Business (WiB) portfolio. The initiative, implemented in partnership with Monitor Publications, aims to empower female entrepreneurs through financial support, training, mentorship, and regional networking opportunities. Lynette founded Krystal Ice Limited with the goal of adding value to locally sourced fruits while providing a market for smallholder farmers. At the time, it was a small operation staffed by just a few women. Today, the enterprise employs 24 full-time workers, majority youth and women, and engages dozens of farmers from across Uganda. “What began with just a few of us trying to make a difference has now grown into a structured enterprise supporting livelihoods across the country,” she said. The company’s signature product, frozen fruit ice pops, has become popular among health-conscious consumers seeking natural, preservative-free snacks. Akol credits much of her business growth to the Rising Woman Initiative, which she describes as a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. “dfcu Bank did more than provide financial support. They opened doors to mentorship, visibility, and regional exposure that helped shape our business model,” she said. As a winner in 2017, she received both funding and access to networks of experienced entrepreneurs. This enabled her to invest in production equipment, improve marketing, and streamline operations. The platform also allowed her to showcase Krystal Ice products at national exhibitions, attracting new markets and business partners. One of the initiative’s most impactful components was a mentorship trip to Nairobi, Kenya. There, Akol interacted with leading East African entrepreneurs who shared insights into strategic growth, governance, and scalability. “What stood out was the level of organisation and governance in their companies,” she noted. “We adopted these practices at Krystal Ice to position ourselves for long-term sustainability and investment readiness.” Upon returning to Uganda, she implemented governance structures, financial accountability systems, and leadership frameworks, changes that transformed Krystal Ice into a professionally run enterprise. Beyond commercial success, Krystal Ice operates an inclusive model that uplifts rural communities. The company sources fruits directly from smallholder farmers, offering stable prices and guaranteed markets. “We are not just buying fruits. We are helping farmers secure their livelihoods. Every pineapple or mango we use is a step towards reducing rural poverty,” she said. The company’s focus on employing women and youth adds to its social impact, addressing unemployment while building a skilled workforce in agro-processing. Akol’s expansion was further supported by an UGX 80 million loan from dfcu Bank, which she has been servicing over three years. The funding enabled her to acquire new machinery, scale up production, and enhance product packaging and distribution. “The support came at a critical moment,” she said. “It allowed us to meet growing market demand while maintaining product quality.” Now in its seventh season, the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative has directly impacted more than 60,000 women through in-person workshops and reached over one million virtually since 2018. The programme offers tailored financial solutions, entrepreneurship training, legal advisory, leadership coaching, business-to-business linkages, and mentorship. The initiative continues to be recognised as one of Uganda’s most transformative platforms for women-led enterprises, promoting financial inclusion, job creation, and economic resilience. Lynette’s goal is to scale Krystal Ice into a regional brand and expand its product range to include new fruit-based innovations. She believes that Uganda, with its rich agricultural resources, can become a continental leader in agro-processing. “Our story proves that when women are supported, entire communities rise. Through platforms like Rising Woman, we are not just building businesses—we are building Uganda’s future,” she said. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | The contest for Alebtong Woman MP for the 2026–2031 term gained momentum on Thursday after Dr. Mercy Lakisa was officially nominated as the NRM Woman MP Aspirant. The nomination, conducted by Returning Officer Jessica Adongo Ocen, took place at 4:00 PM at the Electoral Commission offices in Aloi Town Council and drew hundreds of supporters, youth leaders, and local officials. Dr. Lakisa, a medical doctor and community advocate, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the people of Alebtong and Lao, as well as youth leaders and local chairpersons. She emphasized that Alebtong remains loyal to the NRM and stressed that her nomination represents a “new era” for the district. She outlined her priorities, highlighting the need to improve healthcare delivery so that residents receive the medical services they deserve. She also identified education as a sector that has lagged behind and committed to raising standards, expanding access, and exposing the youth to opportunities that drive development. Turning to agriculture, Dr. Lakisa acknowledged the challenges faced by local farmers and described her nomination as a fresh beginning for Alebtong. She highlighted her parish-level piggery projects, which have already borne fruit, and pointed to government-supported vocational skilling hubs that aim to equip young people with practical skills for survival. She emphasized that Uganda’s young population cannot be ignored and stated that Alebtong now has youthful leadership ready to seek opportunities and deliver results. She concluded by seeking the people’s support and mandate to implement her development agenda. NRM Youth Youth League Chairman, Tanga Collins, praised Dr. Lakisa as a progressive leader capable of delivering tangible results in Alebtong. He urged young people to back a politician with a clear and actionable manifesto that focuses on real community transformation. Deputy RDC of Alebtong, Mathias Lutwama, commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the nomination process. He noted that Alebtong has about 13,400 registered voters ready to exercise their democratic rights. Lutwama also thanked security agencies for their coordination and urged residents and political actors to maintain peace as campaigns begin. He encouraged communities to continue supporting government programs aimed at improving livelihoods. Dr. Lakisa with her nomination complete, positions herself as a youthful, hands-on candidate promising visible improvements in health, education, agriculture, and skills development, signaling a new chapter of development for Alebtong District. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Government of Uganda has unveiled an ambitious plan to position the country as a regional leader in agro-industrial exports, focusing on the rapidly growing market for animal feeds and processed foods across Africa. Speaking at the 16th National Competitiveness Forum (NCF) held at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, the Acting Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Patrick Ocailap, said Uganda must urgently establish a competitive animal feed industry to leverage its abundant raw materials, including maize, soybeans, sunflower, cottonseed, cassava, sweet potatoes, and fish meal. Ocailap noted that rising regional demand presents a major economic opportunity. He said Africa’s growing middle class, urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes are driving an unprecedented surge in demand for processed foods and animal protein. He said that by 2040, demand for processed food in Africa is projected to increase sevenfold and that Uganda is well-positioned to supply this market. According to government data, Uganda already exports 58% of its products to Africa, with animal feeds constituting a substantial portion of these exports. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Ocailap described as a game-changer, now provides Uganda access to a market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over USD 3 trillion. Ocailap revealed that under the Parish Development Model (PDM), the government has disbursed UGX 3.209 trillion as of October 2025 to more than 3.25 million beneficiaries. This funding is intended to stimulate the production of strategic commodities and increase participation in agro-processing. Breakdown of allocations for FY 2024/2025 includes UGX 350.3 billion for piggery, UGX 334.2 billion for coffee, UGX 325.8 billion for poultry, UGX 289 billion for goats, UGX 247.9 billion for maize, UGX 154.4 billion for bananas, UGX 135 billion for beef cattle, and UGX 134 billion for cassava. Ocailap said this investment is creating direct linkages with smallholder farmers and enabling value addition. Officiating at the Forum, Minister of State for Planning Amos Lugoloobi said industrial value addition is essential for Uganda to compete regionally. Lugoloobi said that investing in high-quality processing, product standardisation, and packaging is no longer optional if Uganda is to access and sustain markets in the region. He acknowledged that Uganda still lacks adequate capacity to produce high-quality processed food and premixes, resulting in high import levels. He called for deliberate strategies to build local manufacturing capacities and reduce dependency on imports. The Minister said the government is implementing the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy, aimed at using foreign missions to gather market intelligence, promote Uganda’s exports, and attract foreign investment. To support the Tenfold Growth Strategy, Uganda has secured a USD 96 million loan under the INVITE Project, USD 104 million grant, and USD 18 million from a multi-donor trust fund. The global animal feed market grew from USD 335.7 billion in 2017 to USD 570.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 816.8 billion by 2030. Within AfCFTA, feed production stands at 51.42 million tonnes valued at USD 21 billion, expected to grow to USD 27 billion. Despite exporting 3,144 tonnes of animal feeds valued at USD 1 million in 2023, Uganda imported 136,878 tonnes valued at USD 52 million, indicating a significant opportunity for import substitution. Under the Public Investment Management for Agro-Industrialisation (PIMA), government has identified nine key commodities to spearhead industrialisation: dairy, beef, fish, coffee, cassava, oil palm, maize, cotton, and tea. An additional nine commodities, including poultry, bananas, cocoa, rice, sugarcane, beans, macadamia nuts, shea nuts and Irish potatoes are being promoted under the Parish Development Model, bringing the total to 18 strategic commodities.h Source

Amolatar, Uganda | The Electoral Commission in Amolatar District has officially nominated Rtd Col. Dr John Francis Ongia as an independent candidate with NRM affiliation for Kioga County in the 2026–2031 parliamentary elections. The nomination was conducted by Returning Officer Apio Irene Hope at the Electoral Commission offices in Amolatar Town Council. Addressing journalists after his nomination, Ongia said he was motivated to join the race by what he described as persistent neglect of the constituency. He cited poor road networks, unemployment, inadequate health services, and lack of access to clean water as key issues affecting residents. He said constituencies represented by retired military officers have benefited significantly from government programmes due to their lobbying power, adding that parliamentarians must act as strong advocates for their constituents. Ongia further pledged to prioritise equal pay for teachers, arguing that disparities in the education sector must be addressed urgently. He appealed to voters to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and elect leaders like himself who can effectively collaborate with the president to bring development to the constituency. During the event, Bishop Joel Mukalu cautioned voters against being swayed by misinformation and personal attacks, saying such tendencies could prevent them from making the right electoral choices. He urged the public to critically examine information and distinguish truth from falsehood. In a separate nomination event, independent candidate Atala Lillian Winny was confirmed to contest for the Amolatar District Woman MP seat. She said the district remains one of the most underserved in Uganda, pointing out that it still lacks a district hospital. According to Atala, residents are compelled to transport deceased relatives to Kaberamaido for preservation due to the absence of mortuary facilities. She promised to lobby for a fully equipped hospital with specialist doctors and essential infrastructure. She also pledged to advocate for improved teachers’ salaries and to promote academic excellence by supporting high-performing students, following the example set by former legislators such as the late Imat Barbara Cecilia Ogwal. Other candidates nominated today include Auma Janet Okao of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) for the Amolatar Woman MP seat. Seven other candidates were nominated on Wednesday. They include NRM’s Peter Okodo (Kioga North County) and Adupa Felix Ongwech (Kioga County); UPC’s Angwech Collins (Kioga County) and Geoffrey Ocen Kiring (Kioga County); FDC’s Moses Jr Okot Bitek (Kioga County) and Independent Opul Carlos (Kioga County). However, Onyum Denis of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who was expected to be nominated for Kioga County, was disqualified due to inconsistencies in his A-Level academic documents. Source

Soroti, Uganda | David Calvin Echodu, the NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, has been nominated as the party’s flagbearer for Soroti West Division in the 2026–2031 parliamentary elections. The nomination took place at 11:30 a.m. at the Electoral Commission offices in Senior Quarters, Soroti City, presided over by Mr. John Olinga Gonzaga, the Returning Officer for Soroti City. After his nomination, Echodu said his campaign will focus on uniting NRM supporters and delivering practical solutions to the people of Soroti West. He said his “new energy” message represents a shift from politics of words to politics of action, stressing that the constituency needs results-oriented leadership. Echodu noted that Parliament is not about shouting or making noise but about providing direction, planning, and effective representation. He said Soroti West has for long been represented by leaders who talk more than they deliver, and his goal is to change that. He expressed confidence that NRM will reclaim Soroti City, saying the party is strong but has suffered from internal divisions. He added that unity and proper mobilization are key to restoring the party’s dominance. Echodu cited examples of NRM candidates, including the city mayor and himself, who were nominated unopposed, describing it as a sign of growing confidence in the party. He said NRM has the numbers in Soroti City and called on supporters to stay united and focused ahead of the 2026 elections. Echodu said the election is not just about winning a parliamentary seat but about rebuilding NRM structures and changing the political direction of Soroti City. Supporters turned up in large numbers to celebrate his nomination, marking what Echodu described as the start of a new, energized campaign aimed at uniting the city and delivering development for the people of Teso. Source

Lira, Uganda | Sam Engola has officially been nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for Erute South County ahead of Uganda’s 2026 parliamentary elections, pledging a new era of service delivery and community-driven development. The nomination was confirmed at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, by Lira District Returning Officer, Akullo Morine, at the Electoral Commission offices in Lira. Immediately after the nomination, Engola held a post-nomination rally in Olilo, Bar Subcounty, where thousands of residents gathered to show their support. Engola, a former State Minister for Housing and current Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs, outlined a comprehensive development agenda, stating that his mobilisation strategy would be inclusive and focused on tangible impact. He said his campaign would prioritise access to clean water, education, health services, and youth empowerment. Engola announced that 35 boreholes have already been constructed under his leadership, with a target to reach 100 boreholes across the constituency to end water scarcity. In education, he said he had distributed examination materials to all schools within Erute South to ensure improved performance in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations. Engola assured constituents that academic excellence would be at the centre of his agenda. On health, he pledged link up the Ministry of Health to upgrade Olilo Health Centre III and other government health facilities across the constituency with modern infrastructure and essential medical services, noting that strengthening local facilities is critical to improving welfare. Reflecting on his previous tenure as Member of Parliament, Engola said he provided scholarships to 380 students from Lango, many of whom have become doctors and professionals serving across Uganda. He called on citizens to support the NRM government, saying national development is only possible through cooperation between leaders, communities, and institutions. Engola emphasised that his return to Parliament would mark the beginning of a renewed development phase for Erute South, saying his focus is on service delivery rather than politics of division. Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Engola is championing a development-driven campaign focused on infrastructure, education, and public services. He urged voters to elect President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni alongside all NRM flagbearers in Erute South, a call that supporters believe will guarantee continuity and accelerate growth in the constituency. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Local leaders in Dokolo District have expressed strong support for the Ministry of Water and Environment’s new approach to managing rural water systems through Community-Based Maintenance (CBM), a model designed to ensure the sustainability and functionality of water sources across the district. The initiative, launched on the 22nd October, 2025 during a training for District Councilors at the Dokolo District Council Hall, aims to empower communities to take responsibility for maintaining boreholes and other rural water facilities through structured management systems. Senior Sociologist Martin Nkurunungi from the Ministry of Water and Environment, representing the Lira Regional Office, said the CBM approach emphasizes financial sustainability and accountability at the grassroots level. He explained that the Area Service Providers will be responsible for collecting user fees from water points and ensuring repairs whenever breakdowns occur, noting that this will reduce overreliance on external funding for maintenance. He added that the Ministry has begun engagements with district leaders before extending the program to sub-counties for community sensitization and full rollout. Nkurunungi also urged political leaders and stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and ensure that all water points remain functional. District Water Engineer, Qunitos Opio, revealed that the district plans to drill six new boreholes, rehabilitate eight existing ones, and construct a piped water system in Bata Sub-county. He appealed to leaders to mobilize communities to embrace and support the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring safe and reliable water access. Several Councilors, including Bob Ogwal Daramoi of Bata Sub-county, Stephen Ogwang of Amwoma Sub-county, and Christopher Odwe, the Workers’ Representative, welcomed the program but requested that the Ministry also extend similar projects to town councils. They noted that many residents in semi-urban areas still face water scarcity and depend on unsafe sources. While closing the training, LCV Vice Chairperson and Agwata Sub-county Councilor, Tonny Odongo Ocen, commended the Ministry for selecting Dokolo among the beneficiary districts. He pledged the district’s full support for the project, saying it offers communities a sense of ownership and responsibility over their water resources. He encouraged all Councilors to roll out the program to their sub-counties and town councils to promote better water hygiene and sanitation practices. The Community-Based Maintenance project is part of a broader national effort by the Ministry of Water and Environment to improve water sustainability and hygiene in nine districts across the Lango Sub-region, including Dokolo, Amolatar, Kwania, Oyam, Otuke, Lira, and Alebtong. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Joseph Jones Ogwal has been officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for Dokolo North County ahead of the 2026–2031 parliamentary elections, with party leaders describing his selection as a strategic move to fast-track development and restore effective representation in the constituency. Photo by Opio Anthony | Joseph Jones Ogwal (2nd on the Left) with Rashid Eton ( Yellow Longsleve Shirt), Geoffrey Opio Ekong and Returning Officer Moses Otim at EC Office in Dokolo District on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 His nomination was conducted by Electoral Commission Returning Officer Moses Otim at 10:00 AM. The bid was proposed by NRM District Chairperson Geoffrey Opio Ekong and seconded by Bata Town Council LCIII Chairperson Rashid Eton. At a post-nomination rally held at Amwoma Market, Geoffrey Opio Ekong informed the public that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had recently presented party flags to three parliamentary flagbearers in Dokolo District, Joseph Jones Ogwal for Dokolo North, Janet Adongo Elau for the District Woman MP seat, and Felix Okot Ogong for Dokolo South. Opio Ekong said this gesture signalled that these are the candidates the President believed are best positioned to work with him in delivering government programmes to the district. He stated that the NRM district leadership upheld principles against corruption, human rights violations, and the use of vulgarity in politics, and he urged members of other political affiliations to cooperate with the ruling party in promoting development. Opio Ekong noted that the people of Dokolo North had, in the previous election, voted a leader who did not prioritise constituents’ needs, leading to underdevelopment. He expressed confidence that Ogwal would deliver tangible results due to his academic credentials and leadership capabilities. In his address to supporters, Joseph Jones Ogwal expressed gratitude to the NRM leadership and his campaign coordinators. He said he intends to work closely with councillors at all levels and the District Chairperson to ensure efficient implementation of government projects. Ogwal indicated that his manifesto would focus on expanding infrastructure and improving road networks, promoting household income and wealth creation programmes, training medical professionals from within the constituency, including five doctors and 30 nurses, offering scholarships for students, establishing adult and youth learning centres, enhancing education and economic empowerment for women’s groups, enacting a customary land governance framework to be administered by clan leaders. He said his nomination marked the beginning of a commitment not only to fulfil his own manifesto but also to advance the development agenda of President Museveni. Bata Town Council LCIII Chairperson Rashid Eton urged NRM members to focus on unity and long-term development goals. He said Dokolo North had experienced five years of ineffective representation and stressed the need for voters to support Ogwal to restore progress. Earlier in the day, NRM Woman MP flagbearer Janet Adongo Elau reminded voters to choose leaders with integrity and empathy, saying she had a deep commitment to addressing the needs of the people of Dokolo once elected. Massive crowds from all eight subcounties of Dokolo North, including Amwoma, Bata, Agwata, Okwalongwen, and Adok, among others, gathered in Dokolo Town and Amwoma Market in celebration of Joseph Jones Ogwal nomination. Supporters were seen waving party flags and showing strong enthusiasm for the party’s parliamentary candidate. Nomination of parliamentary candidates in Dokolo and other districts in Uganda will conclude on Thursday, 23 October 2025, with candidates from other political parties and independents also expected to be confirmed. Source

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Lira, Uganda | A Catholic priest has called for renewed commitment to education and collaboration among parents, teachers, and community leaders, warning that development will continue to stagnate unless stakeholders work in unity and prioritise knowledge. Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Atipopo, Administrator of Gomi Sub Parish, delivered the message while leading a dedication service for Primary Seven candidates and presiding over the commissioning of a new classroom block at Onyakede Primary School in Amach Subcounty. In his address, Fr. Atipopo said education remains the strongest tool for lifting communities out of poverty and promoting social transformation. “Knowledge is like a lamp that lights the world,” he said. “God does not drop knowledge from heaven. It must be sought, taught, and applied.” He urged candidates preparing for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) to view their exams as an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired and to use it for the good of society. Fr. Atipopo cautioned parents against dismissing education due to rising unemployment, stating that no home, regardless of religion or economic status, can develop without it. The priest criticised attitudes among some parents who resisted the reopening of schools following the recent teachers’ strike, saying educators are doing their best despite poor remuneration. “The strike was a call for fairness, not an excuse for parents to abandon their duty,” he said. “Teachers are struggling to guide your children. They need your cooperation, not resistance.” He appealed for unity among parents, teachers and school administrators, stressing that development is only possible when communities work together. Lira Diocese Education Secretary, Rev. Sr. Agnes Atala, MSMMC, praised Fr. Atipopo’s leadership reveals that the new classroom block was constructed after it was discovered that pupils were learning under trees. She said the building was funded by KREISTAG DONAURIES under the initiative “Four Stones for Africa” at a cost of UGX 80 million. Sr. Agnes said the Diocese oversees 379 schools, six of which are in urgent need of infrastructural support, including Onyakede, Alworo, Barlela, Abongorwot, Owiyodyek and Okile Primary Schools. “There is no such thing as free education,” she said. “Quality learning requires shared commitment. Parents must play their part.” The Headteacher of Onyakede Primary School said the new facility marks a turning point after years of inadequate infrastructure. He noted that Fr. Atipopo previously donated 26 desks to address the lack of seating. The School Management Committee chairperson appealed for boarding facilities to improve academic performance and protect learners from long walking distances. Last year, the school registered 28 candidates for PLE, with 24 passing. With improved facilities and renewed community support, the administration expressed optimism for better outcomes this year. Fr. Atipopo reminded the community that education, when combined with unity and moral values, has the power to transform society. “We can only give what we have,” he said. “Let us seek knowledge, live in unity, and use what we learn to light the world.” Lira Diocese News Agency Source