Ebong Michael

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | Grace Abote, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) flag bearer for the Otuke District Woman Member of Parliament seat, has confirmed that she will be nominated on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Electoral Commission offices in Otuke Town Council. Abote will be contesting against two rivals: incumbent legislator and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Susan Abeja Okello and Rosemary Akullu, who is running as an independent candidate. The nomination marks the official start of what is expected to be one of the most closely contested races in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections. Despite not holding an elective office, Abote has gained visibility through ongoing community projects. Her initiatives include repairing and opening community access roads in Ogwete, Olilim, Okwang, and Otuke Town Council, rehabilitating non-functional boreholes across all 14 subcounties in Otuke District to improve access to clean water, providing both material and financial support to women’s savings groups to strengthen household incomes, supporting candidate classes during national examinations with scholastic materials and welfare support, contributing to churches across various denominations to promote spiritual and community development, and distributing sports equipment to youth clubs to promote talent development and youth engagement. Abote said her decision to run was a response to the “urgent needs and persistent calls” from the people of Otuke, stating that residents require a leader focused on practical solutions rather than political rhetoric. If elected, Abote has pledged to prioritise investment in education infrastructure, agricultural support programmes, improved healthcare delivery, and economic empowerment for women and youth. She noted that these sectors are critical for lifting Otuke District out of poverty and driving long-term development. Her entry into the race has generated significant attention, with supporters saying her nomination signals a new chapter in Otuke politics. Abote’s nomination on Wednesday will officially launch her campaign, setting the stage for a three-way contest that is expected to shape political dynamics in Otuke ahead of the 2026 polls. Source

By Hon. Otala Wilbert, Former Aspiring NRM MP, Oyam North Ugandans are growing restless as power blackouts continue to disrupt life across the country. What was once an occasional inconvenience has now become a crippling national crisis. The situation has reached a point where the government must act decisively and urgently. Frequent power outages are not just an inconvenience; they are a direct threat to the economy, public safety, and social development. The instability of the electricity supply has exposed deep flaws in the management of Uganda’s power sector and raised serious questions about accountability and competence. Businesses on the Brink Across the country, businesses are counting losses. From small enterprises to large industries, production has been interrupted, machinery damaged, and profitability eroded. No economy can thrive under such uncertainty. Entrepreneurs cannot plan, investors are hesitant, and livelihoods are at stake. Every hour without power is an hour of economic paralysis. Lives at Risk in Hospitals The health sector is among the hardest hit. Hospitals and health centers have been forced to rely on fuel-hungry generators that are both costly and unreliable. Medical procedures are being interrupted, and equipment is at constant risk of failure. It is unacceptable that patients’ lives depend on backup generators rather than a stable national power supply. Education in the Dark Students preparing for crucial examinations are studying by candlelight or kerosene lamps. In an era when digital learning should be advancing, Uganda’s learners are being pulled backward. Power blackouts are not just disrupting studies – they are dimming the hopes of a generation. A Failure of Leadership This ongoing crisis is a reflection of deeper institutional failure. If the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and other agencies responsible cannot ensure reliable service delivery, then government must urgently review their performance, management structure, and operational capacity. Ugandans deserve answers, not excuses. The Way Forward The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development must treat this as a top priority. Uganda needs a clear, long-term plan to stabilize and expand its power grid. Investment in renewable energy, proper maintenance of infrastructure, and accountability in management must be at the heart of this strategy. Electricity is not a luxury. It is the foundation of modern life – powering homes, hospitals, schools, and industries. Without it, no nation can develop. Ugandans deserve a government that lights their future, not one that keeps them in the dark. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has embarked on a nationwide series of feedback workshops aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms and aligning the country’s skills development programs with labour market needs to reduce youth unemployment. The first workshop, held on the 20th October, 2025 at Uganda Technical College (UTC) Lira, attracted principals, academic registrars, and heads of vocational and technical institutions from across Northern Uganda under the theme “Embracing TVET Reforms to Address Youth Unemployment in Uganda.” The Executive Secretary of UVTAB, represented by Oyoo Peter Alip, said the engagement marked the board’s first official assessment feedback workshop since the enactment of the TVET Act 2025. He explained that the reforms are designed to make assessment more credible, transparent, and industry-responsive. He added that the TVET Act provides a legal framework that now criminalizes assessment malpractice and empowers the board to take legal action against offenders. Oyoo emphasized that UVTAB has been receiving concerns from various stakeholders about assessment inconsistencies, limited access to practical materials, and weak data management. He said the board is responding through improved assessor training, data verification, and stronger coordination with training institutions to promote fairness and accountability. Representing the Board Chairperson, Eng. Albert Akovuku stated that integrity and collaboration with industry remain central to restoring confidence in TVET qualifications. He said the board is committed to moving away from an education system that focuses on rote learning to one that prioritizes innovation, competence, and real-world skills. Akovuku noted that UVTAB’s role in both curriculum development and assessment ensures that graduates are employable, adaptable, and ready for the world of work without the need for further retraining. He said the ongoing reforms are designed to make Uganda’s assessment process industry-led and practical-based, producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic transformation. Canon Jane Obeny, the Lira City Education Officer, who represented the Permanent Secretary urged TVET trainers to emphasize character formation alongside skill development. She observed that a growing number of young people have lost interest in honest work and that even those who possess technical skills often lack discipline, responsibility, and professionalism. She encouraged institutions to uphold strict codes of conduct and ensure that their graduates reflect integrity, competence, and excellence in their respective trades. Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole, who officiated at the workshop, praised UVTAB for taking deliberate steps to strengthen the quality of vocational training in Uganda. He said the government remains committed to supporting reforms that empower youth with practical skills for job creation and self-employment. Egole emphasized that the unemployment challenge can only be addressed when institutions produce graduates who are ready to innovate, create jobs, and drive national productivity. He also urged TVET stakeholders to maintain transparency, accountability, and patriotism in managing institutional operations, stressing that the success of the reforms depends on collective responsibility and commitment from all education players. Delivering a presentation on “TVET Reforms in Uganda: Implications for Assessment,” Johnson Turyamwesimira explained that the government has transitioned from a government-led education model to an employer-driven training system. He said this new approach focuses on building competencies that meet actual workplace expectations. Turyamwesimira added that under the TVET Act 2025, the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) and the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) have been integrated into UVTAB to harmonize standards, strengthen quality assurance, and eliminate duplication of roles. He said Uganda is moving from paper-based testing to continuous, practical, and digitalized assessments that reflect real industrial environments. The workshop concluded with a call to strengthen assessment centers, accredit training institutions, and enhance assessor professionalism across the country. UVTAB reaffirmed its commitment to building a credible and efficient skills assessment system that promotes innovation, discipline, and productivity among learners. The Board stated that Uganda’s vision of a skilled and employable workforce depends on the full implementation of TVET reforms, which are central to the country’s Vision 2040 and the national development agenda. Source

Amolatar, Uganda | Police in Amolatar District have arrested three people in connection with the mob killing of a man identified as Okello Joel in Oribcing village, Agikdak Parish, Agikdak Sub-county. The incident occurred on October 19, 2025, at around 11:00am, when a group of about seven people allegedly assaulted the deceased on suspicion that he had stolen a bicycle from one of them. The group is said to have beaten him with sticks until he lost consciousness and died at his home. According to police, the three suspects arrested are peasant farmers and residents of Oribcing village, while others involved in the attack are still on the run. The scene of crime was visited by officers from Amolatar Central Police Station led by the District Police Commander. Exhibits including broken sticks allegedly used in the assault were recovered, while statements were also taken from eyewitnesses and local leaders. The body of the deceased was conveyed to Amolatar Health Centre IV for postmortem examination. North Kyoga Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema condemned the act of mob justice and stressed that members of the public should desist from such actions. He said communities are encouraged to support police investigations by providing information with enough evidence instead of taking the law into their own hands. Source

Gulu, Uganda | Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard has officially launched its upcoming musical theatre production Home for Christmas, a grand showcase of children’s creativity and Acholi cultural heritage, during a colourful media event held on 18 October 2025 at Jaca Gardens in Gulu City. The launch attracted media houses, educationists, parents, performing arts stakeholders and local leaders who gathered to endorse the production, which is scheduled to run from 12 to 14 December at Gulu Senior Secondary School Main Hall. Entry will be free to the public. Home for Christmas is a modern musical retelling of an Acholi Christmas story, creatively blending traditional narratives with a wide range of musical genres including R&B, reggae, hip hop, country, funk and Acholi folk music. The production is directed by a team of established creatives: Adong Judith (lyrics and music), Masaba Roger (choreography), and Senkumbi Andrew (production direction). Children dressed in festive colours performed during the launch, dancing around a decorated Christmas tree in a symbolic presentation of love, peace, and unity. The Director of Schools in Gulu City hailed the production as a transformative educational model, saying it represents the future of learning through creative expression. She noted that integrating music and drama into the curriculum promotes confidence, analytical thinking, and cultural preservation. Ocwee Irene Treca, Director of Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard, said the school is committed to shaping holistic learners who excel academically while embracing cultural identity. She described the production as proof that children can be both top performers in class and rising stars in the arts. Otoo Boniface, the children’s creative mentor, said the musical has been developed through a step-by-step training process designed to nurture confidence, discipline, and teamwork while instilling pride in Acholi heritage. Nickson Ojok, Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association and LC5 candidate for Pader District, described the production as “a community celebration led by children,” calling on parents and political leaders to support the initiative as a platform for nurturing future leaders and artists. The organisers confirmed that entry to the performances will be free in order to promote cultural awareness among communities across Northern Uganda. With preparations in full swing, Home for Christmas is set to become a landmark children-led production in Northern Uganda, inspiring schools to embrace similar cultural initiatives. Source

By Bhendril Hopio | As many may be celebrating the proposal to create Aber District from Oyam, I personally believe this isn’t a smart move—at least not yet. The call for the creation of Aber District from the current Oyam District is another echo in Uganda’s decades-long pattern of administrative fragmentation. While the intention to “bring services closer to the people” is always the public justification, a deeper look at the region’s history and the realities of governance and service delivery reveals that this proposal is neither practical nor progressive. It risks becoming yet another costly political move that adds layers of bureaucracy while doing little to improve the quality of life for ordinary citizens. To understand why this latest push for district creation is misguided, we must first revisit the history of administrative restructuring in the Lango sub-region. Once upon a time, all of Lango was a single district, that unity ended in 1974 when the large Lango District was divided into two: Apac in the west and Lira in the east. The stated purpose was efficiency and better service delivery. Yet, over the years, those districts continued to split like amoebas, from the original Apac came Oyam in 2006, Kole in 2010, and Kwania in 2018. On the other side, Greater Lira was subdivided into Dokolo, Alebtong, and Otuke. The pattern has been clear: every time a district is split, leaders promise that government will come “closer to the people.” But the outcomes have been repetitive, underfunded local governments, duplicated administrative structures, and neglected development priorities. Each new district requires an entire administrative setup: new headquarters, a Chief Administrative Officer, a District Chairperson, councilors, offices, vehicles, and countless support staff. These structures come at enormous cost money that could instead be used to improve schools, roads, or hospitals. The result is a growing bureaucracy that consumes the very resources meant for service delivery. Uganda’s approach to multiplying districts has often spread limited funds even thinner, leaving both old and new districts struggling with the same inefficiencies. Oyam District stands as a prime example of why creating Aber District is unnecessary. Despite resource challenges, Oyam has performed impressively in implementing national programs. It has been recognized among the top-performing districts in the execution of the Parish Development Model (PDM) a key government initiative aimed at transforming rural economies. This level of performance suggests that Oyam’s current structure is functional and capable of addressing local needs without fragmentation. As of 2024, Oyam District in Uganda has a population of 477,464 people, comprising 224,158 males. The district is administratively organized into 16 sub-counties, 74 parishes, and 1,094 villages. In terms of infrastructure, Oyam already boasts 44 health facilities, with Anyeke Health Centre IV serving as the main referral point for the entire district. Plans are in progress to upgrade this facility into a full-fledged referral hospital a move that reflects a smart investment strategy focused on strengthening existing systems rather than creating new ones from scratch. Within Oyam, sub-counties like Aber already benefit from district-wide planning and resources. Local organizations such as ABEKAM (Aber and Kamdini) are connecting farmers to markets and promoting grassroots development. The system, though imperfect, is functional. That is a strong case for improvement, not division. Those advocating for Aber’s elevation to district status often cite poor roads, distant health facilities, and slow service delivery. But these challenges are rooted not in geography, but in governance. Poor roads result from inadequate funding and weak oversight, not long distances between administrative centers. The real solution lies in increased budget allocations for road works and stricter supervision of engineering departments not in creating another underfunded district that will inherit the same roads. Similarly, long distances to health centers can be addressed by upgrading existing facilities, staffing them adequately, and ensuring consistent drug supplies. Elevating Anyeke Health Centre IV to hospital status would directly improve access to advanced care. The problem is one of resource prioritization, not administrative boundaries. Corruption, absenteeism, and inefficiency among public servants, some of the grievances often used to justify new districts are governance challenges, not structural ones. Creating a new district simply multiplies the number of people who can mismanage public funds or neglect their duties unless accountability systems are strengthened. Strengthening these efforts would bring more lasting change than carving out yet another district. Uganda now stands at a crossroads. It can either continue down the path of administrative fragmentation or shift its focus to consolidation and innovation. The proposed Aber District, if created, would certainly divert scarce funds resources that should instead be directed toward upgrading schools, equipping health centers, rehabilitating roads, and supporting agricultural extension services. What the people of Oyam, and indeed the entire Lango sub-region, need is not another district headquarters but tangible investments that reach their homes and communities. The way forward should involve three things:Funding and empowering existing sub-counties and town councils. Oyam’s 16 administrative units need more budgetary support and skilled personnel, not a new district structure. Investing in critical infrastructure, especially health and roads, which have a direct impact on people’s daily lives. Strengthening governance and accountability, ensuring every shilling sent from the central government translates into visible development. I would say, Aber’s call for district status may satisfy a few political ambitions, but it does not address the real needs of the people.  It risks replicating the mistakes of the past, expanding bureaucracy while neglecting development. Oyam has proven capable of managing its affairs; it simply needs stronger support, not dismemberment. Uganda must break free from this costly tradition of administrative inflation. Development is not achieved by drawing new lines on a map but by delivering real services to real people. Aber doesn’t need a new district. It needs better governance, fairer resource distribution, and accountable leadership within the structure that already exists. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | The Kabalega and Kakaba Mwanga historical site in Kangai Town Council, Dokolo District, meant to celebrate Uganda’s heroes, is now being branded by angry workers as a place of exploitation and broken promises. Casual labourers say they have endured three months without pay, with some receiving far less than what was agreed. Many described their situation as slavery at a site that should honor freedom fighters, arguing that while Kabalega and Mwanga resisted colonial oppression, they themselves were being subjected to modern-day injustice. Some also accused the site’s managers of discrimination and deliberately sidelining certain workers. The strike erupted on Friday morning after several workers were abruptly sent away from the site without explanation, bringing construction to a halt and leaving many stranded. Site engineer Rogers Kasangati, however, dismissed all the allegations. He maintained that workers had already been paid and insisted that only carpentry work was still ongoing at the site. Police in Kangai, led by the Officer in Charge Poul Odoch, intervened to calm the situation and restore order. According to preliminary findings, Odoch noted, the number of workers at the site had already reduced significantly compared to the earlier stages of the project. What was envisioned as a beacon of Uganda’s resistance against colonial rule is now overshadowed by accusations of injustice and exploitation. The community is left questioning whether the legacy of Kabalega and Mwanga is truly being honored, when those building the site in their name say they are being dishonored. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira City is witnessing a major realignment in opposition politics after a prominent Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) mobiliser revealed that hundreds of party members have pledged support to Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 general elections, pointing to development performance and inclusive leadership as the basis of their decision. Godwin Acai, UPC coordinating chairperson in Lira City who has served in the party since 1996, revealed that 470 UPC members across the city had agreed to align with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign structure. He said his team had evaluated the impact of leaders and concluded that Dr. Aceng and President Museveni had demonstrated stronger commitment to public welfare compared to the UPC parliamentary aspirant in the constituency. Acai noted that each parish in Lira City had 30 UPC representatives who would act as coordinators and campaign agents for the NRM candidates during the 2026–2031 electoral cycle. He explained that although he remained a UPC member, his decision to support the NRM leaders was motivated by a desire to prioritise community development over party loyalty. He emphasised that Dr. Aceng had shown leadership that transcended political affiliation, saying she served all Ugandans without discrimination. He added that the minister had demonstrated a track record of working across party lines, which he believed was the kind of leadership needed in the current political climate. According to Acai, his group had lost confidence in their party’s parliamentary candidate, arguing that she had focused on personal interests rather than serving the community. He said they had therefore chosen to mobilise for leaders they believed would deliver improved health services, better education, and road infrastructure. He stated that President Museveni had played a critical role in stabilising the country and overseeing key development projects in Lango, while Dr. Aceng had elevated Uganda’s international health profile and contributed significantly to community development. Acai urged Ugandans to assess political leaders based on their ability to deliver services rather than on partisan boundaries, saying the 2026 elections should be centered on continuity of progress and national stability. The move indicates growing political realignment in the Lango subregion as cross-party alliances take shape ahead of what observers predict will be a decisive electoral contest. Source

Soroti, Uganda | Eastern Uganda NRM Vice-Chairperson David Calvin Echodu has used the Emorimor Third Coronation Anniversary Charity Run in Soroti to rally the people of Teso around unity, education, and community development. Represented by Dakabela County NRM Flag Bearer Peter Edeku Edopu, Echodu praised the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) for leveraging cultural events to address social and economic challenges. He highlighted that the recent fundraising breakfast in Kampala raised over Shs150 million to support the Emorimor Education Fund and youth empowerment initiatives. Echodu called on the community to back programs that empower young people, promote education, and strengthen local development, while urging Teso residents to remain peaceful and united. The charity run, under the theme “Run for the Child: Supporting Girl and Boy Child Education,” attracted hundreds of participants, including cultural leaders, youth, and well-wishers. Proceeds will fund scholarships for disadvantaged learners and the Ateker Skilling Institute to equip school dropouts with employable skills. Flagging off the race, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot encouraged solidarity and development, emphasizing that the event symbolized togetherness ahead of the Third Coronation Anniversary celebrations on October 25 in Bukedea District. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has signed the condolence book at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala, paying tribute to Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga Oginga, who died in India earlier this week. He was received on Friday, October 17, by Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda, Dr. Suleiman Roba, who commended Ugandans for their solidarity with Kenyans during this period of mourning. Odinga, aged 80, passed away on 15 October 2025 at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, India, where he had been receiving treatment. His death has drawn widespread grief across East Africa, with leaders describing him as a defender of democracy and Pan-African unity. Odongo Okune said Odinga’s values of integrity and freedom had inspired generations across the continent. He noted the historic bond between the Odinga and Obote families, recalling that Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, had worked closely with Uganda’s first President, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, during the struggle for independence. He added that Raila had maintained this spirit of cooperation and was once invited to accompany President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest during his planned coronation as Lango Paramount Chief, which was later halted by court order. Suleiman Roba said Odinga’s death had robbed Africa of a guiding voice for justice and democratic progress and confirmed that Kenya was holding a state funeral in his honour. Odinga’s body arrived in Nairobi on 16 October 2025 aboard a Kenya Airways flight renamed RAO001. Thousands of mourners gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, breaking security barriers and briefly disrupting operations. Crowds also assembled outside Kenya’s Parliament, prompting authorities to move the public viewing to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to manage the numbers. Local media reported two deaths and several injuries after police fired tear gas and warning shots to control the crowds. A state viewing was held on 17 October 2025 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, attended by President William Ruto, senior officials, and regional leaders. The ceremony featured military honours, prayers, and tributes. Odinga’s body was later flown to Kisumu for public viewing before being taken to Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at his ancestral home. Raila Odinga’s political career spanned over five decades, he served as Prime Minister (2008–2013), Member of Parliament for Langata (1992–2013), Leader of the Opposition, and African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018–2023). Born in Maseno in 1945, Odinga played a central role in Kenya’s return to multi-party democracy and became a leading advocate for devolution and regional integration. He is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga, and four children, Fidel (deceased), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie Odinga. Across the region, he is being remembered as a visionary reformist whose legacy continues to shape Africa’s democratic and political landscape. Source