Ebong Michael

Kampala, Uganda | DFCU Bank has dismissed reports of internal turmoil, staff unrest and financial strain, describing them as baseless and misleading. In a statement issued Friday, the bank urged the public to ignore what it called unfounded stories intended to cause unnecessary concern. It said its operations remain stable and focused on delivering secure and innovative financial services across Uganda. The clarification followed an online article that claimed the bank is grappling with staff dissatisfaction, shareholder unease and financial setbacks linked to the 2017 takeover of Crane Bank. The same report alleged that Chief Business Solutions and Marketing Officer, Ms. Marrann Wanjiku, had left Uganda after an incident with a junior staff member. DFCU said the claims are false, pointing instead to strong financial performance. The bank reported a 151 percent rise in net profit to Shs 72 billion in 2024, total assets of Shs 4 trillion, and Shs 100 billion contributed to the national treasury in taxes. The online article accused management of lavish spending, citing Shs 1 billion spent on the “Jazz in Pearl” concert to mark the bank’s 60th anniversary and another Shs 1 billion pledged to Rotary. It also suggested that majority shareholder Arise BV of the Netherlands, which holds a 58 percent stake, was considering an exit. DFCU rejected the allegations, saying shareholders remain committed and its strategic direction is unchanged. Management pointed to investments in digital banking, SME financing and agriculture lending as evidence of long-term commitment to the market. A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said DFCU remains well-capitalized and focused on sustainable growth, dismissing the stories as attempts to undermine confidence. Analysts note that while staff welfare concerns are common in the banking sector, DFCU’s swift response was necessary to protect customer confidence in a market highly sensitive to issues of trust. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | The Government of Uganda, through the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), has embarked on oil palm adaptability trials in Lango Sub-region as part of efforts to diversify agricultural production and boost the economy. Moses Otuba, a research officer with NARO Namulonge, confirmed the development on Wednesday during a visit to the oil palm experimental garden in Atur Ward, Dokolo Town Council. He explained that in 2020, government earmarked Dokolo District and Maruzi in Akokoro Sub-county, Apac District, as host sites for the oil palm performance study in Northern Uganda. He added that they are currently conducting adaptability studies on five varieties of oil palm in the region. Tom Omara, another NARO staff member, said four farmers in Dokolo District have been selected to host oil palm demonstration gardens. Alex Omara, an extension staff from Amwoma Sub-county who represented the Dokolo District Production Office, said preliminary findings show that Dokolo has favourable conditions for oil palm production. Darius Ogwang, one of the host farmers in Dokolo Town Council, shared his experience with oil palm cultivation, noting the crop’s potential for improving livelihoods in the sub-region. According to NARO, oil palm is a key industrial crop used in the production of soap, cooking oil, and other by-products such as margarine and industrial oils. Source

Okwir Haron Otuke, Uganda | Farmers in Otuke District have been urged to stop cultivating crops in wetlands and adopt alternative income-generating activities to protect the environment and improve livelihoods. The call was made on Thursday, 18 September, during an engagement with farmers from five villages (Alek-loo Atin, Agwila, Adyerakonya, Acung-apenyi, and Akailo), in Adyerakonya Parish, Adwari Subcounty. The event was organized by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in collaboration with Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAPAD). Gokaka Geoffrey, NEMA’s Regional Wetland Officer for Northern Uganda, urged farmers whose lands border wetlands to maintain water trenches between gardens. This measure prevents the erosion of fertile topsoil and protects the wetland ecosystem. He further advised farmers to use wetlands responsibly for domestic animal grazing and small-scale fishing. Gokaka cautioned against the use of harmful chemicals such as herbicides, which damage wetlands, block and reduce the population of fish and other aquatic species. He also encouraged farmers to plant trees, highlighting their role in conserving the environment and enhancing biodiversity. Asiyati Gift, Agriculture Extension Officer at FAPAD, acknowledged that farmers often fail to implement advice from environmental training, despite attending such sessions repeatedly. She urged farmers to take practical steps based on the knowledge gained and diversify into other productive ventures, including poultry farming, to generate income outside the wetlands. NEMA has been educating and sensitizing farmers across Uganda for several years to reduce wetland cultivation, but the practice continues at high levels. Officials hope that combining awareness campaigns with alternative livelihood options will gradually reduce wetland encroachment, preserve water resources, and improve community livelihoods. Source

Gulu, Uganda | Lira University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum has urged stronger health and policy interventions to address maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), jointly hosted by Lira and Gulu Universities at Acholi Inn Hotel in Gulu City, Prof. Okaka said maternal mortality and family planning gaps remain urgent public health concerns in Northern Uganda and across the region. He stressed that these issues should not be seen as statistics but as real experiences of mothers, daughters, and sisters whose lives needed protection. The three-day conference, which began on 17 September, has attracted participants from more than 50 countries. It is supported by the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT) at the University of Michigan, a long-standing partner of Lira and Gulu Universities. Prof. Okaka underlined the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which calls for reductions in maternal deaths and universal access to reproductive health services. He said the meeting was timely and vital as it provided a platform for evidence-sharing, policy dialogue, and practical learning. He commended CIRHT’s contribution in transforming healthcare training and delivery in Uganda, noting progress in four areas; strengthening pre-service training for healthcare providers, expanding research capacity rooted in local realities, enhancing infrastructure and learning materials for SRHR programmes, and promoting respectful maternity care to uphold the dignity of mothers. He emphasised that health services and training were the niche of Lira University, pointing out that the institution was established by Parliament to drive post-conflict recovery in Northern Uganda and remained committed to innovation in health sciences. The Deputy Vice Chancellor argued that universities should not be reduced to ivory towers of theory but must serve as catalysts for change by linking classrooms to clinics and research to community needs. He highlighted four priorities for the future of maternal and reproductive health; training professionals with both technical competence and cultural sensitivity, conducting research on urgent issues such as adolescent reproductive health and postpartum family planning, co-creating sustainable solutions with communities, and engaging governments to prioritise investment in maternal and child health. He maintained that a bottom-up approach was necessary, insisting that culture and community perspectives were essential for successful interventions. Prof. Okaka recalled how, during a visit to Lira University Teaching Hospital, the Vice Chancellor had spoken with a young mother who had just delivered her second child. The mother explained that beyond medicine, what mattered most was kindness and respect. He said that statement captured the essence of the university’s mission, stressing that compassionate care determined whether women sought services and whether lives were saved. He further noted that knowledge must be matched with character and compassion, reminding participants of Aristotle’s teaching that education of the mind without education of the heart was incomplete. The Deputy Vice Chancellor encouraged participants to use the conference to challenge assumptions, share openly, and imagine boldly. He said institutions should not stop publishing research papers but must translate findings into real change for women, children, and families across Africa. He concluded that the gathering was more than just an academic meeting but a celebration of partnership, innovation, and commitment to advancing reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. The conference will close on Friday, 19 September 2025, with delegates expected to issue a joint communiqué on strengthening reproductive health systems in Africa. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The National Unity Platform (NUP) has cleared seven candidates from Lango subregion to contest in the 2026 parliamentary elections, in a move seen as a bold step towards expanding the party’s presence in northern Uganda. The successful vetting took place on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at NUP headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala, and was met with jubilation from both aspirants and their supporters. The approved candidates are David Galla Okullo (Oyam North), Omang Emmanuel (Kole South), Edam Edward (Kole North), Ageno Harriet (Woman MP, Dokolo District), Enyum Denise (Kioga County, Amolatar), Enyang Churchill (Northern Region MP for Persons with Disabilities), and Otim Maxwell (Otuke County). The development marks a significant shift from the 2021 general elections, when NUP fielded only a handful of candidates in Lango and failed to secure any parliamentary seats. The region has traditionally been dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). David Galla Okullu, who is seeking to represent Oyam North, said the clearance reflected the party’s growing influence in Lango. He argued that NUP’s policies were rooted in development and aligned with the aspirations of ordinary Ugandans. He added that the party was now better positioned to challenge the long-standing dominance of rival political forces in the region. He said that the people of Lango deserved a new chapter in leadership and urged voters to support NUP candidates in the forthcoming elections. Party officials described the exercise as part of a broader strategy to strengthen NUP’s structures in northern Uganda and to ensure competitive representation across the country. Analysts say the entry of vetted NUP candidates could reshape the political dynamics in Lango, where loyalty has historically swung between the NRM and UPC. With 2026 fast approaching, attention will now turn to how the party mobilises grassroots support in a region where it previously struggled to make electoral gains. Source

Kole, Uganda | Bishop Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok has urged Christians in Alito Parish and neighboring areas to reject vote-buying, describing it as a form of theft that undermines leadership integrity and harms communities. He made the appeal during a confirmation ceremony at Obuto Catholic Chapel on September 17, 2025. The ceremony, which saw at least 191 parishioners receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, also marked the official establishment of Obuto St. Peter and Paul Chapel as a Eucharistic Centre, a development warmly received by the faithful. During his homily, Bishop Wanok reminded Christians that God’s Holy Spirit strengthens and renews believers, transforming lives within families and communities. He emphasized the need for unity in the Church and society, urging parishioners to use their talents and gifts to positively impact their communities, cautioning that unused gifts could be lost. The bishop commended the parish choir, women’s guild, and catechists for their dedication to parish life. He also encouraged parents to nurture their children with love and guidance, and advised youth to develop their talents in sports and music to promote harmony and social cohesion. Bishop Wanok concluded with a prayer for the renewal of families and the parish community, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse society of hatred, bad politics, and religious discrimination, while encouraging Christians to be active agents of peace and transformation in their communities. #LDNA Source

Lira, Uganda | The long-awaited National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth elections are scheduled for Thursday, September 18, following the postponement made last month. The elections, which were originally planned for Kololo and Kasooli, will now take place at decentralized district tally centers across Uganda, giving delegates the opportunity to vote for national youth Members of Parliament, northern youth MPs, and other key party positions. Lango NRM youth leaders, together with their counterparts from across Uganda, have called on the NRM Electoral Commission and party officials to ensure a fair, transparent, and unbiased election process. While the shift to district centers is intended to make the process more accessible, concerns remain about the potential for manipulation and unfair practices. Ongora Brian Yeko, Chairperson of the Lira City Youth League, highlighted the importance of conducting the elections with integrity. He stressed the need for the process to be free from intimidation or bias, and urged district election officers and other stakeholders to perform their duties fairly and transparently. According to Ongora, delegates must be able to vote without fear of manipulation, with the results reflecting the true will of the people. Sodrick Ogwang, Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in Lira District, welcomed the rescheduling but expressed concerns about the possibility of electoral malpractice. He emphasized that delegates should prioritize electing leaders who can effectively address the issues of young people in Parliament, rather than those offering empty promises. Ogwang urged the electorate to focus on the quality of leadership, rather than short-term gains or superficial promises. Ocato Ambrose, Secretary of Publicity for the NRM Youth League in Lira City East Division, called for unity within the party following the elections. He acknowledged that not every candidate would win, but urged all members to support the elected leaders in the interest of party cohesion. Ocato emphasized that the election process should serve to strengthen trust within the NRM, rather than cause division. He stressed that voting should be based on the candidates’ ability to lead and address youth issues, not on financial incentives or short-term promises. Musa Opio, Vice Chairperson for the NRM Youth League in Lira City West, acknowledged the financial burden caused by the election delay, particularly for candidates and delegates who had incurred travel costs. Despite the challenges, Opio expressed optimism about the decentralized voting process, noting that it would be more manageable and inclusive for a larger number of delegates. He reiterated the need for the Electoral Commission to ensure that the election results reflect the true will of the delegates, free from external influence or manipulation. Lango youth leaders also called on candidates’ agents to remain vigilant during the election, urging them to document any irregularities to protect the credibility of the process. James Kinobe, NRM CEC Commissioner, confirmed that the party had allocated 24 youth positions and would finance the elections to reduce the role of money in influencing the outcome. He assured that the NRM is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and democratic election process. Source

Oyam, Uganda | A total of 2,439 pupils, representing 43% of the 5,702 candidates who sat for the 2025 Primary Seven mock examinations in Oyam District, have been placed in Division U, the outright failure category. The sharp figure has triggered widespread concern among education leaders and community stakeholders. The results, released at the Oyam District Council Room, on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, revealed that only 98 pupils, just 2% achieved Division One, while 764 (13%) were placed in Division Two. Another 845 (15%) fell into Division Three, 1,285 (23%) into Division Four, and 224 (4%) were ungraded in Division X. Despite a rise in the number of candidates compared to last year, performance levels dropped significantly. According to Thomas Bosa Okello, Secretary for Oyam District Examination Board, the 2025 examinations were poorly executed compared to 2024, with private schools producing most of the top performers. He noted that the gap between private and government schools continued to pose a major challenge to equitable learning outcomes. Of the total candidates, 3,130 were boys (55%), and 2,572 were girls (45%). Kamdini Sub-county registered the best performance overall, followed by Oyam Town Council. Education leaders identified poor reading comprehension, weak English proficiency, and insufficient exam preparation as major barriers. Many pupils also struggled with answering structured questions and showed gaps in critical thinking skills. Beatrice Hellen Auma, Oyam District Secretary for Education and Sports, said the current results should serve as a wake-up call and insisted that schools must take full responsibility for preparing candidates adequately. She urged headteachers to strengthen leadership within schools and to engage teachers more actively in efforts to raise performance. Joan Ketty Apio, Headmistress of Alworopii Primary School, observed that the lack of feeding programs was undermining learning and appealed for stronger parental and community support. Maxwell Okao, Headteacher of Akucawitim Primary School, suggested grouping learners according to their academic ability to help improve overall outcomes. District Education Officer David Adea emphasized that teachers needed to pay close attention to correcting mistakes identified in the mock examinations. He also appealed to the government to address systemic issues by improving teacher welfare, including salaries and incentives. Adea warned that unless urgent interventions were made, the national Primary Leaving Examinations later this year could reflect even worse outcomes. The poor results have left many parents and community members worried, with education officials stressing that both government and households must work together to reverse the declining trend. Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | Farmers in Northern Uganda have been advised to prepare for near-average rainfall during the September – December 2025 season, according to the government’s latest climate outlook. The forecast, dated September 4 and signed by the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, projects near-normal rains across several eastern districts of the region including Amolatar, Dokolo, Lira, Alebtong, Kole, Apac, Pader, Kitgum, Agago, and Otuke. The guidance was shared on Monday, September 15, during a one-day farmer training organized by Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAPAD) in Oyiro Amyem Village, Okwang Sub-county, Otuke District. The session drew farmers from six villages for sensitization on climate-smart agriculture and adaptation measures. Agriculture expert Benson Abuka, formerly with the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), urged farmers to adopt practices such as timely weeding, proper crop spacing, and timely harvesting to boost yields. He encouraged households in flood-prone areas to grow water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane and to implement soil conservation techniques such as contour farming to reduce erosion. Abuka also warned of potential pest and disease outbreaks, advising farmers to remain vigilant and to seek timely support from agricultural extension workers. For livestock keepers, he emphasized surveillance against diseases such as foot and mouth, moving animals from waterlogged areas, and proper disposal of carcasses to prevent contamination. FAPAD representative Mrs. Asiyati Gift reminded participants to put into practice the skills they had acquired and share them with neighbors who did not attend. Olworngu Parish LC II Chairperson, Patrick Omara Laban, who has benefited from FAPAD’s programs over the years, praised the organization for its consistency. He noted that many farmers in the area were already reaping the benefits of such trainings and encouraged the NGO to maintain its support. Source

Oyam, Uganda | More than 30 young men in Oyam District are earning a living by ferrying passengers across Akot Swamp, a hazardous yet vital waterway linking Oyam Town Council and Iceme Subcounty. The swamp, located between Akotcwe village in Aberabwot B Parish and settlements in Barokok and Aluta cells, serves as the shortest and most affordable route for residents. Passengers pay between UGX 500 and UGX 3,000 depending on the load, far cheaper than alternative routes, which are longer and costlier. For many locals, the crossing is the only practical way to reach markets, health facilities, and the district’s administrative offices. The job, however, exposes the youth to multiple risks, Daniel Okello, 26, who has been operating a boat for eight years, said the trade had enabled him to support his family but that conditions remained harsh. He explained that they lacked sanitation facilities, were often underpaid by clients, faced threats from aquatic animals, and sometimes endured harassment from groups such as the so-called “Bankok boys.” Bonny Okech, Vice Chairperson of the Akot Swamp Boat Sailors, described the trade as little more than a struggle to survive. He warned that a growing number of school-age boys were abandoning their education to join the business, stressing that as a leader, he could not tolerate dropouts joining the work since their future needed to be protected. Okech further appealed for government and political leaders to intervene, saying that the construction of a bridge across Akot Swamp would ease travel and improve access to essential services such as Anyeke Health Centre IV and the district headquarters. Despite the dangers, some of the boatmen viewed the work as a stepping stone to greater opportunities. Richard Okello, another sailor, said the trade had transformed their lives, noting that they were now investing in livestock and had started a savings group to strengthen their financial position. For now, the young sailors continue their daily routine across the swamp, balancing the risks of the trade against the pressing need to earn a living. Source