Ebong Michael

Dokolo, Uganda | The Office of Dokolo South Member of Parliament, Felix Okot Ogong, has rehabilitated four boreholes in Kangai Subcounty, improving access to safe and clean water for the community. According to Tonny Obwona, the legislator’s political assistant for Kwera Subcounty, the boreholes restored are located at Aliwok Primary School, Angweya Village in Angwenya Parish, Oyirogole Primary School, and Adwonger Village in Chawagere Parish. Jimmy Okot, the chairperson of the Water User Committee at Aliwok, confirmed that new pipes and connecting rods were fitted during the works. He appealed to residents to safeguard the water sources and ensure their sustainability. Residents in the affected areas welcomed the initiative, commending the MP for addressing water challenges. Community members described the project as timely, given the increasing demand for safe drinking water in Kangai. Some residents also noted that such interventions reflect the legislator’s commitment to giving back to his voters, urging continued support for his leadership. Source

Soroti, Uganda | The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has directed the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to arrest individuals posing as ICU officials and extorting money from villagers in the name of the government’s Cattle Restocking Program. In a statement issued on September 11, ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole said the cultural institution had received reports of fraudsters moving from village to village claiming to register residents for the program. He clarified that ICU is not carrying out any registration for cattle restocking, noting that the initiative is a government program still under consultation. Ocole explained that the union has already alerted the Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies to investigate and arrest anyone found engaging in what he described as illegal and fraudulent activity. He emphasized that the only exercise ICU is currently undertaking is the ICU Census, which started in March and is still ongoing. According to him, the census is strictly meant for development planning and policy formulation for the Iteso people and should not be confused with the government’s cattle restocking initiative. The ICU has since urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid falling victim to fraudsters, and report such cases immediately to ICU offices or to the nearest police station. Ocole reaffirmed the union’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Iteso people while working with government and development partners to ensure accountability and the success of legitimate programs. Source

Soroti, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Kumam, HRH Papa Raphael Otaya, has placed maternal and child health at the centre of his cultural leadership by calling on his subjects to donate blood in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society. Operating under the theme “Unity and Health: Save a Mother, Save a Life,” the campaign seeks to reduce preventable deaths linked to persistent blood shortages in health facilities. Mothers facing complications during childbirth, accident victims, children with severe anaemia, and patients undergoing major surgery remain the most affected when blood is scarce. HRH Otaya urged residents of Kalaki, Kaberamaido, Soroti and other districts to embrace voluntary blood donation as a civic and cultural duty. He emphasised that saving lives goes beyond hospitals and requires the collective responsibility of communities. The Uganda Red Cross Society hailed the involvement of the Kumam cultural institution, noting that traditional leaders play a critical role in influencing public behaviour. Officials expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly raise awareness and increase blood collections in Eastern Uganda. Source

Soroti, Uganda | The government has officially commissioned the Soroti Regional Blood Bank, bringing long-awaited relief to residents of the Teso sub-region who have for years grappled with life-threatening blood shortages. Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the event, accompanied by the Minister for Teso Affairs, Dr. Kenneth Ongalo Obote, and the State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru. Hundreds of residents, especially youth, turned up in large numbers to donate blood during what became a community-wide celebration. The launch marked the end of a protracted and controversial construction process that began in 2021 but faced multiple setbacks, delaying the facility’s completion by nearly five years. Residents expressed overwhelming relief, with many describing the blood bank as a lifesaving milestone. One mother from Soroti City, who lost her child in 2022 due to a delayed blood transfusion, said the new facility gave her a renewed sense of security, knowing that critical blood supplies would now be available closer to home. The construction of the blood bank was initially awarded to Rene Onei Investments but was later handed to Geses (U) Ltd following poor performance. The project was plagued by financial setbacks, allegations of corruption, and inadequate supervision. Geses (U) Ltd Director, Peter Nkurunungyi, acknowledged that his company had encountered serious financial challenges and that the pace of construction had not met initial expectations. He, however, said his team worked around the clock to meet the government’s January 2025 deadline. Health professionals at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital said lives had been lost weekly due to the region’s dependence on Mbale for blood supply. They said the long distance often resulted in patients dying before blood could be delivered. Principal Medical Officer Dr. Bbumba Ahmed, who had previously criticized the slow pace of the project, noted that the hospital was deeply frustrated by how the matter had been handled. He, however, welcomed the launch, calling it a sign that the challenges of the past were finally behind them. The facility is expected to serve over two million people across Teso and the neighboring districts, providing timely collection, screening, storage, and distribution of blood products. It is also anticipated to significantly reduce reliance on blood supplies from Mbale and Kampala. Vice President Alupo said the investment went beyond improving health outcomes. She described it as a social and economic catalyst that would enhance service delivery, create employment, and ease the financial and emotional burden on patients and their families, who previously had to travel long distances in search of blood. She urged health workers and administrators to ensure proper management of the facility, warning that corruption and mismanagement had been key reasons for the project’s delays. She emphasized that the people of Teso deserved transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. Dr. Alfred Anyonga, Soroti’s City Health Officer, said the blood bank would play a critical role in reducing mortality rates, especially among mothers, accident victims, and children with severe malaria. He added that the facility would also help decongest Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and allow national hospitals to focus on more complex medical procedures. The inauguration was met with a surge in voluntary blood donations, largely driven by youth groups. One university student said the motivation behind their participation was the assurance that donated blood would now remain within the region and directly benefit their communities. Despite the celebrations, concerns persist about the systemic weaknesses that allowed a fully funded public health project to stall for years. Some stakeholders argued that stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms must be enforced to prevent similar failures in future public infrastructure projects. Caroline Twinobusingye, the Clerk of Works at Soroti Hospital, stressed that while the facility had been completed, its long-term success would depend on continuous supervision and proper maintenance. She warned that without vigilance, the region risked sliding back into another health crisis. For the people of Teso, the launch was a long-overdue but welcome victory. After years of stalled construction, legal battles, and public frustration, Soroti now has a functional blood bank – one that could save thousands of lives for generations to come. Vice President Alupo concluded that the facility was more than a building, describing it as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Teso. Source

Apac, Uganda | Police in Apac District are holding a 32-year-old woman, Nankebe Susan, for safe custody after she reportedly escaped from captivity following an alleged abduction in Nakasongola District. Nankebe, a resident of Nabiswera Trading Centre in Budyebo County, Nakasongola District, and proprietor of Nayanja Bar, says she was abducted on the evening of Saturday, September 6, 2025, as she returned home from Nalukonge SDA Church in Rwabiata village. According to police, Nankebe claimed she was accosted by two unidentified men driving a vehicle whose registration she could not capture. She alleged that the men forced her into the vehicle, where she found two other women with their faces covered. Before her own face was tied, she reportedly saw a pistol placed on the co-driver’s seat. The victims were allegedly transported to an undisclosed location, where they joined three other women bringing the total number of captives to six. While in captivity, the abductors are said to have forced the women to use their phones to contact relatives and demand ransom money. In Nankebe’s case, the attackers reportedly demanded UGX 6 million. The captives’ phones were allegedly taken and kept by the abductors to control all communication. On Monday, September 8, Nankebe reportedly managed to escape when the victims were taken outside to bathe. She is said to have fled the location while partially dressed in a lesu and kept asking for directions to the nearest police station until she arrived at Apac Central Police Station. Police confirmed that Nankebe did not report any physical mistreatment or beatings during her captivity, although she stated that the abductors denied them food. She is currently under police protection at Apac CPS as arrangements are being made to transport her back to Nakasongola. The North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, noted that such cases of abduction are becoming increasingly common and are believed to be part of criminal extortion schemes. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities promptly to help security forces apprehend the perpetrators. Source

Katakwi, Uganda | Grief and shock have swept through Akore village in Okuda Parish, Ongongonja Sub County, Katakwi District, after a man allegedly killed four members of his immediate family in a brutal attack on Friday night. The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Oucul, is said to have carried out the assault between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, during a heavy downpour. He reportedly used a hoe and a traditional mortar pestle—commonly known as arukit—to bludgeon his victims to death. Those killed have been identified as Gerald Okure alias Olemucut (80), the suspect’s grandfather; Christine Atim (54), his mother; and two children: Martha Akiteng (7) and Josephine Agwang (4). The suspect’s wife, Agnes Aanyu, sustained life-threatening head injuries during the attack. She was first rushed to Katakwi General Hospital, before being referred to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Local clan leaders have pointed to long-standing concerns about the suspect’s mental health and drug abuse. According to Simon Peter Ongede, head of the Ikorinyanga clan, Oucul was widely known in the community as a habitual user of marijuana and was believed to be mentally unstable. He said the suspect’s erratic behaviour had been noticed for some time and may have played a role in the killings. Neighbours reported that Oucul lived in the same homestead with the victims and turned violent without warning, leaving the entire community reeling in disbelief. The killings have drawn strong condemnation from leaders in Katakwi District. Geoffrey Omolo, the District LC5 Chairperson, described the attack as “one of the most evil and inhumane acts” the area has witnessed in recent times. He confirmed that the suspect deliberately used a hoe and pestle to murder his relatives. The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Stephen Okure Ilemukorit, expressed concern over the growing trend of violent crimes in the district. He revealed that just a day prior, a young man had been stabbed to death in Usuk Sub County in a suspected love affair dispute. He said such cases were becoming alarmingly frequent. Ilemukorit attributed the rise in violence to increasing drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, which he said was contributing to mental health deterioration. He urged parents, community elders, and local leaders to play a more active role in mentoring and guiding the youth away from drugs. On Saturday morning, residents gathered at the scene of the killings, visibly shaken and struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The homestead remained cordoned off as police continued investigations. Community members are now calling for urgent action to address the twin crises of drug abuse and mental illness in rural areas. The suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations, although authorities in Katakwi Central Police station have not yet issued a comprehensive statement on the incident. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Alebtong, Mathias Lutwama, has urged Christians to embrace both spiritual and state-led initiatives as complementary forces for community growth and national progress. Addressing the faithful at Okwiamone on Sunday, 7 September 2025, Lutwama reflected on the distinct but interconnected roles of Church and State. He noted that while the Church centres on the immortality of the soul, the State addresses material and social development, both ultimately leading to the glory of God. Mr Lutwama outlined four key messages to the congregation: • Education: He appealed to parents to invest in the education of their children, citing the government’s recent increment in capitation grants for pupils in government primary schools as evidence of commitment to improving learning outcomes. • Maternal Health: He stressed the need for mothers to adhere to prenatal and postnatal care. In Alebtong District, he said, ambulances are operational with fuel provided by government, eliminating the need for citizens to bear transport costs during medical emergencies. • Support for the Church: The Deputy RDC announced that Ajuri County MP, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, had contributed UGX 1.5 million towards the construction of Okwiamone Chapel. The funds were handed to Monsignor Valentino Opio, Vicar General of Lira Catholic Diocese, who publicly confirmed receipt before the congregation. • National Stability: He also highlighted remarks by Alebtong Assistant RDC, Okello Jimmy, who explained President Yoweri Museveni’s emphasis on peace and stability as the foundation for development under the National Resistance Movement (NRM). In closing, Lutwama said that although the Church and State may operate differently, their joint efforts must converge towards serving humanity and honouring God. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | A farmers’ cooperative in Dokolo District has announced plans to construct a permanent 500-metric-ton storage facility to address rising post-harvest losses and improve produce management. The Kwera Youth Oil Seed Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, based at Abuli trading centre in Kwera Sub County, currently relies on rented satellite stores scattered across villages. Its main storage facility can only accommodate 25 metric tons. With over 2,000 members producing soybeans, maize, and sunflower, the cooperative says the rented stores are not only inadequate but also pose financial and security risks. General Manager Musa Aluka noted that the increasing harvest volumes had overwhelmed their facilities. He explained that the cooperative’s small store could not handle the produce, and the use of multiple rented stores was risky since they had only one security guard. He added that some of the rented facilities leaked, leading to losses due to poor storage conditions. Aluka further said the cooperative was mobilising funds locally but admitted the contributions from members might not be enough. He mentioned that they were also seeking support from private banks, donors, and other well-wishers to realise the construction of the new store. District leaders welcomed the initiative, saying it would boost farmers’ incomes and reduce exploitation. Francis Ogwal Nam, Secretary for Production, Marketing, Natural Resources, and Local Economic Development in Dokolo, stressed that the district would direct any available support towards building proper stores. He pointed out that reliable storage would encourage bulking and limit the influence of middlemen, who often took profits that should have gone to farmers. He also advised farmers to embrace agriculture as a backbone of wealth creation and to adopt income-generating projects that could strengthen household resilience. Kwera Subcounty LCIII Chairperson David Adim Awany also urged residents to invest in cooperative development. He argued that working together through cooperatives would increase household incomes and reduce exploitation by middlemen. He added that as plans for the large store are underway, unity among members would help them achieve their goals. The cooperative already provides services such as tractor hire, agro-input sales, soybean seed multiplication, and maize shelling. Source

Lira, Uganda | National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ogwang Patrick Medmac has been nominated to contest in the forthcoming Lira City mayoral elections, promising to end what he described as years of corruption and poor service delivery. Ogwang, who enjoys strong grassroots support, said his administration will be anchored on transparency, accountability, and service to the people. He pledged to confront corruption head-on, insisting that the city’s resources must be used to improve roads, strengthen waste management, and support businesses rather than enrich a few individuals. The mandate of a city mayor stretches beyond politics. It involves shaping urban planning, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring sanitation, mobilizing local revenue, attracting investment, and overseeing effective service delivery in sectors such as health and education. A mayor is also tasked with providing leadership that unites citizens around development priorities. Ogwang positioned himself as the candidate most suited to these demands, highlighting his commitment to modernizing road networks, expanding drainage systems, upgrading public health facilities, and boosting the local business environment to create jobs. He also pledged to restore trust between the city administration and residents through regular consultation and inclusive governance. His supporters point to his reputation for integrity, humility, and a long record of advocating for youth empowerment and community development. They argue that these qualities give him a competitive edge in a race where accountability and service delivery have become central voter concerns. Ogwang Patrick Medmac will face incumbent Mayor Sam Atul, the NRM flag bearer, independent candidate George Okello Ayo, and others in a contest that is expected to test the appetite for change in Lira City’s leadership. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Catholic Diocese of Lira, on Thursday, 4 September 2025, witnessed the ordination of two priests and ten deacons at the Ordination Grounds in Lira City, marking a significant milestone for the church. Moments at Lira Cathedral Ordination Grounds | Photo by Eddy Olwa The newly ordained priests are Rev. Fr. Ray Atula and Rev. Fr. George O. Ochieng, while the ten deacons include Ambrose Adupa, Brian Obbo, Jimmy Dila, Ceasor Opio, Emmanuel Okello, Isaac Opio, Samson Odongo, Dicken Opoo, Lawrence Ojok, and David Onyango. Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok described the ordinations as a testament to spiritual growth and formation. He expressed gratitude to the families of the ordinands for their sacrifices and said the new priests and deacons must serve with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith, even amidst modern challenges. He noted that the ordinands had undergone thorough spiritual and academic formation and urged them to remain steadfast in their mission to serve God and the Church. The event also featured remarks from Lango Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) His Royal Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, who highlighted rising domestic violence, alcoholism, and family disputes in Lango. He indicated that such issues are contributing to an increasing number of street children. He encouraged the newly ordained priests and deacons to actively visit homes affected by domestic strife and provide guidance and counselling through the gospel. He also advised families to take advantage of government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme, EMYOOGA, and GROW, among others, to improve their livelihoods. Odongo Okune further called for unity among cultural leaders and requested the Bishop’s intervention in resolving minor disputes, stressing that collaboration is essential for the development of Lango culture. Innocent Omongo, Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee, reminded the congregation that serving God requires personal sacrifice and a heart for humanity. He encouraged the clergy to let their service reflect the love and teachings of Christ. Msgr. Fr. Valente Innocent Opio, Vicar General of Lira Diocese, highlighted the difficulties faced by students at Aboke Minor Seminary, particularly severe food shortages. He conveyed Bishop Wanok’s appeal for every chapel under the diocese to contribute a basin of maize, a basin of beans, and UGX 200,000 to support the seminary starting next month, emphasizing the importance of caring for those in training to serve the Church. Hundreds of worshippers, families, cultural leaders, and dignitaries attended the ceremony, which not only marked a spiritual milestone but also served as a reminder of the Church’s role in addressing social and cultural challenges in Lango. Source