Ebong Michael

Lira, Uganda | Two renowned Lango academics, Dr. Laury Lawrence Ocen and Prof. Opio Okaka Dokotum (Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lira University), are set to launch a landmark autobiographical book titled Caden Me Kwo Wa on 2 August 2025 at Lira Hotel, in what is being hailed as a significant step in the promotion of indigenous literature in Uganda. Written entirely in Leb Lango, the book is one of the first full-length autobiographical works in the local language and reflects a growing movement to preserve and elevate African languages in academic and creative writing. During a press briefing held in Lira City on Wednesday, Dr. Ocen, who serves as a senior lecturer and Head of the Department of Professional Studies at the Faculty of Education at Lira University, explained that the book is not merely a personal memoir but a collective journey of the Lango people, Uganda, and Africa more broadly. He said the authors aimed to blend their personal stories with an exploration of key historical and social events that have shaped their lives and communities. Caden Me Kwo Wa presents a dual narrative exploring themes such as African nationalism, cultural identity, and psychosocial resilience. It chronicles significant chapters in Uganda’s turbulent history, including the 1960s post-independence crisis, the 1971 coup led by Idi Amin, the 1979 liberation war, and the devastating Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. The authors examine genealogy, clan structures, and oral literature traditions, offering insights into the role of community, poetry, and indigenous knowledge in maintaining identity during periods of upheaval. Beyond its historical and cultural depth, the book is positioned as a vital academic resource for students and scholars of education, history, political science, anthropology, and child development. The authors argue that indigenous languages, such as Leb Lango, carry important worldviews and cultural nuances that are often diluted or lost in translation, thus reinforcing the case for mother-tongue writing in academic and creative fields. The title, Caden Me Kwo Wa, which loosely translates to “The Journey of Our Lives,” was chosen to reflect both the personal experiences of the authors and the collective narratives of survival, struggle, and transformation within their society. The launch ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM on 2 August 2025 at Lira Hotel, with a wide array of guests expected from the academic, cultural, and educational sectors. Engineer Dr. Charles Wanna, ETM, will serve as the main speaker, while Prof. Jasper Watson Ogwal Okeng, the Vice Chancellor of Lira University, will be the Guest of Honour. Other expected attendees include representatives from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), National Curriculum Development Centre, Lira Chamber of Commerce, and Lango community members from Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe. The launch is also open to the general public, including educators, students, and cultural leaders, who are anticipated to attend in large numbers to celebrate what many consider a milestone in indigenous literature and African identity preservation. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira City education officials have urged students at Mentor St. Mary Magdalene Campus to take ownership of the revised national curriculum and uphold discipline, unity, and responsibility. Delivering a message on behalf of the City Education Officer, Ogwang Andrew Oyang, Senior Education Officer Nixton Peter Ocen commended the school’s growth and legacy. Ocen, a former teacher at the institution from 2011 to 2014, encouraged student leaders to lead by example and be agents of positive change. He challenged learners to approach the new curriculum with curiosity and resilience, describing it as a vital tool for navigating the demands of the 21st century. The remarks were made during the school’s Feast Day and Prefect Handover Ceremony, which also featured a Eucharistic Mass led by Rev. Fr. Francis. The priest called on students to emulate the values of the school’s patron saint, Mary Magdalene. Headteacher Grace Angom applauded the outgoing prefects for their service and urged the new leadership to demonstrate integrity and responsibility. A representative from the Board of Governors hailed the student body for its discipline and leadership, particularly praising outgoing Head Prefect Tracy for her dedication. The ceremony drew attendees from other Mentor campuses, including Akwayo and Gwengabara, and ended with the formal handover of leadership responsibilities. Source

Lira, Uganda | Dokolo North has qualified for the semi-finals of the 2025 Dwog Pacu Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Otuke East in the quarterfinals played at Lira Technical College ground. The only goal of the match came early in the 2nd minute, when Omara Joshua capitalized on a quick attack to put Dokolo North ahead. The match was tightly contested, with Otuke East pushing hard for an equalizer but failing to break through Dokolo’s solid defense. Dokolo North managed to maintain control for the remainder of the game, showing tactical discipline and resilience. The Dwog Pacu Cup 2025 is a premier football tournament in the Lango sub-region, featuring all 21 constituencies competing for regional honors. With this win, Dokolo North joins Lira City West and Kioga Constituency as confirmed semi-finalists. The last quarterfinal fixture is scheduled for tomorrow at the UTC ground in Lira, where Otuke Constituency will face Erute North, both aiming to claim the final semi-final berth. The semi-finals promise exciting matchups as the competition moves closer to crowning the 2025 champions. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Electoral Commission has released key guidelines for the upcoming elections of delegates representing non-unionised workers across the country, ahead of the 2026 National Delegates Conference. According to the Commission, the process will begin at the grassroots level where eligible workers those employed with valid employment identity cards and not affiliated with any labour union will nominate and vote for their representatives. The Commission emphasized that nominations will be done orally and begin at 7:00am, supported by a proposer and two seconders. Voting will follow immediately and will be conducted by lining up behind the preferred candidate. Special attention will be given to gender representation, with three slots reserved for women delegates at each level. Each level will elect ten delegates, though these individuals will not take on leadership positions such as chairperson, vice chairperson, or secretary. Instead, they will serve solely as delegates to higher levels of representation. The ten elected delegates from each region will later represent their respective regions at the National Delegates Conference. This Conference will be responsible for electing Members of Parliament representing workers in the next Parliament. The elections at the national level are scheduled to take place between January 12 and February 9, 2026, with specific dates to be confirmed by the Electoral Commission. Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, called on all eligible non-unionised workers to participate in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to elect their leaders. The Commission has reiterated its commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) is once again gripped by internal turmoil after party president Jimmy Akena dismissed three members of the party’s Electoral Commission for allegedly overstepping their mandate and unlawfully declaring a new party president. The officials Jack Kabuusu (Vice Chairperson), Magere Emmanuel Were, and Naume Natukunda are said to have written to the national Electoral Commission on July 21, informing it that Kampala-based lawyer Dennis Adim Enap had been elected unopposed as the UPC president for the 2025-2030 term. The trio cited a May 18 High Court ruling, which they interpreted as an instruction for the party to conduct fresh presidential elections. However, the party leadership has dismissed their actions as irregular, unconstitutional, and without the endorsement of the party’s National Council the supreme policy-making organ of UPC. UPC insiders say the declaration is considered null and void because no such election took place within the official party structures. They added that the individuals acted without any legal or procedural authority and therefore violated the party’s constitution. Disciplinary measures are now being prepared against the three officials, whom the party accuses of gross misconduct and bringing UPC into disrepute. In a letter dated July 20, 2025, UPC Electoral Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Kazimbiraine stated that Dennis Adim Enap had been disqualified from the race for grossly violating the party’s electoral roadmap, internal guidelines, and constitutional provisions. The controversy stems from a court ruling in which Adim successfully challenged Jimmy Akena’s nomination as UPC presidential candidate for the 2025–2030 term. The High Court found Akena’s nomination to be illegal, null and void, and barred him from further participation in the party’s presidential election process. Despite this, the UPC leadership maintains that the party’s official electoral roadmap remains valid and that no person or group has the authority to declare leadership changes outside the established legal framework. Efforts to reach the dismissed officials and Dennis Adim Enap for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication. The unfolding drama has further exposed deep factional divisions within UPC, casting uncertainty over the party’s stability ahead of the 2026 general elections. Source

Oyam, Uganda | Two top officials have been arrested and charged in connection with alleged electoral fraud during the recently concluded NRM party primaries in Oyam District. The incident, which has rocked the political landscape of Oyam North, stems from complaints filed by parliamentary aspirants Okello Stephen alias Marisona and Okello Engola Junior, who claim that results from some sub-counties were fraudulently altered in favour of a rival candidate, Willy Omodo Omodo. The primaries, held on 17th July 2025, saw vote tallying commence past midnight into the early hours of 18th July. While the declaration of results in Oyam South Constituency proceeded smoothly, tension escalated during the announcement of results for Oyam North. According to reports, both aspirants confronted the District Registrar, Ms. Adong Jacqueline, and stopped her from declaring the winner, citing discrepancies in the tallies. The two later exited the tally centre peacefully and proceeded to file a formal complaint at Oyam Central Police Station around 12:08 a.m. on 21st July 2025. A joint investigation was immediately launched under the guidance of ACP Kagarura Bob and D/SSP Batte Daniel, involving officers from the Regional Police Team and the Police Headquarters in Kampala. Following investigations, police arrested Bosco Onyik Ogwal, the NRM District Chairperson, and Adong Jacqueline, the District Registrar. The two are facing charges of forgery and conspiracy to commit a felony. Police confirmed that statements were recorded from all key witnesses and that the case file was submitted to the Resident State Attorney, who sanctioned it. The suspects are expected to appear before court on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025. North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, said that the investigation was thorough and followed due process. He urged all political actors to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. The NRM Electoral Commission is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Source

Kumi, Uganda | Health authorities in Kumi District have declared a measles outbreak after six out of ten children tested turned out positive. District Health Educator Adae said the results prompted the official declaration of an outbreak. He urged residents of Kumi and the greater Teso region to report any signs or symptoms of measles or related illnesses to health workers immediately. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary gatherings and ensure their children are immunized against measles and other childhood diseases. The District Health Office, with support from the Ministry of Health and partners, is mobilizing resources to conduct an emergency immunization campaign targeting children under five in the affected sub-counties. Dr. Ongola said the health department is working with village health teams (VHTs), local leaders, and schools to ensure immunization and hygiene messages reach every household. Source

Mukono, Uganda | Security agencies have arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of Mr. Wayengera Godfrey, an employee of Compassion International Uganda, who was killed in early June while travelling from Mbale to Kampala. According to authorities, Mr. Godfrey and his colleague, Ms. Christine Najjabi were intercepted on 9 June 2025 by unidentified assailants dressed in military attire. The attack occurred while the two were en route to Kampala. Mr. Godfrey was murdered, and his body was later dumped in Namulira Village, Mukono District. Ms. Najjabi survived the incident and has since been assisting investigators. A joint operation conducted by the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies has since made significant progress in identifying and apprehending those believed to be behind the attack. During the course of the investigation, five suspects were arrested, and one SAR rifle, along with several sets of military and police uniforms, were recovered. The suspects are:• Tumusiime Ashraf, alias Obadiah, 40, a resident of Kireka, was apprehended at Ku Sattu along Kayunga Road in Mukono District.• Ssenteza Mike, 40, from Wakiso District, was arrested in Busawuli Ward.• Kasolo Fahad, 30, known to reside in both Nabweru and Kireka, was taken into custody on Kamuli Road, Kireka.• Sgt. Mwesige Muhammad, alias Jet Lee or Munamakerere, 50, a known army deserter from Kagugube, was captured in Wandegeya.• Cpl Mugabe Borban Aspa, an active-duty army officer and resident of Kagugube, was also arrested in Wandegeya. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a well-organised criminal gang operating along Katosi Road in Mukono District. The group allegedly targeted travellers and traders, often using stolen or fake military uniforms to impersonate security personnel. Police sources indicated that the ongoing operations are focused on dismantling the wider criminal network believed to be responsible for the attack. Officials stated that all necessary efforts were being made to ensure the matter reaches its logical conclusion. They further noted that the suspects in custody would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and investigations continued to track down any additional accomplices. The murder of Mr. Godfrey, who was widely recognised for his work supporting vulnerable children through Compassion International, has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society and the public. Although Compassion International Uganda has not yet issued an official statement, sources within the organisation confirmed that it is closely monitoring developments in the investigation. Security agencies have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, particularly cases involving individuals posing as security personnel. Source

Oyam, Uganda | Thousands of children under the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from across Lira Diocese gathered on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Otwal, to celebrate the annual Missionary Childhood Day. Presiding over the vibrant celebration, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, appealed to parents to embrace non-violent methods when raising children. He emphasized that violence should have no place in teaching and instead urged parents to use dialogue as the proper means of guiding their children’s moral development. The bishop noted that through dialogue, parents can effectively pass on values and serve as a true light in their communities. Bishop Wanok underscored that children are a gift from God and represent the hope of both the Church and society. He warned parents against the dangers of neglect and rejection, stating that anyone who does not want a child should avoid conceiving one. However, once a child is born, he stressed, it becomes a divine responsibility to care for them fully. Encouraging spiritual formation at home, Bishop Wanok urged parents to pray with their children, make them happy, support their dreams, and nurture them in faith, love, and hope. He emphasized the importance of helping children grow in the life of Christ by preparing them spiritually, especially to receive Holy Communion with reverence. Delivering a strong catechetical message, Bishop Wanok called on parents and stakeholders to attentively listen to children and support their moral and spiritual growth. He asked parents to show humility and remorse whenever they wrong their children or set a poor example. The bishop also tackled societal issues, warning that failure to properly guide children could lead to moral decay and corruption in the future. He noted that unchecked materialism among children was contributing to poor leadership. Using local infrastructure challenges to illustrate his point, Bishop Wanok lamented the condition of roads he had to use to reach Otwal, attributing such service delivery failures to corruption. He emphasized that someone, somewhere, had failed in their responsibility to deliver what was right. The Otwal event, held for the first time, was marked by enthusiastic participation from children. They animated the liturgy with devotional hymns, prayer intentions, and active involvement throughout the Mass. Their prayers included intentions for the universal Church, religious leaders, victims of conflict and natural disasters, the sick, the suffering, and the souls of the faithful departed. This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Children are the sowers of hope,” inspired by Mark 4:3–9. The event drew a wide range of participants, including parents, priests, civil authorities, and political leaders from Oyam District. LDNA Source

Kole, Uganda | Traditional leaders in Kole District have pledged to champion the government’s malaria vaccination campaign, promising to lead community-wide sensitization efforts aimed at dispelling myths and increasing public trust in the life-saving vaccine. Meeting under the Kole Clan Leaders Association, 23 clan heads convened on Sunday at Kole Town Council Hall, where they resolved to use their grassroots networks to mobilize support for the newly introduced vaccine. The move follows a recent sensitization workshop in Lira City organized by the Ministry of Health, where the leaders were briefed on the scientific and social value of the vaccine. Following the meeting, Jacob Owani, chairperson of the association and chief of Ayer Odwakori Clan, noted that the training had underscored the pressing need for local leadership in public health. He explained that since communities place trust in traditional leaders, it was now their responsibility to confront fear and misinformation surrounding the vaccine. Despite the government’s rollout efforts, malaria vaccine uptake in Kole remains low, particularly among young mothers. Health officials attribute this to persistent misinformation, cultural resistance, and conspiracy theories, often influenced by religious narratives. Owani observed that some community members still believed the vaccine was part of a harmful agenda. He warned that such misconceptions endangered lives and undermined national efforts to improve child health. The meeting also brought together youth representatives, women leaders, young mothers, and residents from neighbouring subcounties. The leaders unanimously agreed to use monthly rotational clan meetings as platforms to raise awareness not only about malaria vaccination but also about broader development challenges such as poverty, hygiene, and nutrition. Owani emphasized that the region could not continue to lag behind, adding that proactive leadership must begin at the grassroots. Santos Odero, a Village Health Team (VHT) leader from Amuge Parish, confirmed that vaccine hesitancy was particularly high in areas like Alito Subcounty, where community awareness about the vaccine remained low. He explained that many mothers were still reluctant to bring their children for vaccination due to a lack of proper sensitization. George Ayere, LC1 chairperson of Tekworo B Village, where the meeting took place, pointed out that poor communication between government and citizens was impeding the successful implementation of critical health programmes. He said that without regular engagement on the ground, even the most well-intentioned initiatives would struggle to achieve impact. As Uganda’s national malaria vaccine campaign gathers momentum, traditional leaders in Kole are positioning themselves as trusted intermediaries between health authorities and local communities. They hope their involvement will help change public attitudes, enabling more families to protect their children against one of the country’s most deadly diseases. Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among children under five in Uganda. The introduction of the RTS,S vaccine, the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), is expected to significantly reduce child mortality if uptake increases. Source