Ebong Michael

Lira, Uganda | Construction of the UGX 3.5 billion Lango Cultural Institution Palace has stalled after the main contractor, CMD Investment Ltd, abandoned the site, sparking concern among Lango leaders. JOIN ASUL NOW! Lango Cultural Institution Speaker Willy Omodo Omodo disclosed that the contractor had subcontracted a local firm, which used over UGX 250 million for setting the foundation. He said the workers had not been paid and that efforts by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to mediate on June 11, 2025, were undermined when CMD Investment Ltd failed to attend a scheduled meeting. This revelation emerged during a high-level engagement organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development at the Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City. The meeting, held on Friday June 20, 2025, and led by Minister Betty Amongi Akena, was part of a nationwide tour to all 17 gazetted cultural institutions to deliver President Yoweri Museveni’s message of renewed support. Minister Amongi told cultural leaders that her ministry, in collaboration with OPM, had allocated funding for palace construction for Tekwaro Lango, Kumam Cultural Heritage, and Iteso Cultural Union, institutions currently without permanent palaces. She admitted that the Lango palace project had suffered delays but promised tighter monitoring and contractor accountability moving forward. She informed the gathering that President Museveni had directed the delivery of executive vehicles and double cabins to all gazetted cultural institution heads to enhance their mobility. According to her, most cultural leaders had requested that the vehicles bear culturally significant number plates rather than standard government or private identifiers. The handover, she said, would likely occur during a meeting with the president. Amongi outlined that the monthly funding to cultural institutions had been increased from UGX 5 million to UGX 60 million. She explained that the financial support would be used under three main objectives: promoting culture and local language preservation, enhancing household incomes through government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, and fighting harmful traditional practices, especially early marriages, teenage pregnancy, and land conflicts. She cited data indicating that Lango was among the top five regions in the aftermath of COVID-19, worst affected by teenage pregnancy in Uganda, with some districts recording rates of up to 40%. She revealed that her ministry is working in partnership with international agencies, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Office of the First Lady, to combat the crisis. She also communicated a cabinet directive concerning the resettlement of Balaalo herdsmen, explaining that illegal settlers are to evicted from Northern Uganda but some had earlier relocated to Maruzi Ranch in Apac District. She noted that those who had legally acquired land were allowed to remain. Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune used the event to announce the formation of the Council of Elders (Itogo), appointing prominent figures such as Mzee Rashid Eton Otengolang, Rev. Fr. Francis Omara, Emeritus Bishop John Charles Odur Kami, among others. He said this council would play a crucial role in mediation as the region approached another round of political elections. He also unveiled a list of newly appointed advisors, including Haji Musa Odongo as Chairperson, Imat Joan Pacu Otoo as Vice Chairperson, Bishop Tom Ibrahim Okello in charge of Religion, Maj. Gen. Innocent Oula, among others. He emphasized that the upcoming political season would require wisdom and patience since not every candidate would win, and many would need moral support. Odongo Okune commended Minister Amongi and President Museveni for their contributions to the region’s cultural and infrastructural development. He credited the president for achievements such as the establishment of Lira University and road upgrades, including the tarmacking of Apac Highway. He further noted that a total of UGX 126.4 billion had been injected into Lango through the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme, benefitting over 128,000 households and 613 SACCOs. Lango Cultural Institution Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo presented the institution’s Annual Report for 2024/2025, highlighting accomplishments in sectors such as education, environmental conservation, dispute resolution, and governance. He reported that more than 500 scholarships had been secured in 2024 and over 2,000 in 2025. He noted that their environmental initiative, “Greening Lango,” had facilitated the distribution of thousands of tree seedlings, with active support from key stakeholders. He pointed out that the institution had made significant strides in protecting the vulnerable, fighting harmful traditional practices, and empowering women, including through initiatives such as the Agong Foundation. Okullo also disclosed plans to reduce the current number of clans, now at 175, in an effort to promote unity and reduce fragmentation. He added that digitising and documenting the region’s cultural heritage was underway to create cultural revenue streams and preserve identity. Otim Tom, the Chairperson of Lango Cultural Institution Electoral Commission who oversaw the March 1, 2024 election, described the process as peaceful and credible. He urged Minister Amongi as a respected leader from Lango to help resolve internal cultural disputes. He recalled a distressing incident when he was forced to stand for more than five hours in court due to challenges against the election results and encouraged all parties to de-politicise cultural institutions and respect established processes. During the event, Minister Amongi was presented with a framed portrait of the Paramount Chief and a miniature model of the proposed Lango Cultural Palace. She was also officially invited to the forthcoming Lango Women’s Conference, scheduled for 27 June 2025. She concluded by advising clan leaders to document their histories in Lango language as a way of preserving wisdom for future generations. She reminded leaders that marginalised groups such as albinos, little people, and intersex individuals could benefit from government support through the Equal Opportunities Commission and community development offices at sub-county level. Source

Soroti, Uganda | The Democratic Front (DF) party, under the leadership of Mathias Mpuuga (former leader of opposition), expanded its political presence in Eastern Uganda by officially installing former UPC Soroti City chairman Pascal Amuriat as the regional coordinator for Teso Subregion. The move followed a wave of defections from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and was marked by the launch of the DF regional office in Soroti City. Amuriat Pascal, the former Soroti City UPC chairperson and MP flag bearer for Soroti East Division, resigned from UPC ahead of this event. He cited failed leadership, weak party structures, and ideological conflicts, including an informal alliance with the NRM, as reasons for his departure. Amuriat emphasized that staying in UPC would have compromised his personal integrity and pledged to continue serving the public through the DF party. He is now contesting for Soroti East Division MP in the 2026 elections. Addressing elders, defectors, and supporters, Mpuuga thanked the elders of Teso for welcoming him and he expressed admiration for the large turnout, saying it demonstrated the people’s yearning for a fresh political alternative. He recalled asking Pascal Amuriat how many people were expected at the meeting, and Amuriat responded that it would be just a few. Mpuuga said he did not expect such a large number and urged people to join DF, emphasizing that the party was built on inclusivity and service. He used the occasion to thank Pascal Amuriat, stating that Amuriat’s joining marked a new beginning for the people of Teso. Mpuuga reassured those who defected from NUP that they were not alone and acknowledged their contributions to the party. He lamented the betrayal they had experienced and encouraged them to remain committed to building a better Uganda through DF. Mpuuga called for a new national consensus that focuses on fairness, equality, and inclusivity. He criticized the prolonged leadership in the country, arguing that it was unjust to have one person ruling for over 40 years. He said Uganda needed fresh leadership that allowed power-sharing among regions and embraced young people in leadership. He emphasized that Uganda has enough wealth for all citizens and condemned systems that favored a few while leaving the majority behind. He stressed the need for a fair competition among leaders and proposed a new political era anchored on unity and shared development. Highlighting the DF party’s symbol-a tree-Mpuuga said it represents shelter for all Ugandans and a commitment to environmental protection. He explained that the tree was chosen because it provides shelter and represents sustainability, demonstrating DF’s commitment to protecting the environment and future generations. Mpuuga introduced Amuriat Pascal as the new regional coordinator and praised his leadership capabilities. He also confirmed that DF would hold its first delegate conference soon and tasked party leaders in Teso to mobilize supporters and prepare for national outreach. The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DF and several defectors from NUP across Teso districts including Kumi, Ngora, Amuria, Serere, and Kapelebyong. The defectors cited premature leadership, lack of transparency, and tribal dominance within NUP as their reasons for leaving. They pledged to work with DF to build inclusive political structures and win seats at local and parliamentary levels. Among the defectors was Ichoto Julius, a parliamentary aspirant from Kapir County under the NRM. He accused his former party of injustice, stating that his name was removed from the nomination list without explanation. Julius expressed hope in DF as a party that brings people together. Source

By Opio Brian Lira, Uganda | In a powerful show of solidarity, advocacy, and practical engagement, women entrepreneurs in the Lango sub-region converged for a one-day Business Clinic organized by the Women in Business Awards (WiBAS). Held under the theme “Handholding Women for Business Sustainability”, the clinic attracted stakeholders from financial institutions, civil society, government, and private sector players seeking to break barriers affecting women-led businesses in Northern Uganda. The event, hosted in collaboration with Post Bank, Dfcu Bank, Pride Microfinance Bank, and Wendi, opened up candid discussions around the systemic challenges women face, particularly concerning access to credit, financial literacy, business sustainability, and market linkages. Beatrice Molly Abang, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Lira, emphasized that training a woman is equivalent to training a nation. She noted the importance of women uniting and speaking with one voice, suggesting that if women were more united, nothing would be difficult. She also praised trailblazing women in Lango, including Lillian Grace Ocari and Beatrice Lagada, but pointed to continuing gaps in record-keeping, financial literacy, and communication. Abang acknowledged government initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, but cautioned that access to traditional bank loans remains difficult due to high interest rates and lack of collateral. She urged institutions such as Post Bank, Pride Microfinance, and Housing Finance Bank to review their lending models and create products tailored to women, especially those in small and medium businesses. She further stated that the issue extends beyond access to finance, explaining that a secure business environment is also essential. She noted that many women face threats from street goons, especially market vendors and mobile money operators. She discouraged banks from pushing women into high-interest loans and advocated for expansion of GROW soft loans. Susan Ojok, a produce dealer and Chairperson of Lango Agro Input Dealers, spoke about discrimination from banks and suppliers. She said women are underlooked, with banks viewing them as liabilities and suppliers treating them as shop attendants. She stressed that despite business growth, the lack of documentation like land titles bars many women from accessing loans, with most credit agreements still requiring a man’s signature. Polline Achola discussed how men still hold too much control over women, especially in business decisions. She highlighted issues like a lack of child-friendly business environments, poor road networks, inadequate storage for perishable goods, and a disconnect between market demand and supply. She emphasized that many women need entrepreneurial training to support long-term business thinking. Athieno Eveline, a vendor at Lira Main Market, said her challenges revolve around poor sanitation, lack of hygiene, and health concerns in the market environment. She also noted that power interruptions and excessive taxes damage stock and profits. She lamented that women spend a lot on health due to these conditions. Christine Ogwang, a bakery owner, shared that despite listening to radio advertisements from Post Bank and the GROW project, her experience did not match what was promised. She said she started her bakery using NSSF savings and even imported soap-making machines from China. However, after a Post Bank officer assessed her business and showed interest, they never followed through with the loan. She was later told that GROW only funds agribusiness, and questioned why it was advertised broadly if that was the case. Post Bank’s Lira Branch Manager, Enock Okwara, acknowledged the challenge of collateral, stating that forming groups like VSLAs helps women access collective loans and manage risk. He emphasized that the bank is working on better solutions for women entrepreneurs. Henry Ekwang Cilodyang, the GROW Project Coordinator for Northern Uganda, explained that GROW funds are only available to already registered businesses and not startups. He said many applicants are denied loans due to existing debts or plans to use the funds to repay previous loans. He added that GROW’s aim is to ensure business sustainability and avoid excessive debt. Winifred Acan, Lira’s District Commercial Officer, said the government remains committed to helping women grow their businesses under programs like PDM and Emyooga. She urged women to gain confidence and maintain a strong vision for their businesses while balancing their roles as mothers. She added that it’s possible to be a mother and a businesswoman and encouraged women to form groups to benefit from collective funding and training. Winnie Lawoko Olwee, one of WiBAS’ co-founders, said their mission is to create an enabling environment for women-led SMEs. She explained that many issues stem from mismatches between government policy and what happens in practice, and between media narratives and grassroots realities. WiBAS, she said, helps bridge these gaps by building platforms like SACCOs and VSLAs. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of informal businesses, and WiBAS is now helping women-led SMEs become resilient and compliant. Grace Achire Labongo, another co-founder, said WiBAS was launched to address information gaps. She emphasized that an informed woman is an empowered woman. She noted that most women enter business without long-term planning or training and that WiBAS offers hands-on support to help women grow sustainably even if they don’t qualify for loans immediately. Labongo added that many women produce excellent goods but lack reliable markets. WiBAS is now working to connect women with consistent buyers and promote formal marketing channels. Beatrice Lagada, a board member of Post Bank Uganda, praised WiBAS for engaging key stakeholders and taking services closer to the people. She called on the bank to improve its onboarding process for VSLAs so women can better manage their finances. Lagada also raised a concern about parenting amid the hustle for business. She shared that seeing women vending late at night leaves her worried about the children left unattended at home. She stressed that without proper guidance, especially for girl children, the risks are high. The WiBAS Business Clinic highlighted both the promise and the obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs in Lango. While government-backed initiatives like PDM, Emyooga, and GROW show potential, structural challenges such as collateral requirements, misinformation, cultural norms, and weak infrastructure continue to stifle growth. The

Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has dismissed as false and unfounded recent claims made by opposition leaders and the family of retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye regarding his treatment at Luzira Upper Maximum Security Prison. In a statement released today, UPS refuted reports alleging that the prison is infested with bed bugs, which were claimed to be used as a form of torture against Besigye. The service described these allegations as “grossly false.” Additionally, the assertion that Besigye shares a ward with 15 other inmates while simultaneously being held in permanent isolation was labeled contradictory and misleading. The public has been urged to disregard what UPS calls “misinformation and disinformation” surrounding the matter. UPS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professional standards in managing prisoners, emphasizing strict adherence to the laws of the Republic of Uganda and international guidelines, including the Nelson Mandela Rules. Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director CCA, Frank Baine Mayanja, serving as the service spokesperson, underscored that the agency operates transparently and within the framework of human rights and dignity. This statement comes amid growing political tensions and scrutiny of the conditions under which high-profile prisoners are held. The UPS insists that the management of all inmates, including retired Colonel Dr. Besigye, remains lawful and humane. Source

Lira, Uganda | Newly elected NRM Youth League Chairperson for Lira City, Brian Yeko Ongora, popularly known as Awi-Awobe, has hit the ground running with a passionate call to service. With the powerful slogan “Here to serve, not be served,” Ongora has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering youth and supporting vulnerable communities across the city. Inspirationally,Ongora has rolled out a citywide football project aimed at keeping young people active and focused. He is distributing footballs in every ward to help youth engage in productive activities, nurture their talents, and stay away from negative influences. “…I want to keep the youths busy with football, not joblessly seated at trading centers…,” he said. In a bid to promote environmental awareness and long-term self-sustainability, Ongora has also begun distributing pine and eucalyptus seedlings to youth executives in villages ten seedlings each. On Wednesday, he sent his political assistant, Andrew Obete Obonyo, to deliver 350 seedlings to youth in Ongura Ward. “…We’re just doing this to start the move, while they scale it up by themselves…,” Ongora noted. Ongora’s vision extends beyond youth empowerment. He plans to support the sick, prisoners, babies’ homes, and other vulnerable groups providing monthly donations of sugar, soap, salt, and sanitary pads for girls. “…Every month, I want to support the vulnerable, including the elderly and street kids…,” he emphasized. In a time when political promises often remain just words, Ongora insists his actions are not driven by electoral ambitions. “…I am not contesting in 2026. I’m doing this in good faith, not for votes…,” he affirmed. His commitment has earned praise from across Lira City, with many hailing his hands-on leadership and genuine concern for the community. Through sports, environmental action, and social support, Brian Yeko Ongora is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s Uganda one act of service at a time. Source

Oyam, Uganda | Queen Dorothy Amolo, a prominent community leader and independent parliamentary aspirant, has launched a major community-driven road rehabilitation campaign in Oyam South Constituency. Between June 16th and 17th, she completed the rehabilitation of a critical 17-kilometre stretch from Juma Parish to Zambia Parish in Kamdini Sub-county. Previously impassable, the road is now accessible to vehicles and pedestrians, significantly improving mobility. Amolo pledged to rehabilitate at least 16 additional access roads over the coming months. Her office is receiving recommendations from village leaders and residents to prioritise the most damaged roads. Though formerly affiliated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Amolo is contesting as an independent candidate. She said leadership must be grounded in service, not party politics, emphasising that waiting for top-down solutions would keep children out of school, mothers walking long distances to health centres, and farmers cut off from markets. The campaign has received widespread community support. Jimmy Oryang, a resident of Amati “A,” said this is the first time in years a leader has actively worked alongside residents to fix roads, adding that improved infrastructure will ease travel between Kamdini, Minakulu, and Myene Sub-counties and reduce school dropouts caused by poor access. Patrick Otyeno, LC1 Chairperson of Amati “A,” revealed that bad roads had contributed to insecurity, including ambushes and attacks on women and boda-boda riders. He expects better security and faster emergency response following the rehabilitation and urged communities to maintain the roads through regular upkeep. Amolo’s vision extends beyond Kamdini, targeting all five sub-counties and three town councils in Oyam South. Community members provide labour and tools, while mechanical support is funded locally. She described the initiative as a movement demonstrating that accountable leadership and community unity can achieve transformation despite limited resources. Amolo’s grassroots approach is viewed as a model for participatory governance, addressing urgent development needs while mobilising communities as active partners in change. Source

Katakwi, Uganda | Augustine Otuko, a leading contender in the upcoming NRM party primaries for Ngariam County, has launched a bold campaign against what he calls “anti-people politics” that has dominated the constituency for years. Otuko said it is time for Ngariam to break free from leaders who thrive on fear, division, and self-interest. He believes the community deserves leaders who stand for justice and genuine service. According to him, many politicians in the area have continually sold out the people for personal gain, leaving communities disillusioned and underserved. He emphasized that his vision is grounded in inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. With a background in political activism and grassroots leadership, Otuko is pledging to realign Ngariam’s priorities by channeling its rich natural resources especially mineral wealth into meaningful development for the local population. Otuko also criticized incumbent MP and State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, accusing him of neglecting the needs of the people and failing to deliver on promises. He urged the electorate to reject leaders who have used their positions for personal enrichment at the expense of community welfare. He affirmed his readiness to face off with other contenders, following his successful nomination by the NRM Electoral Commission, chaired by Dr. Tanga Odoi. Otuko stated that he will not allow Ngariam to remain hostage to outdated leadership that has failed to improve livelihoods. Calling for a fresh start, Otuko rallied supporters to take charge of their destiny and restore dignity to leadership in Ngariam. He assured voters that his campaign would focus on empowering the youth, supporting women, and strengthening public accountability at all levels of governance. Source

Soroti, Uganda | World Vision Uganda, through its Soroti-Amuria Cluster, held an orientation meeting with leaders from the Kumam Cultural Heritage (KUCH) at Plain Country Home in Nakatunya. The engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration between cultural institutions and development partners to promote positive parenting practices across the Kumam community. Julian Nabwire, Chairperson of the Kumam Cultural Heritage Steering Committee at World Vision, said the meeting was designed to empower cultural leaders with tools to address harmful parenting practices and strengthen family values. She emphasized that cultural institutions are critical allies in shaping household behaviors, noting that culture continues to play a powerful role in how children are raised, how discipline is administered, and how gender roles are defined within homes.  Nabwire added that through this partnership, World Vision hopes to reposition families as the first line of protection for children. The initiative targets harmful practices such as child neglect, corporal punishment, absentee parenting, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies. These issues remain prevalent in the Kumam region, where many households still rely on outdated disciplinary methods and where parental engagement especially from fathers remains minimal. The region also faces rising school dropout rates, malnutrition, and emotional neglect, further endangering child development. Addressing the meeting, the Paramount Chief of KUCH, Won Ateker HH Raphael Otaya, called on leaders to lead by example in their own families. He urged them to embrace values that promote care, peaceful homes, and proper feeding of children. He warned against cabinet members taking actions without the knowledge of the cultural institution and pledged to use his leadership to support both family unity and economic transformation. First Deputy Prime Minister KwaroWang Richard appreciated World Vision’s intervention and commended the Paramount Chief for his leadership in initiating the collaboration. He said cultural institutions must adapt to modern family realities and integrate traditional values with child protection efforts. George William Omuge, Chairperson of the KUCH General Assembly, challenged KUCH ministries to implement impactful programs that go beyond ceremonial functions. He stressed the importance of transforming cultural leadership into practical solutions that address the socio-economic challenges facing Kumam families. The partnership between World Vision and KUCH marks a new approach to engaging cultural structures in tackling child protection and family development issues in eastern Uganda. Source