Ebong Michael

Kampala, Uganda | Ugandan midfielder Allan Okello has sealed a landmark transfer to Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans SC (Yanga) in a deal that reflects both his growing influence on the pitch and the rising value of Ugandan footballers in the regional market. Sources reveal that Okello received a UGX 360 million sign-on fee after completing a transfer from Vipers SC valued at approximately UGX 1 billion, placing the move among the most expensive involving a Uganda Premier League player in recent seasons. Under the terms of the deal, the former Vipers playmaker is also set to earn a monthly salary of about UGX 54 million, underlining Yanga’s confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact as the club pushes for domestic dominance and strong performances in continental competitions. Okello’s switch to Dar es Salaam marks a significant step forward in his career, offering him a bigger stage and increased competition. For Ugandan football, the transfer serves as another indicator of the region’s growing transfer market and the increasing appetite by top East African clubs for Ugandan talent. Source The post Allan Okello to Earn UGX 54m Monthly in UGX 1bn Move to Young Africans appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Kampala, Uganda | Ugandan international Allan Okello has officially completed his transfer from Vipers SC to Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga SC), bringing an end to weeks of speculation. The 25-year-old attacker joined Vipers in September 2023 as a free agent after parting ways with Algerian side AC Paradou. The Ugandan star joins Yanga on a three-year deal in a blockbuster move worth $300,000 (≈ One billion, one hundred ten million Ugandan Shillings, UGX 1,110,000,000) — making it the second-highest transfer in club history. Young Africans President Eng. Hersi Said flew into Uganda last week and held discussions with Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa to conclude the negotiations. Ads At Kitende, Okello won the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup, earning praise for his creativity and attacking prowess. His arrival at Young Africans is expected to strengthen the squad as they aim for a deeper run in the CAF Champions League. Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, Vipers SC President, said: “Allan has been exceptional for us. While we will miss his talent, we are proud to see him take this next step and wish him success in Tanzania.” Okello follows in the footsteps of fellow Ugandan internationals Steven Bengo, Emmanuel Okwi, Diego Hamis, and Khalid Aucho, who previously played for the Jangweni-based club. #Kawowo Sports Source The post Allan Okello Completes Move from Vipers to Tanzania’s Young Africans appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice National Chairman for Eastern Region and Soroti City West parliamentary flag bearer, has pledged to provide affordable motorcycle loans and implement reforms aimed at protecting boda boda riders in Soroti City from predatory lenders. Speaking at a meeting with riders in Nakatunya Ward, Echodu promised structured access to motorcycles and the establishment of a dedicated transporters’ office to coordinate union activities and government programs. The meeting, attended by hundreds of riders and other NRM leaders, focused on high-interest loans, limited institutional support, and challenges accessing government programs. “Many riders lose their motorcycles to lenders and are left without livelihoods. It is time we put in place systems that protect them and their families,” Echodu said, describing his leadership as bringing “new energy” to Soroti City. Ads Moroto Municipality Mayor and NRM flag bearer, Muhammed Ismail Lotieng Odari, unveiled a union-led financing model under which riders would pay an initial UGX 250,000 followed by affordable installments. The program, managed directly by unions, is designed to shield riders from exploitative lenders. Odari cited Moroto Municipality in Karamoja as a successful example of union-backed programs that improved rider welfare. “Transport is the heartbeat of service delivery. Without a strong boda boda sector, our cities cannot progress,” Odari said. Thomas Eusa, Secretary of the Soroti City Boda Boda Association, welcomed the initiative but called for official structures rather than middlemen to ensure riders’ livelihoods are protected. Other NRM leaders, including Isaac Orego (Aspirant Soroti City East MP), Sarah Inachu (Aspirant Soroti City Woman MP), and mayoral candidate Francis Esudu, urged unity among transporters, highlighting that a well-organized sector is central to economic growth and community mobilization in Soroti City. Source The post Echodu Pledges to Shield Soroti Boda Boda Riders from Exploitative Loans appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved the creation of Erute District from Lira District, saying the move will improve service delivery by bringing government closer to the people. Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential flag bearer, made the announcement on Thursday during a campaign rally at Lira City Golf Course. The President said residents of Erute constituencies have for years struggled to access services due to the area’s size and geographical location, prompting government to reconsider its long-standing position against the creation of new districts. Although Museveni noted that he has previously opposed the creation of many districts because of the cost implications, he said the situation in Erute warranted an exception and that the district would be operationalised in the next financial year. Ads At the same rally, Museveni also announced that Cabinet has approved a cattle restocking compensation programme for the Lango, Acholi and Teso sub-regions, with payments set to begin after the forthcoming general election. The President said the programme will be implemented through cash compensation to beneficiary households, following earlier restocking efforts that were delayed by prolonged court cases and legal disputes. According to Museveni, government has since injected Shs159 billion into the compensation framework. Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ochero reminded the President of several pending government commitments in the region, including completion of the Anai airport, construction of the Lira Chamber of Commerce offices, establishment of industrial parks, and the pledge to donate a bus to the Lango Province football team. The rally also featured political undertones, with Speaker of Parliament Anita Among urging Museveni to prevail upon Gender Minister Betty Amongi not to contest against Dr Aceng in Lira City. Source The post Museveni Approves Creation Of Erute District In The Next Financial Year appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, has urged voters in Soroti City East Division to support leaders who deliver tangible results, insisting that city residents are tired of empty promises. Speaking at a rally at Swaria Primary School, Echodu said Soroti’s city status has not translated into improved services, infrastructure, or jobs, leaving residents frustrated. “Soroti is a city in name, but there are no services, no leadership, no jobs. We don’t eat talk; we eat action,” he told the crowd. He pledged that an NRM victory would bring practical interventions, including establishing factories to create employment for the youth, improving sanitation to make Soroti a clean city, and upgrading roads and essential city services. Echodu also called for unity among leaders and residents, saying that tribalism, political divisions, and self-interest have held back the city’s progress. “The time for excuses is over. Soroti must grow as one city,” he said. He urged voters to support President Museveni and NRM candidates in all elective positions, including Soroti City East MP aspirant Isaac Oregon and Soroti City Woman MP aspirant Sarah Inachu, promising that NRM leadership would focus on delivering results rather than making promises. Echodu assured residents that with committed leadership and collective action, Soroti City will see the change it has long awaited. Source The post ‘Soroti Can’t Eat Words, We Need Action’ — Echodu Tells Voters appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Kwania, Uganda | The Kwania North parliamentary race has taken a softer but significant turn after National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Allan Charles Odongo withdrew from the contest following talks at State House involving President Museveni and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. Speaking to press, Odongo recounted how a call from the Office of the President last Saturday set in motion a decision he describes as “carefully considered.” “I was asked to come to State House for an engagement. When I arrived, I met the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, and we had a long discussion about the country and leadership,” Odongo said. He said the conversation went beyond party politics and touched on broader national interests, a factor he says influenced his decision to step down from the race just days to polling. Odongo revealed that he was not alone in these engagements, noting that several opposition candidates were also approached and some opted to withdraw after similar discussions. Shortly after, Odongo announced that he had crossed from NUP to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), although he stressed that the transition is still ongoing. “I have joined NRM, but some of the understandings we reached are yet to be fulfilled. We are waiting for the President to honour them so that the process is completed,” he said. He added that he has since thrown his weight behind the NRM flag bearer for Kwania North, James Ongu Tar, and has begun rallying his supporters to back the ruling party. According to Odongo, aligning with the NRM offers the constituency a better chance to benefit from government programmes and national resources. He also used the moment to appeal for calm, urging young people to stay peaceful and law-abiding before, during and after the elections. Despite the announcement, Odongo’s withdrawal is not yet official. Electoral laws require party-sponsored candidates to formally notify the Electoral Commission through a withdrawal letter from their party’s secretary general. James Ongu Tar welcomed the development, describing it as a decision rooted in “wisdom,” and pledged to support Odongo in his future political journey. #DailyMonitor Source The post NUP’s Allan Odongo Withdraws from Kwania North Race, Defects to NRM appeared first on Dokolo Post.

By Chris Woo Oyam, Uganda | Oyam South constituency aspirant Patrick Ogwang Obura has successfully lobbied the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) under the Tarehe Sita program to rehabilitate more than 60 kilometers of roads in the area. Speaking during the launch of the works, Ogwang emphasized that his lobbying efforts had secured UPDF support for key road projects. Among them are the road from Otada A to Corner Kafe via Kongo, and another linking Olwio to Corner Lii in Minakulu Sub County. Ogwang explained that the Tarehe Sita program assigns UPDF social corporate responsibility projects across Uganda. Through his initiative, Oyam South was selected to benefit, leading to the rehabilitation works carried out yesterday. Concluding his remarks, Ogwang stressed that leaders should not only aspire to positions but also demonstrate their ability to deliver development even before being elected. He highlighted his strong connections with government and agencies as an advantage in serving his people. Local residents welcomed the initiative, Grace Acolo, a peasant farmer from Minakulu Sub County, expressed gratitude to Ogwang for lobbying UPDF to address the challenges they faced on the road. Similarly, Patrick Jimmy Ojok of Opwot village commended Ogwang for the development brought to Oyam South, noting that continued efforts of this kind would greatly improve livelihoods for road users. Source The post Patrick Ogwang Obura Secures UPDF Support for Road Rehabilitation in Oyam South appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Koboko, Uganda | Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, has urged stronger youth inclusion, clearer access to government programmes and tighter accountability at the grassroots, saying young people in border communities like Koboko must be placed at the centre of national development. Addressing a meeting that brought together leaders of more than 25 ghetto youth groups from across Koboko Municipality, Ambassador Tiperu said frustrations expressed by young people pointed to gaps in communication and implementation rather than the absence of government support. She noted that Koboko was a unique municipality located at the crossroads of Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and explained that youth in the area were actively engaged as loaders, traders, border workers and service providers supporting a vibrant cross-border economy. According to Tiperu, what the youth required was clarity, organisation, and a clear pathway to access existing government interventions. Participants, many operating in the informal sector at cell, ward and municipal levels, cited difficulties in accessing livelihood programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other youth-focused initiatives, saying unclear procedures, weak sensitisation and limited follow-up had left many eligible groups uncertain or excluded. Ambassador Tiperu emphasised that the concerns raised should be addressed through improved sensitisation and stronger local leadership rather than disengagement. She stressed that government programmes are entitlements rather than favours and added that beneficiaries have a responsibility to organise themselves, follow established procedures, and demand accountability from political leaders and technical officers. She further said that cases of corruption or mismanagement should be confronted directly. She also highlighted the strategic importance of Koboko and the wider West Nile subregion, noting that peace and security had enabled cross-border trade and movement even as neighbouring countries continued to experience instability. Tiperu observed that while nearby communities across the borders were affected by conflict, residents of Koboko continued to enjoy peace, which she said must be safeguarded and translated into economic opportunities for young people, who form the majority of the population. Other leaders at the meeting echoed similar concerns, youth representatives acknowledged government investments in roads, health facilities and security but urged faster and more transparent delivery of livelihood support, as well as greater recognition of informal-sector youth as legitimate economic actors. NRM officials present said the Parish Development Model was designed to reach citizens at the parish level but acknowledged that corruption and weak oversight in some areas had undermined its effectiveness. They encouraged youth groups to engage local government structures, form stronger umbrella organisations, and actively monitor programme implementation. The Resident District Commissioner and district leaders said the dialogue would inform follow-up engagements aimed at bridging communication gaps between ghetto youth groups and government offices. For Ambassador Tiperu, the engagement was both a listening exercise and an opportunity to reassure the youth. She said the strong turnout and active participation demonstrated that young people in Koboko were eager to be part of Uganda’s future and emphasised that leaders had a responsibility to ensure systems functioned fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay. Source The post Ambassador Tiperu Calls for Youth Inclusion, Clear Access to Government Programmes in Koboko appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | Soroti City West parliamentary flag bearer and National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairperson for Eastern Region, David Calvin Echodu, has defended what some critics describe as his silence on key political issues, arguing that effective leadership is demonstrated through action rather than constant public commentary. Speaking at a campaign rally in Obutei A Cell, Arapai Ward, Echodu said he had deliberately chosen to avoid what he termed unnecessary political noise, preferring to focus on practical work that delivers tangible results to communities. “You cannot speak about development when you have not done anything,” Echodu told supporters. “I believe in working first and speaking later. That is why I do not engage in unnecessary political noise.” He criticised leaders who, in his view, mislead the public by spreading falsehoods about government programmes instead of helping communities understand and access them. “There is no need to vote for leaders who spend their time telling lies about government programmes,” Echodu said. “Government has many initiatives meant to help people, but poor leadership blocks communities from benefiting.” Echodu cited the prolonged lack of electricity in Arapai as a clear example of leadership failure, blaming it on poor prioritisation by the opposition-dominated administration in Soroti City. “The absence of power here is not accidental. It is a result of poor leadership that has failed to lobby and prioritise service delivery,” he said. “Arapai deserves better.” He pledged to work closely with central government and relevant agencies to ensure Arapai and other underserved areas receive electricity, improved infrastructure and better social services. His remarks came as local NRM leaders in Arapai Ward publicly endorsed his candidature, saying the community wants to align itself with government programmes to accelerate development. Emmanuel Egadu, the NRM LC I flag bearer for Arapai, said residents had unanimously agreed to support Echodu following consultations with party structures and community leaders. “We have agreed as Arapai people to vote for David Echodu because we want development and we want to benefit from government programmes,” Egadu said. “It makes no sense to remain in opposition when our people are suffering, yet government programmes exist to uplift communities.” Egadu presented key community concerns to Echodu, with electricity connectivity listed as the top priority. He said the lack of power has constrained youth livelihoods by limiting opportunities for skills development, small businesses and value addition. He also appealed to Echodu to consider supporting bright but underprivileged students through scholarships, noting that many learners drop out of school due to lack of fees. In response, Echodu thanked the people of Arapai for their endorsement, saying it reflected growing frustration with empty rhetoric and a strong desire for leaders who deliver visible development. Source The post Echodu Defends Low-Profile Politics, Says Leadership Should Be Judged by Results appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District has launched a mass mosquito net distribution campaign aimed at curbing malaria, with 96,500 treated nets received for the exercise. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the District Health Office, officially kicked off the distribution on Monday, 5 January, at Okwongo Town Council. The launch brought together district officials, sub-county leaders, Village Health Teams (VHTs), and community members. Innocent Byarugaba, the Ministry of Health supervisor for Otuke District, noted that previous campaigns had faced challenges, particularly due to limited knowledge among rural communities on proper net usage. He said this time, more emphasis would be placed on educating households on correct use of the nets to maximize malaria prevention. “From our micro-planning data, Otuke District received 96,500 nets, which aligns with the expected needs of the community,” Byarugaba said. He urged community members to use the nets effectively and called on stakeholders to continue sensitizing households on malaria prevention. Patrick Opio, a district health official, warned that malaria remains the leading killer in Uganda, with health facilities in Otuke admitting large numbers of malaria patients daily. He outlined preventive measures, including indoor residual spraying, destruction of stagnant water, regular health facility visits, community sensitization, and consistent use of treated mosquito nets. Opio said children under five, pregnant women, and individuals living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, and cancer remain the most vulnerable groups. Geoffrey Okello, focal point person for Okwongo Town Council, highlighted the challenge of insufficient nets, revealing that only 2,050 nets were available for distribution within the town council, falling short of the population’s needs. LC III Chairperson for Okwongo Town Council, John Bosco Olwit, urged residents to use the nets exclusively for malaria prevention, warning against repurposing them for construction, poultry rearing, or other activities. Assistant Resident District Commissioner Issac Opio Opeo cautioned that misuse of the treated nets could lead to arrests, stressing that the nets are a public health intervention and must be respected. Concluding the launch, Opio encouraged the community to support President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming 15 January elections, linking good governance to continued development, peace, and socio-economic transformation. Source The post Otuke District Launches Mass Mosquito Net Campaign to Fight Malaria appeared first on Dokolo Post.