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Kampala, Uganda | The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has rejected attempts by its Soroti County parliamentary flag bearer, Mr Daniel Eigu, to withdraw from the 2026 elections, a move that has reshaped the contest and injected fresh uncertainty into the race. In a letter dated December 26, 2025, addressed to the Acting Secretary of the Electoral Commission, FDC Secretary General Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi said the party would not sanction Mr Eigu’s withdrawal despite a prior notice submitted by the candidate himself. The letter, received and stamped by the Electoral Commission on the same day, followed earlier correspondence from the commission dated December 23 and Mr Eigu’s withdrawal letter dated December 22. Mr Mafabi said under the law, the authority to withdraw a candidate nominated on a party ticket lies with the sponsoring political party. “Mr Daniel Eigu is our duly nominated candidate for Soroti County Constituency, Soroti District, and cannot withdraw at will as per the provisions of Section 36(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act,” Mr Mafabi wrote. The FDC maintains that once a candidate is nominated under a party ticket, any decision to withdraw must be initiated or approved by the party. The development complicates what had appeared to be a smooth political realignment in favour of incumbent Member of Parliament Mr Patrick Aeku, who was widely expected to benefit from Mr Eigu’s earlier public declaration of support. In the same communication, the FDC leadership said it would continue active campaigns in support of Mr Eigu and all other party candidates until the official close of campaigns on January 15, 2026. “…Therefore, the party shall not withdraw Mr Daniel Eigu from the race, and we shall continue campaigning for him with other party candidates until the end of campaigns…,” the letter states. Copies of the letter were also shared with the FDC party president, Mr Eigu, and the Soroti District Returning Officer, signalling the party’s expectation that Mr Eigu remains on the ballot and continues to participate in campaign activities. The decision underscores growing tensions within opposition ranks and is likely to influence voter dynamics in Soroti County as the election draws closer. Source The post FDC Blocks Daniel Eigu’s Withdrawal, Throws Soroti County MP Race Into Uncertainty appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City West Division have opened investigations into the sudden death of a 37-year-old bar attendant whose body was found outside his rented room in the early hours of Sunday morning. The deceased, identified as Douglas Kiwanuka, worked at Vintage Lounge in Lira City. His body was discovered at about 3:00 a.m. at Kulu-Ahali Cell in Teso C Ward, Lira City West Division. According to police, the incident was reported by a neighbour, Mr Opio Isaac, 47, who alerted authorities after finding Kiwanuka lying lifeless in front of his rented room. Police officers, led by the District Criminal Investigations Officer, D/ASP Phoebe Nansereko, responded to the scene with a team of detectives and uniformed personnel. The scene was documented by the District Scene of Crime Officer before the body was taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Items recovered from the scene included a blister pack of Coartem, Fluvid syrup, glucose circuits, leftover food comprising matoke and beans, and an empty bottle of water. Preliminary findings indicate that the body was found lying on its back, partially dressed, with foam oozing from the mouth and nose. Police also noted that the door to the deceased’s rented room was open at the time of discovery. According to neighbours and management at Vintage Lounge, the deceased had been unwell for about two weeks prior to his death. North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema said inquiries are ongoing as police await the post-mortem report to establish the exact cause of death and guide further action. Police have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue. Source The post Police Investigate Sudden Death of Bar Attendant in Lira City appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | Lango Cultural Institution has sworn in seventeen committees aimed at strengthening cultural governance and promoting community development across the subregion. The ceremony took place at the Lango Cultural Centre on Saturday during a council meeting of clan leaders, known as owitong, and was presided over by Wontok Willy Omodo Omodo, the clan head of Pedi Wibye Acel. More than 150 clan leaders attended the meeting, alongside other appointment committees, working closely with the office of the Won Nyaci, the paramount cultural leader of the Lango people. The oaths were administered by Dr. Adams Makmot Kibwanga, acting in his official capacity as Commissioner of Oaths. Addressing the gathering, Won Nyaci of Lango, HRH. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune reminded the newly appointed committee members that their roles carried significant responsibility. He emphasised that the appointments were voluntary and cautioned against expectations of financial reward, urging members to serve with commitment and integrity. Dr. Okune also encouraged local leaders to resolve minor disputes within clan structures, warning against the unnecessary escalation of such matters to higher offices within the cultural institution. The committees sworn in include those responsible for discipline, finance, protocol, education, culture, youth and gender, security, literacy and savings groups, each mandated to oversee specific areas of cultural administration and social development. Among those appointed were Geoffrey Oyeng, Philips Ogile Jakayo, and Tonny Ocen Okello, alongside other members drawn from across the sub-region. In his remarks, the Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, Prof. Willy Okullu called on committee members to carry out their duties diligently and to work in close coordination with senior offices to ensure effective leadership and the preservation of Lango cultural values. Source The post Northern Uganda’s Lango Cultural Institution Swears in New Committees to Boost Traditional Leadership appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lwengo, Uganda Police have blamed suspected reckless overtaking for a tragic road crash that claimed the lives of seven members of one family along the Masaka–Mbarara Highway in Lwengo District. The accident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday at Njagalakasayi, involving a Fuso Fighter truck (registration number UBP 510V) and a Toyota Fielder (registration number UBH 476W). According to preliminary findings, the Toyota Fielder, traveling from the Masaka direction, attempted to overtake a line of vehicles before colliding head-on with the oncoming truck. All occupants of the Toyota Fielder died instantly. Police said the victims were a man, his wife, their four children, and the man’s brother, all traveling together at the time of the crash. Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said night travel and dangerous overtaking remain leading causes of fatal crashes on Uganda’s highways. “This tragedy highlights the dangers of reckless overtaking, especially at night when visibility is low. We urge motorists to plan their journeys, avoid night travel where possible, and ensure they are well-rested before driving,” SP Kananura said. Police are continuing investigations as they renew calls for strict adherence to road safety guidelines to prevent further loss of life. Source The post Reckless Overtaking Suspected as Seven from One Family Die in Lwengo Highway Crash appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | NRM Parliamentary candidate Joseph Jones Ogwal has pledged to prioritise road infrastructure, electricity extension, and improved social service delivery if elected to Parliament, while campaigning in Adagnyeko Parish in Okwalongwen Subcounty on Friday, 26 December 2025. Ogwal told residents that he was shocked by the poor state of roads in Adagnyeko Parish, noting that the area hosts a Government Internal Security Officer (GISO) yet remains underserved. He said he would work closely with local leadership and central government to ensure the road network is improved. He added that he still maintains strong connections within the government and would use them to ensure electricity is extended to the community. Ogwal accused the incumbent member of parliament of failing to deliver meaningful development despite serving a full five-year term in the 11th Parliament, arguing that the electorate deserved better leadership. He further criticised what he described as tribal divisions that marked the previous election, alleging that the current MP promoted divisions among the Teso, Kumam, and Lango communities. Ogwal said his candidature is intended to restore unity and rebuild social cohesion within the constituency. Ogwal outlined a manifesto that includes plans to train five doctors and 30 midwives to strengthen healthcare delivery, advocate for an increase in Parish Development Model (PDM) funds and an extension of the recovery period, and legislate to empower cultural leaders to issue land permits aimed at protecting customary land. He also pledged to push for affirmative action to award one additional entry point to Lango students joining Lira University, and to follow up on reforms to the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) that the beneficiaries age has been reduced to 65 years and the monthly allowance increased to Shs35,000. Ogwal concluded by calling on residents to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and all NRM flag bearers in the forthcoming elections. Okwalongwen LCIII Chairperson, Okuta Peter, said he had chosen to support Ogwal because of the aspirant’s early demonstration of commitment to development. He cited Ogwal’s follow-up on electricity distribution programmes, improvement of the road network through the provision of 12 culverts that enhanced access to Bata Subcounty, and the organisation of sports activities that brought youth together and reduced criminal behaviour. Meanwhile, Ocen Shaban, an aspiring LCIII Chairperson for Bata Town Council, appealed to Ogwal to prioritise development strategies for women, noting that many are burdened by loans from financial institutions, which continue to undermine their economic advancement. In his remarks, Sam Ogwang Amwoma advised Ogwal to remain disciplined and avoid being misled by comfort and power if elected. He urged him to consistently return to the electorate, reminding him that leadership authority is derived from the people who grant the mandate. Source The post Ogwal Blasts Dokolo North Incumbent MP’s Performance, Reminded That Power Belongs to the People appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | Health officials have raised concern over persistently high HIV infections in parts of the Lango sub-region, prompting a renewed push to use cultural structures to stem the spread of the virus. The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) says Lira City and Oyam District recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in the sub-region in 2024, with 350 cases each, underscoring the need for community-led interventions beyond health facilities. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement at Happy Haven Children’s Park in Lira City, UAC Director of Partnerships Tom Etii said cultural leaders are strategically placed to influence behaviour change, particularly among young people. “Culture reaches people where the health system cannot—inside homes, during ceremonies and at community gatherings. That influence must be harnessed to prevent new infections,” Mr Etii said. According to UAC data, about 96,000 people in the Lango sub-region are living with HIV out of the national total of 1.5 million. Nationally, Uganda records about 37,000 new HIV infections annually, translating to roughly five new infections every hour. Mr Etii noted that UAC is working with 21 cultural institutions across the country as part of efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030. The Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, Prof Willy Okullo, said the institution had resolved to integrate HIV prevention messages into cultural activities, including clan meetings and traditional ceremonies. “We acknowledge that culture can either fuel or fight HIV. Our commitment is to use our platforms to promote responsible behaviour and reduce stigma,” Prof Okullo said. Local health officials attributed the continued spread of HIV in urban and peri-urban areas to socio-economic pressures and risky behaviours. Lira City HIV focal person Dr Hillary Okello cited poverty-driven commercial sex work, multiple sexual partnerships, early sexual debut and wife inheritance as major drivers. Lira District Health Officer Dr Patrick Ocen said the sub-region has achieved a viral load suppression rate of 95 percent, ranking ninth nationally, but warned that adolescents remain particularly vulnerable. “Young people are engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. Cultural leaders must work with parents and communities to protect this generation,” Dr Ocen said. Uganda aims to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030, a goal officials say will only be realised through strong partnerships between health authorities, cultural institutions and communities. Source The post Lango Records High HIV Infections as Leaders Push Culture-based Response appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | Professor Willy Okullo, Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution (LCI) and Awitong of the Arak Okwero Yito Clan, has urged people of Lango opposing the leadership of HRH Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune to embrace dialogue and unity across Lango. Addressing journalists in Lira City, Prof. Okullo praised the people of Lango for their resilience and hard work in 2025 and encouraged them to celebrate Christmas responsibly, emphasizing peace, love, and forgiveness. He called on communities to leave past disputes behind and begin the New Year on a fresh, harmonious note. “We do not want to hear of murders, fights, or family disputes that often follow festive celebrations. Peace must prevail in Lango as we enter 2026,” he said. Prof. Okullo also addressed political divisions within the community, urging those opposing the Lango Cultural Institution (LCI) under HRH. Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune leadership to engage in dialogue and resolve differences, noting that internal conflicts hinder development and delay progress in the sub-region. He called on parents to ensure no child is left behind in school, safeguard the health and wellbeing of family members, and prepare early for cultivation in 2026, focusing on both food and income-generating crops. The cultural leader cautioned youth celebrating the festive season to avoid reckless behavior, protect their lives, and take advantage of government and cultural institution training programs that can shape their future. Prof. Okullo also advised communities to prepare for the government’s planned distribution of coffee seedlings in 2026 and warned against the sale of cultural land. He emphasized that elections should not divide the people, urging residents to maintain unity regardless of political differences. He concluded by wishing all Lango residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, calling for collective peace, reconciliation, and development across the sub-region. Source The post Lango Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo Calls on Opponents of HRH Dr. Eng. Odongo Okune to Embrace Dialogue, Urges Unity in Lango appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | A dispute has emerged within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Dokolo District following allegations that party mobilisation funds meant for village-level activities were partially withheld by party officials. The allegations were raised by Bosco Adoko, the LC III Chairperson of Dokolo Sub-county, who claimed that members of the NRM District Executive Committee (DEC) distributed less money than officially allocated to support mobilisation for President Museveni and party flag bearers. Adoko said each village was supposed to receive Shs630,000, calculated at Shs10,000 per person for 63 NRM structure members, but some villages allegedly received only Shs400,000. “In Adagmon village, the DEC gave only Shs400,000 instead of the expected Shs630,000, and some members did not receive the yellow T-shirts meant for mobilisation,” Adoko said. He further claimed that a similar incident occurred in Anangogwec village, where only Shs400,000 was allegedly released. In Awiri village, Adoko said tensions erupted when officials attempted to issue Shs400,000, prompting residents to protest until Shs630,000 was reportedly left behind. However, the NRM Publicity Secretary for Dokolo District, Raphael Okello, dismissed the allegations, describing them as false. “None of the claims made by Adoko are true,” Okello said, insisting that the DEC fully disbursed the funds as planned. The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Dokolo, Barbara Akech, said her office had received complaints regarding alleged underpayment and had launched investigations. “I received calls from people claiming they had been given less money — Shs400,000 instead of Shs630,000. I advised them not to accept the money if it was less than the approved amount,” Akech said. She noted, however, that records from the NRM Secretariat indicate that Shs630,000 was officially signed for per village, raising questions about where the discrepancy may have occurred. “Our investigation is to establish who interfered with the money after it left the district level. The DEC maintains they delivered Shs630,000 per village, while some community members claim they received Shs400,000. We are now investigating village, parish and sub-county leadership to determine where the money may have been diverted,” Akech said. The RDC said affected sub-counties have already been summoned, and security teams are now meeting village chairpersons to verify how much money was actually received. “So far, several village chairpersons have told us they received the full Shs630,000. We have asked them to submit lists of beneficiaries so that verification can be done directly with recipients,” she said. She also pointed to political tensions as a possible factor, saying some allegations may be fueled by internal party rivalries and opposition interference. “We have discovered that in some areas, opposition supporters attended NRM meetings, increasing numbers beyond those officially listed. In other cases, individuals who lost internal party elections are allegedly spreading propaganda against current leaders,” Akech said. She added that NRM mobilisation funds are intended strictly for recognised party structures, comprising 63 leaders per village, and not for the general membership. “Those uninvited who weren’t happy and thought they were left out, and in some cases were influenced by opposition elements, are urged to remain calm and await the upcoming village meetings that will be organized. The allegations have been noted, verification is ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken against any wrongdoers,” Akech said. The RDC, on behalf of the district security committee, committed that the investigations will be conducted thoroughly to the dot, ensuring that any irregularities are properly addressed and those found culpable are held accountable.   Source The post Dokolo RDC Akech Launches Investigation into Alleged Misuse of NRM Mobilisation Funds in Dokolo appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo/Oyam, Ugamda | Police in Dokolo and Oyam districts have intensified investigations following two separate murders reported during the Christmas holidays, with multiple arrests made as authorities seek to bring the perpetrators to justice. In Dokolo District, Angwech Mariam, 18, was killed while collecting firewood in Agwata Forest, Agwata Town Council, on December 24, 2025. Police reports indicate that the teenager and a companion encountered an unknown man who allegedly threatened them. Mariam’s companion fled and alerted local residents, who later discovered the deceased with throat injuries. The Dokolo police canine unit tracked and apprehended two teenage suspects, Okello Bonny, 18, and Ojungu Agad, 17, both casual labourers at China Forest International Development (CFID). The body has been taken to Dokolo Health Center IV mortuary for postmortem. Investigations are being supervised by District CID Dokolo, D/ASP Odoch Mark Origa. In Oyam District, police have arrested Okello Richard, 35, and Atim Sam alias Ajai, 30, in connection with the assault and murder of Omara Ambrose on December 25, 2025, in Te Duka Cell, Eastern Ward, Oyam Town Council. The deceased’s body, found near an unfinished house along Ngai Road, showed multiple blunt-force injuries and drag marks, suggesting a violent attack. SP PJ Okema, North Kyoga Police spokesperson, urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement and refrain from taking justice into their own hands. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted. Community cooperation is vital to prevent such tragedies,” he said. Authorities are continuing to collect witness statements, examine the crime scenes, and use canine units to trace suspects. Police emphasized that both cases are receiving priority attention, and all findings will guide prosecution to ensure accountability. Source The post Christmas Tragedies: Police Intensify Investigations After Christmas Murders in Dokolo and Oyam appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | His Royal Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Won Nyaci Me Lango, has urged residents to observe responsible and compassionate behaviour during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Through his spokesperson, Counsel Patrick Okwir, the cultural leader emphasised the need for peace, unity, and family harmony, warning against domestic violence and criminal activities that could lead to imprisonment. He also encouraged the community to support the vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and the sick, through acts of kindness and practical assistance such as providing food and other essential items. Highlighting public safety, the Won Nyaci called on motorists and pedestrians to exercise patience and vigilance on the roads to prevent accidents during the festive season. He further encouraged Christians and all community members to extend goodwill to neighbours, promote coexistence, and include those in hospitals and prisons in festive celebrations, combining prayers with tangible support. The cultural leader concluded by wishing all Lango residents and Ugandans nationwide a joyful, safe, and prosperous festive season, underscoring that the spirit of Christmas and the New Year is best expressed through love, unity, and social responsibility. Source The post Won Nyaci Me Lango Urges Lango Residents to Prioritise Peace, Charity and Road Safety During Festive Season appeared first on Dokolo Post.