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Dokolo, Uganda | NRM parliamentary flagbearer Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara has promised to prioritise access to health care, clean water, electricity and education if elected Member of Parliament for Dokolo North in next month’s general election. Speaking at campaign rallies in Acan-pii and Alenga parishes on Thursday, Ogwal said his leadership would be guided by what he termed a “people-first approach”, arguing that many communities in the constituency have for years been left out of key government programmes. Residents used the gatherings to voice long-standing concerns, including shortages of safe drinking water, high school fees, and limited support for vulnerable groups. Women leaders from Acan-pii said development projects rarely reach grassroots groups, particularly women and widows, leaving many households trapped in poverty. In response, Ogwal outlined a manifesto focused on service delivery and social protection. He said he had engaged the Ministry of Education to have Ayira Community Primary School officially coded, a step that would allow the government to take over staffing and operational costs. On health care, the NRM candidate pledged to lobby for the establishment of a health centre in Alenga Parish, and later told voters he would push for a Health Centre IV in Dokolo North, noting that the constituency currently has no such facility despite a growing population. Ogwal also promised to expand access to clean water, saying borehole drilling under Phase II of the Amwoma project would be extended to Dokolo Subcounty. He added that he would work with the Ministry of Energy to ensure electricity reaches every trading centre, with some extension works already underway. Economic empowerment featured prominently in his campaign message. Ogwal said he would inject UGX 10 million into selected community groups to support women’s enterprises, distribute 10 sewing machines across subcounties to boost youth skills, and personally sponsor five students to train as doctors and 30 others to pursue nursing courses. Addressing wider development concerns, Ogwal defended the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), rejecting opposition claims that the programme had failed. He said repayment challenges should be resolved through more funding and longer recovery periods rather than abandoning the initiative. He also welcomed recent changes to the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme, noting that lowering the eligibility age to 65 years and increasing monthly payments to 35,000 shillings had provided relief to older people. NRM officials at the rallies urged voters to back the party’s candidates in the 15 January 2026 elections, including President Yoweri Museveni, Ogwal for Dokolo North MP and Janet Elau Adongo for Woman MP. Source The post Dokolo North at the Crossroads as Ogwal Pledges Health Centres, Clean Water and Power for All appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Kampala, Uganda | Uganda’s government has pledged to strengthen the implementation of its national development agenda, as senior officials and lawmakers met in Kampala to review progress under the Development Plan Implementation (DPI) Programme ahead of the rollout of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). Speaking at the DPI Annual Review, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, said the meeting marked a critical moment after five years of reforms aimed at ensuring that government plans translate into tangible results. Dr. Ggoobi described the DPI Programme as an innovative mechanism created to close the gap between planning and execution. He explained that lessons from the implementation of NDP III showed that better outcomes depend on having fewer, clearly defined and measurable performance indicators, realistic targets, and stronger accountability across government. He emphasised that effective implementation under NDP IV would require clearer priorities aligned to available resources, as well as the full involvement of all key stakeholders, particularly local governments, which are responsible for delivering most public services. He added that stakeholders must draw on lessons from NDP III to ensure effective delivery of NDP IV and the tenfold growth strategy. Parliament also signalled its readiness to play a stronger role in driving development results. In a keynote address delivered on her behalf by the Minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, said Parliament is willing to reform its committee system to align with the programme-based approach under the National Development Plan. She said Parliament is refocusing its work towards a more results-oriented approach to scrutinising public expenditure, including tighter tracking of budget performance and Ministerial Policy Statements. The Speaker also welcomed the involvement of Parliament in the development of NDP IV, describing it as essential for strengthening accountability. She noted that several long-standing challenges continue to undermine development outcomes, including resource constraints, slow implementation of projects, procurement bottlenecks, cost overruns caused by delays, and rising youth unemployment. She urged the DPI Programme to use the annual review as a platform to identify practical solutions to these obstacles. During the meeting, the government launched the DPI Programme Implementation Action Plan and commissioned a new NDP IV monitoring and evaluation system under the Office of the Prime Minister. The Deputy Head of Public Service, Jane Kyarisiima Mwesiga, said the integrated web-based system would serve as a national performance infrastructure, linking planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting into a single results chain. She added that the system is fully aligned with the NDP IV results framework, programme implementation action plans, and the programme-based budgeting system, and is expected to improve performance tracking and accountability. Source The post Uganda Moves to Tighten Development Delivery as Government and Parliament Reset for NDP IV appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | The Lango Paramount Chief, Won Nyaci Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has appealed to the people of Lango to maintain peace and reject violence as Uganda heads into the forthcoming elections. Dr. Odongo Okune made the call on Tuesday during a regional security meeting held at his palace in Senior Quarters, Lira City, attended by top security officials and government leaders from the Lango sub-region. The cultural leader said his priority is to see Lango conduct peaceful, orderly and law-abiding elections, warning that violence, chaos and bloodshed would undermine both democracy and development. “As the Won Nyaci of Lango, my wish is for our people to be fully prepared to elect leaders for the next five years in a peaceful manner that respects the law,” he said. “Leaders must work closely with government and cultural institutions to ensure development that responds to the real needs of our people.” Dr. Odongo Okune emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between security agencies and cultural institutions, particularly in sensitising communities on peaceful coexistence during campaigns and voting. He also urged government to strengthen child protection systems, citing Australia as an example where children below 16 years are restricted from handling electronic devices, and suggested Uganda consider similar safeguards to protect young people. The Won Nyaci further underscored the importance of unity and reconciliation in Lango, calling for peaceful resolution of land disputes and responsible handling of cultural and community disagreements. “Differences should never turn into hatred or violence among our people,” he said. He added that residents of Lango expect government to prioritise education, healthcare, economic empowerment, proper land management, family cohesion and measures to address the high cost of living. The Commissioner in the Office of the President in charge of RDCs and RCCs, Ms Alice Akello, commended the regional security team for preventing violence and election-related disturbances in previous polls. However, she urged leaders to intensify efforts towards development, especially improving education opportunities for children in Lango. Ms Akello noted that poverty and hunger remain widespread in the sub-region, contributing to high school dropout rates. The Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, Assistant Commissioner of Police Wesley Nganizi, described the meeting as timely, saying security preparedness must be continuous to sustain peace. He disclosed that police capacity in the region has been strengthened, with an additional 40 officers deployed per district in Lango to enhance community security. He added that trained election constables will also be deployed during the campaign and voting period. Meanwhile, Lira Resident District Commissioner Ms Lilian Eyal said her office had received reports of assaults on NRM supporters by members of other political parties in the district. She warned all political actors against engaging in election-related violence and pledged firm action against anyone found disrupting peace and public order. Source The post Dr Eng Odongo Okune Calls for Peaceful, Violence-Free Elections in Lango appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Otuke, Uganda | One of the candidates contesting for the Otuke District LCV Chairperson seat has withdrawn from the race, reducing the number of contenders from eight to seven, as the 2026 local government elections approach in not more than one month’s time. Banoba Sam of the National Unity Platform (NUP) confirmed his withdrawal in a letter dated 15 December 2025 and addressed to the Electoral Commission office in Otuke District. In the letter, Banoba said his decision followed unsuccessful efforts to engage fellow candidates from Otuke East County in dialogue. He explained that several aspirants from the same county were contesting for the position and that his appeal for them to allow him to continue with the race in the interest of balance was declined. Banoba said he therefore chose to step aside voluntarily, describing the move as being in the best interest of unity and development in the district. He also announced his decision to support independent candidate Augustine Odongo, saying he shares similar development priorities with him for Otuke District. Banoba pledged to campaign alongside Odongo and urged his supporters to transfer their backing to him. Augustine Odongo welcomed the endorsement, saying it reflected confidence in his leadership agenda. He said his manifesto focuses on improving road infrastructure, raising education and health standards, and tackling corruption, particularly in recruitment processes within the District Service Commission. The Otuke District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Nelson Ayo, confirmed receiving Banoba Sam’s withdrawal letter and said the commission had taken note of the development. With Banoba’s exit, the remaining candidates in the Otuke District LCV Chairperson race are Sabbath Obua of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Benson Oyaka of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and five independents: Paul Obua, Francis Otyama, Francis Abola, Augustine Odongo, and John Bosco Odongo Obote. The letter confirming Banoba’s withdrawal was signed by Ogut Richard, Julius  Amai Chris. Source The post Otuke LCV Contest Tightens as NUP’s Banoba Sam Quits Race, Endorses Rival appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary flagbearer for Dokolo North, Joseph Jones Ogwal, has outlined an ambitious development agenda as his campaign tour moved through Okwalongwen Subcounty. Speaking at rallies in Abalang and Akwanga parishes on Monday, Ogwal said his leadership would prioritise the needs of residents, pledging what he described as a “people-first” approach to governance. He said his focus would be on improving access to health care, clean water, electricity and skills training. Ogwal said he would lobby for the establishment of a Health Centre IV in Dokolo North, noting that the constituency currently has no such facility. He also promised to push for the drilling of boreholes in every village to address persistent shortages of safe drinking water. On infrastructure, the NRM flagbearer said President Yoweri Museveni had committed to upgrading the 43-kilometre Dokolo–Bata–Abako–Aloi road to tarmac standard. He added that electricity extension is already underway in parts of the subcounty, assuring residents that power would reach more villages in the near future. Ogwal defended the Parish Development Model (PDM), a flagship government wealth-creation programme, saying it is already transforming rural livelihoods. He dismissed claims by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi that the initiative had failed, arguing that challenges around repayment should instead be addressed through increased funding and longer recovery periods. He also pointed to recent changes to the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE), saying the reduction of the eligibility age to 65 years and the increase in monthly payments to 35,000 shillings had brought relief to older people. Education and skills development featured prominently in Ogwal’s pledges. He said land had already been secured for a youth and adult skilling centre and promised to sponsor five doctors and 30 nurses from the constituency. He also committed to expanding scholarships for primary seven leavers and improving overall academic performance. Local leaders expressed confidence in Ogwal’s prospects, Okwalongwen Subcounty GISO Jackson Olelo said the NRM candidate had already secured strong support, urging residents to channel their demands through formal structures after the elections. LCIII chairperson Okuta Peter said his subcounty would deliver overwhelming support for Ogwal, citing progress in electricity line installation. Ogwal ended his address by calling for unity behind President Museveni and all NRM candidates, arguing that coordinated political support would speed up the delivery of government programmes and reduce service delivery gaps in Dokolo North. Source The post Ogwal Pledges Health, Roads and Power Expansion as NRM Campaigns Gather Pace in Dokolo North appeared first on Dokolo Post.

By Walter Okello Kwania, Uganda | In a powerful display of community-focused leadership, aspiring parliamentary candidate for Kwania North Constituency, Evaline Awor Pule, has donated a brand-new electricity transformer to the residents of Adero-Longo village. The gesture ends years of darkness and frustration, restoring prospects for economic growth and improved livelihoods in this rural trading center. For years, the community has endured unreliable power supply. LC1 Chairperson Simon Jaane Etwop recalls the initial excitement when Umeme, Uganda’s former primary electricity distributor, connected the area. “The community welcomed it warmly, but within a month, a technical fault in the transformer plunged us back into darkness – permanently,” he said. Despite numerous appeals to Umeme’s now (UEDCL)office and district authorities, no solution materialized. Anger grew to the point where residents threatened to dismantle electricity poles passing through the village but as a leader i kept pleading with them that one day we shall get the parmanent solution. The breakthrough came when residents approached Evaline Awor Pule with their plight. Known for her strong connections and commitment to development, she quickly assured them of support – and delivered on her promise with the new transformer etwop added. Local businessman Bosco Emot, who had grown disillusioned with politicians, shared how the donation renewed his faith. “We exhausted every office, including the current MP, but got no response. I stopped believing in politicians who chase votes but ignore real problems. Evaline Awor Pule’s actions have proven her lobbying strength and restored my confidence in her for Kwania North,” he said. The Vice Chairperson of Adero-Longo Rose Atim highlighted the economic toll of the outage. “Business boomed when we had power – shops, welding, and trading thrived. But without it, activity declined, and many businessmen left for areas with electricity. Evaline sets an example that all aspiring leaders should follow,” she said. Resident Nyangkiria Eveline echoed the sentiment: “We trust Evaline’s leadership because she has genuine passion for helping people.” She urged Kwania North voters to back Awor Pule to address long-neglected service delivery issues. In her remarks, Evaline Awor Pule explained her swift response: “Community members brought the transformer issue to my attention, and I was moved to help. That’s why I provided a new one without delay.” She said the current MP for Kwania North has never bothered to speak up or take any action to address this challenge, despite having the ability and connections to contact the relevant authorities responsible for electricity supply and urge them to help my people. “As we approach the election season, I urge my voters to reject this self-centered and negligent leader. Let us instead vote for leaders who genuinely care about the problems our people are facing,” Awor added. Source The post New Transformer Brings Hope and Light to Adero-Longo Community in Kwania District appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Oyam, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has moved to dispel growing speculation surrounding the candidature of Hon. Santa Alum for the Oyam North parliamentary seat, affirming that she remains a valid and active contestant despite reports alleging an imminent cancellation of her nomination. Speaking to the press, Chris Ongom, Alum’s campaign  manager categorically dismissed the allegations, describing them as misleading and unfounded. He clarified that Hon. Santa Alum is currently in Kampala, where she is formally to respond to matters presented before the Electoral Commission. Ongom emphasized that the Commission is still handling the petition and that no decision has been taken to nullify her candidature as yet. Ongom further disclosed that the petition was lodged by Mr. Oyuku, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Abok Sub-county, who petitioned the Electoral Commission seeking the cancellation of Alum’s nomination. He, however, urged calm among UPC supporters and the wider electorate, assuring them that due process is being followed. “We call upon our supporters to remain steadfast, calm, and united as the Electoral Commission carries out its mandate,” Ongom said. He advised Mr. Oyuku to instead concentrate on guiding and organizing his own party’s candidate rather than interfering with UPC’s internal political processes. Highlighting Hon. Santa Alum’s development record, Ongom pointed to tangible achievements realized under her leadership, including the increase in Health Centre IIIs from three to seventeen, the upgrading of Health Centre IVs to general hospitals, and her strategic vision to lobby for the creation of Aber District, a move he said would unlock multiple administrative and economic opportunities for the region. He also cited proposed infrastructure projects such as the rehabilitation of the railway line from Otwal through Abok, and the planned inclusion of the Corner Aboke–Bobi road in the national procurement framework. Adding to the call for unity, CP Otine, the Councilor for Aleka Sub-county and Treasurer of UPC in Oyam District, appealed for cooperation beyond party lines. He encouraged supporters from other political affiliations to rally behind Hon. Alum, emphasizing unity, tolerance, and collective progress. Otine described Alum as the only candidate with a bold, practical, and people-centered development vision for Oyam. Meanwhile, Brian Ogutu, also a councilor, expressed strong confidence in UPC’s electoral prospects in Oyam North. He assured supporters not only of victory but of significantly increasing the party’s winning margin. Ogutu called for continued peace and unity, virtues he noted have consistently been embodied by Hon. Santa Alum throughout her political career. Alum’s campaign leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to peaceful engagement, institutional respect, and development-oriented leadership as they await the Electoral Commission’s final guidance on the matter. Source The post Ongom Dispels Candidature Claims, Affirms Hon Santa Alum is Still in Oyam’s Woman Mp Race appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Otuke, Uganda | Farmers in Otuke District have welcomed the establishment of a milling and storage facility, saying it has reduced exploitation by middlemen, cut transport costs, and minimized the risk of losing earnings from produce sales. Macdonald Ojok, chairperson of the Otuke Town Council Farmers’ Cooperative and Credit Society (SACCO), said that prior to the facility’s opening, farmers sold their rice and maize cheaply to middlemen, incurred high transport costs to Lira City, and were at times victims of theft. Ojok noted that since the facility was set up by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), farmers now enjoy better prices for their produce, access clean maize flour, and no longer incur transport costs. He said the facility provides a ready market, allowing farmers to process grains for both household consumption and income generation. “Before, we had to travel to Lira to sell our rice, facing challenges of theft and exploitation by middlemen. Now, the market is right here, and farmers are getting fair prices,” Ojok said during an SAA field visit on Wednesday. His cooperative has 1,000 members. The facility, funded by Japan, is part of several one-stop centers established by SAA across the country to enhance access to inputs, strengthen market-oriented agriculture, improve storage, and promote value addition and climate-smart farming practices. Program officer Oliver Nabiryo said the centers cost Shs1.9 billion to establish in 18 locations nationwide. Mildred Akidi, a records assistant at the SACCO, said the facility mills between 700 and 1,000 kilograms of rice daily, with farmers who sell their produce earning Shs3,000 per kilogram. She noted that the main challenge is reliance on a generator and that the cooperative is working to secure a transformer for uninterrupted operations. Isaac Okwir, a farmer from Omanabunga Village in Alebtong District, said he previously sold 500 kilograms of rice cheaply due to lack of value addition. After joining the cooperative, he produced 800 kilograms last year, earning Shs1.4 million. Molly Auma of Adwongibutu Village said she previously transported her rice to Lira to access a better market, paying Shs10,000 per bag in transport costs. The new facility has eliminated that burden. Nabiryo explained that the one-stop centers support cooperative members by offering milling, bulking, and storage facilities, along with training on post-harvest handling. She said the initiative has helped farmers access reliable markets and secure premium prices for high-quality grains, uplifting communities economically. #LUJANewsUg Source The post Otuke Farmers Reap Benefits from New Milling and Storage Facility appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has urged young girls in the region to abstain from sexual activity as a way of reducing teenage pregnancies and child marriages. Bishop Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok urges collaboration between the church and cultural institutions to tackle drug abuse and support the welfare of Lango youth. Speaking at Mentor Senior Secondary School – St. Magdalene Campus, Barogole in Lira City at a three-day conference organised by the Agong Foundation, Okune announced an incentive to encourage abstinence, stating that he would give a cow to any girl who refrains from sexual activity until she finds a suitable partner for marriage. He explained that the initiative was intended to empower girls to prioritise education and long-term goals over early and forced marriages, noting that abstaining from sex would also lower the risk of teenage pregnancies, which can prevent girls from completing school and achieving their objectives. The conference focused on the well-being of the girl child, covering sexual and reproductive health, leadership skills, traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and marriage. Ruth Moses Ogwal, a midwife at Alito Health Centre III in Kole District, highlighted that girls were tested, immunised against cervical cancer, and educated about the risks of early sexual activity. She added that participants were encouraged to return to their communities and share the knowledge with their peers. Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok praised the chief’s initiative but expressed concern about rising drug abuse among the youth. He revealed that he had rescued 380 children from the streets, many of whom were affected by substance abuse, and called for closer collaboration between the church and cultural institutions to tackle the problem. Simon Odepe, First Deputy Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Institution, attributed early sexual activity among children to poverty and commended the Agong Foundation for its efforts to educate and empower young people. Deputy Resident City Commissioner Stephen Odongo urged communities to take an active role in combating domestic violence, while Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abang Beatrice Molly Kia highlighted that some cultural practices and leaders hinder efforts to prevent child marriage by concealing cases from authorities, making it difficult for security agencies to act. Margret Odongo Okune, the chief’s wife and founder of the Agong Foundation, expressed gratitude for the support from government, church, and cultural stakeholders, and emphasised the need for continued partnerships to ensure initiatives benefiting young people in Lango are sustained. The conference reflected growing concern over the welfare of girls in Lango and underscored the importance of combined community, cultural, and institutional efforts to address teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and youth substance abuse. Source The post Girls Who Abstain from Sex to Receive Cows as Lango Paramount Chief Tackles Early Pregnancy and Child Marriage appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Oyam, Uganda | The Jane Acilo Cup 2026 was officially launched on Friday at Rainbow Hotel in Oyam Town, in an initiative aimed at promoting grassroots football and empowering young people across Oyam District. Although Hon. Jane Frances Acilo, the founder of the Jane Acilo Foundation and Oyam District Woman MP aspirant, was absent, her team and tournament organizers unveiled the competition on her behalf. Atyang Tom Peter, Chairperson of Oyam District Football Association (DFA), welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for youth engagement in sports. Tournament Chairperson Anthony Odongo, popularly known as Giggs, said the competition will follow standard FIFA rules and will be held annually. Each of the 16 sub-counties in the district will receive a football and a full set of uniforms, and organizers will handle transport to all match venues to ensure participation. The tournament is set to kick off on Tuesday, 16th December 2026, with the grand final scheduled at Oyam Boma Grounds. The prizes for the top three teams are as follows: Winner: UGX 1,000,000, trophy, and gold medals, 1st Runner-up: UGX 700,000 and silver medals and 2nd Runner-up: UGX 500,000 and bronze medals. Odongo assured attendees that medical personnel and security officials will be on standby throughout the tournament to safeguard players. Representing the main sponsor, Dr. Leslie Nek Ojom, CEO of the Jane Acilo Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s focus on youth empowerment, education, health, and agriculture. He highlighted past achievements, including health camps benefiting over 5,000 people and support for vulnerable learners. “Health and sports go hand in hand. The Jane Acilo Cup will continue annually to nurture talent and promote discipline,” Dr. Ojom said. Oyam District Youth Chairperson Maxwell Elwop praised the initiative, saying it would positively impact young people in the district. Coaches from across Lango will scout talent during the competition, according to technical team member Dan Ogwal Egwedo. Renowned coach and football agent Bob Obira encouraged players to participate and remain disciplined, assuring that exceptional talent could be linked to top clubs such as KCCA FC and Vipers SC. He also cautioned against drug use. Hon. Acilo’s message, delivered by her team, urged parents and guardians to support their children’s participation, noting that the tournament promotes discipline, opportunity, and talent development. The launch at Rainbow Hotel marks the official start of what is expected to become a major annual football event in Oyam District, with the Jane Acilo Cup 2026 set to inspire and discover the next generation of football stars. Source The post Jane Acilo Cup 2026 Launched in Oyam, Targets Youth Football Development appeared first on Dokolo Post.