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A 30-year-old woman from Etam Town Council in Amolatar District has regained her sight after more than a decade of blindness, in a remarkable medical turnaround that has transformed her family life and renewed hope within her community. Kevin and Her Children! Acila Kevin, a mother of five, had lived with bilateral cataracts since her teenage years, gradually losing her vision until she became completely blind. For years, she navigated life in darkness, raising children she had never seen and living with a husband whose face she only knew by voice. Her breakthrough came during a surgical outreach conducted on 23 March 2026 at Amolatar Health Centre IV, where she was identified by an eye care team from Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Diagnosed with advanced cataracts in both eyes, she was admitted and successfully operated on the following day. By the next morning, Kevin’s world had changed. She recalled during a follow-up visit on 30 April that she began seeing immediately after the surgery, noting that for many years, she had not been able to see anything. She explained that she used to bump into objects, get lost on her way home, and often depended on people to guide her back, adding that she could now see everything clearly. A Life Lived in Darkness Kevin’s condition began around the age of 17, long before her marriage in 2018. Despite her visual impairment, she built a family, giving birth to five children, Adongo Prisca (7), Opio Isaac and Acen Deborah (5), Orech Haron (3), and a three-month-old baby she had never seen until after the surgery. Daily life was fraught with danger and dependence. She nearly got knocked down by a motorcycle and frequently relied on strangers for direction. Simple tasks like collecting firewood or returning from the market became difficult and risky. Despite these hardships, she maintained that her home was free from domestic violence. Husband’s Unwavering Support Her husband, Yubu Akwangà, said he only fully realised the extent of her condition after marriage, particularly following an incident at a milling machine that exposed her visual impairment. He explained that he took on all household responsibilities, including cooking, digging, and grazing animals. He added that although some people advised him to abandon his wife and find another partner, he rejected such advice, saying it would have led to family separation. Akwangà further noted that his wife used to attend antenatal care visits on her own despite her blindness, and that he remained hopeful and prayerful that she would eventually regain her sight. Now, he said, life is beginning to change. He expressed happiness that his wife can now see him for the first time and added that they would be able to work together, noting that she plans to engage in selling dry cassava to support the family. Family and Community Reaction Kevin’s father-in-law, Orech Felix, said he welcomed her into the family without initially knowing the extent of her disability. He noted that she had never seen what her siblings looked like and often got lost when returning home, but expressed relief that she can now see after the surgery. Local leaders have also taken note. Nelson Opon, the LC1 Chairperson of Arwot ‘A’ Cell, called for support to help the family rebuild economically. He observed that people with such impairments often shy away from government programmes like PDM due to fear of repayment obligations and emphasised the need for targeted support. Medical Perspective: A Treatable Condition Health experts say Kevin’s case highlights both the burden and the reversibility of cataract-related blindness. Ekwan Isaac Junior, an Ophthalmic Clinical Officer and Eye Care Programs Manager with the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology involved in the outreach, explained that cataracts, caused by clouding of the eye lens, remain a leading cause of blindness but are treatable through surgery. He noted that her condition had limited her productivity for years but that she can now regain independence and contribute economically. The outreach, conducted between 21 and 25 March, screened 96 patients and carried out 31 surgeries, 29 of which were cataract-related. Dr. Shamin Namwase, the eye surgeon who led the procedure, described the outcome as both medically and emotionally significant. She explained that the patient previously had only light perception despite raising five children but can now clearly see her family and surroundings, describing the change as a complete transformation. She also cautioned against harmful myths and traditional practices, such as the use of herbs or urine in the eyes, warning that they can cause permanent damage. Expanding Access to Eye Care Lira Regional Referral Hospital Director Dr. Andrew Odur said such cases demonstrate the critical importance of expanding eye care services across the region. He noted that restoring sight also restores dignity, adding that the patient can now see her husband and children for the first time, which is life-changing. He further revealed plans to scale up outreach programmes and establish facilities to produce eyeglasses locally to improve access for rural communities. A New Beginning For Kevin, the surgery marks not just a medical recovery but the beginning of a new chapter. After 13 years in darkness, she is finally seeing the faces of her loved ones and stepping into a future she can now fully witness. Source

Nakaseke, Uganda | Leaders from Lango sub-region, led by the Paramount Chief (Won-Nyaci) His Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, have presented a comprehensive five-year development memorandum to the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, aimed at accelerating socio-economic transformation in the region. Lango Leaders in a Group Photo With Gen. Salim Saleh. The memorandum was tabled during a high-level meeting held at Saleh’s Kirema Farm in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District, where discussions centred on enhancing household incomes through agriculture, value addition and agro-industrialisation. Prior to the meeting, the Lango delegation toured a number of enterprises at the farm, including factories dealing in ceramics, footwear, electronics and radio manufacturing, as well as production of disposable items such as cups and plates. The tour provided practical insights into industrialisation and job creation models that leaders said could be replicated in Lango. Lango Leaders During a Factory Tour at Kapeeka. According to the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Institution, Willy Okullo, the Won-Nyaci used the meeting to invite Saleh to visit Lango and assess the impact of government poverty eradication programmes. Saleh welcomed the proposal and pledged to organise a visit while also committing to channel key issues in the memorandum to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for consideration under the National Development Plan IV. Okullo noted that the delegation was particularly encouraged by the number of Lango youth employed in the Kapeeka-based factories, saying this demonstrated the potential of industrialisation to address unemployment in the sub-region. Speaking during the engagement, Odongo Okune said the memorandum, developed during a meeting at Lango Cultural Centre on February 28, 2026, outlines key priorities including expansion of wealth creation programmes, road infrastructure development, upgrading of health facilities, increased representation of Lango in government, and provision of scholarships for students from each district to join public universities. Get Ready for Kaunda Ground! He expressed optimism that the government would respond positively to the proposals, citing the region’s strong support for President Museveni in recent elections. In his response, Saleh commended Lango leaders for taking initiative in defining their development priorities, pledging to personally support interventions such as provision of tractors, revival of Lira Spinning Mill and starch factory, while forwarding broader policy issues to the President for action. At the Centre; L-R, Margaret Odongo (Lango Paramount Chief’s Wife) and Susan Okullo (Lango Cultural Institution Prime Minister’s Wife). The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Attorney General, Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi, who applauded the Lango leadership for proactively engaging the government on development, noting that many regions are yet to organise similar efforts. Source

Kampala, Uganda | A senior official at the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) has used the Labour Day platform to propose a structured roadmap for transforming Uganda’s textile sector, positioning the contentious mitumba (second-hand clothing) debate as a springboard for long-term industrial growth. In a policy message ahead of the celebrations, Col. (Rtd) Dr. John Francis Ongia, UDC’s Senior Liaison Officer, unveiled what he termed the “AKISONI Framework”—a phased strategy designed to align consumer needs with national industrial ambitions. Dr. Ongia said current public and policy discussions on mitumba reveal broad agreement on key issues, despite differing viewpoints. “What we are seeing is not conflict, but alignment from different perspectives. The real task is to translate that into a clear, actionable pathway,” he said. At the centre of his proposal is a sequenced transition model: Stabilize (Now): Maintain access to second-hand clothing to protect low-income households, while introducing moderate taxes. Invest (Immediate): Channel revenues into cotton production, textile manufacturing, and industrial clusters. Compete (Medium Term): Build scale and reduce production costs to strengthen local competitiveness. Transition (Long Term): Gradually limit imports only when domestic supply is sufficient and affordable. He argued that such sequencing would prevent economic shocks while steadily building local capacity. A key pillar of the proposal is ring-fencing tax revenues from mitumba to directly finance Uganda’s textile value chain. Dr. Ongia said funds should support farmers, expand manufacturing, and create jobs—ensuring that taxation is seen as a development tool rather than a burden. “Reform must be visible. People must see how today’s sacrifices translate into tomorrow’s opportunities,” he noted. The UDC official acknowledged the tension between protecting local industries and safeguarding consumers, but insisted both goals can be achieved simultaneously. “You cannot grow industry by pricing citizens out of basic needs. Nor can you sustain affordability without building domestic production,” he said. Dr. Ongia also raised concerns about selective trade restrictions, warning that targeting mitumba alone could undermine policy credibility. “Consistency matters. If we question used clothing, then logically we must examine other second-hand imports as well,” he said. He stressed that the success of any industrial policy will ultimately depend on competitiveness—particularly in cost, quality, and scale. “Protection is temporary. Productivity is permanent. That is what will determine whether our industries survive,” he said. As Uganda honours its workforce, Dr. Ongia called for a unified national effort to support local production while protecting livelihoods. “This is not about choosing between wananchi and industry. It is about building a system where both thrive together,” he said. He urged citizens to embrace locally made products under the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative, describing it as critical to achieving sustainable economic transformation. Source

Oyam, Uganda | Police in North Kyoga Region are investigating a tragic domestic incident in which a 49-year-old man allegedly died following an attack by his 15-year-old son in Zaire Village, Myene Parish, Myene Sub-county. The deceased, identified as Okeng Simon, a peasant farmer in the area, is reported to have sustained fatal injuries during a violent altercation at his home on the evening of April 29, 2026. Preliminary police findings indicate that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a mobile phone believed to contain information about anticipated government funds for cattle restocking. At the time, the device was in the possession of the suspect. Trouble is said to have started when the father returned home and found the juvenile accessing messages on the phone. Suspecting that the funds had been credited, he demanded the device back, but the suspect allegedly refused, leading to a confrontation. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect is reported to have picked up a piece of wood and struck his father several times on the head, causing him to collapse. The victim’s wife, who witnessed the incident, attempted to rush him to a nearby health facility, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was later apprehended by local leaders and handed over to Minakulu Town Council Police Station. A case of murder by assault has since been registered, and homicide detectives visited the scene, documented evidence, and recorded witness statements. The body of the deceased was conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV for postmortem examination as investigations continue. Police have urged communities to resolve domestic disagreements through peaceful means and avoid violence, especially within families. Source

Lira, Uganda | Erute South MP-elect and Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs, Sam Engola, has called for greater unity and dedication to work among Ugandans as the country joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Labour Day 2026. Engola, speaking on Friday, May 1, 2026, appealed to civil servants, boda-boda riders, farmers, traders and professionals across all sectors to embrace hard work and collective responsibility in driving household and national development. He said sustainable progress could only be achieved if citizens work together, emphasising that every profession plays a critical role in strengthening Uganda’s economy. The commemoration coincided with International Labour Day 2026, a global public holiday observed in honour of workers’ contribution to economic growth and social development. The day is traditionally marked by reflections on labour rights, fair wages, and decent working conditions, alongside public celebrations in many countries. Now On Kakebe Shop! This year’s global theme, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” focused on mental health in the workplace, with emphasis on reducing stress, preventing burnout, and improving overall employee wellbeing in both formal and informal sectors. In Uganda, the national celebrations is set to take place at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School in Matale, Buikwe District, bringing together workers, government officials, and stakeholders under the theme “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprises.” The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said the national theme aligns with government efforts to formalise businesses, expand decent work opportunities, and equip Uganda’s young population with employable skills. With more than 73% of the population below 30 years, officials underscored the urgency of job creation and skills development. The celebrations are expected to be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has consistently emphasised labour productivity as a pillar of Uganda’s development agenda. Across the region, South Sudan marks the day for the first time as an official public holiday, with national celebrations to be held at Juba National Stadium, signalling a broader regional recognition of workers’ contributions. Labour Day 2026… International Labour Day, observed annually on May 1, remains a key global moment to reflect on the evolution of labour rights, from the historic struggles for the eight-hour working day to contemporary debates on workplace wellbeing, automation, and inclusive economic growth. Source

Kampala, Uganda | Newly enrolled Advocates of the High Court have been urged to uphold justice, integrity, and professionalism as they embark on their legal careers. The call was made on Thursday during the enrolment of 113 lawyers at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala. Presiding over the function, HW Beatrice Stella Atingu, Registrar in charge of Special Duties at the High Court, represented the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Acting Chief Registrar, Atingu congratulated the advocates upon joining the legal profession, describing the milestone as both an achievement and a responsibility. She emphasised that while the legal profession carries prestige and authority, it demands discipline, ethical conduct, and commitment to justice. She reminded the new advocates of their duty to the court, clients, and society. “…as officers of the court, you are expected to support the administration of justice in line with Article 126(2) of the Constitution, ensuring fairness, timeliness, and substance over technicalities…,” she said. Atingu cautioned that effective legal practice requires continuous learning, proper preparation, and adherence to professional standards. She warned against actions that could undermine justice, noting that advocates must prioritise their duty to the court even when representing clients. She also encouraged the advocates to contribute to societal transformation through pro bono work and by promoting access to justice for all, especially vulnerable communities. Representing the Secretary of the Law Council, Patience Biira Mutooro reminded the new entrants of the Council’s mandate to regulate and discipline the profession. She urged them to uphold integrity, patience, and professionalism, warning against the pursuit of unethical gain. She stressed that reputation in the legal field is built on honesty and consistent ethical conduct. Mutooro also called for proper decorum, urging advocates to maintain professionalism in both appearance and communication, and to remain open to guidance and correction. Emmanuel Egaru Otim, representing the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, welcomed the advocates to the profession and described their enrolment as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and service. He encouraged them to remain disciplined and focused, adding that success should be measured by the impact they create rather than material wealth. “…your legacy begins now. Serve diligently and make choices that will positively shape society…,” he said. Earlier, HW Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar and moderator of the ceremony, described the enrolment as a significant rite of passage and commended the advocates for their perseverance and dedication. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | A surge in the number of women seeking fistula treatment in Dokolo has laid bare persistent gaps in maternal healthcare, even as a free medical outreach offers renewed hope to survivors. Over 120 women turned up at Dokolo Health Centre IV on Thursday for screening under a one-day intervention spearheaded by CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, with support from Fistula Foundation. The unexpectedly high turnout, health workers say, reflects a silent but widespread burden of obstetric fistula in rural communities, where access to skilled birth services remains limited. Dr. Judith Stenkamp, a fistula surgeon and program coordinator at CoRSU, said many of the cases stem from prolonged or obstructed labour, a condition that often goes unmanaged due to delays in accessing proper medical care. “Fistula is preventable, yet we continue to see many cases because women either reach health facilities late or rely on unskilled birth attendants,” she noted. She added that the condition, medically known as vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), leaves women with uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces, often resulting in social rejection, stigma, and economic hardship. The outreach, which included counselling and mentorship sessions, also highlighted underlying factors such as low uptake of family planning services and early pregnancies, particularly among teenage girls. Health officials warn that without strengthened community awareness and improved maternal health services, such cases will persist. Despite the challenges, the outreach has provided a lifeline. Women diagnosed with fistula will be referred for free surgical repair at CoRSU, a move expected to restore not only their health but also dignity and social inclusion. Some survivors who previously underwent successful treatment shared testimonies of recovery, describing how they had regained confidence and resumed normal life after years of suffering. Dokolo District official Mr. Ocen Denis Oruba urged affected women to take advantage of the free services, emphasizing that treatment is fully funded and accessible. “This is an opportunity for our people to get help without financial burden. We encourage families and communities to support those affected,” he said. Experts now argue that beyond treatment, addressing fistula requires sustained investment in maternal healthcare, promotion of family planning, and discouraging unsafe delivery practices—measures they say are critical in preventing new cases. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The High Court in Kampala has sentenced Okello Christopher Onyum to death after finding him guilty of murdering four children from Ggaba Daycare Centre, in a ruling that has drawn nationwide attention. More details to follow….. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | A team from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court in a move aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and improving service delivery for court users. The delegation, led by Henry Patrick Ariong, Manager Finance Tax Refunds, and accompanied by Mukisa Anita, Officer Finance Petroleum Refunds, engaged with the Chief Magistrate Grade I, HW Vicent Muzeyi, before conducting a sensitisation session for court users and court staff. Ariong said the outreach was intended to deepen cooperation between URA and the judiciary while enhancing public awareness on tax refund procedures, particularly in cases of erroneous payments made during court-related transactions and other government services. Ads He emphasized that taxpayers should be assured that such errors do not result in financial loss, as refunds can be processed through URA’s online systems without requiring physical travel over long distances. The URA team also sensitised court staff on the online tax refund application process, expressing confidence that they would support and guide court users who may require assistance in accessing the service. During the engagement, URA officials commended the Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court for its high standards of service delivery and customer care, noting the efficiency demonstrated in handling court users. HW Vicent Muzeyi welcomed the initiative and appreciated the engagement, reaffirming the court’s commitment to guiding users on proper administrative and legal procedures. He noted that the delivery of justice extends beyond adjudication, stressing that it begins with ensuring that court users are informed, supported and empowered throughout their interaction with the justice system. Source

By Chris Ocen – Health Worker, Journalist, IT Specialist In Uganda’s political theatre, visibility is often mistaken for value. The loudest voices dominate headlines, yet the most effective leaders are often those quietly building structures, shaping communities, and delivering results far from the spotlight. Joseph Jones Ogwal, Dokolo North MP-elect, belongs to this rare class—a disciplined cadre, seasoned technocrat, and a deeply rooted grassroots mobiliser whose time has arrived at a critical moment in Uganda’s political journey. His rise is not accidental. It is the product of over 15 years of deliberate mobilisation, strategic restraint, and sustained community engagement. From Political Restraint to Electoral Strength In 2021, at a time when internal competition within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was intense, Ogwal made a defining choice—he stepped aside in favour of the party flag bearer. In Uganda’s political culture, such restraint is uncommon. But it revealed a leader guided by ideology, patience, and long-term calculation. Years later, that patience translated into political strength. In the last NRM primaries, Ogwal secured 5,964 votes, defeating incumbent Moses Ogwal Goli (4,915 votes) in a race declared free, fair, and peaceful. Other contenders trailed behind. When petitions were filed challenging his victory, the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal dismissed them due to lack of credible evidence—effectively confirming him as the undisputed flag bearer. He did not just win an election—he consolidated legitimacy. A Mobiliser Forged Over 15 Years Long before his electoral victory, Ogwal had already built one of the most structured and resilient grassroots mobilisation networks in Dokolo North. For over a decade and a half, he has actively mobilised for Yoweri Museveni and the NRM using practical, people-centered approaches. His mobilisation strategy has not relied on rhetoric, but on consistent presence and community investment. His mobilisation architecture includes: Sports as a mobilisation engine – Organising football tournaments such as Christmas Cup, Easter Cup, Eid, and Independence competitions, transforming them into platforms for youth engagement, unity, and talent development. Youth empowerment structures – Building trust among young people through continuous engagement, mentorship, and opportunity creation. Women-focused economic mobilisation – Supporting savings groups and livelihood initiatives that double as grassroots mobilisation networks. Community presence beyond elections – Maintaining year-round engagement, reinforcing loyalty and credibility. This long-term investment explains why his political base is not temporary—it is deep, organised, and sustainable. Mobilisation That Delivers Results Ogwal’s mobilisation is not symbolic—it produces measurable outcomes. His victory over an incumbent MP demonstrated the strength of his grassroots network. Beyond that, his influence has extended across political lines. In Agwata Town Council, over 60 youth defected from opposition ranks to join the NRM, openly citing his leadership, energy, and clear development vision. Even in moments of contestation, Ogwal has demonstrated maturity. After legal challenges to his victory were dismissed, he extended an olive branch to his opponents, calling for unity and collective focus on development. This is not just mobilisation—it is leadership consolidation. Mobilisation Through Development What distinguishes Ogwal is his ability to tie mobilisation directly to tangible development interventions. His community-driven initiatives include: Supporting economic empowerment, including the donation of 300 birds to the Dokolo Journalists Development Association, boosting their poultry project as a model for income generation. Investing in youth programmes, providing sports equipment, logistics, and incentives to sustain engagement. Advocating for education reform, highlighting that only one in nine children in Dokolo North progresses to secondary school—and proposing actionable solutions. Promoting local capacity building, including plans to train 5 doctors and about 30 nurses from within the community. Spearheading environmental and sanitation campaigns, including the “Keep Dokolo Clean” initiative targeting major town councils. Engaging communities on road safety and civic awareness, particularly among youth. This model transforms mobilisation into a vehicle for development, not just political support. A Scientific Mind in Leadership Ogwal’s leadership is further distinguished by intellectual depth. When floods affected Dokolo, he provided a science-based explanation, linking the disaster to climate change and the Indian Ocean Dipole. He dismissed misinformation and explained how global weather systems influence rainfall patterns in East Africa. In a political environment often driven by speculation, this ability to bring scientific clarity to public discourse is both rare and necessary. Technocrat Meets Grassroots Leader Beyond mobilisation, Ogwal brings over 24 years of professional experience in energy, environment, and natural resource management. He has contributed to over 40 high-voltage electricity transmission and substation projects across Uganda, working with international development partners such as the World Bank and African Development Bank. His expertise spans: Environmental and social safeguards. Infrastructure compliance and planning. Community resettlement frameworks. Ecosystem restoration and conservation. Earlier in his career, he reviewed over 100 Environmental Impact Assessments and conducted more than 500 environmental compliance inspections. This dual identity—as a technocrat and grassroots mobiliser—is what sets him apart. A Manifesto Built from Experience Ogwal’s six-pillar agenda reflects both his professional background and grassroots engagement: Education – Scholarships, establishment of a vocational skilling centre, and a girl-child empowerment program involving the donation of 10 sewing machines to each sub-county/town council for hands-on training. Economic empowerment – Strengthening household incomes and overseeing effective penetration of government programs such as Parish Development Model (PDM). Oversight on infrastructure – Ensuring improved service delivery and accountability in roads, electricity, and public works. Sports and culture – Promoting unity, talent development, and cultural identity through structured sports initiatives. Advocacy – Championing environmental protection and reproductive health awareness at community level. Governance and accountability – Supporting transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and responsive leadership aligned with national priorities. These priorities are not theoretical—they are rooted in lived realities and practical experience. A Leader for a Critical Moment As Uganda gradually approaches a phase of political transition, the country requires leaders who are balanced, focused, and deeply connected to the people. Leaders who understand both systems and society—those capable of sustaining stability while advancing transformation. Ogwal represents such a leader. His vision aligns with that of Yoweri Museveni—particularly on fighting corruption, strengthening systems, and advancing a development-oriented agenda. Yet his strength lies in how he localizes that vision