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By Walter Okello Kwania, Uganda | In a dramatic turn ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, several National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Abongomola Subcounty have publicly declared their support for independent candidate Awor Evaline Pule, citing her “clear and outstanding vision” to transform Kwania North Constituency. The defections were announced during a well-attended rally organized by Awor at St. John Polling Station in Angule “A” Village. Joe Odur, the NRM Secretary for Abany Iping Village, told the cheering crowd that after carefully comparing the manifestos of all candidates, Awor Evaline Pule’s agenda stood far above the rest. “I have looked at what everyone is bringing to the table. Awor Evaline Pule’s vision is outstanding. She is approachable and her plans touch even the least person in the village,” Odur said. “That is why, on polling day, my vote and the votes of many others here will go to Awor Evaline Pule.” Odur expressed deep frustration with the incumbent Member of Parliament, saying that for the past five years, the current representative has been largely absent and has failed to address the numerous challenges facing the constituency. “To my disappointment, in the last five years I have never heard the current MP present anything that directly affects the people of Kwania North, yet we are going through a lot of hardship,” he added. Haron Odur, Chairperson of the NRM Youth League for Teior Parish, echoed the same sentiment, accusing official NRM candidates of being “reluctant” to tackle the pressing issues in the area while still expecting votes to “champion development. “ The NRM candidates are so reluctant to address the real challenges we face here in Kwania North, yet they demand a lot from us in the name of development,” Haron Odur said. He urged residents of Abongomola to rally behind Awor Evaline Pule, saying, “My people of Abongomola, let us come together and give her massive support so she can solve our problems.” Awor Pledges Inclusive Development Without Partisan Barriers Responding to the endorsements, Awor Evaline Pule thanked the NRM leaders and the community for their trust, reaffirming her commitment to deliver development to the grassroots regardless of political affiliation. “I am not against any political party. Even if I run as an independent, I will work without any portfolio to ensure that development reaches the grassroots and benefits every person in Kwania North,” Awor told the rally. She outlined her vision of inclusive growth, focusing on education, health, roads, water, and agricultural support issues she says have been neglected for too long. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira City leaders have urged residents and market vendors to take responsibility for keeping public markets clean and orderly, saying community participation is critical for the success of any development initiative. Mayor Sam Atul made the remarks on Tuesday during the launch of a market beautification and branding project at Lira Main Market, emphasizing that private partnerships can only succeed if the community plays an active role. “The market is not just a trading place — it is a reflection of who we are as a city,” Atul said. “Partnerships can support us, but sustaining cleanliness and order is a responsibility that must be shared by all of us.” City officials said the project is part of a wider effort to restore urban standards and improve the market environment in Lira. “We are not interested in cosmetic changes. We want a market that is hygienic, safe, and organised for our people,” Atul added. “Every partner must support that mission.” Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Lira City Lawrence Egole described the event as a proud moment for Lira and the Lango sub-region, noting that the market, built 14 years ago, has received a fresh, modern look. Vendors welcomed the facelift but called on city authorities to ensure the improvements are sustained with continued support in waste management, water access, and security. “We love the new look, but we need long-term support beyond paint and branding,” one vendor said. Urban development analyst Grace Aciro noted that such initiatives succeed only when the community actively participates. “Even the best partnerships fail if the community is passive. Public spaces survive on shared responsibility,” she said. Following the city’s address, MTN Uganda’s Regional Commercial Head, Philips Odoi, assured vendors that the company’s engagement goes beyond visual upgrades. “We believe in meaningful partnerships. MTN MoMo is here to work with the people of Lira in building a market that is safe, clean, and supportive of business,” he said. The initiative also aligns with MTN’s “Market by MoMo Yiino” campaign, aimed at expanding e-commerce services and digital payment options for traders. Mayor Atul said the long-term success of the beautification drive hinges on a cultural shift among residents and vendors. “Lira Main Market belongs to the people of Lira. If we all commit to keeping it clean and organised, this market will reflect the pride and identity of our city,” he said. Source

Lira, Uganda | Health Minister and Lira City Woman MP, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, has launched her 2026–2031 re-election campaign in Boke Ward, Lira City East Division, with a call for continuity and strengthened development in the city. Speaking to thousands of supporters, Dr. Aceng said the rapid changes seen in Lira City over the last four years were a result of what she described as deliberate, focused and accountable leadership. She appealed to residents to renew her mandate so she can build on what she termed the “foundation of transformation” laid since 2021. Dr. Aceng told the gathering that residents of Boke had raised priority concerns including poor roads, unreliable electricity, limited access to clean water and the absence of a health facility. She assured them that these issues would feature prominently in her next-term agenda. The event also attracted religious leaders. Bishop Tom Ibrahim Okello, who addressed the rally, urged residents to support leaders who uphold moral and spiritual values. He advised voters to choose leaders guided by faith and integrity, arguing that such attributes are essential for effective public service. Throughout her remarks, Dr. Aceng referenced achievements made during the 2021–2026 period, pointing to improvements in health services, infrastructure expansion and community programmes. She said her next five years would focus on scaling up service delivery and positioning Lira City as a regional hub for growth. The Boke Ward launch marked the beginning of what her campaign team described as a citywide mobilisation effort aimed at consolidating the momentum of development and strengthening public support ahead of the 2026 elections. Source

Lira, Uganda | Sedric Otolo, Director of Kakebe Technologies and co-organiser of the lecture, said Musevenomics provides a practical, non-political framework for business development in Uganda. He explained that young entrepreneurs need such a mindset to break free from outdated business models, and added that business, economics, and ICT should ideally form part of every student’s education, regardless of their discipline. His remarks came on Wednesday during an economic empowerment lecture at Ebenezer University in Lira City, where social worker, entrepreneur, and Triumph Women Initiative founder Dr. Sharon Okello Sharon Ngenja unveiled a nationwide campaign to simplify and humanise the concept of Musevenomics for young Ugandans. Dr. Okello, widely known as “the girl from Ouyam,” said her goal was to transform Musevenomics, often seen as complex and technical, into a relatable, life-centred doctrine that young people can apply in their daily routines. She described the doctrine as a form of humanity, comparing it to the human body, where integrity, customer care, and skills represent the heart, while income symbolises the harvest. It was for this reason, she explained, that she named her project “The Heart Before the Harvest.” She traced her inspiration to an encounter with Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), who challenged her understanding of Uganda’s industrialisation and value-addition journey. The experience, she said, forced her to question why many Ugandans remain unaware of the industrial progress already achieved, even though the country’s major bottleneck is now securing markets rather than building factories. Concerned that young people often find economic language intimidating, Dr. Okello said she decided to reinterpret Musevenomics as a lifestyle rather than a political ideology or academic concept. She argued that economics underpins daily human activity, waking up, breathing, and working, and insisted that capital does not always mean money, saying skills themselves should be seen as capital. She also shared how she built the Triumph Women Initiative by turning personal pain into an impactful brand that documents the resilience of women across Uganda. Through packaging and digitalising these stories, she noted that she was able to create value, attract partners, and generate income. The campaign places strong emphasis on university students, whom Dr. Okello described as strategic carriers of economic transformation. She said she viewed them as future ambassadors of the doctrine who would naturally take Musevenomics to their home communities during holidays, enabling grassroots uptake across the country. She stressed that the initiative was self-driven and not financed by any political entity, saying her commitment stemmed from a deep personal conviction in the doctrine’s effectiveness. Among the standout trainees was Kabejja Dorcus, a medical student at Lira University, who said the programme opened her eyes to the critical role of skills, creativity, and innovation in navigating a competitive job market. She said young people must invest in skill-based training to thrive even when formal jobs are scarce. Ebenezer University’s Academic Registrar, Dr. Joseph Esiana, said the lecture aligned with the institution’s mission to build a culture of innovation and excellence. He noted that more than a thousand students had acquired practical skills in creativity, innovation, and business incubation, adding that Musevenomics offered a viable pathway to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He recommended that the programme become an annual event and that outstanding student innovations receive seed funding. Dr. Okello said her objective was to inspire a generation that views economics not as theory but as a lifestyle built on discipline, skill, and humanity. She argued that young Ugandans must transition from subsistence living to the money economy, adding that a proper understanding of Musevenomics would accelerate that shift. The initiative is expected to roll out to additional universities and institutions across Uganda in the coming months, with plans to form a nationwide network of youth ambassadors for economic transformation. Source

Kampala, Uganda | While announcing the release of Shs. 529 billion to all verified PDM SACCOs, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija said no beneficiary should be charged any fee to access their PDM loan. He noted that RDCs, DISOs, and Accounting Officers must take firm action against any fraudsters or extortionists who attempt to exploit the programme. Kasaija stressed that anyone who abuses the PDM system would face firm and swift punishment under the law and urged SACCO leaders to ensure proper selection of beneficiaries, effective monitoring, and timely loan recovery. He encouraged SACCO members to save, invest, repay, and strengthen their SACCOs in order to build resilient parish economies. The Minister said the government remained committed to enabling the Parish Development Model to transform the lives of ordinary Ugandans. He added that when President Museveni promised to release UGX 1 trillion annually to parishes, some people doubted the commitment, but the NRM Government had since delivered on that pledge. The announcement came as government released the first tranche of UGX 529 billion to capitalise Parish Development Model SACCOs for the 2025/26 financial year. Starting tomorrow, all 10,589 verified PDM SACCOs are expected to receive UGX 50 million each directly into their accounts. Under PDM policy, the government disburses funds in two instalments annually, each SACCO receiving UGX 50 million every six months. At the Ministry of Finance, officials said the programme was no longer theoretical but had become a visible part of people’s daily lives in parishes and households across the country. They added that PDM was growing stronger and more impactful as implementation expanded. Government figures show that UGX 3.216 trillion has so far been transferred directly to parishes since the programme began. Every parish has now received at least UGX 300 million, and officials reported that 99% of the funds had already been disbursed to an estimated 3.27 million Ugandans. They indicated that the second tranche for the current financial year, an additional UGX 50 million per SACCO, would be released before June 2026, bringing the annual allocation to UGX 100 million per parish. According to government data, beneficiaries under the programme have significantly invested in key livelihood enterprises. Current investment levels include UGX 385 billion in coffee, UGX 1.1 trillion in food, and other cash crops, UGX 1.1 trillion in livestock, mainly piggery, and UGX 366 billion in poultry. Source

Ngora, Uganda | The fatal shooting of a Senior Three student at Teso Progressive Academy (TEPA) has turned attention to the long-standing concerns about the joint deployment of police and military personnel in civilian operations, after new details from Ngora Central Police Station revealed serious lapses in command and coordination. The latest incident report, registered under CRB 353/2025, confirms that Okiror Gabriel was shot dead and teacher Majja Bernard critically injured when a single bullet was fired during an attempt to arrest the student on Monday morning. But beyond the incident itself, security experts and local leaders say the Ngora shooting exposes deeper operational confusion between Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), particularly where soldiers serve in support roles such as UNEB examination security. Lines of command unclear as soldier fires police weapon Fresh findings indicate that Pte Atim Agnes, a UPDF soldier deployed as a UNEB guard, removed an AK-47 rifle from PC Ijobu Sylvia, the police officer assigned to it, before firing the fatal shot. The weapon had been booked out from Ngora CPS less than 30 minutes earlier for a routine response to a reported disturbance by the student. Security analysts argue that the ease with which a soldier accessed and discharged a police firearm raises fundamental concerns about overlapping authority. “This incident reflects a structural command gap,” a retired police operations commander told Dokolo Post. “When soldiers operate alongside police without clear boundaries, these mistakes become inevitable.” Why were two different forces handling a school disciplinary case? Investigators say the school director had reported a case of alleged theft and indiscipline. The response team, however, included a UNEB guard whose primary role was exam security — not arrests, not enforcement, and certainly not handling firearms out of command structure. Education watchers say the involvement of a soldier in a minor disciplinary matter shows a blurring of responsibilities that must be addressed urgently. Officers flee, complicating accountability Both PC Ijobu and Pte Atim fled the scene after the shooting, an unprecedented development that has unsettled the community and cast doubt on the clarity of their roles during the operation. Their disappearance has left investigators piecing together decisions made during those crucial moments, including who was technically in charge when the shot was fired. Joint deployments under renewed scrutiny Uganda frequently deploys soldiers alongside police during examinations, high-risk operations, and major events. But the Ngora incident has reignited debate over whether soldiers should be placed in environments requiring specialized handling of minors, mental health cases, or school-level discipline matters. Local leaders say the overlapping presence of both forces, without clear operational limits, is a threat to public safety. “This tragedy could have been avoided with proper coordination,” a district councillor said. “We now see that joint deployments, when poorly supervised, create more confusion than security.” Investigation now examining institutional gaps The ongoing inquiry has broadened to examine: The decision-making process behind dispatching both a police officer and a soldier, Whether the UNEB guard overstepped her mandate, Why firearm control rules were breached, And whether Ngora CPS followed protocol in releasing a rifle for what began as a school complaint. The Education Ministry, police, and UPDF spokespersons are expected to address the growing concerns as the public demands a clearer framework governing such deployments. Authorities say updates will be released as the search for the two officers continues and as investigations expand into both individual and institutional accountability. Source

Ngora, Uganda | Community members, parents, and human rights advocates have raised alarm over police conduct following the fatal shooting of a Senior Three student at Teso Progressive Academy. The incident, which also left a teacher critically injured, has reignited debates on use of force in schools and the need for strict protocols when engaging with minors. The deceased, Gabriel Okiror, was handed over to police after being accused of theft. Reports indicate that the student resisted arrest, leading to a confrontation with a female officer, during which the firearm discharged. Bernard Majja, a teacher who tried to intervene, sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. School director John Omugur described the event as a routine disciplinary matter that spiraled out of control. “We never imagined a disciplinary issue could end in such tragedy,” he said. Parents have condemned the incident as excessive and avoidable, calling for immediate suspension and prosecution of the officer involved. One parent commented: “Our children should feel safe at school, not threatened by those meant to protect them.” Human rights groups have emphasized the urgency of establishing clear guidelines for police engagement with students. “No child should face lethal force in school,” said a local activist. “This incident highlights the gaps in training, protocols, and accountability within police operations in educational settings.” Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the officer involved, and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, Teso Progressive Academy has suspended classes as post-mortem examinations and inquiries proceed. The tragedy has sparked wider concerns about school safety, police preparedness, and accountability mechanisms, with calls for nationwide review of policies guiding law enforcement interactions with minors. Source

By Chris Woo Oyam, Uganda | Oyam District has successfully implemented 57.7 billion shillings in the financial year 2025/2026. This was revealed during the district budget conference held at the Oyam District Council Hall on November 13, 2025. In his address, Benson Walter Dilla, the LC5 Chairperson, noted that the district did not achieve its target of raising 20% in local revenue. He called for the expansion of the district’s revenue base and urged Senior Assistant Secretaries (SAS) to foster friendly relations with their parish chiefs to motivate effective service delivery. Despite the successful implementation of the 2025/2026 budget, the allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year has dropped to 53.67 billion shillings. Of this, 1.567 billion shillings (3%) is expected to be raised locally, while 52.10 billion shillings will come from the central government. External financing is projected at 1.3 billion shillings, mainly from Global Fund, Gavi, UNICEF, and the UgiIFT programme. Additionally, off-budget financing is expected to exceed 30 billion shillings, largely from the European Union through a WASH project that will support infrastructure development in 24 schools across Oyam South and Oyam North constituencies. Joel Ojedra, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized that the largest share of funds will be directed towards education, health, roads, water, agriculture, trade, and economic development. He encouraged civil servants to diligently uphold their responsibilities to drive growth in the district. Nommy Otyeno, Speaker of the District Local Council, expressed appreciation for achievements during his tenure, including the purchase of office equipment and resolving disputes among foundation bodies that had hindered growth and academic performance in five schools. He cautioned politicians against neglecting their duties, noting that some had skipped the budget conference to attend campaign activities. District Engineer Eng. George Okite Okeng acknowledged the poor state of roads, attributing it to heavy rains in the sub-region. He urged parliamentarians to revise guidelines to allow routine manual maintenance and called for government prioritization of districts based on size, stressing that Oyam is “three in one” and difficult to manage. He also appealed to communities not to blame politicians solely for road conditions, reminding them that service delivery extends beyond infrastructure. Billie Otto, Chairperson District Road’s Committee,  revealed that out of 588 kilometres of roads, Oyam has managed to work on 420 kilometres of roads. Chited lack enough road equipments as one of the major challenges affecting road maintenance in the district. Betty Owani, Secretary for Health and Community-Based Services, highlighted key achievements, including the upgrading of 13 health centres from level II to level III and the recruitment of health workers, which has significantly improved healthcare delivery. In his closing statement, Francis Behangana, Deputy Resident District Commissioner, sternly warned headteachers of government-aided schools against chasing learners over unpaid PTA fees. He cautioned that any headteacher found doing so would face arrest. Behangana also urged civil servants to embrace teamwork and hard work to enhance service delivery in Oyam District. Source

By Chris Woo Oyam, Uganda | Oyam North Member of Parliament, Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, has pledged to safeguard Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) votes from alleged election malpractice. Speaking at a campaign rally in Adyang Cell, Oyam Town Council, Dr. Apio revealed she had received information that some politicians were planning to tamper with her votes and those of other UPC candidates in Oyam North and across Oyam District. Dr. Apio highlighted several achievements during her two-year tenure in Parliament, following the passing of her predecessor, Patrick Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo. Among her key accomplishments are the rehabilitation of Oryama Pat Bridge, returning over 900 school dropouts to classrooms, advocating for an ambulance for Oyam North Constituency, supporting the installation of National Water and Rural Electrification projects, with assessments already conducted, pushing for the elevation of Anyeke Health Centre IV to district hospital status, a process now underway. She further noted that through her advocacy, the Ministry of Tourism has agreed to upgrade several cultural and historical sites, including Abok Massacre Site, where 28 refugees were killed by LRA rebels in 2004, Iceme Teokic Mother Mary’s Shrine and First Won Nyaci Palace in Kamdini, among many others. Dr. Apio emphasized that these projects will boost tourism and spur infrastructure development in roads, electricity, accommodation, and clean water supply. She urged voters in Oyam North to continue supporting her for sustained progress. Meanwhile, Nelson Adea Akar, also known as Mogo Amoga, the former LC5 Chairperson of Oyam District, announced his bid to reclaim the seat. Adea said his return to politics is aimed at rebuilding Oyam from what he described as poor leadership under the current district chairman. He cited his lobbying efforts during his previous tenure, including securing a European Union project now benefiting 24 schools and several health facilities, as well as obtaining UGX 1 billion from the Ministry of Local Government for the construction of Oyam’s administration block. He also facilitated the provision of chairs and a public address system for the District Council Hall, which he claimed were stolen after he left office. Adea pledged to prioritize improving roads, health services, education, and fighting corruption, particularly the buying and selling of jobs. When contacted, Francis Behangana, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Oyam District, said his office had not yet received official reports regarding the alleged election malpractice. He advised politicians with such concerns to report them to the nearest police station. Behangana assured the public that security agencies are prepared to guarantee free and fair elections in 2026. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lango cultural leaders from the Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) and the Lango Cultural Institution (LCI), together with the family of the late Paramount Chief, Won Nyaci Yosam Odur Ebii, have agreed to hold a joint and “decent” burial on November 22, 2025. The resolution was announced on Saturday during a press briefing at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Lira City, where leaders urged the public to reject divisive messages and embrace unity as preparations gain momentum. Dr. Lorry Lawrence Ocen, the Speaker of the Lango Cultural Foundation and chairperson of the burial committee, said all clans had reached a consensus on working together. “All the clans agree to bury the Won Nyaci in a decent way,” Dr Ocen said, adding that a joint communiqué issued on Friday confirmed that the burial would proceed without cultural interference. He appealed to individuals spreading disunity on radio and social media to stop immediately. Professor Willy Okullu, Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, confirmed that discussions held on Friday centred on ensuring that the late chief’s burial promotes harmony rather than division. “The death of Yosam Odur Ebii should be of unity, not segregation,” Prof Okullu said. He urged the Lango community to prepare for the burial, describing the renewed cooperation between the two cultural factions as “the first of its kind.” Ogwal Oyee Fedrick, the acting Won Nyaci and Prime Minister of the LCF, said many people had spoken fondly of the late Yosam since his passing on November 10. He encouraged the public to honour those sentiments by supporting a joint burial. “For our friends in the Lango Cultural Institution, we are united with them in order to give Yosam a decent send-off,” he said. The family also confirmed its support for the unified approach. Anthony Olobo Odur, son of the late Won Nyaci and clan head of the Atek Omwony-pel clan, said they welcomed the collective effort. He commended both cultural institutions for agreeing to conduct joint burial meetings and thanked those who have championed unity during the process. Bosco Ogwang Edola of the Omola-tar-odyakol clan, who serves as Minister of Finance (Lango Cultural Institution) under HRH. Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, called on all 190 clans of Lango to participate in the preparations. As a gesture of solidarity, he contributed Shs1 million in cash to the burial committee. Ogwang Edola dismissed rumours surrounding the burial arrangements and urged the community to attend the daily meetings at Grand Pacific Hotel. The unified position taken by Lango’s cultural factions and the late chief’s family signals a renewed commitment to reconciliation and offers hope for strengthened relations within the community. Source