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Lira, Uganda | Queen Dorothy Amollo, a Uganda-born American investor and parliamentary candidate for Oyam South, has criticised the quality of political aspirants in the Lango subregion, warning that the region risks being represented by legislators who lack the competence to handle national issues. Addressing journalists at Pauline Hotel in Lira City on Saturday, Amollo described the current standard of political aspirants as disastrous. She said many of them lacked the intellectual ability to interpret laws or meaningfully contribute to parliamentary debates once elected. Amollo, who previously declared interest in running for Presidency before withdrawing, said she plans to organise and finance a series of English-language debates across the Lango subregion to help voters make informed choices ahead of the 2026 general election. She explained that most candidates campaign in the local language and easily win elections but later struggle to understand or participate in parliamentary proceedings due to the language barrier. She noted that some even avoid attending sessions altogether. According to her, the debates would help voters identify competent leaders based on their ability to communicate effectively in English, which is the language used in Parliament. Amollo said the planned debates would focus on key issues affecting Lango and would be open to all nominated candidates. She added that the initiative was designed to promote merit-based leadership, discourage voter bribery, and reduce corruption in the electoral process. She explained that the debates would be conducted in English to ensure that voters could confirm whether their representatives are capable of expressing themselves at the national level. She also urged voters to critically judge candidates who fail to attend, describing such absences as a sign of incompetence or lack of confidence. Amollo further warned that the culture of vote buying had undermined Uganda’s democracy, saying it had turned politics into a market of influence rather than a platform for service. Uganda’s Parliamentary Elections Act (2005) criminalises both buying and selling votes, with offenders facing up to three years in prison or a fine. However, data from the Afrobarometer shows that one in three Ugandans reported being offered gifts, food, or money in exchange for their votes during the 2016 elections. Amollo said voter bribery was the root of national corruption and argued that it erodes accountability, weakens institutions, and undermines good governance. Amollo also questioned the minimum academic qualification for parliamentary aspirants, arguing that a Senior Six certificate was insufficient for someone expected to debate national policies and laws. She said the Constitution should be amended to raise the qualification to at least a bachelor’s degree, reasoning that those with only Senior Six education possess limited exposure to national and global issues. She maintained that having more educated legislators would improve the quality of parliamentary debate and policy-making. Amollo is contesting to replace Gender, Labour, and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi, the incumbent MP for Oyam South. Her rivals include Patrick Ogwang Obura (NRM), Geoffrey Owili (UPC), Dr. Anthony Obuku Ekwaro (Independent), Geoffrey Okullo (People’s Front for Freedom), Issa Otto (NUP), Bernard Awuku (Independent), among others. Eddy Morris Ogwang, a contestant for Lira City West, welcomed the initiative, saying it would give voters an opportunity to analyse the abilities of candidates before making decisions. He added that since parliamentary business is conducted in English, it was reasonable to use the same language in campaign debates. Kole South MP Peter Ocen gave a brief response, saying the idea was acceptable before ending the call. Alebtong District LC5 Chairperson David Kennedy Odongo also supported the proposal, saying parliamentary leadership depends on the ability of legislators to debate effectively and represent their people well. He noted that electing someone who can not communicate in Parliament is a missed opportunity for the entire term. Odongo added that some politicians have resorted to winning votes through bribery and insults instead of addressing development issues, which he said undermines the integrity of leadership. Amollo said she will begin her tour of the Lango districts in December to mobilise civic groups, universities, and media houses to participate in the English debates. She expressed confidence that the initiative would empower voters to reject mediocrity and restore credibility to political leadership in the region. #LUJA Source

Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District Education Office, in collaboration with BRAC and supported by UNFPA, has conducted a two-day orientation on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) under the Spotlight 2.0 program. The event, held from October 30 to 31, 2025, at the District Council Hall, aimed to build teachers’ capacity to support learners struggling with mental and emotional challenges. The orientation took place from October 31 to November 1, 2025, at the Otuke District Council Hall. It brought together 30 participants, including senior women and men teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) chairpersons, as well as BRAC project staff drawn from eight primary schools, one technical institute, and one secondary school. The training was facilitated by the District Education Officer (DEO) and the Senior Education Officer, who guided participants through updated education policies and practical approaches to promoting mental wellbeing and life skills among learners. During the opening session, Juliet Acheng, the Project Manager for BRAC in Otuke and Abim districts, highlighted that mental health remains a neglected area within the education system, yet it significantly affects both teachers and learners. She said that BRAC’s engagement under the Spotlight 2.0 program seeks to close this gap by promoting psychosocial support in schools and ensuring that educators are equipped to respond to the growing emotional and behavioral needs of children. Presenting on the concept of mental health and psychosocial support, Ochero Patrick from the education department pointed out that social and cultural pressures, poverty, and oppression are some of the key factors undermining the mental wellbeing of learners and teachers. He emphasized that addressing these issues requires an integrated approach involving parents, teachers, and the wider community to create supportive environments for young people. District Education Officer, Madam Lucy Acheng, expressed concern over the continued use of corporal punishment in schools, warning that it contributes to trauma and emotional distress among learners. She urged teachers to adopt positive discipline methods and to create spaces where children feel valued, respected, and understood. The training featured an interactive plenary session, where participants shared experiences, asked questions, and discussed practical ways to integrate psychosocial support into school routines. Many teachers acknowledged that mental health challenges are often overlooked, leading to poor academic performance and school dropouts. The orientation concluded with a commitment to strengthen coordination between schools, district departments, and development partners to sustain efforts in promoting mental health awareness and support services. BRAC currently operates in the sub-counties of Adwari, Ogor, Olilim, Okwang, and Otuke Town Council, focusing on ending gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy among adolescent girls aged 10 to 24. The organization’s mental health initiatives complement these efforts by ensuring that young people receive holistic support for their wellbeing. The district’s latest engagement represents a crucial step in mainstreaming mental health into education. By empowering teachers with the right knowledge and attitudes, Otuke District and its partners are laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient learning environments. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Police in North Kyoga Region have arrested three suspects for allegedly attempting to bribe a UNEB Scout in a bid to influence the upcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The suspects, identified as Odongo George, Ekut Simon (32), and Awoko Lavoiser (26), are said to have offered UGX 1 million in UGX 50,000 notes to Ayoo Christine, a UNEB Scout stationed in Oyam District. According to the Police, the suspects intended to compromise the integrity of the national exams, which officially commenced on 31st October 2025 with candidate briefings. Acting on a tip-off, officers arrested the trio at Garden Hotel, Lira City, and recovered the money, which has been exhibited as evidence. The case has been registered at Lira City Central Division Police Station, and investigations are ongoing. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once inquiries conclude. Police have warned the public against any form of examination malpractice. SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Regional Police Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region, said that the Police, working closely with UNEB, will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to compromise the credibility of national examinations. He added that the long and indomitable arm of the law will firmly reach all offenders. The Uganda Police Force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of national examinations and delivering justice without fear or favor. Source

Katakwi, Uganda | The Independent candidate for Ngariam County Parliamentary seat, Daniel Mulalu, has clarified that his public hug and handshake with Minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rally in Ngariam was not a political surrender but a gesture of peace and reconciliation. The incident, which took place on Saturday in Ngariam, Katakwi District, sparked widespread reactions and speculation, with many assuming that Mulalu had stepped down in favor of Minister Ogwang. However, Mulalu dismissed the claims, emphasizing that his actions were meant to promote unity and prevent escalating tension in the constituency. He said the reconciliation followed communication from top national leaders and security officials concerned about the growing hostility among supporters in Ngariam. Reports of poster defacement, propaganda, and confrontation had raised fears of potential violence during the campaign season. Mulalu explained that when national leadership reached out to him, he accepted reconciliation in the spirit of peace, not submission. He noted that peace is more valuable than political pride and that refusing to cooperate could have led to unnecessary conflict. He clarified that he remains in the race as an independent candidate and has not stepped down for anyone. According to him, the handshake was his first physical interaction with Ogwang in 15 years, despite a shared political background dating back to their youth. Mulalu recalled supporting Ogwang during his early political journey as Youth Member of Parliament but said their political paths diverged due to misunderstandings and rivalry. He added that he saw the rally as an opportunity to restore calm and send a positive message of reconciliation to the people of Ngariam. Before the handshake, Mulalu said tension had already risen after receiving reports that his campaign posters and those of fellow candidate Augustine Otuko were being destroyed by rival groups. He admitted that some of his supporters were considering retaliation before security intervened. He revealed that the Regional Police Commander (RPC) and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of political affairs played a key role in urging the candidates to reconcile to maintain peace. Mulalu further noted that the call for peace came directly from top national figures, including the President and the Vice President, who wanted Ngariam to remain calm and free of violence during the campaign season. He said that as a loyal son of the ruling party, he could not act with defiance in front of the President. Instead, he chose to demonstrate political maturity by shaking hands and embracing peace. Mulalu urged all political camps in Ngariam to conduct peaceful campaigns, respect each other’s supporters, and avoid acts of intimidation or vandalism. He condemned violence, saying it has divided Katakwi for years and needs to end. He observed that politics should be about ideas, not hatred, and encouraged candidates to campaign peacefully and let the people decide. He reaffirmed that he is still in the race and will continue engaging voters respectfully. Mulalu reiterated that the handshake with Ogwang was a symbol of peace and maturity, not political compromise, and reaffirmed his commitment to running as an independent candidate in the 2026 elections. Source

Katakwi, Uganda | Leaders in Katakwi District have reaffirmed their support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, praising his government for restoring peace and spearheading development in the region. At a rally over the weekend, NRM Katakwi Chairman John Robert Okiror assured President Museveni of 100% voter support in the upcoming elections. He highlighted the district’s achievements under Museveni’s leadership, including the restoration of peace, and lauded programs such as Emyoga, PDM, and YLP for contributing to poverty eradication. Okiror also commended the appointments of Teso natives, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and Minister Peter Ogwang, and requested the President to facilitate the creation of Toroma District, which would be carved out of Katakwi. Representing NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Dr. Tanga Odoi praised Minister Ogwang and Vice President Alupo for providing meals to residents during the rally. He noted that the reunion of Ogwang and Alupo at the event symbolized strengthened party unity. David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, described Katakwi as a “special district” that has historically delivered massive votes for Museveni and pledged to mobilize Teso voters to support the President in the 2026 elections. He lauded the establishment of youth skilling centers, calling them transformative for the district’s young population, but urged government action on pressing local issues, including delayed cattle compensation and poor road networks. Vice President and NRM Flagbearer for women MPs, Jessica Alupo Epel, praised the President for bringing peace to the district and establishing Soroti University. She appreciated government programs aimed at eradicating poverty and assured residents that she and Minister Ogwang have no conflicts. Alupo pledged transparency and accountability among government appointees in the region. President Museveni, speaking during his third day of rallies in Teso, thanked the people of Katakwi and the entire Teso sub-region for their continued trust and support. He emphasized that his government is focused on peace, development, and wealth creation, urging residents to embrace government programs to fight poverty. He highlighted that UGX 159 billion had already been distributed and pledged continued support through initiatives like PDM and Emyooga, noting that his plan to give five cattle per household is meant to empower families and eliminate poverty. Museveni also emphasized the importance of unity and hard work among the people, stressing that government initiatives succeed only when citizens actively participate in their own development. He reiterated that the NRM had brought peace to the region, defeated rebels, and recovered over 21,000 guns from Karamoja. The President highlighted government achievements in telecommunication, transport, electricity, water, schools, and hospitals, and called for Teso to focus on progress and development rather than past political differences. Echodu described recent reconciliations among local leaders as a result of persistent dialogue, forgiveness, and dedication to unity, calling it a turning point for Teso politics. Observers noted that the rally symbolized renewed hope for regional cohesion, with chants of “Teso United for Museveni” echoing across Katakwi Boma Grounds. Vice President Alupo encouraged collective responsibility between leaders and citizens, stressing that development is a partnership. She confirmed that government remains committed to resolving the Angisa and Okore land disputes, with the President expected to meet affected communities and leaders to ensure lasting solutions. Despite these achievements, district leaders appealed for targeted government investment to sustain economic growth. They called for the tarmacking of key road networks, including the Soroti-Amuria-Obalanga-Acan Pii Road and Atirir-Orungo-Obalanga Road, and requested the establishment of an Industrial and Value-Addition Park in Dokolo-Asamuk Sub-county to process local produce such as cassava, simsim, and oilseeds, creating jobs and boosting farmers’ incomes. The memorandum also urged the government to elevate Ogolai Technical Institute to a diploma-awarding institution, upgrade Orungo Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, support coding programs in community primary schools, desilt 28 community dams, and expedite the cattle rehabilitation program to strengthen the district’s agricultural base. Amuria district leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the NRM government and President Museveni’s vision for socio-economic transformation, pledging to mobilize communities through village-based strategies to ensure overwhelming support for the President, targeting a 95% victory in the upcoming elections. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Uganda Development Bank Limited (UDB) has graduated a new cohort of 34 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lira District and Lira City under its Enterprise Development Program (EDP), equipping them with vital business and investment-readiness skills. According to Andama Mahamoud, the Bank’s Director of Investments, the training was part of UDB’s commitment to supporting enterprise growth through incubation, acceleration, and mentorship. The program, he said, focuses on capacity building and skill development and was implemented in partnership with the Makerere University Business School Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation Centre (MUBS-EIIC). Andama explained that the program is designed to nurture selected private enterprises through targeted training and mentorship to enhance their ability to access financing from UDB and other financial institutions. A total of 34 participants successfully completed the two-month training, bringing the total number of SMEs incubated by UDB to 315 across previous cohorts in Kampala, Gulu, and Arua. He revealed that similar regional training sessions will be held later this year in Mbarara, Fort Portal, and Masaka, as part of the Bank’s wider effort to strengthen enterprise capacity across Uganda. Andama emphasized the vital role of SMEs in Uganda’s economy, noting that they account for 90% of the private sector and contribute over 75% of the national GDP. He said this makes them the backbone of Uganda’s economy and a key driver of job creation, which is why UDB invests in both financial and non-financial solutions to support their growth. He pledged continued support to the graduates, assuring them that the Bank would “walk with them” as they put their newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Andama also challenged entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, encouraging them to think beyond conventional methods and use technology, creativity, and collaboration to solve real community problems. He said innovation should not stop at generating new ideas but must translate into actions that create value, drive growth, and impact society. He further urged SMEs to share knowledge, build networks, and form partnerships, saying collaboration is the bridge between small beginnings and big achievements. One of the program’s beneficiaries, Patrick Ouni, who runs Brixton Guesthouse in Lira, said the training transformed his perspective on business and purpose. He noted that many entrepreneurs start businesses simply because others have succeeded, which often leads to failure. Through the EDP, participants learned key principles of marketing, business planning, governance, and digital marketing that changed how they view entrepreneurship. Ouni added that the participants also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of tax compliance and business formalization as key factors in becoming bankable. The Enterprise Development Program equips SMEs with essential skills in corporate governance, record keeping, risk management, marketing, human resources, and financial management. The holistic approach ensures participants are prepared to navigate complex markets and attract investment for sustainable growth. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with key national institutions, including the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL). About UDB The Uganda Development Bank Limited (UDB) is Uganda’s national Development Finance Institution (DFI), mandated to accelerate socio-economic development through sustainable financial interventions. The Bank supports private sector projects with potential to create jobs, boost production, enhance tax contributions, and generate foreign exchange. UDB primarily invests in primary agriculture, agro-processing, and manufacturing, which account for about 80% of its portfolio, but also supports projects in tourism, human capital development, and infrastructure, including ICT. #LUJA Source

A LETTER TO WON – DEO, WON NYACI ME LANGO: By Dr. Bob Marley Achura Global Health and Policy Expert “Donors and governments do not fund rhetoric; they fund results, and results begin with reliable data.” Three weeks ago, I wrote “From Uncoordinated Troop Movement to Collective Vision, Why Lango Must Present a Real Agenda during the President’s Visit.” It drew intense reactions, some applauding, others defensive, but all pointing to one uncomfortable truth: Lango is planning in the dark. We don’t have reliable, up-to-date data about ourselves. We don’t know, with certainty, how many children are enrolled in school, how many youths are at Lira University, or the fertility rate among our mothers. Ask a leader for the most basic numbers, the ratio of boys to girls in secondary schools, or the number of goats in a sub-county, and too often, the answer is vague or an uneducated guess!! When Others Are Moving Ahead…. Yesterday, Busoga and Bunyoro kingdoms quietly implemented the very idea I proposed, signing a landmark MoU on data sharing and evidence-based planning. Bunyoro’s Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga, admitted that it took them five years to produce a credible strategic plan because they lacked accurate data. Five years of missed opportunities and well-intentioned guesswork. Meanwhile, we in Lango continue to make decisions guided by anecdotes instead of analytics. “We cannot plan what we cannot measure, and we cannot measure what we refuse to count.” Data Is the Foundation of Development Governments and donors don’t fund passion; they fund proof. They invest in SMART proposals, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Without reliable data: Teachers end up in the wrong schools. Medicines reach the wrong clinics. Development programs miss the people who need them most. Behind every missing statistic is a child unseen, a mother unsupported, a household uncounted. Data is not paperwork, it is infrastructure. It is the bridge between good intentions and tangible results. So What Should Lango Do? Partner with UBOS. Work directly with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics to access training, technical support, and structured data-sharing agreements. Establish a Lango Data Centre. Host a professional hub for data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ensuring Lango’s realities inform national and donor planning. Train Decision-Makers in Data Use. Equip district planners, MPs’ staff, and cultural leaders with skills in evidence-based decision-making. Create a SMART Fundraising Agenda. Develop a measurable, time-bound plan showing what the Data Centre will deliver, at what cost, and with what impact. A Stern Word to the Leadership!! Let me speak plainly. I cannot and will not forgive you, together with my family, my grandchildren, and the entire clan under my influence, if no deliberate and strategic steps are taken to correct this failure. Do not invite the wrath of the OPUL ancestors by allowing negligence to masquerade as leadership. Why such a strong warning? Because, unlike your predecessors, this current leadership is one of the most academically endowed and professionally accomplished teams Lango has ever had, from Won-Deo Won Nyaci himself down to the office messenger. We have within our cultural structure seasoned experts, senior professionals, and distinguished academics across multiple disciplines. We can no longer hide behind the veil of ignorance or claim “we didn’t know better.” We do know better and therefore, we must do better. This is not to diminish the legacy of past administrations. They did their best with what they had. The Won Nyaci emeritus was a respected agricultural expert, and his Prime Minister, a retired electrical engineer of integrity and vision. They laid foundations under much harsher financial constraints. Back then, the government’s support to the institution could barely buy black tea for two nights of council meetings. Today, however, the landscape has changed. The government now allocates a significant budget to traditional institutions, perhaps not enough to transform Lango overnight, but certainly enough to make visible, tangible progress if well managed. Let us therefore be honest: the problem is no longer a lack of funds. The problem is a lack of strategic direction. Leadership is not about allowances or ceremonial appearances. This is a voluntary calling, and our budget should reflect service, not self-gratification. Every shilling spent must speak to purpose, to data, to development, to dignity. The money exists. The opportunity exists. What remains is the will to lead, and to lead right. Learning from Others, Leading Ourselves Busoga and Bunyoro have shown that data-driven leadership is not theory, it works. They didn’t “steal” the idea from Lango; they implemented it. Their progress should not anger us; it should inspire and embarrass us into acting. When next the President visits, let us not carry empty wish lists or glossy photo albums. Let us present: A credible regional data system, Trained personnel, and A results-based budget linked to measurable outcomes. That is how serious nations and serious leaders negotiate development. From Guesswork to Vision Our future cannot be built on assumptions. We cannot keep planning in darkness and expecting light. If Lango truly seeks transformation, we must first see ourselves clearly, through data. “Data is the light by which a people find their way out of darkness. Let Lango switch it on.” Source

When innovation forgets humanity, technology becomes tragedy. As artificial intelligence races ahead, millions remain in darkness, not because we lack the technology, but because we’ve lost our moral compass. It’s time to ask: what good is progress if it leaves people behind? By Bob Marley Achura An urgent plea to redirect artificial intelligence toward healing, not just convenience Last week, I had the profound honor of engaging in thought-provoking conversations with three remarkable individuals. I encountered something that has haunted me ever since, not a ghost, but a mirror reflecting our collective failure as innovators, as dreamers, as humans. I spoke with a brilliant mind in Lyon, French policy analyst, a South African data scientist, and a third from Rwanda. Each conversation was intellectually electric, brimming with insights that challenged my assumptions and expanded my thinking. These were not casual chats. These were the kinds of exchanges that remind you why human connection and dialogue matter, the sort that leaves you scribbling notes long after the conversation ends. But here’s what kept me awake at night: all three of these extraordinary individuals are blind or visually impaired. And all three are operating at a fraction of their potential, not because of any intellectual limitation, but because we, the architects of this new technological age, have chosen to build driverless cars before we’ve built eyes for the blind. The Taxi That Sees Better Than My Friend Let me paint you a picture of our current priorities. In San Francisco, you can hail a robotaxi that navigates traffic, reads road signs, avoids pedestrians, and delivers you safely to your destination, all without a human driver. The technology is astonishing: computer vision, machine learning, and real-time decision-making. Meanwhile, my colleague from France, a person with more insight into European policy than most sighted analysts I know, navigates his world with a cane and audio cues, his immense potential constrained by technology that hasn’t arrived yet. We have robots that flip burgers, drones that deliver packages, and AI that paints like Rembrandt. But we haven’t prioritized artificial vision that could restore sight or provide functional visual processing for millions of blind and visually impaired people worldwide. The same sensors guiding that robotaxi, the LiDAR, the cameras, the neural networks interpreting three-dimensional space, could be miniaturized, adapted, and transformed into prosthetic vision systems. The artificial intelligence that helps a car “see” could help a person see. So why hasn’t it? The Innovation We Chase vs. The Innovation We Need During my conversations, I asked each of these individuals a deliberate question: “What if the AI revolution had prioritized your sight before it prioritized autonomous vehicles?” Their responses were thoughtful, humble, and heartbreakingly hopeful. They didn’t express bitterness; these were people too gracious for that. But they did express something more profound: the sense that humanity’s innovation engine has lost its moral compass. Think about it. We are racing toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), pouring billions into making machines that can outthink us, outperform us, perhaps even outlive us. We are building AI that writes poetry, generates art, and debates philosophy. Yet the South African data scientist I spoke with, someone capable of revolutionizing machine learning for Africa still struggles with basic navigation tools that crash or mispronounce street names. Where are our priorities? A Catalog of Solvable Tragedies Let’s be clear: I am not anti-innovation. I am pro–human innovation. The problems facing humanity right now are neither abstract nor distant. They are immediate, measurable, and devastating: Hurricanes – that we can see coming but can’t sufficiently mitigate or prepare for, costing thousands of lives and billions in damage each year. Air crashes – that still occur due to human error, mechanical failure, or communication breakdowns, problems AI could help predict and prevent. Road accidents – that kill 1.35 million people globally each year, many due to factors AI-enhanced safety systems could address. Hunger – affecting 828 million people, in a world where AI-optimized agriculture, supply chain management, and resource distribution could make food scarcity obsolete. Diseases – from cancer to Alzheimer’s to infectious outbreaks—where AI-accelerated drug discovery and diagnostic tools could save millions of lives. Blindness and visual impairment – affecting at least 2.2 billion people worldwide, many of whom could benefit from AI-powered assistive technologies or vision restoration. These aren’t theoretical problems for future generations. They’re happening now. They’re happening to people like my three conversation partners, brilliant minds whose contributions to society are artificially limited by disabilities we have the technology to address. Historically, Innovation Served Humanity Historically, society made great leaps when innovation served the greater good. The invention of the Braille system allowed the visually impaired to access written language, revolutionizing education and opportunity. Today, we have technology that can go even further. Companies like Second Sight are pioneering retinal implants to restore partial vision, proof that no challenge is insurmountable if we apply our ingenuity to it. So why do we not prioritize such life-altering inventions over abstract technologies that may be dazzling but contribute little to human well-being? If the world’s collective genius focused on solving cancer, malaria, dementia, and aging, instead of optimizing ad clicks or automating entertainment, we might have already conquered those diseases. Yes, the pharmaceutical industry seeks profit, but profit should never outweigh human life. Innovation must not only generate revenue; it must regenerate hope. Imagine the implications if we could regenerate bodily mechanisms, reversing aging by 20 years with each treatment. Such breakthroughs would capture global attention instantly. One can almost picture leaders, yes, even President Donald Trump, rushing to Congress to fund such research overnight. Yes. Who does not wish to live longer if there was a remedy! Because at the heart of it, the true measure of progress is how it enhances human life. The Rwandan Innovator Who Shouldn’t Have to Wait The Rwandan technologist I met works on digital accessibility. The irony is cruel, he’s designing tools to help others access digital spaces, yet he himself navigates a world that

Katakwi, Uganda  | Independent candidate Daniel Mulalu and NRM flagbearer Ogwang Peter, who also serves as State Minister for Education and Sports, publicly reconciled at Katakwi Boma Grounds on Saturday, sharing an embrace that signals a commitment to peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections. The gesture comes after 15 years of political rivalry, during which tensions have occasionally threatened to escalate into violence. Mulalu described the embrace as a deliberate effort to prevent conflict and promote unity among candidates and voters. He said that campaigns should focus on ideas, not destruction, and that the hug is a symbol of unity and a call for peaceful elections in Ngariam. Ogwang Peter, while maintaining his NRM allegiance, welcomed the move as a demonstration of political maturity. He urged all candidates to prioritize dialogue and respect for one another during campaigns. Independent candidate Otuko Augustine also praised the gesture, noting that recent incidents of poster vandalism had heightened fears of unrest. He said that the embrace shows that even rivals can put peace and fairness above personal rivalry. Both Mulalu and Ogwang emphasized that they remain in the race but that the focus must be on engaging voters with ideas rather than inflaming tensions. Security agencies and national leadership have reportedly been involved to ensure the electoral process remains peaceful. Observers say the embrace marks a rare moment of political maturity in Ngariam County and could set a positive precedent for the upcoming elections. Source

Katakwi, Uganda | NRM Eastern Uganda Vice Chairman David Calvin Echodu led leaders and supporters in Katakwi District during a high-profile rally, emphasizing party unity and pledging overwhelming support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 elections. Echodu described Katakwi as a strategic district that has consistently delivered strong votes for Museveni and pledged to mobilize the entire Teso region to back the NRM. He highlighted government initiatives, including a youth skilling centre, which is transforming opportunities for local youth, and urged urgent action on key issues, such as cattle compensation and road infrastructure, to ensure sustainable development in the district. NRM Katakwi District Chairman, John Robert Okiror, assured President Museveni of 100 percent voter support from the district. He praised the government for restoring peace in the region and implementing programs like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP). Okiror also requested the creation of Toroma District to improve local service delivery. Representing NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Dr. Tanga Odoi lauded the reconciliation between Vice President Jessica Alupo and Minister Peter Ogwang, describing it as a key demonstration of party unity that would strengthen NRM’s base in Teso. Vice President Jessica Alupo Epel, who also serves as the NRM Woman MP flagbearer, commended President Museveni for fostering peace, establishing Soroti University, and implementing development programs that improve residents’ livelihoods. She assured locals that she and Minister Ogwang have no personal disagreements and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the Angisa and Okore land disputes. President Museveni, speaking on his third day in Teso, highlighted the government’s achievements, including the disarmament of over 21,000 guns from Karamoja, expansion of transport, electricity, water, schools, and hospitals, and ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability. He urged citizens to actively participate in development programs, stressing that national progress depends on collaboration between leaders and communities. Observers described the rally as a turning point for Teso politics, highlighting reconciliation and unity among leaders. As the event concluded, chants of “Teso United for Museveni” filled Katakwi Boma Grounds, signaling a renewed sense of cohesion and strong commitment to the NRM. District leaders appealed for further government investment, including upgrading key road networks, establishing an industrial and value-addition park in Dokolo-Asamuk Sub-county, improving health and education infrastructure, desilting community dams, and expanding the cattle rehabilitation program. Echodu and other leaders pledged to mobilize communities through village-based strategies to ensure a decisive 95% victory for NRM in Amuria and surrounding districts, reinforcing Teso’s role as a cornerstone of the party’s support in Eastern Uganda. Source