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Soroti, Uganda | The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, David Calvin Echodu, has called on leaders and residents in the Teso sub-region to demonstrate unity and actively engage President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on pressing development issues during his upcoming regional tour. At a press briefing held Thursday morning at Soroti Hotel, Echodu said the President’s visit is an opportunity for the region to present priorities such as cattle restocking and compensation, road construction, healthcare services, and education improvements, while also acknowledging achievements made under the NRM government. He revealed that each district has prepared detailed memoranda highlighting key development gaps, giving local leaders a chance to guide government interventions. Echodu stressed the importance of framing discussions positively, recognising progress, and building on existing gains rather than focusing solely on challenges. He explained that while Uganda is still a young country, Teso has made remarkable strides in infrastructure, health, and education, and the community must protect these gains while constructively presenting gaps that need urgent attention. Echodu noted that mobilisation efforts are well underway, with communities ready to participate in the President’s rallies despite recent rains affecting some roads. He urged everyone in Teso including leaders, media, and citizens to join as one and turn out in large numbers to welcome the President and engage meaningfully on the development of the sub-region. He highlighted the broader significance of the visit, framing it as a chance for Teso to showcase its unity, resilience, and readiness to collaborate with government for accelerated growth. Echodu reminded residents that similar mobilisation efforts in West Nile, Acholi and Karamoja had successfully strengthened community-government dialogue and regional development. Speaking at the same event, Acam Teddy, National NRM Mobilizer for Teso Sub-Region, praised Museveni for selecting Teso as the first region to host his rallies. She highlighted the government’s achievements in empowering Itesots with leadership roles, including Jessica Alupo as Vice President, Anita Among as Speaker of Parliament, and Okiding Sam as Deputy CDF. Acam Teddy called on all residents, regardless of political affiliation, to attend the rallies in large numbers, emphasising that past mobilisation gaps would be addressed under Echodu’s leadership. She also noted that she consistently informs the President of Teso’s challenges whenever she meets him. President Museveni’s tour of Teso, starting in Kapelebyong and covering Kalaki, Kaberamaido, Amuria, Katakwi, Soroti, Serere, Kumi, and Bukedea, is part of a nationwide initiative to assess service delivery, consolidate government achievements, and align local priorities with the national development agenda ahead of the 2026 general elections. Source

Lira, Ugamda | St. Gracious Secondary School (SAGRAS) in Lira City has once again demonstrated academic excellence after its students emerged second-best in Africa at the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad held in Brazil. The competition, which attracted some of the brightest young scientists from across the globe, showcased Uganda’s growing strength in science education, with St. Gracious proudly flying the national flag on the international stage. According to the school administration, this milestone reflects years of investment in science and technology education, coupled with a hands-on learning approach that encourages innovation and research among learners. The school’s director, Dr. Patrick Olet, said the success is a result of teamwork, dedication, and a shared vision of nurturing globally competitive students. He noted that such achievements not only raise the school’s profile but also inspire other learners across the region to embrace science-based disciplines. Dr. Olet appreciated the Board of Governors, Principal Ojok Marthin Anyuru, and education stakeholders including RDC Abak and the City Education Officer for their continued guidance and collaboration. He added that preparations are underway to send another group of students to represent Uganda in next year’s competition, with high expectations for further success. Located in Adagayela, Boke Ward, Lira City East Division, St. Gracious Secondary School is a Christian-founded institution that integrates academic excellence with strong moral and spiritual values. The school emphasizes science, mathematics, and ICT while promoting co-curricular activities such as cultural development, drama, and patriotism clubs to foster all-round growth. The administration has since called on parents and guardians to take advantage of the ongoing early enrollment drive ahead of the next academic year. Dr. Olet said early registration ensures access to affordable, high-quality education in a well-equipped and conducive environment. St. Gracious continues to position itself as a centre of excellence in Northern Uganda, producing disciplined, innovative, and globally competitive learners ready to drive the country’s scientific and technological advancement. Source

By Moses Olet Emor Lira City, Uganda — Lira Central Primary School is set to… The post Lira Central Primary School to Open Boarding Section in 2026 appeared first on Voice of Lango.

By Woo Chris Omoro, Uganda | Alarming new statistics have revealed that 64% of married women in the Acholi Sub-Region have suffered sexual abuse, painting a grim picture of gender-based violence (GBV) in Northern Uganda. The data was disclosed during a community dialogue organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Omoro District. The engagement focused on tackling GBV and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights. Akumu Christine Okot, an official from the ministry, said the lack of funding at the local government level continues to undermine efforts to eliminate GBV and teenage pregnancies. She urged parents and stakeholders to embrace parental involvement and community action to combat the vice, noting that the absence of adequate resources at the local level has fueled the persistence of the problem. The discussion also highlighted Omoro District’s 28% teenage pregnancy rate, which has been linked to increasing school dropouts and early marriages. The dialogue forms part of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, a global campaign aimed at ending all forms of violence against women and girls. Following the success of its first phase, Uganda has launched Spotlight 2.0, supported by UNFPA and UNDP under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. The program aligns with Uganda’s fourth National Development Plan and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Susan Loum, the Principal Assistant Secretary representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Omoro District, pledged that the district will prioritize GBV-related budgeting going forward. She said people are dying because of GBV-related issues and stressed the need for immediate action. Patrick Komakech, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, urged the Ministry and partners to extend similar engagements to the grassroots, citing the vastness of Omoro District and the widespread nature of child-related violence. Stakeholders concluded the dialogue by committing to strengthen collaboration across government, civil society, and community structures to ensure sustained action against GBV and teenage pregnancies, with the aim of creating safer and more equitable communities throughout the Acholi Sub-Region. Source

Lira, Uganda | National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has accused security agencies of raiding his hotel residence in Lira City on Tuesday night, calling it a barbaric act aimed at intimidating the opposition ahead of the 2026 general elections. Kyagulanyi, who addressed journalists in Lira City on Wednesday morning before heading to Kotido and Abim districts, said 15 members of his campaign team were arrested during the operation. He described the incident as part of a wider plan by the regime to isolate him and weaken his security. He said seven of those arrested had been released by Wednesday morning. According to him, Commissioner of Police Afande Nkore told him that the raid was conducted because officers were looking for missing gadgets, including a laptop and a network jammer allegedly stolen by one of his team members identified as Tower. Kyagulanyi said they were yet to confirm the claims but insisted his team was law-abiding. He also expressed concern over the continued harassment of Dan Magic, saying police had refused to record his statement at several stations. However, police have denied the allegations, saying the incident was a result of an earlier attack on officers by NUP supporters along the Lira–Alebtong highway. North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the territorial police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property and robbery involving a police motor vehicle Reg. No. UP 4816, which was operating under cover registration UBK 380Q. He said the incident occurred on October 28, 2025, near Obot Primary School in Bar Sub-county, when police officers on duty were allegedly attacked by NUP supporters led by Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa. Okema said the suspects blocked the police vehicle, punctured all four tyres, grabbed the car key sensor, and robbed the occupants of a Dell laptop worth Shs 1.5 million, two jerricans of diesel, and a bag of clothes. He added that 15 suspects travelling in a greenish drone vehicle had been arrested to assist in investigations, while efforts were underway to trace Unzima and another accomplice who are on the run. Police said the case has been registered under SD Ref: 07/28/10/2025 at Bar Sub-county Police Station, and inquiries are ongoing. Source

By Joel Aita, CEO of Joadah Consult In today’s corporate world, thousands dream of walking away from their jobs to build their own empires. Few ever do. Fewer still survive it. I was once among the dreamers, until I executed what I now call a Suicide Mission, resigning from my stable engineering job to start my own company with no fallback plan, no guaranteed income, and no comfort zone. It was the most terrifying and transformative decision of my life. The Illusion of Security After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Makerere University in 2004, my plan was crystal clear: I gained practical industry experience for three years, then started my own firm. Simple on paper, until reality set in. Many people choose the “insurance model” of entrepreneurship. They start a company while still employed to maintain financial stability. It’s logical but slow. Your 9-to-5 job becomes a chain around your ambition. The business can’t grow beyond the time you give it. Employees end up benefiting more than you, and slowly, the dream fades. I watched this happen countless times. The Decision: No Half Measures In 2007, I made a choice that most would consider madness, I resigned from my job at a reputable German firm, Beller Consult, and M&E Associates, and launched Joadah Consult full-time. No plan B. No monthly salary. Just faith, resilience, and relentless work ethic. That first month of no salary changed me forever. For years, my bank alert would arrive like clockwork on the 28th until it didn’t. That silence was louder than any alarm bell. It was a defining moment: no one was coming to save me. I had officially become my own rescue team. Suddenly, my brain switched to survival mode. Every idea mattered. Every opportunity was life or death for the business. I began working 16-hour days, seven days a week. There was no “off day,” no comfort, no entitlement, only execution. At one point, desperate to generate income, I called our airport taxi driver, Charles, the same man who used to drive me to the airport when I was still an employee. I told him I now had a car and asked if he could give me clients whenever he had more than one passenger. He laughed at first, shocked that an engineer would hustle as a taxi driver. But when I explained that my new company hadn’t yet started earning, he agreed. I started doing airport runs, three trips a week on average. That humility and flexibility kept my family going. Behind Every “Suicide Mission” Is a Master Plan What many don’t see is that my so-called suicide mission was not reckless. It was strategically engineered over two years. While still employed, I used my salary to acquire every office essential, one item at a time. A chair one month. A desk the next. Then a printer, photocopier, computer, filing cabinets. By the time I resigned, I was not starting from nothing, I had a fully equipped office without taking a single loan. In the final months before resigning, I secured one year of survival in advance:● Rent for a one-room office in Cynthia House, Kisubi (fully paid)● Medical insurance for myself and my wife (fully paid)● Food for two people for one year at a local restaurant (prepaid)● A student meal plan negotiated with S&S Nkumba, paid for a year With these essentials locked down, I knew I had a 12-month runway to build my business without financial panic. Why Calculated Risk Is the Only Real Insurance Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. You must be willing to step out without a safety net—but not without a strategy. A simple, powerful approach many can adopt is to invest in income-generating assets, such as rental units, that cover your monthly salary. Once your passive income matches your paycheck, you are ready to execute your own mission. The Reality: Entrepreneurship Is War Starting a business is not a romantic adventure—it is psychological warfare. You face rejection, cash-flow crises, and moments of isolation that test your character. Only the thick-skinned survive. But it is also the most liberating journey you can ever undertake. Every success, no matter how small, is yours. Final Word If you are planning your own exit from employment, do not just quit in excitement, plan in silence, build strategically, and then execute with courage. There comes a moment when you must decide whether you will continue building someone else’s dream or finally build your own. The Suicide Mission is not for everyone, but for those who are ready to take control of their destiny, it may be the only path to true freedom. Be bold. Be calculated. Be relentless.You, too, can be thick-skinned. —Joel Aita Source

Lira, Uganda | Police in North Kyoga Region have detained fifteen suspects following a violent attack on a police surveillance team attached to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) during the ongoing National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential campaign activities in Lira District. The incident happened on October 28, 2025, at around 1:00 pm along the Lira – Alebtong highway near Obot Primary School, Bar Sub-county. The police team, led by SSP Isabirye Julius and his driver No. 55181 Sgt. Muhungo Peter, was reportedly on official surveillance duty when their vehicle, Reg. No. UP 4816 (operating under cover plate UBK 380Q), was intercepted and attacked by a group of NUP foot soldiers. Reports indicate that the group, led by Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa and an unidentified accomplice, blocked the police vehicle using a greenish drone Reg. No. UA 933AU and another motor vehicle Reg. No. UAN 925Q. The attackers allegedly punctured all four tyres with sharp metallic objects, seized the car key sensor, and robbed a Dell laptop computer, two jerricans of diesel fuel, and a bag of clothes belonging to the complainant. Police investigations suggest that the suspects believed the police vehicle was carrying a jammer interfering with their communication network. The same vehicle had reportedly been spotted following the campaign trail across several districts, including Manafwa, Namisindwa, Tororo, Busia, Apac, Kwania, Kole, Lira Rural, and Lira City, before proceeding toward Alebtong District. The attack left the police vehicle immobile, with damage estimated at about Shs 700,000, covering tyre repair and reprogramming of the key sensor. A case of malicious damage and robbery was recorded at Bar Sub-county Police Station under SD Ref: 07/28/10/2025. The scene was visited by the OC Station and OC CID Bar Sub-county, who documented evidence and recorded statements from the complainant and his driver. Fifteen suspects who were travelling in the greenish drone were arrested and the vehicle impounded to aid ongoing investigations. Police have since intensified efforts to locate and arrest the main suspects, Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa and his accomplice, who remain at large. Investigators are also working to recover the stolen items and identify any additional participants in the attack. In an update from the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the regional command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in the act of violence are brought to justice. The police further urged political actors to conduct campaign activities peacefully and within the confines of the law, warning that security forces will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness during the election period. Source

Otuke, Uganda | The Family Strength for a Better Child (FASBEC) organization has concluded its one-year operation in Otuke District, drawing praise from district leaders and stakeholders for its role in improving healthcare and community development. The organization officially exited the district during a feedback and closure meeting held on October 28, 2025, at the Education Resource Centre, where partners commended FASBEC for its impactful collaboration and tangible results in the health sector. Since November 2024, FASBEC has worked closely with the Otuke District Health Department to promote maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition, and community mobilization. The NGO operates across five districts – Dokolo, Alebtong, Amolatar, Kole, and Otuke – in partnership with other organizations such as CUAMM and JCRC. Assistant District Health Officer Sr. Semmy Aciro acknowledged FASBEC’s technical and logistical support, which she said helped boost the district’s immunization performance and strengthen routine health activities. She noted that Otuke registered a steady rise in coverage of new vaccines, including the Hepatitis B birth dose and the Malaria vaccine, during FASBEC’s intervention period. District Health Officer Dr. Patrick Opio described the partnership with FASBEC as both timely and impactful. He said the NGO’s involvement created a sense of teamwork among health workers and improved coordination between the district and community structures, leading to better health outcomes. Chief Administrative Officer Lomongin Joseph commended FASBEC for fostering collaboration among development partners in the district. He said the organization’s approach emphasized community participation, accountability, and sustainability – key factors that will help preserve the gains achieved. Representing FASBEC, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Kamari Ivan highlighted major achievements such as supporting health facilities, promoting stakeholder engagement, and strengthening community outreach. He, however, pointed out ongoing challenges like limited male involvement in immunization and social norms that influence health-seeking behavior, calling for continued awareness efforts. FASBEC’s Executive Director, Kacema Edward, appreciated the support and cooperation received from the Otuke District leadership and health team throughout the project’s implementation. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with communities across Northern Uganda to improve family welfare and access to quality healthcare. As FASBEC winds up its activities in Otuke, local leaders expressed confidence that the foundation laid will continue to strengthen service delivery. The one-year project leaves behind a record of improved health indicators, empowered community structures, and stronger local partnerships – a legacy district officials hope to sustain for years to come. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira Central Nursery and Primary School has announced the introduction of a boarding section beginning in 2026, targeting pupils in Primary Five to Primary Seven. The decision follows sustained requests from parents who say daily travel, changing weather patterns, and household disruptions are undermining their children’s academic performance. The development was revealed by the school’s director, Henry Jerry Omonya, during a media briefing on Monday. He said the institution has finalised all requirements needed to operationalise the boarding facility. Omonya explained that many families in Lira and neighbouring districts face logistical challenges, including long-distance commuting and early-morning travel in adverse weather, which contribute to absenteeism and poor concentration. He said the boarding section is designed to provide a structured environment that promotes academic excellence and emotional well-being. Headteacher Thomas Okwir said the boarding facility will offer a standardised learning environment with adequate infrastructure, trained staff, and support personnel to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils. He added that preparations are in advanced stages, and the school is ready to admit boarders at the start of the 2026 academic year. The management has encouraged parents across the Lango region and beyond to apply early, saying the facility is expected to attract high demand due to its central location and established academic record. Further details on admission procedures, fees, and boarding regulations will be communicated as preparations conclude. The school maintains that the boarding section is part of a broader strategy to improve learning outcomes and enhance access to quality education in the region. Lango Prime Source

Alebtong, Uganda | In a passionate appeal, Ms. Rebecca Ruth Abeja, Director of Alpha International Nursery and Primary School in Abia Town Council, Alebtong District, has challenged the prevailing practice of prioritizing girls over boys in educational support programs by NGOs and government initiatives. Speaking to our reporter via phone on October 25, 2025, Abeja emphasized the need for a shift in this approach to ensure equitable opportunities for all children. “For a long time, support has been directed to only girls in education, leaving boys, yet they also have basic needs,” Abeja stated. She argued that the current focus on empowering girls, while important, has inadvertently sidelined boys, who face similar challenges and require equal support to thrive. “Every child is equal in the eyes of God and will become somebody with the ability to help the community in the near future when given support,” she added, underscoring her belief in the potential of every child to contribute meaningfully to society when provided with the right opportunities. Abeja’s call for inclusivity comes at a time when gender-specific programs have gained traction in Uganda, often focusing on girls’ education to address historical disparities. However, she contends that neglecting boys risks creating new imbalances, as both genders face economic and social barriers to education in rural areas like Alebtong District. She urged stakeholders to adopt a more balanced approach, ensuring that resources and opportunities are distributed equitably to nurture the potential of all children. In addition to advocating for equal support, Abeja offered practical advice to parents facing financial constraints. “I encourage parents who can’t afford higher education to send their children to vocational and skills training hubs as a means to light their future,” she said. She highlighted the transformative power of vocational training, which equips young people with practical skills to secure livelihoods and contribute to their communities. This approach, she believes, can serve as a viable alternative for families unable to access formal education due to economic challenges. Alpha International Nursery and Primary School, founded by the young and visionary Abeja, has quickly emerged as a beacon of hope in Northern Uganda. Established just a year ago in Abia Town Council, the school has grown rapidly, now boasting an enrollment of over 155 children and a dedicated staff of nine teachers. The institution’s modern infrastructure and commitment to quality education have set a new standard for learning in the region. At the heart of Alpha International’s mission is its core value of fostering God-fearing citizens. Abeja envisions a future where her students grow into educated, principled individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the nation at large. “Our goal is to build a better community of educated and God-fearing citizens of Uganda,” she said, outlining her vision for the school’s role in shaping the region’s future. The school’s rapid growth and success reflect Abeja’s dedication and innovative leadership. By prioritizing both academic excellence and moral values, Alpha International is carving out a unique space in Alebtong District’s educational landscape. Its achievements in just one year signal a promising future, not only for the institution but also for the children and families it serves. Abeja’s remarks highlight a critical issue in Uganda’s educational and developmental landscape: the need for inclusive policies that address the needs of all children, regardless of gender. Her advocacy for vocational training also underscores the importance of diverse educational pathways to empower youth in economically challenged regions. As Alpha International Nursery and Primary School continues to grow, it stands as a testament to what is possible when vision, dedication, and community focus converge. Abeja’s message is clear: equitable support for all children, combined with practical solutions like vocational training, can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for Uganda’s next generation. Source