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Lira, Uganda | Sharonica Garment Centre and Technical Services has called for a shift in community attitudes towards vocational education, warning that parental reluctance and negative perceptions are undermining skills development among young people. This appeal came during the institution’s fifth graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Lira City, where 106 students completed training in tailoring and hairdressing. Now on Kakebe Shop! Addressing the ceremony, Tonny Ogwang, a director at Sharonica, said some parents were failing to fully support their children after enrolment, limiting their exposure to practical training opportunities. He cautioned against learners being left idle or restricted to informal practice at home after training, saying such habits deny them essential industrial experience. Ogwang stressed that employers increasingly require practical experience, urging parents to allow graduates to progress into workshops for hands-on exposure. He further noted that the institution integrates life skills training, including poultry and goat rearing, to help students diversify income sources beyond tailoring. Ogwang also urged communities to stop undermining vocational education, saying tailoring should be viewed as a viable business path capable of transforming livelihoods. Aroko Robina, the Principal of Sharonica Garment Centre and Technical Services, said the institution operates a structured training system comprising Modular 1 and 2, Level 1 to Level 3 programmes, catering for learners of different academic backgrounds. She confirmed that the institution is accredited by the Uganda Business and Technical Assessment Board (UBTAB) and has transitioned from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) system. Robina announced that assessments will now be conducted quarterly in June, September, and December, replacing the previous examination cycle. She, however, acknowledged challenges in the transition, including communication gaps with parents, delays in transcripts, and adjustment difficulties linked to the new system. It’s Happening this Coming Month! Ekit Keren Sharon, the founder and director of Sharonica, shared her journey from a small-scale tailor to leading a growing vocational institution. She said her progress was built on consistency, trust, and community demand for tailoring services, which gradually evolved into structured training. Sharon said vocational skills had transformed many families and challenged the perception that technical education is a fallback option. Founded in 2013, Sharonica has trained more than 1,000 students in tailoring and hairdressing. The institution has also acquired land in Apii, Kole District, where it plans to establish a larger vocational training centre. She said the institution is committed to empowering both girls and boys, noting that 10 boys are currently enrolled under its training programmes. Ebil Carlos, a Level 2 tailoring student, said he initially aspired to become a medical doctor but shifted to vocational training due to circumstances. He said he had since embraced tailoring, gaining not only technical skills but also business and customer management competencies. Carlos said tailoring offers viable opportunities for entrepreneurship, noting that many successful garment business owners began as trainees. Apio Racheal, a Level 1 graduate, said the training had equipped her with skills to begin independent work, adding that practical competence had boosted her confidence. She, however, expressed concern that stigma against vocational education continues to discourage some graduates from fully practising their skills. Sharonica’s leadership said the institution remains committed to promoting vocational education as a driver of youth employment and household income generation. Since its establishment, the centre has positioned itself as part of a broader national push towards skills-based training aimed at reducing unemployment and enhancing self-reliance among young people. Source

Lira, Uganda | The newly enthroned Awitong of Okadameri Clan, Maj. Rtd Fred Gawera has asserted his legitimacy, dismissing rival claims and warning against parallel leadership structures within the clan. L-R: General Secretary Ebong Cankare, Speaker Ocen Solomon, Awitong Gawera, and 1st Deputy Prime Minister Opio Ogenyi. Gawera said his ascension followed a lawful and transparent process initiated by former Awitong Jimmy Anthony Oyuku, who delegated authority to him before relocating to Canada in 2023. He explained that he served in a caretaker role for close to a year before a formal electoral process was conducted. According to Gawera, the clan’s electoral commission announced the position on January 5, 2026, through radio platforms, inviting interested candidates to apply. The nomination window closed on January 18, with him emerging as the sole candidate. He stated that he was declared unopposed and that no complaints were raised within the stipulated period up to March 23, after which he took oath before a Commissioner for Oaths, maintaining that he is the only legitimate Awitong of the Okadameri Clan. He warned that any group attempting to conduct a separate enthronement under the name of Okadameri Clan would face legal consequences. Gawera was officially enthroned on March 29, 2026, in Aduku, Kwania District, following what clan officials described as a constitutionally compliant process. Visit Us Today! Okadameri Clan 1st Deputy Prime Minister Henry Opio Ogenyi called for unity, urging members to reject divisive elements. He cautioned that internal conflicts could have far-reaching social implications, including the risk of intermarriages within the same clan that could accelerate the rise of sickle cell disease cases. Ogenyi said leadership is not seized by force and urged members to remain disciplined and protect the integrity of the clan. He also questioned the credibility of rival factions, noting that the instruments of power were officially handed over to Gawera by the former Awitong. The Clan’s General Secretary Ebong Solomon Cankare said the election strictly followed the clan constitution, adding that adequate time was provided for all interested parties to participate. He accused dissenting individuals of breaking away after failing to meet requirements and attempting to mislead the public. Ebong said some individuals are forging documents and presenting themselves as leaders, urging clan members not to be deceived. He added that authorities would take action against those operating outside established structures. Clan Speaker Ocen Solomon reaffirmed that Gawera had initially been entrusted with leadership responsibilities by the former Awitong before being formally elected. Ocen said the election process was open and intended to unite all factions, but some chose not to participate, adding that the clan recognises only one Awitong and calling on dissenting groups to return and work with the recognised leadership. Former Awitong Jimmy Anthony Oyuku authorised fresh elections in December 2025 through a recorded whatsapp message circulated on local radio and social media, citing his prolonged stay abroad. Clan leaders maintain that all instruments of authority remain under Gawera’s custody, reinforcing his position as the recognised cultural head of the Okadameri Clan. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | Residents and business operators in Tedwii Trading Centre, Obim Parish, Apala Sub-county in Alebtong District are counting losses following the restoration of electricity after a prolonged blackout that lasted between three to four weeks. The outage, reportedly caused by a faulty transformer, paralysed economic activity in the trading centre, affecting small businesses, disrupting livelihoods and leaving several youths without employment. Dr. Steven Odongo, a veterinary doctor and local businessman, said the blackout had far-reaching effects on the community, particularly those whose daily income depends on electricity. “…we have been in darkness for weeks. Businesses could not operate, and many young people lost their jobs because most of what they do depends on power…,” he said. Dr. Odongo revealed that he was forced to lay off three workers at his milling facility after operations ground to a halt due to lack of electricity. “…I could not sustain them when the machines were not running. It was a difficult decision, but there was no alternative…,” he added. The outage also disrupted the agricultural value chain in the area, especially among farmers benefiting from the Parish Development Model (PDM). Many of these farmers rely on maize bran from local milling machines to feed livestock such as pigs. “…without electricity, milling stopped completely, and farmers could not access feeds for their animals. It created serious challenges, especially for those who had invested in piggery projects…,” Dr. Odongo explained. According to him, efforts to have power restored through the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) offices in Lira and Kampala initially yielded no results. He said that after formally registering the complaint, he was informed that the transformer serving the area had developed a fault and required replacement. However, he expressed frustration over what he described as limited responsiveness from the power distributor. “…I made several attempts to follow up, including calling officials at the Lira branch, but the response was not forthcoming…,” he said. The turning point came last Friday when Dr. Odongo shared the matter on a WhatsApp platform, drawing the attention of Col. (Rtd) Dr. John Francis Ongia, who is also a member of the group. According to Dr. Odongo, Ongia took up the complaint and escalated it to the Office of the President through Gen. Salim Saleh, prompting swift intervention. Ongia, in his communication on the matter, emphasised the need for timely response to service delivery challenges, noting that communities should not suffer prolonged outages over issues that can be resolved administratively. “…this is a matter that required urgent attention. Our people cannot continue to suffer when solutions are within reach. Service providers must act promptly to address such challenges…,” Ongia reportedly said. Dr. Odongo said the escalation prompted a response from Capt. Fred Mubiru, the Energy In-charge at the President’s Office, who contacted him to confirm receipt of the complaint and assured him that UEDCL Lira had been engaged to resolve the situation. “…he told me the issue would be handled within the week, and indeed by Monday, power had been restored…,” Dr. Odongo said. The restoration came just as the community had resolved to file a formal petition against UEDCL over the prolonged outage. Dr. Odongo said he had urged residents to remain calm and hold off the petition following assurances that the matter was being handled. “…by around 10am on Monday, we received power. The community was very relieved…,” he said. Despite the restoration, residents say the blackout has exposed gaps in service delivery that need urgent attention. They are now calling for improved efficiency, timely response to faults and stronger supervision within UEDCL to prevent similar incidents in future. Attempts to obtain a comment from UEDCL Lira branch officials were unsuccessful by the time of publication. Source

Lira, Uganda | St. Gracious Secondary School has registered a major academic breakthrough in both Northern and Eastern Uganda after 42 of its candidates secured admission on government sponsorship to various public universities for the 2026/2027 academic year. Breakdown of the placements shows that 25 students were admitted to Makerere University, five to Lira University, and another five to Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Four students joined Mountains of the Moon University, while one student each was admitted to Gulu University, Kyambogo University, and Busitema University. Turn on Your Notification Bell The admissions are dominated by science programmes, reflecting the school’s strong performance in the science combinations. Seven students were admitted to pursue Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, while others secured slots in Pharmacy, Nursing Science, Midwifery Science, Biomedical Science, and Public Health. Agriculture-related courses also attracted a significant number, with seven students admitted to pursue Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Other programmes include Software Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Cytotechnology, Animal Production and Technology Management, Conservation Biology, and Fisheries and Aquaculture, among others. The development follows an impressive performance in the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations. Speaking after the release of the results last month, the school principal, Martin Ojok Anyuru, described the performance as a milestone for the institution. He revealed that 25 candidates scored 20 points, 18 scored 19 points, and 22 obtained 18 points. In addition, 32 candidates scored 17 points, 37 obtained 16 points, and 45 scored 15 points. A total of 489 candidates sat the examinations, a figure Anyuru said reflects increasing trust from parents and guardians. He attributed the strong performance to the dedication of teachers, especially those handling Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (BCM), noting that the science combination continues to produce competitive results. Anyuru said the trend of students qualifying for government sponsorship will motivate more learners in Lango sub-region to pursue A’Level and eventually university education. “When students progress to university, they are better placed to compete for jobs and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. He also urged students to aim higher by pursuing postgraduate studies after completing their first degrees. The headteacher appealed to parents to have confidence in schools within the region, saying they are capable of delivering quality education comparable to institutions in Kampala. Of the 25 candidates who scored 20 points, 11 are girls, and 14 are boys. The school’s national merit admissions have also shown a steady rise, with 42 students qualifying in 2025, including seven admitted for Medicine and Surgery, compared to 31 in 2024 (six for medicine), 30 in 2023 and 26 in 2022. Source

A renewed call has been made to deepen public understanding of wealth as a foundation for effective wealth creation, particularly in strengthening Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and advancing Uganda’s economic transformation agenda. The call follows a high-level engagement involving Senior Liaison Officer at Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), Col. Dr. Francis Ongia, and development stakeholders, who observed that many field implementers lack a clear grasp of how to identify, assess, and grow capital within communities. In a concept paper shared with stakeholders, Ongia noted that wealth should not be confused with income, explaining that while income is a flow, wealth is the stock of assets accumulated over time that can generate future value. He emphasised that understanding wealth is the starting point of creating it, adding that without such clarity, efforts in SACCO promotion and community mobilisation risk remaining ineffective. The paper outlines three pillars of wealth critical to Uganda’s development: human capital, financial capital, and non-financial (real) assets. Human capital-comprising health, skills, and productivity is described as the foundation upon which all other forms of wealth are built. Ongia stressed that without a healthy and skilled population, financial resources and physical investments can not yield meaningful returns. Financial wealth, including savings, shares, and other liquid assets, plays a key role in mobilising capital for investment. However, experts caution that such resources must be directed into productive enterprises to avoid stagnation. Non-financial assets such as land, farms, housing, and businesses are identified as the most visible indicators of wealth at both household and national levels, particularly within Uganda’s agro-industrialisation drive. The framework further highlights the need for an integrated approach, where human capacity drives financial investment, which in turn translates into productive assets and sustained wealth expansion. Ongia stressed that wealth creation must be anchored at the household level, with the parish serving as a critical unit of transformation in line with government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). He also pointed to institutional fragmentation as a major bottleneck and called for stronger coordination among ministries and agencies to ensure efficient service delivery and alignment of development priorities. The paper proposes six strategic actions to drive wealth creation, including investment in profitable enterprises, strengthening human capacity, ensuring governance and security, expanding trade, improving public service efficiency, and identifying priority sectors. Experts say aligning these actions with Uganda’s 10-Fold Growth Strategy could accelerate progress towards increased productivity, household income growth, and export competitiveness. Ongia noted that the goal was to move beyond subsistence and enable households to accumulate assets capable of sustaining livelihoods and driving national development. He further appealed for enhanced synergies and institutional linkages, particularly along value chains, to maximise the impact of government interventions and unlock Uganda’s full economic potential. The discussion also raised critical questions about why economic growth often fails to translate into household wealth and how financial resources can be better converted into tangible assets at the grassroots level. Observers believe that addressing these gaps could significantly strengthen SACCO performance and improve the effectiveness of wealth creation programmes across the country. Source

Kwania, Uganda | At least 100 patients have regained their sight following a week-long eye surgical camp conducted by Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) at Aduku Health Center IV. The outreach, held from April 20 to April 24, 2026, was spearheaded by Senior Ophthalmologist Dr. Shamin Namwase with support from the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology. A total of 200 patients were screened, out of which 100 underwent successful eye surgeries, mainly for cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, especially among the elderly. Dr. Namwase said the team was pleased with the outcome, noting that conducting over 100 surgeries in a single week was a significant milestone. She added that taking specialised services closer to communities has bridged the gap for rural patients who can not afford or access treatment at referral hospitals. Dr. Shamin Namwase of Lira Regional Referral Hospital Speaks After Leading a One-week Eye Camp in Kwania that Restored Sight to 100 Patients. The camp attracted more than 700 patients from Kwania and neighbouring districts, reflecting the growing demand for eye care services in rural areas. Health workers also treated other conditions, including glaucoma, eye infections, and inflammation, as well as the removal of foreign bodies from the eye. Despite the success, Dr. Namwase observed that some community members still fear eye surgery due to misconceptions, although such fears are gradually easing as more patients share positive experiences. Mr. Isaac Ekwan, Clinical Ophthalmology Officer at LRRH and Eye Care Programmes Manager with the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, said the surgeries registered good outcomes. He added that the team used the camp to mentor local health workers and improve the ophthalmic theatre at Aduku Health Center IV to sustain future services. He noted that untreated cataract not only affects health but also limits productivity, stressing that restoring sight enables individuals to return to work and improve their livelihoods. Dr. Patrick Ogwal, the in-charge of Aduku Health Center IV, commended the visiting team for extending critical services to the community. In addition to surgeries, about 500 patients received corrective lenses during the outreach. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the restored vision will enable them to lead independent and productive lives. This is the second such surgical camp conducted at Aduku Health Center IV by LRRH, following a similar initiative in 2025. Source

Kampala, Uganda | Parliament of Uganda has approved a Shs 84.39 trillion national budget for the Financial Year 2026/27, marking a significant step in the country’s fiscal planning and economic transformation agenda. According to the approved framework, Shs 47.16 trillion has been allocated under appropriated expenditure, while statutory expenditure accounts for Shs 37.23 trillion. The budget will be financed through a combination of revenue streams, including Shs 44.18 trillion in domestic revenue, Shs 1.44 trillion from the petroleum fund, Shs 1.22 trillion in budget support, Shs 11.97 trillion through domestic borrowing, and Shs 11.27 trillion from project support. Additional financing will come from domestic refinancing amounting to Shs 13.97 trillion and Shs 339 billion in local government revenue. The theme for the FY 2026/27 budget is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.” Presenting the budget framework, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, told Parliament that the upcoming financial year will mark the first phase of implementing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for the 2026–2031 period. He further noted that FY 2026/27 will also be the second year of implementing the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which is aligned with the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy aimed at expanding Uganda’s economy to USD 500 billion by 2040. Musasizi emphasized that the budget will focus on consolidating gains made in key sectors, with priority given to the implementation of the Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Services (ATMS) strategy, alongside critical economic enablers. The approved budget underscores government’s continued commitment to economic transformation through increased productivity, industrial growth, and enhanced service delivery. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | The Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong District, Jimmy Okello, has applauded President Yoweri Museveni for organizing a thanksgiving ceremony following his victory in the 2026–2031 general elections. Commissioner Okello said the President’s decision to return and thank the people demonstrates humility, humanity, and respect for the voters who entrusted him with leadership. He noted that such a gesture reflects strong leadership and shows that President Museveni remains a people-centered leader and a great commander who values public support. Okello also praised President Museveni for his continued efforts in fighting poverty through various government wealth creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga, and cattle compensation programs. According to him, these initiatives are helping communities improve household incomes and reduce poverty levels across the country. He called upon residents of Alebtong District and the wider region to fully utilize these government programs for a common positive goal of wealth creation and sustainable development. Commissioner Okello further appreciated the NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, who also serves as the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hanson Obua for his continuous support to the ruling party and his efforts in mobilizing support for the President’s visit. He said the successful organization of the thanksgiving ceremony was made possible through strong coordination and commitment from party leaders and government officials. The thanksgiving event is brought together leaders, party supporters, and community members in celebration of President Museveni’s electoral victory and continued leadership. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Alapata Parish football teams made a commanding start to the Bata Subcounty Football Tournament 2026, defeating Barlela Parish 2-0 in the boys’ category during the opening ceremony held on Saturday, April 25, at Barlela Primary School. The highly anticipated encounter saw Alapata take control of the game with a goal just before halftime and later sealing the victory with a second strike in the dying minutes of the match. In the girls’ fixture played earlier, both Barlela and Alapata settled for a goalless draw. The tournament, sponsored by Dokolo North County Member of Parliament-elect Joseph Jones Ogwal, has drawn participation from six parishes, Atabu, Barlela, Ocero, Alapata, Bardege and Apenyo, with matches scheduled to take place over weekends until May 18, 2026. Representing the MP-elect at the opening event, Amwoma Subcounty outgoing LCIII Chairperson Geoffrey Odur said the competition is intended to unite communities and provide a platform for youth engagement. Odur noted that the tournament will help young people to know each other, build friendships, and steer away from crime, adding that it will also serve as a scouting ground for talented players. He explained that there are plans to form a strong team from the constituency that can compete at the national level, including participation in the Federation of Uganda  Football Association’s 5th Division League, as well as efforts to rehabilitate playgrounds to promote sports development. Odur further urged residents to move beyond political differences and work together with the elected leadership to advance development in Dokolo North Constituency. The tournament is part of Ogwal’s broader agenda to promote sports and culture, nurture talent among the youth, and preserve Lango cultural heritage. He has previously organized similar competitions across the constituency, including a recent Easter tournament in Adok Subcounty, and has supported all 43 parishes with sports equipment such as jerseys and footballs. Source