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Otuke, Uganda | More than 100 schoolgirls in Otuke East County from Alangi and Anepmoroto Primary Schools have received sanitary pads while nine bicycles were handed over to high-achieving pupils, in a campaign by Member of Parliament Julius Acon Bua to promote education and curb teenage pregnancies. Girls from Alangi and Anepmoroto Primary Schools Jubilate After Receiving Sanitary Pads From Angela Fee and Her Team From USA The event, held on Tuesday 23 September 2025 at Kristina Health Centre III in Otuke Town Council, was aimed at addressing school dropout among adolescent girls, particularly those who struggle to access sanitary products. Acon explained that many young girls, especially from Primary Six onwards, abandon school due to lack of sanitary pads and stigma associated with menstruation. He noted that the problem, coupled with rising teenage pregnancies, continued to threaten the future of girls in rural Uganda. He stressed that the community needed to fight to keep girls in school, pointing out that many of them miss classes or drop out when they could not access sanitary pads, and that too many are becoming pregnant at tender ages. He added that government and well-wishers need to intervene urgently. The distribution is part of an annual initiative supported by Acon’s American friends led by Angela Fee, who has partnered with the MP to provide sanitary pads and mama kits for expectant mothers. Today, Acon demonstrated his commitment by running on foot from Lira City to Otuke, while his foreign guests cycled from Entebbe Airport through Jinja, Pallisa, Soroti and Lira, completing the five-day journey before arriving in Otuke. He encouraged young girls to take education seriously, saying that in Europe and America, girls often completed their studies before marriage, unlike in many African communities where early marriage remained widespread. The In-Charge of Kristina Health Centre III, Anyi Daniel, warned that teenage pregnancy is on the rise. He revealed that 28% of all expectant mothers who attended antenatal care at the facility last financial year were under 18 years, the highest figure recorded in recent years. Anyi attributed the increase to poor sensitisation about sexual and reproductive health, as well as parental reluctance to discuss such issues with their children. He added that poverty is also driving many girls out of school and into early pregnancies. Nine bicycles were allocated to pupils who excelled in last year’s PLE and UACE exams. Five were collected by parents on behalf of their daughters now enrolled at secondary schools and universities. The beneficiaries included Aguti Gloria (Okwang Secondary School), Awor Naome (Adwari Secondary School), Adongo Lucky (Okwang Secondary School), Alaba Immaculate (Anepmoroto Primary School – 12 aggregates), and Atala Nelly (Anepmoroto Primary School – 12 aggregates). Four other pupils Auma Jenifer (8 aggregates), Apio Monica (8 aggregates), Acen Grace (11 aggregates), and Alupo Laury (12 aggregates), all from Aliwang Primary School, were absent but will collect their bicycles later. Angela Fee, who funded the initiative, said the bicycles would serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging girls to work hard at school while also pursuing their sporting talents. She added that the sanitary pads were intended to help the girls protect their dignity and avoid missing school during menstruation. Enyang Charles Dick, Headteacher of Oluro Primary School, pointed to poor sanitation facilities, lack of scholastic materials, and entrenched cultural attitudes that treat girls as sources of dowry as major barriers to education. Auma Fiona, Senior Woman Teacher at Anepmoroto Primary School, noted that teachers provided emergency sanitary pads at school but insisted that parents needed to take more responsibility. She urged mothers to improvise their girls with clean clothes where commercial pads were unaffordable. The MP pledged to continue expanding the initiative across the constituency, combining education support with health interventions to give girls a better chance of staying in school and completing their education. Source

Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City have launched investigations into the sudden death of 43-year-old Epero Geoffrey, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Dokolo District. Epere was found dead in his room at Bistro Guest House on September 21 while attending a budget framework workshop. Preliminary reports indicate that he had underlying health complications. SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, said the body was taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem. Police recorded statements from hotel staff and other relevant witnesses as part of the ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, in Apac, police condemned the lynching of 34-year-old Ojeng Benson, who was brutally attacked by a mob on suspicion of stealing maize from a garden in Chawente Sub-county. Ojeng, who had recently returned from prison, sustained severe head injuries and multiple bruises before being taken to Apac Hospital. Authorities have warned communities against taking the law into their own hands. Other Incidents A fire erupted at Corner Atapara trading centre on September 23, destroying a 16-room commercial building. The North Kyoga regional fire and rescue team quickly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading further. Preliminary assessments indicate severe damage, particularly to businesses such as salons and bars, with total losses still being evaluated. SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, cautioned that road accidents are on the rise in the region, caused by reckless driving, poor overtaking, sudden lane changes, and adverse weather conditions. Authorities urged all road users to observe traffic rules to prevent further casualties. Police assured residents of their commitment to maintaining public order, protecting lives and property, and ensuring safety across the region.   Source

Lira, Uganda | At least 16 people have died in a spate of accidents along the Dokolo–Lira–Oyam section of the Juba road that stretches from Corner Boroboro to Odokomit Trading Center, within just one month, sparking fresh concerns over road safety in northern Uganda. GCW Denis Hamson Obua Condole the Widower After the Burial in Amuca Ward on Monday 22 September 2025 The figures were disclosed on Monday, 22 September 2025, by Government Chief Whip and Ajuri County MP Denis Hamson Obua, while addressing mourners at Amuca Primary School during the burial of Tusime Lillian Akacha. Obua said the fatalities occurred between August and September 2025, shortly after the road was upgraded. He explained that the absence of speed humps initially contributed to the deaths, but even after humps were installed, another life was lost, and three other people sustained fractures. He stressed that accidents would continue with or without humps unless road users respected traffic signs and changed their attitudes. Obua delivered UGX 10 million as condolence from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the widower, JB Lucky Akacha, a known NRM mobiliser in the Lango subregion. Akacha told mourners that his late wife had been the foundation of his life and everything to him. He appealed to the Chief Whip to remind the President of his pledge to provide him with a tipper lorry, which had been promised during Museveni’s recent visit to the Lango Presidential Zonal Skilling Hub. Several clan heads also addressed the mourners, using the platform to raise broader community concerns. Ceaser Omach Ario, Clan Head (Awitong) of Atek Odyang Okwer Kic, urged traffic officers to enforce laws consistently and warned that boda-boda riders who overload school children are victims contributing to accidents. He also called on the government to enhance teachers’ salaries, saying parents and children are suffering as a result of poor support for education. Geoffrey Etwop, Awitong of Ober Clan, consoled the family and urged them to remain strong. Bosco Ogwang Edola, Awitong of Odyakol Clan, who represented the business community, said Uganda’s high accident rates are largely the result of reckless behaviour on the road. In addition, Thomas Otema, an elder of the Atek Odyang Okwir Kic Clan, said something had to be done about the recent rise in accident cases. He warned that many people are using motorcycles on public roads without proper training and predicted that more than 50% of the riders could perish in accidents if nothing was done. Lira City Mayor, His Worship Sam Atul, noted that deaths in the region are not only caused by road accidents but also by natural illnesses. However, he urged greater responsibility on the road, saying many motorists and riders ignore signages and focus only on themselves. The late Tusime Lillian Akacha was born on 12 December 1982 and died on 16 September 2025. On 9 September 2025, she sustained fatal injuries when she was knocked down by a motorcycle while riding as a passenger on her husband’s bike near Yellow House in Jinja Camp, Lira City. She was first admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital before being transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she passed away a week later. She leaves behind her husband, JB Lucky Akacha, and five children. She was also the daughter of Lira businessman George Atyam from Ocukuru Ogora clan but was married to the Clan of Atek Odyang Okwer Kic. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Health officials in Dokolo district have launched a new phase of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) aimed at curbing malaria, one of the leading health challenges in the region. The district recently received 17,000 bottles of Actellic insecticide, which will be used during the spraying exercise, which began on Monday, 22 September, and will stop on 15 October 2025. According to Tom Opio, the district malaria focal point person, the campaign will operate for 20 working days, down from the previous 25 days, and will cover six subcounties: Dokolo, Amwoma, Adeknino, Kangai, Adok and Okwongodul. Opio explained that the exercise is expected to protect households from malaria-carrying mosquitoes and reduce the overall disease burden in the district. The Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO), Eugine Odongo, appealed to residents to welcome the initiative. He disclosed that in 2024, the district achieved only 86% coverage, falling short of the target. Dokolo and Kangai subcounties recorded the highest resistance to the programme, which limited its impact. Meanwhile, District Health Educator (DHE) Ouni Dioxs emphasised that IRS must be fully embraced by communities if malaria cases are to be reduced significantly. He encouraged residents to seek continuous medical advice from health facilities and not rely solely on household spraying. Ouni also announced that the IRS exercise will be integrated with other health interventions, including HIV testing, tuberculosis (TB) screening, and additional community health services. Health officials say they are optimistic that this year’s campaign, if well received, will surpass previous performance and contribute to lowering malaria prevalence across Dokolo district. Source

Amolatar, Uganda | Nine people have lost their lives in a boat accident on Lake Kyoga, leaving the community of Amolatar in deep mourning. The accident occurred on Friday morning near Kiryanga Village in Acii Sub County when a vessel carrying 36 passengers struck a stationary log about 400 metres from the landing site and overturned. Police confirmed the boat was overloaded. Amolatar District leaders said six bodies were retrieved from the lake, while three others, including a pregnant woman, died at Amolatar Health Centre IV. Eleven survivors admitted at the facility are now in stable condition. In the wake of the tragedy, Kioga County parliamentary aspirant, Rtd. Col. Dr. John Francis Ongia, stepped in to support the bereaved families. Represented by Bonny Aloka, Ongia provided 100,000 shillings to each family to help them transport their loved ones’ bodies back home. Rtd. Col. Dr. Ongia expressed deep sorrow at the loss, noting that losing nine people at once is a heavy blow to the community. His representative, Aloka, urged the affected families to make proper burial arrangements and inform the wider Ochora community so that friends and relatives can attend and pay their last respects. Aloka observed that the entire area was in shock, stressing that the loss of nine lives in a single incident is a major tragedy for Amolatar. The passengers were travelling from Muchora Abino A Village to Kiryanga to escort their catechist, Oduno Alfred of Muchora Protestant Church, who was attending the burial of his sister, Abuni Joyce. Local leaders reminded authorities that parts of Acii Sub County were submerged by waters of Lakes Kyoga and Kwania about five years ago, turning the area into an island where boats remain the only means of transport. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Over 100 leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Okwongodul Sub County have declared their support for Dokolo South MP Felix Okot Ogong in the upcoming general election. The endorsement was made during a meeting held yesterday in Otururao village, attended by local FDC leaders and a delegation from the MP’s office led by Chief Mobiliser Moses Okwada. Mark Olade, FDC Coordinator for Okwongodul, said the party leadership had agreed to support Okot Ogong because of his commitment to the development of Dokolo South. He said the MP’s track record and vision aligned with the aspirations of the local population. FDC councillor Francis Ogwal Nam called for unity and collaboration between the party and the MP, saying joint efforts would bring better services to the people. George Arago, FDC Chairperson for Ageni Parish, cited the strong working relationship between Okot Ogong and the late Cecilia Ogwal as a key reason for their support. He said the legacy of teamwork between the two leaders had left a lasting impact. Jimmy Ogili, FDC Chairperson for Apenyeoweo Parish, said his parish was ready to fully support Okot Ogong’s candidacy. Santa Ocwer, head of the FDC Women’s League, urged the MP to uphold the values of the late Cecilia Ogwal by supporting widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups. Molly Omara, an FDC councillor aspirant, asked Okot Ogong to revive sports activities for women as a way to promote empowerment and income generation, a cause once championed by the late Ogwal. Chief Mobiliser Moses Okwada welcomed the endorsement, saying it was a sign of political maturity and unity. He said the MP was ready to work with the FDC leaders to deliver tangible results in Dokolo South. The meeting signals growing cross-party cooperation in Dokolo South ahead of the election. Source

Soroti, Uganda | Teenage pregnancies in Soroti City are rising at an alarming rate, with adolescents under 18 now accounting for 15 percent of expectant mothers in the city, city health officials have revealed. Speaking during a city accountability dialogue held at The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) offices, Soroti City Health Officer Dr. Alfred Anyonga expressed concern over the trend, warning that the growing number of teen mothers poses serious health, social, and economic risks. He emphasized that while government initiatives are integrating services to improve access to sexual and reproductive health care, success will depend on strong collaboration among all stakeholders. The dialogue, organized by AHF Uganda Cares under the theme “Advancing Youth Health through Responsive Systems,” brought together city leaders, police, cultural and religious institutions, education authorities, and youth representatives led by the Girls Act movement. Participants discussed barriers young people face in accessing health services, including stigma and dismissive attitudes from some health workers. Akello Winfred, leader of Girls Act, noted that adolescents living with HIV often avoid health facilities for fear of judgment, while many teens seeking family planning services face discrimination and ridicule. Isaac Ekellot, the city HIV focal person, highlighted that while adolescents aged 10–19 are showing improved adherence to treatment, young people aged 20–24 continue to struggle with consistent care. He added that Soroti City has identified 122 HIV hotspots, including bars, lodges, and streets, where high-risk behaviors contribute to new infections. The dialogue concluded with a call for collective responsibility. Stakeholders agreed that by combining cultural guidance, government resources, NGO innovation, and youth engagement, Soroti can reverse the trend of rising teenage pregnancies, curb HIV infections, and create opportunities for young people to thrive. Bishop Ebbiau summed up the sentiment, stating that the future of Teso lies in the hands of its youth and urging the community to guide, support, and equip them for success. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Leaders in Dokolo District have urged Caritas Lira and its partner Caritas International Belgium to scale up flood response interventions, noting that many affected communities remain without support. The appeal came during a stakeholder meeting at the district headquarters chaired by Principal Assistant Secretary Denis Orit. He commended Caritas for its swift response to the floods but explained that limited funding has restricted interventions to only two sub-counties and four parishes. Mr. Orit emphasized the need for additional resources to extend support to more communities while also promoting long-term measures that enable residents to adapt to climate change without relying solely on aid. District Chairperson James Otoo Apili praised Caritas for stepping in promptly after floods submerged homes, boreholes, and gardens, displacing more than 1,500 households. He recalled appealing on local radio for help and noted that the support provided, including boats, tarpaulins, blankets, and tree seedlings, closely matched the urgent needs he had previously outlined to the President. Rev. Fr. Desiderius Pule, Director of Caritas Lira, reported that the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Households and Communities project has already reduced climate vulnerability for 1,080 households while strengthening disaster risk management and water catchment governance. Ms. Catherine Meda, representing Caritas International Belgium, highlighted the organization’s commitment to Dokolo after recognizing that the district’s needs were greater than in other countries where similar projects had been implemented. During a field visit to Kachung, local leaders expressed appreciation for Caritas’ support but highlighted ongoing needs, including mobile toilets, clean water, and more boats to improve fishing activities. Community leaders reported that the four boats donated by Caritas have already generated UGX 9 million in revenue over five months, with plans to acquire additional engine-powered boats for deeper waters. Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jafar Ochaya commended Caritas and its partners for their interventions and urged residents to use the assistance effectively. He encouraged communities to uphold peace and resilience, emphasizing the importance of sustaining development under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. #LDNA Source

Kaberamaido, Uganda | A businessman in Kaberamaido District, Mr. Etaru Edmond, has been remanded to Kaberamaido Government Prison until September 23, 2025, over allegations of procuring an abortion for a 16-year-old girl. He is also facing a separate charge of defilement. Etaru was arrested on September 11, 2025, following a tip-off from the victim’s relatives. The case has raised concerns about the safety of minors and the enforcement of child protection laws in the district. During the court session, Chief Magistrate Patricia Ndagire read the charges to the accused, who denied all allegations. The victim, a Senior One student at Asone High School in Kaberamaido, was allegedly coerced to misrepresent her age as 18. The family has indicated their willingness to assist authorities with additional information to ensure justice is served. Etaru is scheduled to reappear in court on Tuesday, September 22, 2025, as investigations continue. The case highlights ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children and enforcing legal accountability in Kaberamaido District. Source

Amolatar, Uganda | Seven people have drowned after a boat capsized on Lake Kyoga in Amolatar District on Friday morning. The accident occurred at around 11:00am near Kiryanga Village, Kiryanga Parish in Acii Sub County. Police say the vessel, which was carrying 36 passengers, struck a stationary log about 400 metres from the landing site and overturned. The passengers were travelling from Muchora Abino A Village to Kiryanga to escort their catechist, Oduno Alfred of Muchora Protestant Church, who was attending the burial of his sister, Abuni Joyce. Among the deceased are Odeke Steven, 65, LC1 chairperson of Muchora Abino A Village; Aguti Catherine, 55, from Dokolo District; Abonyo Sylvia, 35, from Soroti District; Ogwal Jaspher, 38, from Amolatar; Ejang Robina, 30, from Amolatar Town Council; Agwech Semmy, 20, from Etam Sub County; and Aboyi Nama, a male who was later identified after the incident. Amolatar District LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Ocen confirmed the death toll, saying seven lives were lost. Dr. Walter Luru, the Medical Superintendent of Amolatar Health Centre IV, also confirmed the fatalities, noting that one pregnant woman died shortly after arrival at the facility while six bodies were retrieved from the lake. Dr. Luru added that all 11 survivors who were admitted at the facility are now in stable condition. A joint search by the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit, Police Marine and local fishermen ended at about 5:50pm after no further bodies were sighted. Police said the boat was overloaded and the vessel has not yet been recovered. A team of officers from Amolatar CPS led by D/Sgt Okello Mike, together with SOCO and homicide detectives, visited the scene, recorded statements from survivors and conveyed the bodies to Amolatar Health Centre IV for postmortem. Local leaders note that parts of Acii Sub County were submerged by waters of Lakes Kyoga and Kwania about five years ago, turning the area into an island where boats remain the only means of transport. Source