Uncategorized

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | Heavy rains have left several parts of Otuke District cut off, crippling transport and slowing down business as major roads and bridges remain impassable. Personal Assistant Secretary Patrick Onyek explained that the damage has affected the flow of goods and services, noting that most of the affected roads connect residents to Otuke Town Council and traders from Lira. He said business is declining as farmers and traders can no longer access markets with ease. A report from the District Engineer indicates that several swamps and bridges have been washed away. Among the most affected areas are Okera swamp, Ogwete dam, Akorokodoi swamp in Ogwete Sub-County, Okociwa culverts in Orum Sub-County, Okune and Ocee swamps in Ogor Sub-County, as well as Ogwa, Olech, Oget, Agweng, Obul, Obir, Otlut and Otjokogang swamps. The district has set aside Shs 815 million to begin addressing the problem. Despite this allocation, more than 500 kilometers of roads remain in poor condition. Key routes such as Ogor Sub-County–Otuke Town Council, Okwang–Adwari, and sections of central government roads have become nearly impassable, cutting off villages and paralyzing trade. Chief Administrative Officer Joseph Lomongin emphasized that the challenge is not limited to Otuke alone, pointing to the Lira–Aloi–Otuke–Abim–Kotido highway, which is under central government management, as the worst affected. He added that the damage is being worsened by heavy trucks, including buses and lorries, that routinely use these roads. Lomongin further explained that the district is losing local revenue as markets have become inactive, leaving the council with little to collect. He noted that leaders at sub-county level are gathering data on households affected by the flooding, which will be submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister for possible intervention. Source

Lira, Uganda | More than 3,700 health trainees were on Thursday, 28 August 2025, officially passed out after completing a 10 day patriotism training course at Uganda Technical College (UTC) in Lira City. The programme drew participation from seven health learning institutions, including King James School of Nursing & Midwifery, Uganda Christian Institute, Jerusalem Institute of Health Sciences, Lira Institute of Health & Management Sciences, and Victoria School of Nursing & Midwifery, among others. A total of 3,722 students completed the training. Lira City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole, who presided over the ceremony, said the training had instilled discipline, teamwork, and a spirit of service that would boost the students’ capacity to contribute to Uganda’s development. He noted that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has, for nearly four decades, emphasised patriotism as a tool for fighting poverty and ignorance. Egole praised the president for the progress achieved under his leadership and encouraged school administrators to continue enrolling their students in such programmes. Dr. Benard Otucu, Lira City Health Officer, stressed that the initiative also contributed to students’ well-being. He said the physical drills and activities kept participants fit and mentally alert, preparing them better for their demanding careers in the health sector. Canon Jane Obeny, the City Education Officer, shared her own testimony of the benefits of patriotism, saying it had strengthened her commitment to public service. She explained that the President’s introduction of patriotism training was aimed at nurturing citizens who not only love their country but also safeguard its resources and values. The pass-out ceremony was attended by Resident City Commissioners, education and health officers, directors of health institutions, and other local leaders, who all commended the students for their resilience and discipline during the course. The patriotism programme is part of a broader government effort to integrate national values into education and leadership development, particularly among young people preparing to serve in key professional sectors. Source

Lira, Uganda | The North Kyoga Regional Police have confirmed that four victims of Wednesday evening’s road accident on the Lira–Soroti highway have been referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition, while the rest remain admitted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH). The accident at Corner Amach claimed the life of Olobo Fabias and left twelve other employees of Mota-Engil Road Construction Company with serious injuries. The crash occurred at around 8:00 pm during heavy rain when a Mercedes Benz Actross semi-trailer (registration KCM 0711A/ZB 1076) veered off its lane and collided head-on with a Toyota Coaster bus (registration UBN 572P) carrying the workers. The deceased died instantly, while those injured include Auro Rehema, Omongot Lawrence, Omedi Quinto, Kasula Ronald, Ayuli Denis, Echeng Benard, Acio Monica, Alele Richard, Acheng Charity, Okalebo Jethrom, Akullo Patricia, and Opiny Joshua. Police reported that the trailer driver fled the scene after the collision and remains at large. Both vehicles are still at the scene under police guard awaiting breakdown services. According to preliminary findings, the accident was caused by reckless driving on the part of the semi-trailer driver. Authorities have appealed to him to surrender to the nearest police station. North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the incident demonstrated the dangers of driving during adverse weather conditions. He stressed that motorists should prioritise safety and, in heavy rains, stop and wait until conditions improve rather than risk lives. The body of the deceased has been conveyed to the LRRH mortuary for post-mortem examination as investigations continue. Source

Lira, Uganda | One person has been confirmed dead while at least twelve others sustained serious injuries following a fatal road accident that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Corner Amach along the Lira–Soroti highway. The deceased has been identified as Olobo Fabias, an employee of Mota Engil Road Construction Company. According to police, the accident involved a Mercedes Benz Actross semi-trailer (Reg No. KCM 0711 A/ZB 1076) whose driver is currently on the run, and a Coaster bus (Reg No. UBN 572P) belonging to Mota Engil, driven by Otim Patrick. Police reports indicate that the Coaster was ferrying staff from Soroti towards Lira when, upon reaching Corner Amach at around 8:00 pm, it collided head-on with the trailer that had veered off its lane during heavy rainfall. Both vehicles swerved off the road after the collision. The injured victims, all employees of Mota Engil, have been identified as Auro Rehema, Omongot Lawrence, Omedi Quinto, Kasula Ronald, Ayuli Denis, Echeng Benard, Acio Monica, Alele Richard, Acheng Charity, Okalebo Jethrom, Akullo Patricia, and Opiny Joshua. They were rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment. Police said the body of the deceased was conveyed to the hospital mortuary pending postmortem examination, while the two vehicles remain at the accident scene under guard awaiting breakdown services. North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, attributed the cause of the crash to reckless driving by the trailer driver, who fled the scene. He urged the driver to surrender himself at the nearest police station. Okema further appealed to all drivers and road users to exercise maximum caution, especially during heavy rains, noting that it is safer to park by the roadside than risk lives through reckless driving. Source

Kampala, Uganda | Veteran National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader Capt. Mike Mukula has announced his withdrawal from the race for the position of National Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, citing corruption and voter bribery as the reasons behind his decision. In a strongly worded statement issued today, Mukula said his decision followed careful reflection, sober consideration, and a clear conscience. He described it as a difficult but principled step. He explained that although he has faithfully served the party and the people of Eastern Uganda with loyalty and dedication, the ongoing campaigns had been grossly compromised. According to him, the race has been marred by widespread corruption, open voter bribery, and reckless expenditure of money aimed at swaying delegates. Mukula noted that participating in such a process would amount to legitimizing illegality. He stressed that his choice was about standing for principle over expediency, conscience over convenience, and integrity over position. The outgoing NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda emphasized that his withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness but rather as an act of conviction and political maturity. He explained that his decision was a clear stand against the commercialization of politics and what he sees as the erosion of NRM’s founding values. He further urged the party chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, together with the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the NRM Electoral Commission, to reflect on the challenges facing the party and institute urgent corrective measures. In his view, reforms are necessary to safeguard internal democracy, restore integrity, and rebuild confidence among party members and Ugandans at large. Despite stepping out of the race, Mukula reaffirmed his loyalty to the NRM, President Museveni’s leadership, and his commitment to serving the people of Uganda. He underscored his continued dedication to the transformation of Eastern Uganda and the nation at large. Mukula, a long-serving party mobilizer in Eastern Uganda, has been a central figure in NRM politics and is widely regarded as one of its most influential voices in the region. His withdrawal is expected to significantly alter the dynamics of the contest for the Eastern Uganda vice chairmanship ahead of the party’s internal elections. Source

Kampala, Uganda | Robert Okodia, a candidate for Northern Vice Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League, has urged the party leadership to reconsider President Yoweri Museveni’s directive suspending the league’s elections. Speaking during a press briefing in Kampala on Tuesday, Okodia said the decision to halt the polls risked weakening internal democracy, disenfranchising grassroots members, and delaying the league’s ability to represent the interests of entrepreneurs across the country. He explained that failure to hold the elections would stifle participation and undermine the trust that members had in the party’s processes. He noted that entrepreneurs expected transparency and inclusivity from the ruling party. Okodia also said the suspension could erode the credibility of the NRM at a time when unity was essential ahead of the 2026 general elections. He criticised what he described as the commercialisation of politics, warning that the growing dominance of financial resources in internal contests was beginning to overshadow merit and fairness. President Museveni ordered the immediate halt of the Entrepreneurs League elections on Monday, 25 August, during the NRM Special Interest Groups meeting at Kololo Independence Grounds. The decision followed a joint petition by leading contenders, including King Caesar Mulenga, Phillip Kakuru Kanyujuka, Sanjay Tanna, Mukesh Shukla and Edson Ruyondo, who raised concerns over widespread irregularities. Allegations included forged accreditation cards, missing or relocated delegates, inflation of delegate numbers beyond the official 750, and large-scale vote buying. The contest had attracted Uganda’s wealthiest businessmen, including Hassan Basajjabalaba and King Caesar Mulenga, whose financial influence became a central point of contention. NRM Electoral Commission chair Dr. Tanga Odoi announced the suspension after consultations with the President and the party, Secretary General Richard Todwong, stating that further guidance would be issued on when the election would be reconvened. Okodia appealed to the party leadership to provide a clear and transparent roadmap for fresh polls. He said the focus should remain on strengthening democracy and giving entrepreneurs a genuine voice in shaping both the party and the economy. The NRM Entrepreneurs League plays a significant role in linking the ruling party to Uganda’s business community and mobilising support ahead of elections. Source

Kampala, Uganda | As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections take place today at Kololo Independence Grounds, Northern Uganda delegates are confronted with a significant choice. Veteran politician Sam Engola is among the frontrunners for the position of Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, amid a competitive field that includes Denis Hamson Obua and other influential party figures. Engola, a longstanding representative of Erute County South and former State Minister for Housing and Urban Development, enters the race with a reputation for pragmatic leadership. His tenure in government has been defined by initiatives in infrastructure, urban planning, and community development. Observers note that his experience could provide Northern Uganda with a stronger voice within the NRM’s central decision-making structures. However, the election also underscores broader regional dynamics, Northern Uganda has historically faced political fragmentation, and delegates are weighing loyalty, track record, and capacity for unifying the region. Analysts suggest that the outcome could influence how Northern leaders coordinate on development priorities and party strategies in the next five years. The race also carries personal dimensions, Engola’s leadership was tested following the death of his brother, Col. Charles Okello Engola, in 2023. Engola has remained active in political and community matters, including advocating for compensation discussions with President Museveni, an effort that resonated with constituents seeking justice and accountability. While Engola enjoys endorsements from several political and community figures in Lango and beyond, he faces competition from candidates seen as capable of representing other northern subregions. Delegates today are expected to consider both political alliances and development agendas before casting their votes, making this a closely watched election for Northern Uganda’s representation within the NRM. The CEC election is more than a party contest; it represents an opportunity for Northern Uganda to assert influence within the ruling party’s hierarchy. Analysts suggest that the elected Vice Chairperson will play a critical role in shaping regional development priorities, mediating internal party conflicts, and ensuring that the concerns of Northern communities are heard at the national level. Northern Uganda’s delegates face a moment of political reckoning, choosing between experience, unity, and strategic representation in the NRM’s top structures. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lira City Education offices are facing mounting criticism after being accused of neglecting top-performing Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) schools, a situation that teachers warn could discourage both learners and instructors. On 23 August 2025, during a visit to Star Light Primary School, which is set to represent Lira City and the Lango Subregion at the National MDD Competition in Mbarara City from 24–31 August, the school leadership expressed frustration over what they described as “total abandonment” by city education authorities. A letter dated 19 August 2025, signed by Head Teacher Moses Etaru, requested financial support of UGX 15.7 million from the City Education Office, with transport costs alone estimated at UGX 8 million. By Saturday evening, however, no assistance or official response had been received. The school’s Director of Studies, Isaac Ayor, warned that the lack of institutional support risks undermining student morale and the growth of MDD as a co-curricular activity. MDD trainer Linus Okwir said he was “deeply discouraged” and threatened to withdraw his services if the neglect continued. He recalled that during the Lango Regional MDD Competition at Aduku Secondary School on 16–17 August, Star Light Primary School nearly faced disqualification because Lira City had failed to remit a UGX 2 million affiliation fee. Despite the setback, the school went on to perform among the best. Okwir, however, praised Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, for stepping in with a minibus that enabled the school to travel for the regional contest. The school’s director, Richard Omara, said MDD activities had become financially unsustainable without external support, urging both the city and well-wishers to help bridge the funding gap. When contacted, Lira City School Inspector Tom Ronald Omara confirmed receipt of the school’s request but said he was waiting for a report from the City Education Officer before taking action. At the time, he was away in Yumbe District with handball, netball, and football teams. Multiple attempts to reach City Education Officer, Mrs. Jane Obeny was unsuccessful. Unless urgent funding is secured, Star Light Primary School risks missing out on the national competition, and the second consecutive year Lira City could fail to field a team due to financial constraints. Stakeholders warn that such a pattern threatens the future of arts and sports in the Lango Subregion and could set a worrying precedent for education and talent development if not addressed. Source

Gulu, Uganda | Lira University and Gulu University, in partnership with the Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), will co-host a landmark international conference on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) from September 17-19, 2025 at Acholi Inn Hotel in Gulu City. Themed “Improving the Quality of SRHR through Pre-Service Training, Research, and Evidence-Based Clinical Care Delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the three-day gathering will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and health professionals from across Africa and beyond. This will be the first international SRHR conference of its kind in Northern Uganda, marking a major milestone in the region’s role in shaping reproductive health education and clinical practice. The program will feature keynote addresses from top African and international SRHR advocates, panel discussions on the role of universities and health systems in advancing reproductive rights, as well as scientific presentations and poster sessions on family planning, safe abortion care, maternal health, and adolescent SRHR. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities with policymakers, academics, clinicians, and civil society leaders aimed at strengthening collaboration and partnerships. Organizers say the event builds on previous SRHR dialogues, including the 2023 Symposium in Gulu City, but with wider participation and a stronger focus on research, innovation, and evidence-based practices. The conference is expected to elevate Lira and Gulu universities as regional leaders in reproductive health training and research, while also positioning Gulu City as a hub for global conversations on SRHR. Source

Kampala, Uganda | Police in Kampala are investigating a suspected case of rash and neglect that led to a massive explosion at the sauna of Buziga Country Resort in Upper Buziga Zone, Makindye Division. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, 24th August 2025, at around 8:30 pm, leaving three women with serious injuries. The victims have been identified as Hajjat Masitula, 69, Vice Chairperson LC I of Katuso Cell, who sustained severe burns on her back, chest and lower body; Zahara Nakawesi Kasenene, 39, who suffered burns and a broken left leg; and Mamaram Aisha, who sustained multiple severe burns across her body. All three were rushed to Kiruddu Hospital for emergency treatment. Two of them were later referred to Nsambya and Mulago Hospitals for specialized care. According to police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, a team of officers immediately responded to the scene, where detectives and a Scene of Crime Officer documented and secured the area. Preliminary findings showed extensive damage to the facility, with part of the structure collapsing, walls cracking, and debris scattered alongside broken glass and blood stains. Investigators noted that the explosion inside the sauna was significant, but the exact cause is yet to be determined. Statements have been recorded from witnesses and victims. No arrests have been made so far, and the scene remains cordoned off for a forensic examination expected to provide more clarity on the cause of the blast. Police say investigations are ongoing and assured the public that regular updates will be provided. They also pledged continued support to the victims and their families. Source