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Oyam, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) on Saturday, 26th July 2026, held an Extra-Ordinary Delegates Conference at Uganda House in Kampala and passed key resolutions aimed at strengthening party discipline, unity, and grassroots structures ahead of the 2026 general elections. The conference, chaired by Party President Jimmy Akena, brought together delegates from across the country who resolved to reaffirm loyalty to the UPC Constitution and enforce discipline within party ranks. The party warned against internal sabotage and resolved that any member who undermines party leadership, structures, or strategy would face disciplinary action. Delegates also resolved to revamp the grassroots by activating and reorganizing party structures from the village to the national level. All districts and constituencies were directed to submit mobilization reports and implementation plans to the party Secretariat. The party also resolved to strengthen the Disciplinary Committee, enforce the code of conduct, and take action against factionalism. Leaders were instructed to stop speaking on behalf of the party without clearance from the Secretariat. UPC will launch a countrywide mobilization campaign to recruit members, popularize its values, and revive its historical message. The conference further tasked leaders to use media platforms, especially radio, to promote party programs. The party emphasized the importance of regular reporting and accountability. Districts were directed to file monthly updates to the National Secretariat, while the Finance and Administration Committee was assigned to develop a sustainable fundraising strategy. In his closing remarks, UPC President Jimmy Akena said the resolutions must be implemented without delay. He called for discipline, focus, and commitment, warning that the party would not tolerate indiscipline or diversionary politics as it prepares for 2026. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Catholic Church in Northern Uganda is set to give a solemn and dignified farewell to one of its most devoted servants, Rev. Fr. Ponsiano Okalo, in a three-day celebration of his life and ministry. The funeral arrangements, unveiled by the Lira Diocesan Secretariat, detail a program designed to reflect the priest’s enduring spiritual legacy and deep connection to the faithful. According to the schedule, the body will be transferred from Aber Hospital on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, to St. Peter Claver Parish, Ober, where the first Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM by Fr. Peter Panya. This will be followed by a public viewing and catechesis sessions for the Christian community. In the evening, a second Mass will be presided over by Fr. Vincent Orum, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator. An overnight vigil led by the Ober Christian community will provide an opportunity for deep spiritual reflection through prayers, hymns, and scripture. The following day, Wednesday, July 30, will see the body arrive at Lira Cathedral Parish. A 12:00 PM Mass will be led by Fr. Douglas Ogwal of Bala Parish, and the evening liturgy will be conducted by Fr. Polycarp Opio. A second overnight vigil will be held, organized by the Lira Cathedral Christian Community, allowing Christians to continue in prayer and meditation. On Thursday, July 31, the climax of the funeral program will take place with a grand Requiem Mass beginning at 10:00 AM. The mass will be celebrated by Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, joined by dozens of priests and religious. Fr. Okalo will be laid to rest at Barogole Cemetery, the designated burial ground for clergy in the Diocese, at 1:00 PM. Senior officials from the Diocese described the burial as more than a ceremony, calling it a spiritual celebration of a man who lived and breathed his calling. They emphasized that Fr. Ponsiano was known for his humility, gentleness, and a tireless commitment to his priestly duties. Parishioners across Lira Diocese remember him as a man who offered comfort to the suffering and unwavering faith to the discouraged. Reflecting on the funeral theme, diocesan leaders noted that the scripture chosen “Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) perfectly encapsulated the life Fr. Okalo led. They explained that he labored for Christ and his people and has now been called to eternal rest. Large crowds from various parishes, neighboring dioceses, religious orders, government officials, and lay Christians are expected to attend. The Diocese has encouraged all faithful to keep Fr. Ponsiano in their prayers and participate in the funeral activities either in person or through spiritual communion. Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Otuke District, Isaac Opio Opeo, has commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the Local Council Five (LCV) Chairperson flag bearer held on Thursday, 24th July 2025. Speaking after the conclusion of the elections, Opio Opeo described the process as successful, noting that no major security incidents were recorded throughout the district. He praised the cooperation between the electoral officials, security forces, and the public, which he said contributed to the smooth running of the exercise. He noted that it was one of the most peaceful NRM elections witnessed in Otuke and added that security did not receive any serious complaints from any polling station. The few minor issues reported were handled promptly and professionally. He acknowledged the relatively low voter turnout in some areas but attributed it to weather disruptions and delayed mobilisation. Nonetheless, he emphasised that the calmness and discipline observed among both voters and candidates reflected political maturity in the district. Responding to recent allegations made by some unsuccessful aspirants for the Woman MP and Constituency MP flag bearers, who accused security personnel of siding with certain candidates, Opio Opeo dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading. He clarified that as a neutral institution, security did not favour any candidate. Their role, he said, was to maintain law and order, not to interfere with political processes. He added that such accusations only divert attention from the real issues. Opeo urged all candidates, especially those who did not succeed in the primaries, to respect the will of the people and rally behind the elected flag bearers in preparation for the general elections. His remarks came shortly after Boniface Ouni, the NRM District Registrar, officially declared Sabbath Obua as the party’s LCV Chairperson flag bearer, after he garnered 20,076 votes, defeating Cecilia Agang and Otim Maxwell. The final vote tally across the district stood at 33,460. The peaceful election and the unity shown among many councillor aspirants 12 of whom went unopposed have been seen as a positive sign for the party’s strength and organization in Otuke. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Catholic community in northern Uganda is mourning the death of Rev. Fr. Ponsiano Okalo, the Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy in Lira Diocese, who passed away late last night at Aber Hospital. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Emmy Opio, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok informed the faithful that Fr. Okalo had died at around 11:30 PM. on 25th July 2025, following a short illness. He had been receiving treatment at Aber Hospital. Fr. Okalo was ordained a priest on 11 August 2001 and had served the Diocese for over two decades in various roles, including pastoral ministry and clerical leadership. At the time of his death, he was overseeing the welfare and guidance of priests as Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy, a role that underscored his spiritual leadership and dedication to the Church. In the statement, Fr. Opio noted that burial arrangements were still being finalized and would be communicated in due course. He urged the faithful to remain prayerful and committed to God’s will during this time of mourning. Church members and clergy across Lira Diocese have described Fr. Okalo as a committed servant of God whose humility and counsel impacted many lives. His passing is being regarded as a significant loss not only to the Diocese but also to the wider Catholic Church in Uganda. The Diocese concluded its announcement by commending Fr. Okalo’s soul to the Lord, praying for eternal rest and divine light to shine upon him. Stay tuned for more updates on this………………………… Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) on Thursday, 24th July 2025, held a colourful retirement ceremony in honour of long-serving staff member Joseph Jones Ogwal, whose early exit marks the end of an era in the company’s leadership. Ogwal and his family at the event Organised by the Human Resource Department and held at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz in Naguru, the farewell function brought together senior management, staff, and invited guests to celebrate Ogwal’s contribution to the power transmission sector. Ogwal, who voluntarily retired ten years ahead of the mandatory retirement age, explained that his decision was intentional and aimed at meeting the eligibility requirements set by the Electoral Commission for political candidates. He is the newly elected NRM flag bearer for the Dokolo North parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections. In his remarks, Ogwal encouraged staff to cultivate a mindset that looks beyond the confines of monthly salaries. He urged colleagues to define personal visions early in their careers and to treat retirement not as an end, but as a new chapter for making meaningful impact in their communities. He noted that delaying retirement planning often results in avoidable hardship, and stressed the value of passion and long-term thinking in building a strong professional legacy. He revealed that he had personally set his retirement goal for his early 50s and was satisfied that he had achieved it. He rated his service at UETCL at 99% and said his next chapter would focus on leadership and community transformation in his home district of Dokolo. Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Matsiko commended Ogwal for his outstanding service and encouraged other staff to begin planning for life after employment. Ag. CEO UETCL Matsiko He emphasized that retirement should be seen as a smooth transition rather than a crisis. Matsiko advised employees to establish sustainable income-generating ventures early, avoid emotional investment decisions, and ensure they only engage in enterprises they fully understand. He also urged staff to acquire practical and scalable skills that could sustain them beyond their formal employment. Halima Namatovu, Head of Human Resources, described retirement as an inevitable phase that is better faced with readiness than surprise. Second Left Halima She noted that many employees postpone retirement planning until it is too late, which often leads to stress and confusion. Namatovu advised staff to start preparing at least five years before their retirement date and to utilise the various planning resources provided by the company. Godfrey Masaba from the Environment Department applauded Ogwal for his integrity, leadership, and technical expertise. He credited Ogwal with steering UETCL through key environmental and social compliance challenges, thereby helping the company avoid costly regulatory delays. Masaba described Ogwal as a dependable, professional team player whose contributions significantly shaped the institution’s success. Source

Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | The Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Otuke, Isaac Opio Opeo, has warned teachers against taking multiple loans, saying it affects their performance and disrupts learning. This followed a school inspection carried out on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Amele Primary School in Okwang Town Council and Barjobi Primary School in Barjobi Town Council. The team comprised Deputy CAO James Ingoi, District Education Officer Lucy Acheng, and School Inspector Bosco Areng. Speaking from his office on Wednesday, July 23, Opio said the inspection aimed to assess the current state of education in the district. He noted that both schools had clean, well-maintained environments with a “talking compound” that instills discipline among pupils. He observed that pupils were receiving meals at school, in line with Ministry of Education and Sports guidelines, and commended parents, teachers, and the PTA for their joint efforts. Amele Primary School was highlighted for attracting learners from neighboring districts such as Alebtong, Agago, and Lira an indication of confidence in the school’s performance. Opio expressed concern over teacher absenteeism and poor financial discipline. He said teachers who acquire multiple loans risk being overwhelmed when payment deadlines come, potentially leading to absenteeism and disrupting lessons. He encouraged teachers to consider upgrading their academic qualifications, adding that further training would enhance their professional growth and contribute to better learning outcomes. He also urged headteachers to ensure accurate pupil enrollment figures are submitted for inspection. He praised the government under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for sustaining the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program and emphasized the need for collective responsibility in improving education in the district. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Technology and Innovations Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, Robert Olet Egwea, has called for a shift in the recruitment strategy at the Presidential Skilling Hub based at Lira University. During a recent visit to the hub, Olet commended the program for its impact but suggested that trainee selection should be done through the cultural institution rather than the current district-based system. He argued that involving the cultural institution would ensure fair representation, allowing each clan in Lango to nominate beneficiaries, thereby spreading the benefits more evenly across the region. He believes that this model would promote inclusivity and give every community a sense of ownership in the initiative, strengthening the role of the cultural institution in championing youth empowerment. The Presidential Skilling Hub in Lira is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping young Ugandans with practical skills in fields like carpentry, tailoring, welding, mechanics, and ICT. The proposal is expected to spark further discussion on how best to localize and equitably distribute government-led development programs. Source

Lira, Uganda | Leo Aguda, a dedicated mobilizer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), is receiving growing public endorsement for appointment to a leadership position in government, following years of consistent grassroots service and unwavering loyalty to the ruling party. Aguda, who has championed NRM causes since his early school days, is widely respected across the Lango sub-region for his effective mobilization efforts targeting youth, women, and men in rural and urban areas. His commitment to the party’s ideology and community outreach has earned him recognition among political stakeholders and local citizens alike. Over the past decade, Aguda has been at the forefront of public campaigns defending the NRM government and articulating its development agenda. He is particularly known for promoting the achievements of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the contributions of Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero in improving public health services. Community leaders have noted that Aguda’s efforts have significantly deepened public understanding of government policies and helped counter misinformation from opposition groups. A youth coordinator in Lira City remarked that Aguda was among the few mobilizers who demonstrated true conviction, noting that he worked without expecting financial reward, believed deeply in the NRM cause, and communicated the party’s message clearly. Beyond political messaging, Aguda has been instrumental in organizing community sensitization campaigns and encouraging citizens to engage with government programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and other health-related initiatives. His work has contributed to strengthening the relationship between the NRM and local communities, reinforcing public trust in state institutions. There is now a growing consensus that Aguda deserves a formal role within government structures. Supporters are urging the Office of the President to consider his appointment as a Resident District Commissioner (RDC), believing such a role would enhance his ability to advance government efforts on the ground. A senior NRM official in the region observed that Aguda had proven himself to be a dependable cadre. The official emphasized that Aguda had a good grasp of policy, a strong connection with the people, and the capacity to bridge the gap between government and the community. Those advocating for his appointment argue that Aguda’s patriotism, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the NRM’s revolutionary ideals make him a highly suitable candidate for public office. They maintain that his elevation would not only reward his long-standing service but also strengthen the party’s grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2026 general elections. Although Aguda has not publicly commented on the campaign for his appointment, he continues to participate actively in political education and mobilization work. Political observers note that his calm demeanor and commitment to peaceful political engagement have earned him respect across political divides. Northern Uganda’s political landscape is evolving rapidly, and there is growing pressure on the government to formally acknowledge grassroots leaders like Leo Aguda. His unwavering commitment at the community level is seen as essential not only for the NRM’s political success but also for fostering inclusive development and stronger ties between citizens and the state. Source

Lira, Uganda | Uganda loses an estimated UGX 2.5 to 3.8 trillion annually due to tick infestations and tick-borne diseases, severely impacting livestock productivity, the agricultural economy, and rural livelihoods. In response, scientists at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) have invented NAROVAC®, a locally developed anti-tick vaccine, to mitigate these recurring losses. The vaccine is built around Subolesin, a molecule that naturally exists in insects and disrupts tick digestion and reproduction, ultimately stopping their life cycle. It is the first of its kind to be developed and commercialised in Africa for local tick species. During a media training session on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City, Dr. Fredrick Kabi, the Principal Investigator and Senior Research Officer at NARO, explained that the vaccine is more sustainable than conventional acaricides, as it remains longer in the animal’s system and poses less environmental risk. He noted that the vaccine’s development followed a 2017 directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to provide a sustainable solution for tick control. Safety trials conducted between October 2022 and April 2024 showed no significant physiological changes or abnormalities in vaccinated animals, including the spleen, brain, kidney, liver, and in milk or meat intended for human consumption. Dr. Kabi stated that NARO currently has the capacity to produce 300,000 doses per month under Good Laboratory Practices. Plans are in place to expand this to 2 million doses monthly through cleanroom industrial production, meeting current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards. He added that a draft commercialisation strategy has already been prepared, with stakeholder consultations underway. He credited Makerere University, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Finance for their collaboration in supporting the vaccine’s development. Following the presentation, journalists toured Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI), one of NARO’s 16 zonal institutes, covering 17 districts in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions. Joe Erem, Development Communication Officer at Ngetta ZARDI, pointed out that the institute faced a number of challenges, including insufficient government funding, limited public access to agricultural information, and waning interest in farming. He said the institute would soon begin rewarding high-performing male and female farmers to boost enthusiasm for agriculture and livestock keeping. Ngetta ZARDI was established in the 1930s as a cotton research station and evolved through multiple phases until it was integrated into NARO in 1999. By 2005, it had been upgraded into a full-fledged zonal agricultural research institute under the NAR Act. Frank Mugabi, NARO’s Senior Communications Officer, urged farmers to make use of the institute’s seed testing services. He said the service plays a vital role in helping farmers assess seed viability before the planting season, reducing risks and promoting productivity. Mugabi explained that although the testing cost is minimal, it could save farmers millions by preventing failed harvests. He further noted that test results are usually ready within 4 to 14 days, and the service is open to both smallholders and commercial farmers. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of transforming agriculture into a commercially viable sector. NARO has developed more than 1,124 agricultural innovations over the past 33 years. Among these, the NAROVAC® vaccine stands out as a transformative intervention capable of revitalising Uganda’s livestock sector, reducing dependence on acaricides, and contributing to food security through science-driven solutions. Source

Lira, Uganda | St. Katherine Girls Secondary School has been crowned the overall winner of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Debate Series – Northern Edition, following an intense competition among 20 top secondary schools from across the region. The one-day debate event was held on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at Dara Christian High School in Lira City. Organised by Debate Institute Africa in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission, the competition brought together students from schools, including St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls Secondary School, Lango College, Comboni College, Lira Town College, Kitgum Comprehensive College, YY Okot Memorial College, and others. The debate aimed to engage students on pressing issues related to digital technology and its role in education and family life. The motion focused on how parents and students can adopt and make effective use of computers and mobile phones to enhance learning, communication, and economic productivity. Students debated key digital issues in the preliminaries, Round 1 focused on introducing digital education at the primary level, Round 2 questioned full-time student access to gadgets in schools, and Round 3 addressed criminalizing the spread of misinformation on social media, setting the stage for the final round before the break. St. Katherine Girls Secondary School emerged as the overall champion, with St. Mary’s Ediofe Secondary School taking second place. The finalists impressed both the panel of judges and the audience with their articulate arguments, strong research, and teamwork. Speaking after the event, Arinda Saviour, Public Speaking Coach and Team Lead for Debate Institute Africa, commended the students for their depth of knowledge and analytical thinking. He explained that beyond competition, the debates serve a broader purpose of generating insights on digital usage among young people and their families. Saviour noted that although Uganda is progressing in digital development, a significant number of citizens, particularly in rural areas, still lack basic skills in using computers and smartphones. He emphasized that initiatives like the UCC Debate Series are critical for raising awareness and shaping future digital policy and practice. He further urged participating schools to remain active in debate programs, highlighting their role in nurturing informed and digitally conscious citizens. Ainebyona Ezras, Headteacher of Dara Christian High School, welcomed the opportunity to host the regional event and described it as a valuable platform for his students and staff. He said the experience would help reinforce digital education at his school and inspire broader conversations about responsible technology use. The UCC Debate Series continues to rotate across regions, providing students with a platform to engage in national discourse and sharpen their communication and leadership skills. Source