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Lira, Uganda | Tensions have erupted within the Okadameri Clan following reports that Francis Orech Oculi was installed as the new Clan Chief in a ceremony held over the weekend. The move has sparked criticism and outright rejection from established leaders within the clan, who insist that no legitimate election has taken place. The contentious ceremony, held at Future Prospect in Lira City, was attended by a group of clan members who claimed to be acting in the interest of the community. However, senior clan officials have dismissed the event as irregular and unauthorized. Maj. (Rtd) Fred Gawera, who was appointed acting Clan Chief by the incumbent Jimmy Anthony Oyuku before he traveled abroad, expressed shock over the development. He said the clan has not organized any formal electoral process and condemned the ceremony as an attempt to sow confusion within the clan. Gawera stated that such actions only serve to divide the Okadameri people and warned that no leadership change will be recognized until a proper election is conducted involving all eligible members. Gawera further revealed that he is still in possession of the instruments of authority including the clan stamp, emblem, and constitution all of which were officially handed to him by Chief Oyuku. This, he argued, affirms the legitimacy of his temporary stewardship and invalidates the weekend’s proceedings. Solomon Ocen, the clan speaker and a former close associate of Oyuku, also distanced himself from the ceremony. He said he was not informed of any plans to elect a new chief and expressed concern that the manner in which the ceremony was conducted undermines the unity and integrity of the clan. Ocen added that such divisions can have far-reaching consequences, including the risk of relatives unknowingly intermarrying, which, he warned, may exacerbate genetic health conditions such as sickle cell disease. As of the time of publication, attempts to reach Francis Orech Oculi for comment were unsuccessful. Clan elders have called for calm and urged all members to respect due process, promising that a formal election will be organized in the near future in accordance with the clan’s constitution. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mathias Lutwama has reported notable progress and critical interventions in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) following a 10-day field supervision exercise across multiple sub-counties in Alebtong District. JOIN ASUL NOW! The tour, conducted between 17th and 27th June 2025, aimed to assess the effectiveness of PDM interventions while addressing operational challenges in enterprise group performance, education, governance, and infrastructure. In Aweingong Parish, Angetta Sub-county, 13 enterprise groups were found to have deviated from viable agricultural enterprises by investing in pine trees, which offer limited short-term market returns. The Deputy RDC explained that after thorough community engagement, stakeholders agreed to re-align enterprise choices toward maize production, piggery, and cattle rearing activities identified as more suitable for enhancing household incomes in the area. In Aberdwogo Parish, Abia Sub-county, citizens were sensitised on the importance of sequencing government programmes without undermining ongoing interventions. According to Lutwama, residents reached a consensus that while PDM funds continue to be rolled out, successful initiatives such as Emyooga should remain active. He cited Moroto County as an example, where veterans and women groups have recently received additional financial support. During a community interaction in Okumu Ward, Amugu Town Council, the Deputy RDC observed that the sixth pillar of the PDM, which focuses on governance and transparency, was being executed effectively. He noted that Okumu Ward demonstrated commendable transparency and gender balance in the disbursement of funds, with youth, women, and persons with disabilities fairly represented. In Akura Sub-county, an education forum was held at Alira Primary School, drawing head teachers and school management committee leaders from across Moroto County. Lutwama reported that the meeting resolved to enhance curriculum implementation while upholding the nutritional wellbeing of learners, which was acknowledged as vital for performance and retention. At Baropiro Parish in Omoro Sub-county, the field team uncovered irregularities in the management of enterprise committees. Some leaders had registered beneficiaries from outside the designated villages, violating PDM guidelines. Lutwama stated that in response, the affected committees were dissolved and replaced through community elections, with the aim of restoring credibility and enforcing accountability. The tour concluded with a high-level engagement in Amugu and Abako sub-counties, where the Government Chief Whip and Ajuri County MP, Rt Hon Denis Hamson Obua, launched the construction of the Omee–Awapung–Awori–Iceda road. The Deputy RDC noted that the new road is expected to enhance production, processing, and market access under the PDM and in line with the NRM manifesto. Lutwama also acknowledged the cooperation of key district stakeholders, including Assistant RDCs Okello Jimmy and Ongom Lameck, and all LCIII Chairpersons. He said their institutional support was vital to the successful coordination and monitoring of government programmes. The Parish Development Model continues to be a central pillar in Uganda’s effort to drive inclusive, grassroots economic transformation. The outcomes of such oversight missions are helping to reinforce policy implementation and accountability across all levels. Source

Kampala, Uganda | Ten brilliant students from the Lango sub-region are representing northern Uganda at the National Secondary Schools Science Fair taking place at Kololo Secondary School in Kampala. The national competition has brought together top young innovators from across the country to showcase scientific solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges. The students were selected from five secondary schools in Lango after excelling in a highly competitive regional contest. Among the most notable projects are those presented by learners from Loro Secondary School in Oyam District and Comboni College in Lira City. Leading Loro Secondary School’s team is Tracy Amasu, a Senior Four student, whose project – a modified crossbow for school security – attracted significant attention during regional selections. Amasu explained that her invention is a safer and more affordable alternative for school security personnel. She believes that with proper training, the device can be used to protect learning institutions while minimizing harm. Joshua Elem, representing Comboni College, developed an automated traffic light system using Arduino technology. His innovation is designed to manage urban traffic by switching lights every 10 seconds using LED indicators. Elem pointed out that while the system is simple, it has the potential to ease traffic congestion and bring order to busy intersections if adopted by authorities. The fair, which features innovations in areas such as public safety, environmental conservation, and digital automation, has attracted participation from key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Education and Science, university scholars, and representatives from the private sector. Canon George Okwee, the regional secretary of the Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers (SESMAT), described the students’ participation as a reflection of the growing innovation culture in northern Uganda. He said the projects on display are practical, original, and demonstrate that science is alive and thriving in the Lango sub-region. Sammy Bob Okino, Chairperson of the Lango chapter of the Association of Secondary School Headteachers Uganda (ASSHU), also applauded the young innovators for their bold ideas. He noted that these learners are not just competitors but future leaders capable of shaping Uganda’s development through science and technology. The Lango team is not only showcasing innovation but also carrying the pride of their region. Their presence in Kampala is a strong reminder that some of the country’s most impactful ideas can emerge from its most remote corners. Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Otuke, Isaac Opio Opeo, has called on farmers to shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture by embracing oilseed crops as a pathway to economic transformation. Speaking to Nile Post on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025, shortly after the national launch of the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP), Opio emphasized the importance of cultivating cash crops such as simsim, groundnuts, sunflower, and soya beans. He noted that growing oilseeds, rather than traditional food crops, will enable farmers to improve their household incomes and create sustainable livelihoods. The NOSP, which is being implemented across 81 districts in Uganda, aims to boost rural infrastructure and agricultural productivity. In Otuke District, the project includes the construction of a 16.9-kilometre community access road that links Ogor Village, Omwonylee Primary School, Atat Village, Ameri Market, Anik Market, and Okore in the sub-counties of Ogor and Okwang. Opio explained that the road will not only ease transportation of agricultural produce but also strengthen connections between Otuke and neighbouring districts such as Agago and Abim. He said the new route is also expected to help reduce incidents of cattle rustling from the Karamoja sub-region. He urged farmers to begin forming organized groups, adding that the district’s Production Department is preparing to conduct comprehensive training sessions to guide farmers from planting through to harvest. This, he said, is essential for ensuring high yields and maximizing profits. Opio also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritizing peace and security in the region, particularly by establishing a firm presence at Barlegi State Lodge in Otuke. He credited the President’s continued presence with deterring insecurity and cattle thefts that previously destabilized the area. In his capacity as the district’s head of security, Opio issued a strong warning to individuals operating illegal late-night businesses and entertainment spots. He said such activities pose a risk to public safety and would be met with firm action by security agencies. He urged the youth to abandon time-wasting habits and instead engage in productive ventures that generate income and contribute to development. The launch of the NOSP in Otuke marks a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to commercialize agriculture and uplift rural communities. Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has launched the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP) in Otuke District as part of government’s broader agenda to transform Uganda’s agriculture and rural infrastructure. The launch event took place at Omwonylee Primary School playground in Ogor Sub-county, with the Vice President represented by Otuke District Woman MP, Susan Abeja Okello. The oilseeds initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to boost the production and market access of sunflower, soybeans, groundnuts, and simsim. The project is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), OPEC Fund, Heifer International, Kuehne Stiftung Foundation, and the Government of Uganda. Delivering the Vice President’s remarks, Abeja described the project as a multisectoral intervention aligned with the 2021–2026 government priorities. She noted that such initiatives would help government deliver on its development promises. She also revealed that beyond oilseeds, she had lobbied for a district-wide coffee-growing program, encouraging every household to plant at least one hectare over the next five years. As part of the launch, a 16.9-kilometre community access road was commissioned connecting Ogor to Omwonylee, Atat, Ameri, Anik, and Okore villages. Built by GAT Consults Ltd at a cost of UGX 1.63 billion, the road is the first to be officially launched under the NOSP nationwide and is expected to be completed by October 2025. It includes 49 reinforced concrete culverts and follows Class III district road standards. Commissioner for Local Economic Development Anthony Namara, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, said the project supports two key pillars of the Parish Development Model: production and infrastructure. He emphasized that such efforts are meant to improve household incomes and rural livelihoods. Local leaders welcomed the development but also pointed out ongoing challenges. Deputy RDC Francis Okwameri said infrastructure gaps had long stalled wealth creation in Otuke. LCV Chairperson Abola Francis decried the low market value of oilseeds despite the district’s strong production potential. Ogor Sub-county Chairperson Jasper Okengo raised concerns about poor network coverage affecting services like ID renewal and business operations. From the community, Hellen Obua of Ogor Village expressed hope that the new roads would ease access to schools and health centres, especially during the rainy season when movement becomes nearly impossible. NOSP is being implemented in 81 districts and is expected to run until 2028. Under Component 2 of the project, 2,500 kilometres of climate-resilient community roads are being developed, with Batch A covering 1,034 kilometres. Project Coordinator Hajji Yasin Sendaula urged local residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance. He praised the cooperation between technical teams and communities, saying the project’s success depends on joint responsibility. The launch event drew participation from district engineers, RDCs, CAOs, and technical teams from across the benefiting regions. Source

Entebbe, Uganda | The Uganda Police Force has officially welcomed back 142 officers who returned home after successfully completing a 14-month peacekeeping mission under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The officers, led by Deputy Contingent Commander SSP Andrew Musiime, were received at a formal ceremony by Commissioner of Police Polly Namaye, Head of Peace Support Operations. The returning team consisted of 122 male and 20 female officers. During the reception, CP Namaye applauded the officers for representing Uganda with honour and integrity. She noted that their discipline, professionalism, and commitment while on duty in Somalia had strengthened regional partnerships and demonstrated the resilience of the Uganda Police Force. She added that the officers’ contribution to peacekeeping under ATMIS played a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the region. CP Namaye also encouraged the officers to make use of the skills and experience they acquired during their deployment to improve policing standards and enhance community safety in Uganda. The deployment was part of Uganda’s long-standing contribution to regional peace and security under the African Union framework. Ugandan personnel in Somalia have continued to engage in critical tasks, including training local security forces, promoting community policing, and guarding key installations. The officers will now undergo a debrief and reintegration process before resuming various assignments across the country. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Government of Uganda has extended the tenure of Local Council I and Local Council II leaders by a further 180 days, according to a formal announcement published in The Uganda Gazette dated 24th June 2025. This directive is outlined under General Notice No. 1759 of 2025, issued in accordance with Regulation 12(d) of the Local Government Councils Regulations. The extension, printed in Volume CXVIII No. 51 of The Uganda Gazette (Extraordinary Issue), takes effect from 29th June 2025, following the expiry of the current term on 28th June 2025. The notice, signed by Minister for Local Government Raphael Magyezi, informs the general public that the term of office for administrative unit councils Local Council I and II is extended for a period not exceeding 180 days from the date of expiry. The purpose of this extension, according to the gazette, is to ensure continuity in the delivery of essential grassroots governance services while preparations for new elections are finalized. This development comes at a time when concerns have been mounting over delayed LC elections, which the Electoral Commission attributes to financial and logistical challenges. Sources within the Ministry of Local Government say the extension provides room for the Electoral Commission to mobilize resources and resolve ongoing legal and procedural gaps before conducting fresh polls. Local Council I and II leaders are central to Uganda’s decentralized governance model. They are responsible for handling land matters, mobilizing communities, managing local disputes, and keeping household records at the village and parish levels. Their absence, legal experts say, could leave a vacuum in community-level administration. The last LC elections were held in 2018, through a controversial lining-up system where voters physically queued behind candidates. Though efficient in cost, the method faced criticism from human rights defenders and civil society, prompting calls for reform to align with constitutional voting principles. With this official extension now on record through The Uganda Gazette, the government is expected to move swiftly to address the pending electoral process. However, observers warn that continued delays beyond the 180-day window could undermine public confidence in local governance and weaken accountability mechanisms at the grassroots level. Source

Kisoro, Uganda | Delegates from Kisoro District and Kisoro Municipality have formally endorsed Mr. Calvin Echodu for the position of Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). JOIN ASUL NOW! The declaration was made during a strategic meeting convened in Kisoro, attended by key party leaders and mobilisers. The endorsement was led by Hon. Dr. Philemon Mateke, the NRM District Chairperson for Kisoro and a senior figure in the party. Dr. Mateke, who is also a former State Minister for Regional Cooperation, described Mr. Echodu as a visionary leader with a practical understanding of grassroots mobilisation, adding that this makes him well-suited for national leadership. He noted that Echodu’s ability to connect with party leaders across various levels reflected the kind of inclusive leadership the party currently requires. Dr. Mateke also expressed the view that the party needed leaders who truly understood the grassroots and were willing to involve every cadre in decision-making processes. He maintained that Echodu’s leadership approach aligned well with the NRM’s founding principles of mass mobilisation, unity, and transformation. Ambassador Julius Peter Moto Ocheger, a longtime ally of Dr. Mateke and a close associate of Mr. Echodu was also present at the event and received a warm welcome from the delegates. The gathering highlighted a strong sense of unity and shared vision among NRM leaders from different regions, bridging Eastern and Western Uganda. Resident District Commissioner Al Hajji Badru Sebyala also offered his support to Echodu. He commended him for prioritising grassroots leaders, who he said had often been overlooked in national party structures. Sebyala observed that Echodu had demonstrated a clear commitment to rebuilding trust among lower-level party cadres by giving them an active role in political processes. In his address to the delegates, Mr. Echodu expressed gratitude for the support he received in Kisoro and said it had further strengthened his determination to lead. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, economic empowerment for party members, and the promotion of development programmes aligned with President Yoweri Museveni’s long-term vision for Uganda. He stressed the importance of restoring internal party cohesion and ensuring that all party members had a platform to express their views and contribute meaningfully. Mr. Echodu indicated that he was committed to a leadership style that listens, empowers, and delivers tangible results. He emphasised the need for a strong voice for the Eastern Region, one that understands both the people and their challenges and said he was prepared to serve in that role. The endorsement from Kisoro is widely seen as a significant boost to Echodu’s campaign, particularly with the backing of a respected NRM figure like Dr. Mateke. Political analysts believe the move could influence other districts across the region, enhancing Echodu’s standing as a unifying candidate with national appeal. With the CEC elections drawing nearer, Mr. Echodu’s campaign has gained notable momentum as he continues to advance a platform grounded in unity, grassroots engagement, economic transformation, and renewed party discipline. His capacity to mobilise support across regional lines is expected to play a key role in what is shaping up to be a closely watched internal party election. Source

Kole, Uganda | Kole District Woman MP aspirant Akech Loy Dorothy has intensified her campaign ahead of the 2026 general election with a health-focused gesture that has drawn attention across the district. JOIN ASUL NOW! On Thursday, Akech donated a consignment of an anti-tetanus drug to Atan Health Centre III in Ayer Sub-county, aiming to boost the fight against preventable infections in rural communities. The medical supplies, which she personally sourced from Egypt, were handed over to health officials at the facility. Akech said the intervention was in direct response to increasing health concerns, particularly tetanus infections among mothers and children in underserved areas. She stated that the people of Kole were in need of development that was practical, visible, and that her decision to provide the essential drugs was part of that vision. Improving healthcare access, she added, was one of her central priorities. Akech also revealed that she had recently secured 60 education scholarships through the Pan African Women’s organisation. The scholarships, she explained, targeted vulnerable youth from across Kole District, and the beneficiaries were expected to report to various vocational and higher learning institutions in the coming weeks. She expressed the view that meaningful transformation must begin with improved health and education, and insisted that development should not be limited to promises or public speeches, but must instead be reflected in concrete actions that impact lives. She added that her mission was to transform livelihoods in Kole and that she wished to be the starting point of that change. With just under a month remaining to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries scheduled for July 16, 2025, Aketch appealed to the electorate to support her bid for the party flag. She encouraged NRM delegates and voters to rally behind her candidacy, arguing that her approach to leadership was new, people-centered, and solutions-oriented. Akech will face off in the primaries with Peace Bridget Apio and incumbent Woman MP Judith Alyek, who has held the seat since 2016. While Alyek maintains substantial support in parts of the district due to her experience and national profile, Aketch is positioning herself as a grassroots candidate whose focus is on tangible, immediate community transformation. She pointed out that the residents of Kole continued to grapple with challenges such as poor healthcare, limited education opportunities, and inadequate service delivery. She expressed confidence that she was the right leader to address these issues. The upcoming NRM primary is expected to be a tightly contested race, with each candidate striving to demonstrate their ability to deliver real results. For Akech, the recent health and education initiatives form part of what she describes as a new chapter for Kole District. Source

Soroti, Uganda | Attan Moses Okia, the unopposed Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flagbearer for Soroti City East Member of Parliament seat, has launched a strong criticism against Teso region leaders, accusing them of abandoning their people and prioritizing personal gain over regional development. Addressing the press at Sanctuary Restaurant in Soroti, Attan expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of political silence in the region amid deepening poverty, crumbling health infrastructure, poor roads, and lack of access to quality education. He said the region continues to suffer because its leaders have chosen to feed their own stomachs instead of advocating for their communities. Attan emphasized that Teso is grappling with underdevelopment because the very individuals entrusted to speak for the people have chosen self-interest over service. A seasoned opposition figure since 2011, Attan reaffirmed his commitment to transparent and people-centered leadership. He noted that unlike other leaders who remain silent, he has always been vocal and active in Parliament, even when it came at a political cost. During his previous term in Parliament, Attan recalled lobbying efforts that saw Soroti Regional Referral Hospital acquire a CT scan machine and an Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 crisis. He explained that these outcomes were the result of written reports and follow-ups he made to the relevant authorities. He criticized those in power who, out of fear of upsetting the ruling party, attempt to stifle his voice in Parliament. According to him, such silence is detrimental to progress. He urged Teso leaders to take inspiration from other regions, where vocal and united political leadership has translated into visible development. Attan also decried the lack of a government-aided secondary school in Awoja, noting that students are forced to walk long distances to access schools like Soroti SS. He blamed internal political wrangles for stalling key projects such as the construction of Opuyo Seed School, urging leaders to abandon petty rivalries and embrace unity for the good of the region. Citing the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, Attan described the poverty rate in Teso as alarming. He noted that the region has now been ranked the poorest in Uganda. In education, he said only 23% of eligible students are enrolled in secondary school, while 77% remain excluded from the system. He also expressed concern over the dire state of public healthcare in the region, revealing that 71% of residents now rely on private facilities due to the declining quality of public hospitals. Corruption, absenteeism, and poor work ethic among some health workers were among the challenges he identified. The FDC flagbearer stressed the importance of revamping agriculture, creating employment opportunities for youth, and demanding equitable national budget allocations for Soroti City. He noted that cities like Lira and Gulu are progressing rapidly due to collective leadership, adding that Soroti has the potential to compete if its leaders work together. Attan challenged MPs and local leaders in Teso to stop pulling each other down and instead work as a team. He expressed disappointment that some MPs from the region cannot sit together to discuss the region’s future, calling it a betrayal of the people’s trust. He urged the electorate to resist being influenced by temporary handouts during elections and instead demand consistent performance and transparency from those they elect into office. Touching on historical grievances, Attan called on the government to fulfill the promise of cattle compensation first made in President Museveni’s 1996 manifesto. He said the 30-year wait has taken a psychological toll on Teso communities and must be addressed urgently. Attan thanked the people of Teso for their continued trust and support. He pledged not to disappoint them, vowing to be their voice in Parliament and a relentless advocate for the region’s development. Source