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Lira, Uganda | The Ministry of Water and Environment, in partnership with World Bicycle Relief through Buffalo Bicycles Uganda Ltd, has distributed 37 bicycles to environment enforcement committees in Lira and Oyam districts to strengthen the protection and conservation of wetlands. JOIN ASUL NOW! The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry’s regional office in Lira City, saw 19 bicycles allocated to Lira District, 14 to Barr Sub-county and 5 to Ayami Sub-county which fall under the Acwa and Moroto River Wetland Systems, and 18 to Oyam District. Each bicycle, valued at UGX 730,000, is intended to facilitate mobility for environment monitors and promote timely reporting of wetlands encroachment. Joseph Ongol, Assistant Commissioner for Wetland Management at the Ministry and former Lira District Environment Officer, urged enforcement committees not to delegate their responsibilities to the police. He stated that the role of the police is to provide protection, not to carry out the work of environmental enforcement. His remarks were made in response to concerns raised by Oyam District Fisheries Officer Etot Jimmy about the need for enforcement support. Ongol noted that some enforcement officers had become complacent and had left their duties to law enforcement personnel. He emphasized that environmental enforcement must be carried out by those assigned to do so and not transferred to the police. He added that while police can provide security when needed, the primary responsibility remains with the environmental teams. He encouraged the committees to use the bicycles to support both their work and domestic needs but cautioned against misuse. He advised them to increase the frequency of wetlands surveillance and to actively report encroachment during their routine activities. Ongol further recommended that officers should serve as advocates for wetlands conservation during public gatherings such as religious and community events and to collaborate with local leaders. He emphasized the need for accurate and detailed reporting and advised that all reports of encroachment should be submitted to district environment offices for proper follow-up. Ongol also warned the recipients against using the bicycles for illegal purposes that could get them into trouble. Kilama Gabriel, Programs Manager at Buffalo Bicycles Uganda Ltd – Lira, said that the donation was part of a wider initiative supported by World Bicycle Relief aimed at improving service delivery in hard-to-reach areas. He explained that the bicycles were intended to enhance mobility and increase the frequency of wetlands monitoring. He pointed out that similar donations had been made in other sectors, including to Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in Lira and Mayuge distrcts, and added that the effectiveness of the bicycles would be monitored. Kilama said that while the bicycles could also support other domestic activities, they should primarily serve to improve wetlands protection. He advised the committees to make efficient use of the bicycles and urged district officials to label them for accountability since they remain district property. Lira District Environment Officer Walter Ocen welcomed the donation, describing it as a timely intervention that would address long-standing mobility challenges. He said that all wetlands in the district had already been demarcated using beacons, with support from the Ministry, and that current efforts are focused on monitoring. Ocen encouraged the beneficiaries to use the bicycles for the purpose they were intended and to submit timely reports. He expressed hope that, if used properly, the bicycles could lead to future support, possibly in the form of motorcycles. He added that minor cases of encroachment, such as tomato growing, could be handled at the grassroots level, while more serious cases should be referred to his office. Oyam District Fisheries Officer Etot Jimmy, who represented Environment Officersaid, said that his district was facing a shortage of personnel for policy enforcement, which had hindered effective wetlands protection. He noted the need for a trained, specialized environmental police unit to back up current operations, citing instances where enforcers had been arrested while executing their duties. He explained that the lower enforcement teams had been facing challenges in reporting actual occurrences on the ground and expressed concern that some individuals, especially the wealthy and armed, continued to defy regulations. Etot appreciated the support from RDCs, District Chairpersons, and Police Commanders in combating wetlands encroachment and called for prosecution of persistent offenders to serve as a deterrent. Denis Onyanga, LCII Chairperson for Abunga Parish in Lira’s Bar Sub-county, said that demarcation of wetlands boundaries had made enforcement more effective. He acknowledged that wealthy individuals often acted with impunity, making enforcement difficult. Onyanga believed that the distributed bicycles would now enable enforcers to reach distant wetlands and conduct their work more efficiently. Otim Bonny, Chairperson of the Parish Environment Committee in Aloni, Iceme Sub-county, Oyam, observed that many residents still lacked understanding of what constitutes a wetland. He attributed continued cultivation in wetlands to low levels of public sensitization and pointed out that educated individuals tend to respond better to awareness efforts than the illiterate. With Uganda’s wetlands increasingly under threat due to agricultural encroachment, particularly rice cultivation, the Ministry’s initiative is expected to enhance community-level monitoring and intervention. Officials stressed that future support from development partners would depend on the commitment and performance of the recipients in fulfilling their environmental responsibilities. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Central Organizing Committee of the prestigious Dwog Pacu Cup has announced a change in the tournament’s kickoff date, citing financial constraints among participating constituencies. Speaking at a press briefing held on June 25, 2025 at KK Champ Sports Centre in Lira City, the committee chairperson, Kenneth Kaunda Okwir, confirmed that the tournament, initially slated to begin on July 7, will now commence on July 12, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the media for their consistent support and commitment to the success of the tournament, noting that their efforts continue to amplify the message and build momentum for this year’s edition. Kaunda explained that the postponement was prompted by challenges some constituencies faced in meeting the affiliation fee deadline. He said that a one-week grace period offered earlier was ending today, June 25. He confirmed that fourteen constituencies had paid their fees and would be included in the tournament draw. However, in a show of flexibility, the committee had agreed to give a final two-day extension. He warned that any constituency failing to pay within this period would be left out of the fixture, which would then be redrawn to include only those who had cleared their dues. The venues for this year’s competition have been confirmed as UTC and Lango College playgrounds, both of which are expected to offer high-quality pitches for the matches. Johnan Okello, Secretary of the Dwog Pacu Cup, stressed the urgency of fulfilling financial obligations. He emphasized that timely payment is critical, cautioning that teams delaying risk missing out on key preparations, such as receiving their official jerseys. He further encouraged all participating teams to mobilize their fans and community members in large numbers. He said that the tournament is not just about football, but also about fostering community pride, unity, and visibility for grassroots talent. The organizing committee remains optimistic that the 2025 edition of the Dwog Pacu Cup will deliver thrilling action and contribute meaningfully to youth development and cohesion across the Lango sub-region. Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Otuke District, Francis Okwameri, has cautioned politicians against acts of incitement and human rights violations as the country heads into a heated political season. Speaking during a public baraza held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Orum Health Centre IV in Otuke Town Council, Okwameri emphasized the need for peaceful campaigns. The meeting, organized by Doctors with Africa CUAMM (Collegio Universitario Aspiranti Medici Missionari), aimed to gather public feedback on health service delivery in the district. It attracted a wide range of stakeholders including patients, caregivers, local leaders, and health workers. Okwameri warned that as campaign activities begin to gain momentum, all political actors must conduct themselves responsibly to avoid disrupting public order. He noted that the government has deployed security personnel across various sub-regions to ensure a violence-free election period. He also pointed out a number of challenges facing Uganda’s health sector, including a high disease burden, rising teenage pregnancies, obesity, and an increasing number of accident-related injuries. According to Okwameri, these issues place a heavy strain on the country’s healthcare system and require urgent attention from both government and communities. Okwameri further decried the level of corruption in the health sector, citing absenteeism among health workers, theft of medical supplies, and poor attitudes at health facilities as key bottlenecks to service delivery. The Deputy RDC called for unity and peace among residents of Otuke District and encouraged them to participate in the ongoing mass enrollment and renewal of National Identification Cards. Source

By Dr. Achura Bob Marley, PhDGlobal Health & Development Policy Expert In 2014, while conducting operational research on maternal and child health in Oyam District, Northern Uganda, I encountered a disturbing pattern, one so ordinary it risked being invisible. Health facilities required every expectant mother to carry an exercise book to record her antenatal and delivery information. A 48-page booklet, sold for less than 1,000 shillings, stood between life-saving care and denial. It seemed like a harmless, even practical, requirement. But what I found was far more troubling: the “exercise book dilemma,” as it came to be known locally, was quietly sabotaging efforts to improve skilled deliveries and maternal outcomes. This simple paper booklet had become a gatekeeper, one that too often shut out the most vulnerable women. A Walk of Pain and Shame. Take Acen, a 28-year-old mother from Abela parish in Otwal sub-county. She walked three hours, under the punishing sun, to reach the nearest health centre, carrying her toddler on her back and her hopes in her heart. But when she arrived, the midwife frowned. “Where is your exercise book?” Acen had forgotten it. She was turned away. “Come back with your book,” they told her. The walk home was longer. Her body ached. Her spirit, too. That was her last antenatal visit during that pregnancy. This is not an isolated story. From Alebtong to Amuru, women are carrying more than pregnancies; they’re carrying the burden of poverty, distance, stigma, and now, bureaucracy. Many mothers in Otwal confess they cannot afford even a single exercise book. Some tear out pages from their children’s schoolbooks. Others scribble health information on scraps of paper. A few have used old funeral programs, just to show something when they reach the clinic. In one heartbreaking case, a mother said her school-going child had taken her ANC book after being sent away for not having one. Another woman said her husband had used the pages to roll cigarettes. What may sound absurd is, in reality, a quiet emergency. A paper book barely worth a coin has become the gatekeeper of life. A Paper Barrier to Safe Motherhood We often talk about Uganda’s maternal mortality challenge, about long distances to health centres, the lack of ambulances, and understaffed facilities. But rarely do we stop to examine these invisible, small barriers that tip the scales toward tragedy. Let’s name them: Accessibility and Storage: Most rural families lack safe, dry spaces to store documents. Exercise books are destroyed by rain, eaten by rats, or misplaced entirely. Data Loss and Isolation: The information trapped inside these books is siloed. Health officers can’t analyze trends, track high-risk pregnancies, or make timely interventions. Out-of-Pocket Burden: Each year, thousands of shillings are spent by households on these books, money that could buy soap, food, or school fees. Stigma and Discrimination: Illiterate mothers are often humiliated or turned away when they present a “messy” book. Some stop returning out of shame. These paper barriers are costing lives. They are reinforcing inequality. And yet, they persist, unchallenged and unfixed. A Digital Ray of Hope: Then Bureaucracy Killed It! In 2016, with support from Duke University postgraduate students and in partnership with the Oyam District Health Office, we piloted a simple but powerful solution: the Mothers Health Information Management System (MHIMS). It was a user-friendly mobile app tailored for frontline health workers. It worked offline, synced with the cloud when internet was available, and provided secure digital storage of maternal health records. We deployed it at Agulurude Health Centre III. The impact was immediate and transformative: Midwives could retrieve a mother’s ANC history in seconds. Mothers no longer needed to carry paper books. Communication between providers and patients improved. Antenatal attendance increased. Skilled deliveries rose by 29.3% within just one year. Financially, the case was even stronger. We found that maintaining MHIMS was 47% cheaper than the paper-based exercise book system. The difference? Digital costs are absorbed institutionally. The paper cost is carried by the mother. But despite the glowing data, the pilot was never scaled. No further funding. No rollout. Just silence. Bureaucracy. Budget inertia. Leadership turnover. I call it a betrayal. Lessons from Across Africa. Uganda is not alone in facing these barriers, but other countries are responding more boldly. In Rwanda, the RapidSMS system has transformed maternal care across rural districts. By using simple mobile phones, community health workers send real-time updates about pregnant women to district hospitals, allowing timely referrals and interventions. Maternal deaths have dropped significantly in pilot districts, and the model is now expanding nationwide. In Kenya, the Linda Mama program (meaning “Protect the Mother”) enables digital registration of pregnant women and links them with free maternity services across public and some private facilities. Through NHIF’s digital platform, women no longer need to carry paper records, just their ID numbers. These are not expensive, high-tech dreams. They are African realities, our continent proving that bold ideas can work. A Call to Action: Now, Not Later The exercise book dilemma is not about stationery. It is about values. It is about the invisible wall we place between mothers and the care they deserve. It is about the indignity of asking a woman in labour to produce a receipt before being helped. This is not a call for tablets in every village. It is a call for: Immediate policy revisions to end the punitive rejection of mothers without exercise books. Investment in scalable, digital maternal health record systems. Training health workers to uphold compassion over compliance. Empowering community health workers to serve as record-keepers for vulnerable households. A mother’s womb should never be treated with less dignity than a book. Who Bewitched This Country? Who decides that a child should be born or die because their mother didn’t bring a 1,000-shilling book? Who lets proven digital innovations rot on shelves while our maternal mortality rates remain unacceptably high? We have solutions. We have champions. We have evidence. What we lack is the courage to act. Let us

Kampala, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, warning against the dangers of religious fundamentalism and foreign military intervention. In a detailed statement issued in his capacity as the current Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Museveni emphasized Uganda’s long-standing stance of resistance to identity-based politics and foreign interference. The President’s remarks come after a reported complaint by the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda over Uganda’s silence on the escalating tensions in the region. Museveni admitted that Uganda had not yet externalized its long-held views on the situation but noted that the country maintains good relations with both Israel and Iran, as well as the United States and other global actors. In his remarks, Museveni said that religious fundamentalists of all types whether Islamic or Christian pose a serious danger to humanity. He referenced a past interaction with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during which he inquired about the ancient Medians. According to Museveni, neither Ahmadinejad nor those around him had any knowledge of the Medians until they consulted an elderly university scholar. He recalled that while Christian fundamentalists were responsible for atrocities such as the Inquisition, Islamic fundamentalists had equally destructive outcomes, including the devastation of Sudan. President Museveni went on to highlight what he termed as “Mistake Number Four”: the belief that external military force can resolve domestic conflicts. He stressed that foreign intervention is not a solution and often backfires, provoking strong reactions even against the interveners themselves. To illustrate, he pointed to multiple historical examples: the Papacy’s failed efforts to maintain Catholic dominance in Europe, Austrian statesman Metternich’s attempts to suppress the ideas of the French Revolution, and the coalition of 14 powers that intervened in the Soviet Union to crush the Communist movement. He noted that all these interventions ultimately failed and, in some cases, the intervening powers disappeared altogether—citing the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a case in point. Museveni reiterated that Uganda’s foreign policy rejects chauvinism based on race, tribe, religion, or gender, and instead supports interest-based politics grounded in legitimacy and equity. He emphasized that Uganda stands for the “politics of interests” those that serve the genuine concerns of stakeholders rather than narrow identities. Museveni’s remarks are expected to shape Uganda’s official diplomatic posture on Middle Eastern affairs. His statement underlines NAM’s core principle: that neutral, interest-driven diplomacy, rather than force, should guide global conflict resolution. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), through its Lira City Secretariat, successfully conducted the 2025 Secondary School Debate, Public Speech, Poetry, and Storytelling Tournament on Saturday, June 21, at Lira Town College. The competition, held under the theme ‘Resilient, Patriotic and Responsible Youth for Good Governance,’ attracted 14 secondary schools, each eligible to present up to three teams. A total of 25 teams took part in the tournament. Participating schools included Lira Town College, Lango College, Dara Christian High School, St. Katherine SS, Mentor SS, COTN Maranatha Honors High School, Premier Progressive SS, Faith SS, King James Comprehensive SS, Wisdom High School, St. Mary’s SS Adekokwok, and Hill City College. Hill City College outshone its competitors to emerge overall champions after a tightly contested final against Lango College. In an interview, Innocent Odongo, Headteacher of Hill City College, attributed their victory to advance preparation and strategic teamwork. He noted that their students were well-prepared, dedicating time for detailed research and participating in friendly inter-school debates which helped refine their skills. He added that the team’s ability to quickly recover from any speaker’s mistake and emphasize rebuttals rather than simply stacking points played a critical role. He emphasized that the chemistry among the students and their ability to build on each other’s arguments made them stand out. According to Odongo, the win has inspired students and shifted perceptions around extracurricular activities. He stated that students now understand the value of debate and how it strengthens their analytical, social, and research abilities, and that the entire school feels honored. He emphasized that the biggest lesson was perseverance. Even during difficult moments, the students remained focused, and they now believe that sustained effort pays off. Looking ahead, Hill City College plans to intensify training, provide more resources, and elevate team morale as they prepare for the next phase. Odongo acknowledged that they were underestimated before, but now expectations are higher and they must do more. Tom Richard Oluma, the UNSA Coordinator for Lira City, noted that the event brought together about 25 teams. Each team comprised five members three debaters, one poet, and one public speaker. He praised the event’s organization and student engagement. While Hill City College took the championship, individual honors went to several schools. St. Katherine SS produced the best debater, Mentor SS had the best poet, and Lango College presented the best public speaker. Oluma acknowledged minor logistical issues, especially around feeding due to some schools bringing spectators, which hadn’t been planned for. He also mentioned disputes over judging, but affirmed confidence in the external adjudicators who had no affiliation with any of the schools. On the tournament’s contribution to the theme, Oluma explained that students debated issues of national relevance like governance and referendums, which helped deepen their sense of patriotism and responsibility. He said communication is awaited from the UNSA national secretariat regarding the regional and national levels of the competition. It is anticipated that only the top four teams may proceed due to resource limitations. Final guidance is expected within the week. He reaffirmed UNSA’s commitment to grooming responsible young leaders and promoting civic engagement among the youth. In addition to his UNSA duties, Oluma also teaches at St. Katherine Secondary School in Lira City.   Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | Residents of Otuke District have raised alarm over overcrowding at Orum Health Centre IV and are now demanding the construction of a new ward to address the growing patient population. The concerns came to light during a public baraza held on Monday, 23rd June 2025, organized by Doctors With Africa CUAMM (Collegio Universitario Aspiranti Medici Missionari) to gather public feedback on health service delivery in the district. Participants included patients, caretakers, local leaders, and health workers. Among the concerns raised was the poor attitude of some health workers. Sophia Oguma, a patient from Adwirpida Cell suffering from diabetes, revealed that she had been publicly shouted at by medical staff, an experience she said undermined her dignity and discouraged her from seeking help at government facilities. Christine Adongo, also from Adwirpida Cell, expressed frustration over the delay in service delivery. She noted that patients often wait long hours before being attended to and appealed to local leaders to intervene by constructing a new ward. Moses Ocoo, a resident of Alenga Village in Alango Sub-county, described the lack of a proper ward and isolation center as a pressing issue. He urged political leaders and district officials to prioritize the construction of additional infrastructure to improve healthcare access. Ayoo Regina, a patient attendant at Orum HCIV, pointed out that while the Outpatient Department (OPD) is struggling, the maternity ward is in even worse condition. According to her, nurses in the maternity section show little concern for patients, leading to deteriorating trust in the system. Other challenges highlighted by residents included alleged informal payments demanded by health workers in the theatre, staff shortages, and drug stockouts. In response, Dr. James Olum, the in-charge at Orum HCIV, acknowledged the concerns and pledged to address them. He also advised expectant mothers to arrive at the facility well-prepared, citing cases where patients come to deliver without basic necessities. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lomongin Joseph explained that the issue of inadequate drug supply stems from challenges at the National Medical Stores and not from the district. He called on health workers to utilize available equipment efficiently and urged village birth attendants to refer expectant mothers to health facilities for safer deliveries. Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Okwameri Francis proposed the introduction of staff identity tags to improve accountability. He also urged the community to take responsibility, particularly warning against early teenage pregnancies, which he said continue to overwhelm the facility. The event ended with a renewed call for district leaders and national stakeholders to step up efforts in addressing the persistent health challenges in Otuke. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Speaker of Lira City West Division, Daniel Okello, has officially joined the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), ending his affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in a move that is expected to reshape political alignments within Lira City. JOIN ASUL NOW! The announcement was made during a well-attended and energetic meeting at Chogam Garden, drawing party leaders, local councillors, and residents from Adyel, Ojwina, and Junior Quarters, among others. Attendees welcomed Okello’s entry into UPC and endorsed him as a potential flag bearer for future elections. Okello, who won his seat on the NRM ticket, acknowledged that his political breakthrough had been largely supported by UPC-leaning constituents. He said his decision to switch parties had been influenced by years of mentorship and reflection and that he found his values increasingly aligned with UPC’s ideology. He attributed his political development to the support and guidance he received from prominent UPC figures such as Harriet Apili, UPC Party President Jimmy James Michael Akena, Betty Amongi Akena, Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve, Emmanuel Ebong Opeto, Cedric Obong Eyit, and Cilodyang, stating that they had encouraged him to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in leadership. He recounted how these mentors supported him during his most difficult moments and that their influence helped shape his commitment to principled politics. He also said that after reading the UPC constitution, he had come to believe it espoused the kind of unity, justice, and leadership that Uganda needs. Describing himself as a returning member, he said he viewed the move as a return to his ideological and family roots, noting that he came from a deeply UPC-aligned background and could no longer continue to betray that heritage. During the event, Okello handed over his NRM membership card and was officially issued a UPC card, confirming his new roles as Parish Treasurer and Workers’ Leader within the party. He emphasized that his goal in politics was to serve the people and not to create conflict. He urged fellow UPC members to remain committed to the party constitution and to embrace mentorship built on truth and unity. Veteran UPC elder Mzee Tom Richard Okello Apur welcomed Okello into the party but cautioned him to remain loyal to UPC values. He advised him against pursuing an independent candidacy if unsuccessful in the party primaries, stressing that UPC promotes negotiation and internal cohesion over division. Harriet Apili praised Okello’s leadership, saying her first encounter with him during a council meeting had revealed a strong and natural command of order. She expressed confidence in his capacity to elevate the city’s leadership standards. Similarly, Jenifer Akello, Lira City West Women Leader, described Okello as an inspirational and accountable leader with the drive to uplift the city. She said his transition reaffirmed UPC’s growing appeal among voters. Okello’s defection is being viewed as a significant boost to UPC in Lira City, injecting new energy into the party and potentially drawing more defectors ahead of the 2026 general elections. His move is also likely to prompt reflection within NRM ranks as the political landscape continues to shift in northern Uganda. Source

Soroti, Uganda | David Calvin Echodu is now the unopposed NRM flag bearer for Soroti City West Division following the unexpected withdrawal of his rival, Ebaat Omar, from the party primaries. The development, confirmed on Saturday afternoon, effectively seals Echodu’s path to nomination and sets the stage for his wider political ambitions within the ruling party. Reacting to the news, Echodu expressed his appreciation for Omar’s decision, describing it as a gesture of political maturity and unity. He emphasized that unity is vital for the progress of the region and added that he looks forward to collaborating with Omar for the betterment of the community. With the path cleared, Echodu announced that he will embark on a nationwide mobilization campaign targeting NRM delegates. He acknowledged that national engagements would occupy a significant amount of his time but reassured the people of Soroti City West that he remains committed to them and will return soon to consult and strategize with constituents ahead of the 2026 general elections. Under the banner of his “New Energy” campaign, Echodu pledged to bring fresh perspectives and momentum to the party. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the NRM Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, stating that the President remains strong and deserves full support to elevate Uganda’s development agenda. He vowed to work tirelessly to keep the party relevant and effective in addressing national challenges. Echodu’s uncontested rise is being closely followed by political analysts, many of whom see it as a clear signal of his growing influence within the NRM, particularly in Eastern Uganda. Source

Oyam, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has resumed its grassroots elections in Oyam Town Council following a temporary suspension caused by internal disagreements between party members and officials from the national secretariat. The elections, part of a wider restructuring exercise across the Lango sub-region, were initially launched on 12 June 2025 in all nine districts. However, voting in Oyam was halted on the first day after disputes emerged over the party register and the eligibility of voters. Nelson Adea Akar, the UPC Chairperson for Oyam District, confirmed the resumption of the elections, saying the process would start with the formation of village committees in 35 villages across Oyam Town Council. He explained that seven representatives would be selected from each village to proceed to the parish-level election stage. He further outlined that at the parish level, twelve representatives would be elected per parish, after which the election of the town council leadership would take place at 12:00 PM at Oyam Boma Ground. He added that only registered UPC members would be permitted to vote and urged non-members to stay away from the polling centres. To address the earlier disruptions, the UPC party president deployed the Vice President and Deputy Secretary General to supervise and support the electoral process in Lango. According to Chris Ongom, the UPC Regional Vice Chairperson, their intervention would begin in Oyam, followed by visits to Alito Subcounty and Alito Town Council in Kole District. They are expected to proceed to Apac District on Tuesday. Ongom indicated that the mission of the deployed officials was to restore order and ensure transparency during the elections. He appealed to all UPC members to participate peacefully and avoid any confusion similar to that which marred the initial attempt on 12 June. Previously, the elections had been suspended after complaints were raised about inconsistencies in the party register, resulting in confusion and heated disputes. However, party officials said they were now better prepared and organized to oversee a smooth process. UPC supporters expressed optimism regarding the resumed elections. Many voters voiced their resolve to elect credible and visionary leaders, aiming to consolidate the party’s influence in the region. They also shared a collective hope of rallying behind UPC President Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote in his 2026 State House bid. One UPC member, Molly Akoli of Oyam Town Council, said the party was now better organized and ready to conduct free and fair elections peacefully. The elections are scheduled to continue today and tomorrow in the following locations: Oyam Town Council – branch-level elections at Oyam Boma Ground, Alito Subcounty and Alito Town Council, Barkalo Parish and Akalo Subcounty, Akalo Town Council, Aumi Parish, Angic Parish, Western Ward B, Bala Town Council, Eastern Ward A, Bala Town Council, One additional location in Apac District. Party leaders have reiterated the importance of the elections in rebuilding UPC’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Security has been heightened at polling centres to ensure a peaceful and orderly process. Source