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Lira, Uganda | Denis Omedi, centre forward for the Uganda Cranes, Lango Province, and current APR FC striker, made a homecoming visit to his former school, Dara Christian High School, on Sunday June 22, 2025. Photo | Laban Ecel | Dokolo Post | Denis Omedi 24 | June 22 The visit, marked by motivation and generosity, saw the football star encourage students, donate sports equipment, and reflect on his personal journey through hardship and triumph. Omedi, who joined Dara Christian High School in 2008 for his O’level, acknowledged the school’s role in shaping his spiritual and academic foundation. He shared that his football career had not been without significant challenges, including four fractures, but said it was his faith and perseverance that carried him through. He explained that he had encountered many obstacles in his career and noted that putting God first in all aspects of life had been essential. Referencing Exodus 14:14, he said the scripture reminded him to be still and trust in divine intervention during difficult times. Omedi revealed that he had deliberately distanced himself from distractions that could have derailed his progress, adding that life without a relationship with God often leads to failure. He emphasised that prayer, discipline, and consistency are crucial to unlocking one’s potential. Now, a professional footballer, licensed nurse, and prison officer, Omedi, visited the school alongside several fellow alumni. During the event, he handed over three footballs and pledged additional support, including branded jerseys, eight footballs, two netballs, and two volleyballs, to help the school prepare for the upcoming post-primary competitions. Headteacher Ainebyona Ezras expressed his gratitude and described Omedi as a former student who, though physically small during his school days, had demonstrated exceptional determination. He said Omedi’s journey was a clear example that one’s background does not limit what they can become. He encouraged students to follow their dreams and remain grounded in faith despite the challenges they may face. Former Deputy Governor Bank of Uganda, Chairperson Lira University Council, School Director and Chairperson of the Board of Governors, David Geoffrey Opio Okello, commended the alumni association for its continued support. He said he was pleased to see former students giving back and motivating current learners to aim higher and work harder toward their goals. Founded in 2003 with just 60 students, Dara Christian High School now has an enrollment of over 600 boys and girls. The school has produced notable Ugandans in various professions, including medicine, education, security, business, sports, among others. Omedi stands out as one of the school’s most prominent alumni, currently playing for Rwanda’s APR FC and serving as a forward for the national team. Jackson Otim, Chairperson of the school’s alumni association, explained that the visit aimed to strengthen the bond between past and present students. He noted that over 5,000 students had graduated from the school since its inception and that the alumni had established a bursary programme to assist learners facing financial difficulties. He urged current students to strike a balance between academics and talent development while calling on parents to support their children’s ambitions. Omedi concluded by encouraging students to remain focused, embrace sporting opportunities, and keep God at the centre of their lives. He said that his journey had been full of testimonies and credited his achievements to divine support, adding that everything he had accomplished was made possible by faith and prayer. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, in a renewed push to curb road carnage, has conducted a road safety awareness campaign at the Bwaise Bus Terminal in Kampala. The operation was spearheaded by the Acting Deputy Director of Traffic, ACP Norman Musinga, alongside the Directorate’s Liaison Officer, SP Michael Kananura, in collaboration with the Kampala Metropolitan Police North Region under the Regional Police Commander. The outreach comes in the wake of alarming statistics from the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, which ranked KMP North as the third most affected region in the country in terms of road crash fatalities. A total of 376 lives were lost to road crashes in the region last year alone, trailing behind Rwizi and Albertine regions. The campaign kicked off with an internal meeting involving all traffic officers operating under KMP North. The officers were briefed on the current trends in traffic incidents and the need to adopt a community-based approach to enforcement and sensitization. This was followed by direct stakeholder engagements with taxi drivers, boda boda riders, market vendors, passengers, pedestrians, and local leaders. ACP Musinga emphasized that road safety should be viewed as a shared responsibility. He stated that the police alone cannot eliminate road crashes without the active participation of the public. He added that reducing fatalities requires not only enforcement but also education and behavioral change across all road user categories. SP Kananura, in his remarks, noted that a significant number of road crashes result from human error, including speeding, reckless driving, and non-compliance with road regulations. He stressed that public transport operators must uphold road safety standards and understand that lives depend on their actions. The campaign at Bwaise Terminal is part of a broader national strategy by the Uganda Police Force aimed at reducing road traffic deaths through community engagement, enforcement of traffic laws, and the promotion of a culture of safety on Ugandan roads. Officials confirmed that similar campaigns will be extended to other high-risk regions in the coming months. The Directorate reiterated its commitment to building partnerships with all stakeholders and ensuring that every Ugandan plays their part in safeguarding lives on the road. Source

Oyam, Uganda | Religious leaders in Oyam District have urged Christians to actively engage in business ventures to improve their livelihoods and better represent the nature of God as a provider. The appeal was made during a fellowship at Oyam Truth Evangelistic Fountain Ministry. Rev. Peter Engola, the ministry’s overseer, said many Christians today live in hardship, which reflects poorly on God, despite Him being a provider of all things necessary for human well-being. He encouraged believers to serve God wholeheartedly, reminding them that labor in Christ is never in vain. He further urged Christians in Oyam and Uganda at large to take part in business activities to help them cope with the rising cost of living. In doing so, he said, they could also materially support the work of God while upholding integrity in their business practices by avoiding dishonesty, overpricing, and disloyalty. Rev. Engola pointed out that the Muslim community, which dominates a significant portion of Uganda’s business landscape, is not excelling because of religion but due to hard work and commitment. Patrick Agetta, the church administrator and also manager of Umbrella Water’s Oyam branch, advised Christians to avoid laziness and abandon the belief that money is inherently evil. He emphasized that wealth, when used appropriately, can advance both personal and communal well-being in the Christian context. Nancy Engola, the head of the intercession ministry, stated that Christians are meant to prosper both spiritually and financially. She noted that many believers mishandle the grace of God by misquoting scripture and wrongly associating wealth with evil or as a hindrance to entering the Kingdom of God. Responding to the messages, Pastor Denish Onyang agreed that Christians are called to lead in all areas of goodness in the world. However, he stressed that financial literacy is essential if Christians are to keep up with today’s fast-paced economic environment. Calvin Okello, a member of the church, advised fellow believers to stop looking down on small-scale enterprises and to dismiss the negativity often associated with owning small businesses. He reminded them that even large companies started small, and urged them to value every step of the business journey. The leaders encouraged Christians to blend faith with action and to take business as a platform for both personal development and serving God. Source

Lira, Uganda | Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Betty Amongi, has launched a low-cost health insurance scheme targeting expectant mothers and their families, as part of broader efforts to improve maternal health and strengthen grassroots support in Lira City. Speaking to thousands of pregnant women at Chogm Garden on Saturday June 21, Amongi said the health scheme would allow each beneficiary to pay an annual fee of UGX 36,000 in exchange for medical coverage worth UGX 2 million. She explained that the coverage would extend to the pregnant woman and four other family members. According to her, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with an organization supporting her community work. Amongi also revealed that mothers undergoing caesarean deliveries would receive UGX 200,000 through a special card system under the same insurance package. She noted that arrangements were in place to ensure that even those who could not afford the annual contribution would still benefit from the service. She emphasized that the health of pregnant mothers and their children should not be compromised due to financial constraints. Currently the MP for Oyam South and aspiring Woman MP for Lira City under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket, Amongi distributed mama-kits to expectant mothers from communities including Kirombe, Teso Bar, Omito, Junior Quarters, among others. She said the kits and basins, were intended to reduce the burden on mothers and promote safe deliveries. Amongi said her experience as a woman had given her firsthand understanding of the challenges pregnant mothers face, and that this motivated her to provide direct support to them. She encouraged the women to avoid harmful behaviors such as alcohol consumption during pregnancy, warning that such actions could harm their unborn children. She also advised the mothers to begin preparing early for childbirth, highlighting the importance of assembling essential items like mama-kits, blankets, baby clothing, and ensuring regular antenatal visits. The outreach continued later in the day in Lira City West Division, where similar support was extended to mothers from Jinja Camp, Barogole, Kakoge, and neighboring areas. The event was met with widespread appreciation and increased political support for Amongi’s 2026 parliamentary campaign. Community members Akello Brenda and Judith, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the mama-kits and other supplies. They said the items would ease the challenges at childbirth and help them avoid embarrassment during delivery. Amongi also announced plans to distribute one-month-old vaccinated Uzima chickens to groups of 10 to 30 individuals starting the following week. She said the chickens, which can survive in local conditions like traditional breeds, were part of an initiative to improve nutrition and household incomes. In a separate statement at an event in Lira City on Friday, she responded to recent comments made by the incumbent Lira City Woman MP and also Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who had reportedly challenged her political experience and promised to teach her politics. Amongi said no one could teach her politics except the voters, and she was simply awaiting their decision in the January 12, 2026 elections. She pointed to her team’s overwhelming performance in the National Youth Council grassroots elections on 19 June 2025, where she said they secured over 95% of the positions in Lira City. She described this as evidence of her strong grassroots mobilization capacity. Amid questions about her dual association with the ruling NRM government and her position as the wife of UPC president Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote, Amongi clarified that her ministerial appointment was based on national service rather than political loyalty. She stated that she was not the only opposition figure serving in the current government, noting that more than a dozen ministers from other political parties or independents are also serving under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. She insisted that what matters most is serving humanity and the people of Uganda. Amongi also dismissed speculation that she intended to contest in Lira City East Division, reaffirming her candidature for the Lira City Woman MP seat. UPC’s Lira City East Division Mayoral flagbearer, Councilor for City East B and also Minister Amongi’s Political Assistant, Denis Odongo Otul, who attended the event, said the mama-kit distribution would resume after four months to benefit mothers who missed the current round. Amongi’s engagements have reinforced her reputation as a hands-on, community-focused leader combining healthcare, economic empowerment, and political outreach ahead of the 2026 elections. Source

By Emmanuel Opeto Dokolo, Uganda | In a commendable act of service, Omoding George Rotary, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Dokolo South, has launched a borehole rehabilitation campaign aimed at improving access to clean and safe water across Kangai Town Council. The initiative, which officially commenced on June 20, 2025, has already resulted in the successful repair of over ten boreholes within a span of just two days. Beneficiary areas include Ilong Cell in Akurulango Ward and Akuri Cell in Angai Ward, where residents have long struggled with broken-down water sources. For several months, communities in these areas were forced to rely on unsafe and distant water alternatives due to malfunctioning boreholes. Many of the facilities had rusted pipes and worn-out rods, posing serious health hazards. According to local technicians, repairing a single borehole requires new pipes and rods, each set costing approximately 120,000 UGX. Omoding stated that his primary goal is to ensure that every resident in Dokolo South has access to clean water. He affirmed his commitment to continuing the repairs until all broken boreholes in the constituency are fully restored. Local leaders have welcomed the intervention. Mr. Okwanga Sam, the Chairman in charge of Borehole Maintenance in Ilong Cell, and Okwir Nyony, the NRM Chairman, both thanked Omoding for prioritizing the community’s most urgent needs. They emphasized that the repaired boreholes have already made a significant difference in residents’ daily lives. Community members, visibly excited by the restoration of their water sources, expressed appreciation for the project, recognizing the critical role clean water plays in promoting health and well-being. LC5 Councilor for Kangai Town Council, Hon. Okuja Santos, also lauded Omoding’s efforts. He said that the aspirant’s actions clearly demonstrated that he is working for the people, and pledged his support along with that of the community. Omoding’s initiative is widely viewed as a practical and people-centered approach to leadership, focusing on immediate solutions to longstanding challenges faced by rural communities in Dokolo South. Source

Dokolo, Uganda | Hassa Memorial Primary School in Adok Sub-county, Dokolo District, is grappling with a dire sanitation crisis that threatens the continued operation of the institution. School authorities have raised the alarm over poor latrine conditions, with fears mounting that the school could face closure if urgent intervention is not made. During the PTA Annual General Meeting held on Friday, the Head Teacher, Boniface Opio, told press that both the boys’ and girls’ latrines are in an advanced state of disrepair – nearly full and structurally sinking, especially those used by female learners. Opio said the poor sanitary facilities are posing a health risk to the 1,446 learners enrolled at the school, including 737 boys and 709 girls. He noted that the situation was so bad that any visit by health inspectors could lead to the immediate closure of the school. He added that the school is also facing a serious shortage of desks, with learners from Primary One to Primary Four forced to sit on the floor. Additionally, several classrooms are in urgent need of renovation. Opio attributed the worsening conditions to the failure by parents to contribute to the PTA Development Fund over the past four years. He explained that if parents had paid the fund as expected, the money could have been used to construct a new latrine and address some of the pressing infrastructure needs. He also decried the high levels of absenteeism and school dropouts, noting that only 880 learners had reported for second term studies out of the total enrollment of 1,446. He said the rest of the learners were still in the villages. He appealed to parents to resume their support for the school through the PTA Development Fund and to encourage their children to return to school, emphasizing that education was the key to securing a better future for them. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the School Management Committee, Dick Oyuku, appealed to the sub-county leadership, district authorities, and well-wishers to come to the school’s aid and help resolve its challenges. He acknowledged that despite the difficulties, the school had made progress, including constructing nine staff houses and establishing a boarding section for all 42 Primary Seven candidates. Oyuku also highlighted the school’s effort to generate wealth by investing in a one-hectare cocoa plantation with 507 seedlings. He urged the surrounding community to take responsibility for protecting the plantation, saying it had the potential to contribute significantly to the school’s long-term development. Adok Sub-county Senior Assistant Secretary, Susan Naume Amongi, commended the cocoa plantation initiative. She said three schools in the sub-county had embraced similar projects and encouraged all stakeholders at Hassa Memorial to continue supporting the cocoa program as a viable income-generating activity that could enhance the school’s financial sustainability. The LC III Chairperson of Adok Sub-county, Rubby Ogwali, pledged to work with the SAS to present the school’s concerns to the district authorities for further action. He encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s education and welcomed the cocoa farming project at the school as a good example of how local initiatives could create wealth and support development. Source

Soroti, Uganda | The political landscape of Dakabela County is set for a shift following the nomination of Edeku Peter Edopu to contest for the position of Member of Parliament. His entry into the race has raised expectations among voters seeking accountable leadership and better service delivery. Speaking after his nomination was confirmed, Edopu said he represents a new kind of leadership focused on serving all residents, not just a privileged few. He noted that many people in Dakabela have been left out because of their political or ethnic background, a situation he pledged to change. He outlined key areas his campaign will prioritize, including improved rural infrastructure, healthcare, food security, education, and clean water. Edopu said these are not political promises, but necessary steps to improve the daily lives of citizens. He described his leadership approach as consultative and action-oriented, emphasizing the need to move away from rhetoric and focus on delivering tangible results. According to him, Dakabela needs leaders who listen, take action, and solve problems. Edopu also urged fellow candidates to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns. He challenged them to present their track records and let voters decide based on performance rather than insults or division. With his nomination confirmed, Edopu is now focused on presenting clear solutions to Dakabela’s challenges. He says the time for talk is over, and what the people need now is honest, result-oriented leadership. Source

Serere, Uganda | Acom Esther Lucy was received with fanfare in Serere District after being officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer to contest the Serere Woman MP seat in the upcoming elections. Acom arrived from Agu, a border point between Serere and Ngora districts, where hundreds of jubilant supporters lined the route to welcome her. The nomination sets up a highly anticipated political showdown with incumbent Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa. Speaking to NBS in a telephone interview, Acom accused the current leadership of abandoning the core principle of public service, saying the system had shifted towards patronage and favoritism. She noted that her campaign is rooted in inclusivity and promised to represent all corners of the district, particularly marginalized communities. She emphasized that her leadership will prioritize collective participation and equitable access to services. According to Acom, the time for promises is over, and action must take center stage to uplift the people of Serere, whom she said have been left behind for too long. Acom with her nomination now confirmed is expected to intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of what analysts describe as one of the most closely watched races in the Teso sub-region. Source

Istanbul, Türkiye | A total of 45 Ugandan nationals, most of them students studying in Iran, have been successfully evacuated and arrived safely in Istanbul, Türkiye, following a coordinated operation led by the Ugandan government. The students, who were enrolled at Ahlul Bayt International University and Allameh Tabataba’i University in Tehran, were evacuated through a joint effort by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni. Led by student leader Isaac Nimwesiga, the group travelled over 900 kilometres by road from Tehran to the Bazargan-Gurbulak border crossing into Türkiye. They were received by Ugandan diplomatic officials from both the Iran and Türkiye missions. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the group was officially welcomed by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, H.E. Nusura Tiperu, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, alongside Maj. Gen. Bob Ogiki, the Defence Attaché, who offered guidance on maintaining safety and compliance with visa regulations. The Ugandan government is fully covering the cost of the evacuees’ accommodation and meals in Istanbul as they await return travel to Kampala. In a message delivered on behalf of the President,  Bagiire conveyed H.E. Museveni’s concern for the safety of all Ugandans living abroad and emphasized government commitment to ensuring their well-being. The President also urged other Ugandans still residing in Iran to take advantage of the evacuation support currently being offered. In response to rising regional tensions, Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran has established an Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre, which remains active and accessible to Ugandans in need. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the safety and welfare of Ugandan citizens abroad remains a top priority for the Government of Uganda. Source

By Haron Okwir Otuke, Uganda | The Ministry of Local Government has urged Otuke District to prioritize tourism and environmental protection as a key strategy under the Local Economic Development (LED) approach. This was during a coaching, mentoring, and backstopping session held in the District Education Boardroom for members of the Local Economic Development Initiative Committee (LEDIC). The session aimed to strengthen their ability to implement LED activities aligned with national development goals. The training focused on LED planning, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, investment profiling, and monitoring. It also emphasized the role of community-led enterprise development and private sector involvement. Mrs. Ruth Kashaga, Senior Development Officer at the Ministry, told the committee that Otuke must stand out from other districts by protecting its unique resources. She said Shea trees are an economic asset and urged the Environment and Natural Resources department to take the lead in conserving them. She further advised the committee to focus on identifying and developing tourism sites to attract visitors and generate income for the district. Participants said Otuke has many potential tourist attractions but lacks funds for development. They requested support from the Ministry of Tourism in the form of development grants. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer James Ingoi asked all department heads to submit proposals for potential projects. He said ideas must be put in writing to access resources and called for more motivation in mobilizing development funds. LEDIC members welcomed the training and pledged to implement the knowledge gained. The Ministry promised continued technical support and regular follow-up to ensure successful implementation of the LED framework. Source