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Soroti, Uganda | Francis Esudu Obwonyo has been elected Mayor of Soroti City after defeating three other candidates in a closely contested election. Results announced by the Soroti City Returning Officer,  John Gonzaga Olinga, show that Esudu secured 11,504 votes, ahead of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Omer Paul, who garnered 8,274 votes. The other contenders, Edmond Elasu and Ebitu Simon, polled 3,435 votes and 2,480 votes, respectively. The election registered low voter turnout, according to election officials, despite an energetic campaign period marked by rallies and intensive mobilisation across the city. In his acceptance speech, Esudu thanked voters for the mandate and pledged inclusive leadership. “This victory is not for one group, but for all the people of Soroti City. We must unite and work together to improve service delivery and develop our city,” he said. Soroti City faces several challenges, including poor road infrastructure, unemployment among the youth, sanitation concerns and pressure on public services arising from rapid urban growth. The results were declared at the Soroti City tally centre shortly after completion of vote counting. Source The post Esudu Elected Soroti City Mayor appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Atul Sam has been re-elected Lira City Mayor after securing a second term in office, according to results released by the Electoral Commission. The declaration was made on January 23, 2026, by the Lira City Returning Officer, Ipeto Aggrey James, at Lira City Hall, following the tallying of results from all polling stations. Official results show that Atul polled 16,905 votes, the highest among the ten candidates who contested in the mayoral race. His closest challenger, Owang Mike Olwa of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), garnered 11,752 votes, while Okello George Ayo, an independent candidate, came third with 3,221 votes. Other contenders performed as follows: Owang Patrick (NUP) received 379 votes, Awor Sarah Angweri (Independent) obtained 257 votes, Obote Fred (FDC) polled 149 votes, Opige Patrick (Independent) received 105 votes, Opio Henry Ogenyi (Independent) garnered 177 votes, while Okello Romanus Hannie (Independent) polled 89 votes. Ads The Returning Officer reported that a total of 33,034 valid votes were cast. In addition, 720 ballot papers were rejected, while 197 ballot papers were declared spoilt, bringing the total number of ballot papers counted to 33,754. Ipeto said the results were declared in accordance with Section 147 of the Local Governments Act, Cap 138, after verification and consolidation of declaration of results forms. “Having obtained the highest number of valid votes cast, I hereby declare Atul Sam as the duly elected Lira City Mayor,” the Returning Officer said. Atul, who has been serving as Lira City Mayor for the outgoing term, will now begin his second five-year term (2026–2031) following the official swearing-in ceremony to be conducted in line with the Electoral Commission roadmap. The election attracted candidates from major political parties and independents and was generally peaceful, according to electoral officials. Source The post Atul Re-elected Lira City Mayor appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Dokolo, Uganda | James Otto Apili has lost the Dokolo District Local Council V (LC5) chairmanship race after being defeated by Ogwang Peter, who secured a commanding victory in the just-concluded elections. According to official results announced at the Dokolo District tally centre, Ogwang Peter garnered 29,113 votes, more than double the 13,581 votes polled by Otto Apili. Electoral officials said voting and counting were conducted peacefully across the district, with no major incidents reported. Ogwang’s win hands him a strong mandate to lead Dokolo District, as he prepares to assume office in line with electoral laws. The victory signals a shift in the district’s political leadership, with expectations high on service delivery, governance, and development. In neighbouring Alebtong District, NRM flag bearer Ongom Ambrose was declared the winner of the LC5 chairmanship after polling 24,208 votes. He defeated Odongo David Kennedy of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), who obtained 9,614 votes, while Independent candidate Acen Bena secured 7,079 votes. Other contenders included Ocen Geoffrey (Independent) with 2,036 votes and Ogwang Ambrose (Independent) who polled 999 votes. Electoral officials reported that a total of 44,997 voters participated in the Alebtong LC5 election. Commenting on the Alebtong elections, Deputy RDC Mathias Lutwama told the press that the exercise was “free and fair with no violence recorded,” praising both voters and electoral officials for ensuring a smooth process. Source The post Otto Apili Loses Dokolo LC5 Race as Ogwang Peter Cruises to Victory appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Soroti, Uganda | Leaders, colleagues, and community members gathered at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Soroti City on Thursday to mourn the passing of Hon. Stella Isodo Apolot, the late Ngora District Woman Member of Parliament. Soroti City West MP–elect David Calvin Echodu, who led tributes, announced a Shs5 million condolence contribution to the family, describing Hon. Isodo as a leader who “brought joy and inspiration” in every encounter. Other dignitaries at the service included Soroti City East MP–elect Attan Moses Okia, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo, Toto Teddy Acham, Gen Charles Angina, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, and Dakabela County MP–elect Peter Edeku Edopu. During the service, Ms Alobo, visibly emotional, described the late legislator as a “silent fighter” who championed local causes and nurtured fellow leaders. “She was a mother to many of us, always advocating for the welfare of her people,” Ms Alobo said. Bishop Omagor, who delivered the sermon, urged attendees to reflect on life and the legacy they leave behind. He cited the biblical story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to remind mourners that death, while painful, is part of the cycle of life. “The question is not only about death, but how we live each day,” he said. The late Hon. Isodo had lost her re-election bid just hours before her passing, a development that has left many in shock. Community members and political colleagues alike paid tribute to her commitment to service and dedication to her constituents. A vigil is scheduled for Friday, with burial set for Saturday at her ancestral home in Osigiria Village, Ngora District. #The Patriots News Ug Source The post Soroti West Division MP-Elect Echodu Pledges Shs5m As Soroti Leaders Bid Farewell To Late MP Isodo appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City are hunting for the driver of a suspected maroon Sino truck following a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the lives of two people at Akia Trading Centre along the Lira–Alebtong Road. The accident occurred on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at about 4:00pm, according to a statement issued by the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema. Preliminary investigations indicate that the unidentified truck was travelling from Lira City towards Alebtong when, upon reaching Akia Trading Centre, the driver allegedly lost control, crossed into the opposite lane, and rammed head-on into a motorcycle, registration number UET 193S, a red Bajaj Boxer, which was heading towards Lira City. Both the rider and his passenger, whose identities had not yet been established by press time, died instantly due to the impact. Police officers led by Cpl Ituti Teddy, assisted by Cpl Nansubuga, visited and documented the scene. The bodies were later conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations. The motorcycle involved in the crash has been towed and is currently parked at Lira City Central Police Station for further inspection, while the driver of the suspected truck fled the scene and remains at large. SP Okema said police have launched investigations to trace and apprehend the driver responsible for the accident. “We appeal to members of the public who may have information that can help identify the driver or the motor vehicle involved to report to the nearest police station or Lira City CPS,” he said. Police said further updates will be communicated as investigations continue. Source The post Two Killed in Hit-And-Run Crash on Lira–Alebtong Road appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Alebtong, Uganda | Police in Alebtong District are investigating the death of a man who collapsed after participating in an unregulated prayer ritual, as authorities warn communities against resorting to informal spiritual practices to resolve suspected criminal acts. The deceased, Ayo Sam Kundu, 47, a resident of Ayamo Village in Barr Sub-county, Lira District, died on January 19, 2026, shortly after a prayer session held at a private home in Akura Sub-county, Alebtong District. North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema said the prayers were organised following the alleged loss of a motorcycle belonging to Opio Stephen, also known as Okii, who reportedly opted for spiritual intervention instead of reporting the matter to police. “It is alleged that prayers were conducted with the intention of spiritually identifying the suspected thief. During the process, participants were subjected to certain rituals, after which some of them developed complications,” SP Okema said. Police say several participants became unusually drowsy after the prayers, with three people Odwar Kenneth, Omara Akato, and Ayo Sam Kundu most affected. Kundu later collapsed and died at the scene. Officers who visited the area documented the scene and conveyed the body to Alebtong Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examination. A case file, ALEBTONG DEF:003/2026, has been opened to guide investigations. Police have also identified a suspect only known as Emmanuel, a resident of Kaberamaido District, whose role in the prayer ritual is still under investigation. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the prayer ceremony was conducted openly within the community and may have been known to some local leaders, raising questions about oversight and the regulation of such practices. SP Okema cautioned that while communities have the right to worship, practices that endanger lives or mimic witchcraft fall outside the law. “Criminal matters should be reported to police. When communities resort to unregulated rituals, it becomes difficult to establish accountability, especially when lives are lost,” he said. Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of death, the substances or methods used during the ritual, and the responsibility of those involved. Further updates will be issued as inquiries continue. Source The post Man Dies After Participating in Prayer Session Over Stolen Motorcycle appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Angwech Colline is a dedicated leader, development professional, and community advocate with an outstanding track record in education, healthcare, and social empowerment in Kyoga Constituency. With extensive experience working with NGOs and community-based organizations, she has played a key role in improving service delivery in education and health, particularly for vulnerable communities. She previously served as Country Director for Hope for Humans, where she oversaw community-based interventions supporting children affected by nodding syndrome in Northern Uganda. Under her leadership, beneficiaries accessed medical care, education, and nutritional support. Angwech also co-founded Far Away Friends, an NGO focused on youth empowerment through education, cross-cultural engagement, and economic sustainability. Her advocacy work extends beyond Uganda, while working with Invisible Children, she championed the rights of victims of the LRA war and represented Uganda on international platforms, including a TEDx conference in New York. At the local level, Angwech has made lasting development contributions, as a co-founder of Global Leaders Primary School, she has provided quality education to over 500 children, achieving a 100% pass rate in national examinations from the school’s very first sitting. Her efforts have benefited thousands of learners across Amolatar District through support to both private and government schools. Her community development initiatives include:︎ Construction of classrooms in government schools︎ Partnering with organizations to install solar power in health centres︎ Construction of toilets in schools︎ Initiation of a pad-making project for girls at Namasale Technical School︎ Distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls︎ Donation of mama kits to expectant mothers︎ Provision of mattresses to health facilities Angwech contested on the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket, a party founded on social justice, economic empowerment, and national unity. Her campaign emphasized inclusive development, youth and women empowerment, and improved service delivery in Kyoga Constituency. Parliamentary Priorities As Member of Parliament, Angwech is committed to principled, people-centred leadership anchored in integrity, accountability, and progress. Her key priorities include: 1. Effective RepresentationServing as a strong voice for Kyoga Constituency in Parliament by articulating the needs and concerns of her people, including advocating for lasting solutions to long-standing fishing challenges affecting local communities. 2. Government Oversight & AccountabilityMonitoring government expenditure and program implementation to ensure transparency, value for money, and that public resources reach intended beneficiaries. 3. Budget Approval & Resource AllocationActively participating in national budget discussions to secure fair allocation of resources to Kyoga, with emphasis on infrastructure and roads to improve access to markets, schools, and health services. 4. Community Engagement & DevelopmentWorking closely with local leaders and stakeholders to strengthen schools, health centres, and road networks while mobilizing support for youth & women empowerment initiatives and ommunity-driven economic projects. 5. Policy Advocacy & Sector OversightEngaging government ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure effective enforcement of policies affecting key sectors such as fishing, trade, and agriculture, while promoting agribusiness and improved market access for farmers. 6. Legislation (Law-Making)Actively contributing to the drafting, debate, and passage of laws that promote social justice, economic inclusion, and sustainable development for Kyoga and Uganda at large. Election Victory Angwech Colline emerged victorious in the 15th January 2026 parliamentary elections, defeating incumbent MP Moses Junior Okot Bitek (FDC), Felix Adupa Ongwech (NRM), Col. Dr. Francis Ongia (Independent), and Carlos Opul (Independent). Her victory marks a new chapter of inclusive leadership and renewed hope for Kyoga Constituency. Source The post Who Is Angwech Colline, Kyoga Constituency’s New MP-Elect (2026–2031)? appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Kampala, Uganda | Uganda is at its most promising economic inflection point, with the Financial Year 2026/27 presenting a critical opportunity to fast-track the country’s transition to upper middle-income status, the State Minister for General Duties at the Ministry of Finance, Henry Musasizi, has said. Musasizi made the remarks while briefing Parliament’s Budget Committee on the National Budget Framework Paper for FY 2026/27. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi. The minister reported that Uganda registered a GDP growth rate of 6.3 % in FY 2024/25, with growth projected to increase to between 6.5 and 7.0 % in the current FY 2025/26. He further indicated that the economy is expected to grow by 10.4 % in FY 2026/27, expanding its size to Shs 290.2 trillion, equivalent to USD 76.7 billion. Musasizi explained that the budget for the next financial year will be guided by the ambition to expand the size of the economy tenfold before 2040, beginning with a strategy to double GDP every five years as programmed under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). He added that this policy direction will be implemented through sustained investments in the ATMS and key economic enablers. He outlined several critical areas that will require attention in the next financial year, including eliminating budget practices that encourage corruption, closing leakages in routine expenditures such as transfers to schools, health centres and the public payroll, improving liquidity and cash management, strengthening Uganda’s sovereign credit ratings, and diversifying sources of development financing through innovative funding mechanisms. Musasizi disclosed that the preliminary resource envelope for FY 2026/27 is estimated at Shs 69.399 trillion, compared to Shs 72.376 trillion in the current FY 2025/26. Earlier, Musasizi, together with the Minister of State for Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, presented the Budget Framework Paper for Vote 008 (Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development) and Vote 130 (Treasury Operations) to the Finance Committee of Parliament. He informed the committee that the proposed budget allocation to the Ministry of Finance for FY 2026/27 stands at Shs 2,693.40 billion, down from Shs 2,796.77 billion in the current financial year, attributing the reduction to the overall decline in the national resource envelope. The minister also noted that Shs 28.264 trillion allocated to Vote 130 (Treasury Operations) will be used to ensure the timely processing of public debt servicing, redemptions and the fulfilment of other statutory financial obligations. Source The post Uganda Targets Upper Middle-Income Status as Economy Poised for 10.4% Growth in FY 2026/27 appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Oyam, Uganda | Two National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers in Oyam District have protested the party’s decision to withhold their campaign facilitation tokens, accusing district leaders of unfair treatment despite their loyalty to the ruling party. Susan Nyana Olal, the female councillor for Acaba Subcounty and Deputy Speaker of Oyam District Local Government, and Brian Munu, the NRM flag bearer for Iceme Subcounty, say they were denied the facilitation without clear justification. Speaking to the press, Nyana expressed disappointment, noting that she has consistently supported the party and expected equal treatment like other flag bearers. NRM Oyam District Chairperson Bosco Onyik Ogwal confirmed in a phone interview that the two did not receive the campaign funds. He said the decision was based on disciplinary concerns, accusing the flag bearers of diverting support to parliamentary candidates outside the party. District Administrator and Acting Publicity Secretary Isaac Bismack Olang also acknowledged the denial, clarifying that the funds are still held on the party’s district account. He explained that the money would only be released after the two appear before the district disciplinary committee. By press time, Nyana and Munu had pitched camp at the NRM district party offices, vowing not to leave until their matter is resolved. They maintained that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had already cleared them to receive the facilitation, accusing district officials of acting on what they described as baseless grounds. Munu further told journalists that their names appear in the official NRM campaign curriculum, which he said confirms their eligibility for the facilitation token. Despite the standoff with district leadership, the two flag bearers have called on voters in their respective constituencies to support them at the polls, insisting that their commitment to serve the electorate should outweigh internal party disputes. The dispute has heightened tensions within the NRM grassroots in Oyam District, raising broader questions about internal party discipline, fairness, and the balance of authority between district structures and the party’s central organs. Source The post NRM Flag Bearers Camp at Oyam Party Offices Over Funds Withheld on Alleged Indiscipline appeared first on Dokolo Post.

Politics, like life, is often a test of attention, presence, and accountability. For Moses Ogwal Goli, the outgoing MP of Dokolo North, the ballot box delivered a stern reminder: neglect your people, and they will eventually turn their backs on you. Elected in 2021 under the NRM banner, Goli’s term was marked less by constituency engagement and more by absence. Residents recall that he rarely visited Dokolo North during the day, and when he did, it was often late at night and in private gatherings. Such detachment is not merely a lapse in political etiquette — it is a breach of trust. Voters expect their leaders to be present, to understand their struggles, and to represent their voices both in Parliament and back home. Goli’s focus on personal leisure and nightlife in Kampala became emblematic of a larger issue: the disconnect between some politicians and the electorate. An MP who prioritizes personal enjoyment over public duty risks becoming invisible in the very communities that elected him. The consequences were predictable. Joseph Jones Ogwal first unseated Goli in the NRM primaries, only for Goli to try his luck as an independent in the general election — again, he lost. This is not simply about party politics; it is about voter agency. The people of Dokolo North made it clear: representation requires presence, accountability, and engagement, not charisma or notoriety in distant halls and hotels. Even more revealing is the role of loyalty and trust in leadership. Goli’s isolation and reliance on select associates undermined his connection with voters, highlighting a crucial lesson: political survival depends not only on individual effort but also on the integrity of one’s team. Ultimately, Goli “broke his plate” because he ignored the fundamentals of leadership. The voters’ verdict serves as a warning to all politicians: no matter how high the office, you cannot divorce yourself from the people who put you there. Dokolo North has spoken and the message is clear. Leadership is not about presence in Parliament alone, nor about enjoying the trappings of office. True leadership requires being present, accessible, and accountable to those who trusted you with power. Moses Ogwal Goli learned this lesson the hard way. Source The post OP-ED: How Dokolo North MP Moses Ogwal Goli “Broke His Plate” at the Ballot Box appeared first on Dokolo Post.