Author: Temiteo Okwakol

By Richard Onapatum Kotido – A devastating shooting incident has claimed the life of Lochu Steven, an Airtel staff member and resident of Nakwomutu Village, Lopotha Parish, Napupum Sub County. The incident occurred at Nakoreto Trading Centre, Maaru Sub County, Kotido District, at 10:00 am today. Steven and two colleagues were registering Airtel SIM cards when four armed warriors appeared, targeting Steven specifically. “They didn’t utter a word; they just shot him in the upper left ear, at the rear of the head,” a witness recounted. The attackers disappeared immediately after the shooting, as villagers fled for their lives. Residents…

Story by Osuta Yusuf. Maracha District. Maracha District officials, politicians and National Patriotism Club Uganda (NPCU) officials have on Saturday 5-October-2024 conducted the first of its kind, joint pass out of young people selected and vetted to undergo patriotism training from all the Secondary Schools in Maracha District. The joint pass out of the students on Saturday 5-October-2024 was done after they went through one week rigorous training conducted by Patriotism Club and Uganda Police Force. District Police Commander for Maracha District, SP Joshua Kananura who spearheaded the training acknowledged there were some few weaknesses with the trainees but in…

By Richard Onapatum Abim District, Uganda – 16-year-old Brian Ochen was fatally shot by suspected Karamojong warriors in Arengepua Ward, Morulem Town Council. Ochen was ambushed with friends after leaving a market. The attackers opened fire, striking Ochen in the neck. The community is reeling in shock, with resident Basil Obwon saying, “It’s heartbreaking to lose such a young life.” Regional police spokesperson Mike Longole confirmed the incident and assured that joint security forces are tracking the attackers. The killing highlights growing concerns over cattle raids, shootings, and kidnappings in the region. Local leaders, including Denis Odong, chairman of Orwamuge…

By Patriot Corps Soroti City recently hosted the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Soroti Secondary School, bringing together education stakeholders to acknowledge the vital role teachers play in nation-building. The event spotlighted pressing challenges, including poor infrastructure, low salaries, and difficult working conditions for educators. Teddy Abina, headteacher of Nakatunya Primary School in Soroti City West, expressed concern about the lack of proper teacher accommodations, revealing that many teachers sleep in classrooms. “The government must address not just salary concerns but also the housing crisis. We are struggling,” she stated. Similarly, John Okot, a teacher at Oculoi Primary School, emphasized…

By Richard Onapatum KOTIDO – The Kotido district yesterday marked World Teachers’ Day with a ceremony that highlighted the challenges faced by educators and encouraged them to leave a lasting legacy. Atany Rose Grace, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the past three years, played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Her dedication and leadership ensured a seamless celebration. Mrs Atany thanked well-wishers, including MPs, who donated generously, enabling the community to slaughter a big bull in honor of the occasion. She appealed to teachers to join the teachers’ union, highlighting the benefits of low interest rates.…

By Patriot Corps Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called on parents to prioritize girl-child education, highlighting it as key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Speaking at the inauguration of St. Elizabeth Girls’ School in Kikumbo, Rubirizi district, Alupo emphasized that educated women are vital assets to their families, communities, and the nation. She urged parents to instill values and morals in their daughters, ensuring they remain in school. “This school is a testament to the government’s commitment to empower girls through education,” Alupo said, crediting the school’s establishment to collaboration between Kikumbo Catholic Parish, led by Father…

Burkina Faso has announced plans to expel several foreign gold mining companies. The West African nation, which has long sought to reduce Western influence, is focusing on bolstering local mining operations to increase gold production through indigenous establishments. As part of this initiative, the government is preparing to revoke mining permits from foreign companies. President Ibrahim Traoré, marking his two years in power during a radio broadcast, revealed the plan on Saturday. While he refrained from naming specific companies whose permits will be withdrawn, he emphasized the country’s capability to manage its own resources. “We know how to mine our…

By Patriot Corps The newly appointed Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Amuru, Osborn Oceng Geoffrey, presided as the chief guest at the celebration of World Teachers’ Day at Amuru Lamogi Primary School. In his address, he emphasized the importance of teachers planning for their retirement early and encouraged them to continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge. “As educators, it is crucial to be prepared for the future, especially during retirement, and to keep learning to stay relevant in this fast-evolving world,” he remarked. The event, which was attended by a large number of teachers and education stakeholders, highlighted the crucial…

By Eumu Emmanuel Kaberamaido County MP Hon. Alfred Elalu Olale Edakasi has cautioned primary school headteachers in Kaberamaido District against sending children home over unpaid development fund fees. Speaking as the chief guest during World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Okapel Primary School, Edakasi emphasized that many families struggle to afford such fees and that it is essential for children to remain in school regardless of their financial situation. He also highlighted the district’s teacher shortage, noting a gap of 450 teachers that needs to be addressed to strengthen the education sector. Edakasi further discussed the ongoing efforts in Parliament to…

By Eumu Emmanuel A tragic incident unfolded in Amolatar District on October 4, 2024, where a UPDF soldier fatally shot an Indian engineer before taking his own life. The victims were identified as Thirumalish Itikala, a 41-year-old Indian national and site engineer for Royal Velko Joint Venture Ltd, and Private Tolit James Opio, aged 38, a UPDF soldier deployed at the same site in Namasale. The events reportedly began on October 3, when Pte Tolit attended a disco in a nearby trading center. He returned to work the following morning, visibly upset, and complained about inadequate allowances paid to him…