Author: Temiteo Okwakol

PROFILE  by Peterson Otwakai PARLIAMENT – Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko Okworo, the esteemed MP for Soroti City East, has ascended to the prestigious position of Chairperson of the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment. Familiarly known as “Baby Face” due to his youthful countenance or “Einer kede Aswam” due to his swift response to delivery of services, Ariko’s political odyssey commenced in 2016 when he triumphed in the FDC primaries and subsequently secured a parliamentary seat. His legislative contributions encompass the Anti (Modern) Slavery Bill, the Local Content Bill co-authored with Hon. Patrick Nsamba, and the landmark elevation of Soroti…

By Patriot Corps Pakwach – A dedicated team from Pakwach District, comprising the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Assistant RDC, Vice Chair LCV, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Secretary for Production, Operative, District Police Officer (DPO), and Agricultural Engineer, conducted a comprehensive joint monitoring of the district’s Microscale Irrigation Projects. The primary objective of this visit was to evaluate the status of the installed irrigation equipment and monitor the progress of the beneficiary farmers utilizing these systems. The team was pleased to find that all the installed irrigation equipment is functioning optimally. Beneficiary farmers are currently engaged in transplanting high-value crops, a…

By Richard Onapatum Karamoja region is in shock, after the sudden demise of former MP Moroto Municipality and the Vice Chairman NRM Karamoja , Hon Aleper Simon Peter Rock aka ASPRO in a road accident in Iganga district. The deceased was driving a Pajero UAP 737Q on the Mbale-Jinja Highway in the wee hours today Tuesday 23rd July, 2024 before it was found overturned around Iganga In a message shared by the NRM General Secretary Rt Hon Richard Todwong, he expressed shock within the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) upon hearing the disheartening news of the untimely death of the…

By Eumu Emmanuel Mbale: The leadership of the Inzu ya Masaba Cultural Institution has banned men from touching the “Nyash” (buttocks) of girls during the Imbalu Muliro Kadodi dance, as the launch of the Imbalu ceremony approaches. Seven Masiga, the institution’s spokesperson, made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing that such actions are against Bamasaba cultural norms and practices and are considered disrespectful. Masiga explained that the rule aims to protect young girls from being exploited by men with inappropriate intentions. “It is against Bamasaba cultural norms and practices to touch the Nyash of women during the dance. This behavior is…

By Osuta Yusuf MARACHA: Medical staff at Tara Health Centre III in Tara Sub-county, Maracha East constituency, have suspended routine work for over a month following the assault of their incharge, Mr. Odama James. The incident occurred at night in Ajira Sub-county, which was carved out of Tara Sub-county in 2020. The assault, which took place in early June 2024, reportedly involved a conflict between Mr. Odama James and a man named Ayima from Lodre village, Aringa Parish, Ajira Sub-county. Both men were allegedly dating the same woman, Sharon Asizo. Mr. Odama was hospitalized due to his injuries, while the…

By Richard Onapatum JINJA: In preparation for World Press Freedom Day, journalists in Jinja District have launched a Press Freedom Week dedicated to engaging in charitable activities and promoting professional journalism. The launch took place at Buwenge Town Council headquarters, where journalists participated in cleaning the town council and a local primary school. Additionally, they encouraged boda boda riders to adopt environmentally friendly practices by providing them with tree seedlings and fruit plants to cultivate during the week.They were accompanied by 4 schools in doing the charitable work. Hon. Kintu Alex Brandon, MP for Kagoma North in Jinja District, served…

By Richard Onapatum SERERE: The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called on LC1 chairpersons to actively participate in the fight against teenage pregnancies to address the increasing school dropout rates. Speaking at the PTA meeting of St. Elizabeth Girl’s Secondary School Kidetok in Serere district, she emphasized the crucial role of LC1 chairpersons in preventing early marriages, child pregnancies, and unplanned marriages. “LC1 chairpersons are pivotal as they know every home and can detect early signs of potential child marriages,” Alupo noted. She stressed the importance of intervention before these issues arise, urging chairpersons to support the government…

By Eumu Emmanuel The Kumam Cultural Heritage, led by His Highness Raphael Otaya Won Ateker, celebrated its first anniversary with significant contributions from Batalo East. Founded in 2013, Batalo East launched the Kuhamahama Arts project in 2018 to merge traditional and urban arts, preserve cultural heritage, and create employment opportunities for youth. Albert Mubiru, Production Director at Batalo East, highlighted the project’s success in documenting cultural institutions and traditional arts, such as the unique dances of the Babwisi, Bavandime, and Bamba tribes in Bundibugyo, and the Banyole tribe in Butaleja. The project has empowered school dropouts and uneducated youth by…

By Temiteo Okwakol Kwonga-Panyimur – Thousands gathered at Kwonga-Panyimur to mark the first anniversary of Rwot Stanley Ombidi, in a grand celebration that highlighted the unity and cooperation between government and cultural leaders. The event, graced by Hon. Fionah Nyamutoro, National Youth MP and Minister of State for Energy (Minerals), emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership. Hon. Fionah Nyamutoro, the guest of honor, put emphasis to the significance of unity and cooperation between the government and the people, facilitated through cultural leadership. She stated, “The harmony between our government and cultural institutions is vital for the prosperity and well-being of…

By Eumu Emmanuel Amolatar – The Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) has announced the temporary closure of the Zengebe-Namasale ferry route due to mechanical defects on the Kyoga 1 and Kyoga 2 ferries. Effective July 22, 2024, the route will be closed until August 11, 2024, to facilitate necessary repairs. According to Mr. John Bosco Ssejemba, Director of Road Infrastructure Protection at UNRA, Kyoga 2 ferry experienced a failure in its power transmission system. Although the required spare parts were sourced abroad and fixed, it was discovered that another component in the lower gearbox also needed replacement. The authority is…