Author: Temiteo Okwakol

By Eumu Emmanuel The General Assembly of Kumam Cultural Heritage has rejected a proposal to establish a lifetime cultural leader. This decision followed a cabinet meeting on April 30, 2024, where several constitutional amendments were discussed and approved for presentation to the General Assembly. Key proposed amendments included: Miss Kumam Position: Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Counsel Alfred Ewatu, proposed including the office of Miss Kumam in the constitution to promote education among girls. The proposal, seconded by Mzee Engwaru John Michael, was adopted Speaker and Deputy Speaker: Minister for Peace and Security, Mr. Erupu Derry, proposed creating the…

By Eumu Emmanuel The Kaberamaido District leadership has officially handed over 2,009 acres of land to the Kumam Cultural Heritage institution. This decision follows a letter dated May 7, 2024, and a council sitting on May 30, 2023, under minute 11/COU/30/05/2023. The land is located 800 meters from Kaberamaido District Headquarters along Lwala, Kaberamaido Road, adjacent to the former Civil Service Test House. Kumam Cultural Heritage will use this land to establish their offices. District Chairperson Mr. Victor Rex Ekesu praised the Kumam leaders for their perseverance and highlighted the significance of this achievement, particularly following the election of Won…

By Eumu Emmanuel Kaberamaido District Council has approved a budget of Shs.28.6 billion for the financial year 2024/2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s Shs.23 billion. The approval process, however, was marred by chaos and allegations of misappropriation by technical officers, who were accused of not funding district councilors during monitoring activities. Led by Ochero Sub County’s Mr. David Ababa, a section of councilors opposed the budget ratification, accusing technical officers of conflicts of interest. They alleged that the technical staff approved funds without including district councilors in the budget for the implementation and monitoring of government programs.…

By Eumu Emmanuel Lira, Uganda – Dr. Jane Aceng Ochero, the Minister of Health and Lira City Woman MP, has commissioned an intensive care unit (ICU) ambulance and an emergency operating centre (EOC) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. The event took place on Thursday, July 4, during which the minister also inspected the progress on the construction of a cutting-edge emergency operation theatre ward, an oxygen plant, and an ambulance call and dispatch centre. Speaking at the site, Dr. Aceng highlighted the importance of the new ICU ambulance in referring critically ill patients to Mulago National Hospital for specialized treatment.…

By Temiteo Okwakol Maj Patrick Opio Awany, brother of ruling NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, was killed in Somalia on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The convoy commander was struck by an Al Shabaab IED while traveling between Buulo Nagad and Ceel Wareego in Lower Shabelle, according to Deputy Defence Spokesperson Col Deo Akiiki. Several UPDF soldiers were injured in the attack and airlifted to a Level II hospital in Mogadishu. Maj Awany, a member of the Motorised Infantry Brigade, died instantly. His convoy was transporting logistics when the attack occurred. Todwong mourned his brother on X, praising his dedication and…

By Eumu Emmanuel Dokolo – The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, has granted bail to George Ongom Lango, a health assistant of Adeknino Sub County, who was arrested on allegations of arson and inciting violence. Ongom was apprehended on Wednesday and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Dr. Irene Namae on Thursday, July 4. He faced charges related to an incident on June 22, 2024, at Awelo Trading Center in Dokolo District, where he allegedly mobilized people to burn the motorcycle of Ivan Okello, registration UDF 936G. The case, registered at Dokolo Central Police Station under CRB 318/2024, involves…

By Achingo Patience Amudat- The recent Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Amudat District has led to significant concerns among the local community about alleged discrimination against Pokot youth. Reports indicate that many young men from the Pokot community, who were eager to join the UPDF, were denied the opportunity, reinforcing a stereotype that Pokots are uninterested in military service. Community leaders are demanding explanations from the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) regarding the criteria used for selecting candidates and whether these criteria were applied uniformly. They seek clarity on why Pokot…

Story by Osuta Yusuf Maracha District:Elders in the Paranga clan of Paranga Sub-county, Maracha East constituency, Maracha District, have been urged to address the alarming issue of sexual intercourse and marriage between young relatives. The call was made during the annual cultural gala held in Paranga Sub-county, which aims to educate young people about the history, origin, and cultural values of the Paranga clan. Hon. Osutre Godfrey, the LC3 Chairman for Paranga Sub-county and the initiator of this event, emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural values of the Lugbara tribe, which strictly prohibits incestuous relationships. He highlighted the cultural…

By Patriot corps Hon. Betty Chelain the woman member of parliament amudat district, a former warrior turned reformist, is making waves in the Pokot community with her dedication to ending cattle raiding and rustling. Recognizing the need for change, Hon Chelain has been at the forefront of community dialogues aimed at curbing these dubious activities. Twice every quarter, she organizes large-scale events that attract over 4,000 Pokots. These gatherings, set in a festive atmosphere, combine peace talks with fun activities, pushing a sense of unity and cooperation. Unlike many politicians who delegate such tasks, Hon Chelain personally engages with her…

By Richard Onapatum Lweza – In a significant development for the Church of Uganda, the House of Bishops, convening at Lweza Training and Conference Centre on July 4, 2024, has elected Rev. Ven. Michael Chorey as the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Karamoja. Rev. Ven. Chorey will be consecrated and enthroned on August 25, 2024, at St. Philip’s Cathedral, Moroto, succeeding Rt. Rev. Joseph Abura, who has served as Bishop since May 27, 2007, and as the Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda. Rev. Ven. Michael Chorey was born on April 10, 1970, in Dingdinga village,…