The Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command (DCSFC), Brig

Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, has revealed that the Uganda

People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Peace keeping troops in Somalia, the

Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, have been able to

perform exceptionally because of professionalism and the trust the

soldiers have in the Commander-In-Chief (CIC), H.E Yoweri Kaguta

Museveni and the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi

Kainerugaba.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continues to express frustration

about those failing to implement the government policy of free education

across the country, calling upon leaders at all levels to ensure that the

program is fully implemented.

“I don’t want to use force on this matter. Discuss the issue of free

education in government schools, including the technical schools. If we

need to add more money to the government schools, we shall do it,”

President Museveni said.

The President made the remarks today, while commissioning the

Greater Mubende Presidential Zonal Skilling Hub in Kibuye-Vuga

Village, Kitenga Sub County, Mubende District.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the urgent need to prioritize household income generation, describing it as a cornerstone of national development.

During a leaders meeting held at Mwanzi Parish, Mirembe Maria Catholic Parish in Kasanda District yesterday, President Museveni reminded Ugandans that, just as spiritual teachings guide priorities, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you”, the nation must apply the same principle by seeking household income first.

The meeting was part of the ongoing Presidential performance assessment tour on wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) in Greater Mubende.

The Jonam Cultural Institution (Kaal Ker Kwaro Jonam) KKKJ has distanced itself from claims that it has endorsed certain political aspirants ahead of the 2026 general elections.

According to Mr. Silvious Okwong, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kaal Ker Kwaro Jonam, the institution only blesses candidates with what he termed as "good luck" but does not take sides in political contests.

"I want to make it categorically clear that, we do not endorse any person that this is our candidate, we do the jonam thing that we give you 'Lam' (Blessings) go ahead and do your thing."

Mr. Okwong warned politicians against dragging the institution's name into politics and cautioned them against raising public expectations on sensitive issues such as land in Palango, fishing operations, and matters related to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). He noted that while such issues may seem minor, they carry significant weight.

"The Palango issues and the Fisheries issues are something if you are going to trade on trade very carefully... do not say that I will finish it, those are serious issues."

He further urged the Jonam community to elect leaders who are truthful, consult the people regularly, and refrain from making unrealistic promises.

"If I go there am going to do these, yet the roles of Memebers of Parliament and Local Council Five are very clear. Perhaps you are supposed to and lobby for us" Okwong sates.

Meanwhile, Phiona Atimango, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Pakwach, called on aspiring leaders to speak facts and avoid misleading the public. She emphasized that presidential directives and executive orders should not be used as campaign tools, but rather addressed through formal government channels.

"Much as you are out there in to the community in this political error, go and state the facts... if you give them wrong informations how do expect the responsible people to go and clarify those facts" she said.

Over 154 herds of cattle were on Sunday, 6th July 2025 successfully loaded and transported from holding grounds in Madi Okollo to Karuma, as part of the ongoing Operation Harmony to peacefully evict Balaalo herders.

According to security officials, the cattle were transported using five trucks, with only 39 herds remaining at the site pending transit.

The 65-day operation, now in its second week, was ordered by the President and is being implemented under the supervision of the District Security Committee and local leaders.

West Nile Police Public Relations Officer, Asea Collins, confirmed that similar "operations are underway in other parts of West Nile and North West Nile to enhance the safety of both residents and the herding communities."

Local leaders and stakeholders in the greater Nebbi have expressed concern over the growing trend of commercializing politics, saying the practice undermines citizens' right to freely choose legitimate and capable leaders.

They argue that lump sum payments given to voters by political aspirants distort democratic processes and encourage short-term interests over long-term leadership quality.
Innocent Onega Geoffrey, the Mayor of Paidha Town Council, said some politicians are openly persuading voters with money, urging intensified civic education to help citizens elect leaders of integrity.

"There are people who are now publicly preaching and praising the rich 'Wubol Kwir No Juma Gimiyu Iwu Bim', It's happening now in Paidha," Onega reveals.

Okurulal Pastore, a resident of Nebbi Municipality, advised voters to evaluate candidates based on leadership skills, character, and behavior rather than financial incentives.

"You have to carefully choose the person you want to become a leader, that's very very important. You see the UPC, we voted the right person that even now, the country talks of it." Okurulal strongly interjected.

Savior Rwothomio Kakunda, Nebbi District Youth Council Chairperson, cautioned young people, who make up about 75% of Uganda's population, not to allow politicians to buy their votes. He urged them to choose leaders committed to improving service delivery.

"Right now, all minds and everything are tuned to money...As NRM carders we are supposed to be interested in improved service delivery... The challenge is now, people who think they have money and who think that money can pull others, that's where we need to reorganize ourselves and put away money issues and look at what we call service delivery for our people." Kakunda implores.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Stephen Olama known as Terminator, encouraged voters to take the money if offered but remain firm in voting for the leaders they truly believe in.

"Let them give you their money, you eat. Let them play with your stomach but not your Brain." Olama tells the locals in the greater Nebbi.

TotalEnergies EP Uganda on Monday hosted its inaugural Tilenga Project Agri-Business Forum under the theme "Empowering Farmers and Enabling Linkages: An Agriculture Value Chain Networking Forum."

The forum, held at Buliisa District headquarters, brought together over 200 farmer groups. It aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen sustainable agricultural value chain linkages across Uganda.

Since its inception, the Tilenga Project has supported over 10,000 households across Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, Nwoya, and Pakwach districts through livelihood restoration programs. These include the provision of improved seeds, livestock breeds, and training, alongside the establishment of demonstration farms and farmer groups.

Over 20,000 bags of cassava cuttings and 25,000 kilograms of maize seeds have been distributed under these initiatives, helping farmers access markets and improve productivity.

Divan Ogen, a member of Dikiri Ber Farmers Group in Pajabar Central Cell, Pakwach Town Council, said they grow groundnuts, tomatoes, and practice apiculture. He noted the group's activities have enhanced food security and improved members' livelihoods.

"In that group, we are producing organically made G.nuts, and the mission of this group is to improve the livelihoods of the youths and food security of the community of Pajabar Central Village and Pakwach District at large," Ogen said.

Sunday Ayao from Got Apwoyo Sub-county, Nwoya District, shared that her group received 15 kilograms of groundnut seeds and harvested 27 bags. From this, they replanted 5 bags and recently harvested 40 bags.

"Macalo wan group, dong watye ki cuk, wai ki store ma mwa ka iciri ibi nongu kukunu" Ayao reveals.

George Stephen Mwait, CEO of Yola Uganda, based in Wakiso District, said his organization focuses on the cassava value chain. He highlighted challenges farmers face with post-harvest losses and limited market access, despite high production.

"They produce a lot that they cannot consume, so we are off taking and adding value," Stephen states.

Godfrey Lukwako, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at TotalEnergies, speaking on behalf of the General Manager, said the forum was long overdue. He emphasized the company's commitment to promoting value addition and securing ready markets for farmers.

"We already feel we are at the point where we have to take it to the next level, and that is to ensure that we can think about value addition, and farmers have access to markets beyond their home districts, to regional markets, and several others," Lukwago says.

Benjamin Aijuka, Programs Manager at the East Africa Grain Council, expressed concern that while 80% of Ugandans rely on agriculture, the sector contributes only 20% to GDP. He urged a shift from subsistence to structured, market-led agriculture.

"The Agribusiness Forum that Total Energies and its partners have organized is one of the responses that enables our commitments to empower our partnerships and potential structured Agribusinesses to be able to deliver an inclusive growth and long-term sustainability," Aijuka states.

Pennina Aheebwa, Director of Economic and National Content Monitoring at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, said the oil sector can indirectly create jobs through agriculture, tourism, transport, and other sectors that support economic growth.

"As the Uganda petroleum of Uganda we have done several studies to try and identify and define those linkages in different sectors, and so for local leaders who are here, the opportunities are not only in Agriculture but there are also in other linkages like, housing, tourism, and transport among others," Aheebwa advised the locals.

TotalEnergies E&P Uganda has awarded full scholarships to 100 students to pursue nursing and midwifery studies at St. Mary’s Nursing School in Lacor, Gulu.

The beneficiaries were drawn from six districts within the Albertine Graben that are affected by oil and gas activities, namely Hoima, Kikuube, Pakwach, Masindi, Buliisa, and Nwoya.

According to officials, the top 15 performers were selected from Hoima, Kikuube, Pakwach, and Masindi. In contrast, 20 students each were selected from Buliisa and Nwoya due to their proximity with the oil and gas projects and higher impact levels.

Martin Opio, Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility at TotalEnergies EP Uganda, said the one-time scholarship program was introduced as part of the company’s health sector support following its centenary celebrations last year.

"This scholarship is a one-way scholarship, not going to be annual next year, it's not going to be there like other scholarships, it's an onetime appreciation to train nurses and midwives. But it also depends on how much the stakeholders can lobby, it's not written in stone, it can be changed." Martin says.

He added that a strict selection process was followed, prioritizing high-performing students from vulnerable households who passed their National  Examinations and pre-entry exams, and are natives of the listed districts.

"We wanted to prioritize students who come from homes that could not send their children to school if they are not supported, so... And at least we make sure the Local Council ones to confirms the status of that family in terms of their vulnerabilities," Matin reveals.

Gilbert Ochan, a parent from Fualwonga Parish in Pakwach District, emotionally knelt down while deliberating on behalf of parents of selected students, thanked TotalEnergies, revealing that his daughter, Hope, achieved top grades despite financial struggles and family hardships, including his wife’s mental illness and frequent hospitalizations in Butabika.

"If everyone is supposed to tell their story, they are heartbreaking. This girl was at home; she should be in Senior Five doing BCM. There was no money to cater for that. Now we are happy she is willing to go to Lacor Nursing school," Gilbert deliberates.

Another beneficiary, Brian Ocungirwoth from Pakwach Town Council, said he lost his father in primary six and has since relied on the support of well-wishers. His mother, a charcoal vendor in Pakwach Town Market, has struggled to support his education.

"Even during my Primaries, I was being helped by the school because my father had a stroke when I was in Primary Six, I have my brothers who are peasant farmers, and my mother is a charcoal seller," Ocungirwoth states.

However, local leaders in the region are calling for more involvement in the selection process. This follows concerns that the manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for TotalEnergies, Mr. Opio, revealed that some selected students in Nwoya District declined the offer despite meeting all the set criteria.

Meanwhile, Pennina Aheebwa, Director of Economic and National Content Monitoring at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, urged communities to embrace all opportunities offered by TotalEnergies and its partners in any sector, including health, agriculture, tourism, transport, among others. She made the remarks on Tuesday, 8th July 2025, during the Agribusiness Forum held in Buliisa District.

"You may not have obtained a job in oil and gas, or having a contract, but there are other ways you can benefit from the oil and gas sector. So we want us to take these initiatives very, very seriously." Pennina advised.

The End.

Financial institutions and agricultural NGOs have advised farmers in West Nile and Bunyoro sub-regions to treat farming as a serious business by attaching monetary value and setting clear targets for their day-to-day activities.

Speaking at the recent Agribusiness Forum on Tuesday, 8th July, 2025, in Bulisa District, the Branch Manager of Centenary Bank in Buliisa, Samuel Bwete, emphasized that even small-scale farmers cultivating less than five hectares should track their production with clear financial goals to contribute meaningfully to individual and national economic growth.

He says, "Most of our things have to be quantified in real money. When we say Uganda has become the best coffee producer, it has a monetary value. So, if we can't define the monetary value of im doing on my farm, then I don't have it."

Statistics from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization indicate Uganda can feed over 200 million people. While 80% of the country’s land is arable, only 35% is under cultivation. Agriculture accounts for 24% of Uganda’s GDP, 35% of export earnings, and employs 68% of the workforce, according to UBOS.

In a joint meeting held on March 12th, 2025, in Pakwach District, institutions, including Nyaravur Farmers SACCO and other cooperatives in the district, encouraged farmers to overcome fears of agricultural financing and only seek loans that they can repay.

"Other farmers have fear that if I go to the bank, where do I begin, so don't be afraid that reaching the banks is hard. We are here to serve you," a Nyaravur Farmers SACCO employee told the local farmers.

Joseph Bemba of Sasakawa Global 2000, an NGO supporting smallholder farmers, urged farmers to adopt what he called a “safe approach” by producing with the market in mind. He advised them to “produce to sell,” rather than “sell what they produce.”

"To summarize it, we say, produce to sell but don't produce and sell, because when you produce and sell, that is when you start struggling. Am I selling to, who wants it?  We are stuck here with everything," Bemba explains.

Sam Ayesiga from Volcano Ventures, which serves eight districts in Bunyoro, dealing in certified Organic  Agricultural Products, called on farmers to obtain Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification under the National Agricultural Organic Movement of Uganda. He noted that PGS is affordable and helps farmers address market challenges related to pricing, quality, and standards.

"We are all doing small-scale, so you can't get to the market yourself,  it's very expensive, that's why you will need a middleman. And I mentioned that they do a good job but to the disadvantage of the farmer." Ayesiga stated.

Wycliff Katulinde, Production Officer of Buliisa District, highlighted that West Nile and Bunyoro are well-positioned for agricultural enterprises such as fishing, poultry, apiculture, horticulture, and citrus. He added that "these ventures  are compatible with the Parish Development Model agenda, also they are the same enterprises that we are supporting, for example, we have the local poultry, Bees, Piggery, etc."

Youths in the West Nile region are calling for a minimum of 20% representation in local government structures, citing serious underrepresentation in key decision-making positions.

Despite making up 73% of Uganda’s population and accounting for 22 million voters, youth currently occupy just 0.9% of seats in Parliament—only 5 out of 529. At the local government level (LC II and above), only two youth councilors are elected per council, often with limited influence within party structures.

Nebbi District Youth Councillor, Savior Rwothomio Kakunda, says youth are systematically sidelined in leadership, starting from LC I to district councils. At the LC5 level, only two youth representatives are allowed, which he argues undermines meaningful participation in governance.

"I want to encourage the young people and who ever thinks they are going to be taking advantage of our numbers for their political gains to now start waking up. We do not want see leadership where young are being used as tools for politicalmobilization and then abandoned,  and that is what is happening."

In Koboko District, Gift Peter criticized the current system of electing National Youth MPs through limited electoral colleges. He says this forces aspirants to spend large sums on campaigns, discouraging competent youth and encouraging co-option, which ultimately affects service delivery.

"The Bigger the Population, the bigger the representation and I call up on the government to come up with law reforms to create more spaces for youth MPS because electoral areas is very vast it requires alot of demands so when somebody goes through to Parliament,  he or she will not focus on service he or she will focus on him or herself. "  Peter criticizes.

From Yumbe District, Raheem Siyasa expressed concern over youth exclusion from local government budget conferences, limiting their input in planning and implementation of youth-focused programs.

"Among us here how many have been attending Budget conferenceses, who are representing us in these budget conferences and who are making for us the decisions on the funds allocated for youths," she asks.

In Pakwach District, Emmanuel Uvuru, Deputy Speaker of Pokwero Sub-county, accused some youth chairpersons of neglecting their responsibilities, leaving councilors overwhelmed. He recommended induction training for new youth leaders to enhance accountability.

"You find the councilors are now acting as the youths Chairperson which is wrong, that's why any allocations made for youths can not meet the target because there are no one to request for" Uvuru emphasized.

James Uyullu, LC5 Chairperson of Zombo District, attributed the low representation to limited youth interest in leadership and government programs. He urged young people to get organized, respect authority, and actively participate in community development as a pathway to leadership.

"The number can help when they come together seriously, engaging in all activities and also respect elders. Most of the youths when they look at us as the leaders instead of coming to us to get what is needed of them instead they start insulting you from a distance." Uyullu reports.

Ronald Ofoyrwoth, Executive Director of Nebbi NGO Forum, supported the demand for increased youth inclusion, pointing out that while women are allocated 30% representation, youth have significantly less. He encouraged the youth to pursue education and leadership training to enhance their governance participation.

"Their Participation should be increased which is not a bad idea. But one thing I would advise let them embrace like education,  they must have skills if am told they are going to be involved. " Ofoyrwoth emphasized.

Patrick Ulwor, Senior Community Development Officer for Pakwach District, advised youth leaders to engage early in the planning and budgeting processes. He emphasized that early involvement helps ensure youth priorities are considered by councils and presented at the national level.

"How do you involved yourself in the planning , how do you bring issues of youths clearly in the planning up to approval do not start urging with the technical people." Ulwor told the youths.

Police in Nebbi Municipality have launched an investigation into a fatal road accident that occurred near Akaba Bridge in Alala Sub-County, Nebbi District, along the Nebbi–Pakwach Highway, on July 22nd, 2025 around evening hours.

Police reports that the fatal incident involved multiple vehicles, including a white Howo Truck with registration numbers T602 EBP / T875 EBR, driven by Ulomi Daniel, a 43-year-old Tanzanian national residing in Tanzania. Also involved was a white omnibus vehicle bearing registration number 6782AA25, whose driver remains unidentified; a white fuel tanker with registration numbers ZE 9596 / KBR 369A, driven by Noor Abdi Yusuf, a Somali national based in Kenya; and several motorcycles. Among the motorcycles was one with registration number 6782AA25, ridden by a yet-to-be-identified male who died at the scene, along with two numberless motorcycles whose riders' particulars are also unknown.

SP Asea Collins, the Westnile Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the report, stating that "the crash is suspected to have been caused by brake failure on the Howo truck. The truck was descending a slope toward Nebbi when the driver reportedly lost control and collided with other vehicles and motorcycles."

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary at Nebbi District Hospital. The driver of the Howo truck, identified as Ulomi Daniel, a Tanzanian national, is currently in police custody.

By the time of this report, the damaged vehicles had been towed to Nebbi Police Station, except for the loaded Howo truck, which remains at the scene under police guard. Police urge motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition to prevent similar tragedies.

Former 2021 parliamentary candidate Shaban Ofoy has been declared the NRM flag bearer for the LC5 chairperson seat in the forthcoming 2026-2031 general elections, after securing a landslide victory in the LC5 party primaries.

Ofoy polled 25,222 votes (56%), defeating Fred Gibril Oryekwun who polled 10,173 votes (25%), Richard Oryeda with 6,005 votes (13%), and Denis Olore who managed 3,649 votes (8%). The District NRM Registrar, Gipatho Gloria, announced that a total of approximately 45,049 votes were cast in the election.

"I therefore, declare Ofoy Shaban as who has polled the highest number of votes, 25,222, as dully elected NRM flag bearer flag for Pakwach District Chairperson, 2026-2031." He announces.

Speaking after his victory, Ofoy described the results as a true reflection of the people's will, urging his fellow contestants to rally behind him and unite in the party’s campaign for the general elections to ensure NRM retains leadership in the district.

"I believe the results are true reflection of views of the people of Pakwach District. I dully accept it." Ofoy, states.

However, third-placed candidate Richard Oryeda expressed dissatisfaction, citing electoral irregularities. He alleged that his supporters were chased away from polling stations, prompting him to walk out of the tally center in protest, exchanging words with the party’s district leadership saying "we can still go for independence."

In the general elections, Ofoy will face candidates from other political parties vying for the district chairperson seat in term of 2026-2031.

The primaries witnessed low voter turnout across most parts of the district, compared to the recently concluded NRM parliamentary primaries.

However, Panyimur Sub-county registered a higher turnout, being home to leading candidates Ofoy and Oryeda. There were isolated cases of indiscipline and attempts to breach electoral guidelines, particularly regarding voter eligibility.

Despite these challenges, electoral officials reported that voting proceeded peacefully in most parts of the district after addressing the incidents.

Meanwhile, elections for directly elected councilors in Pakwach Town Council and the sub-counties of Panyimur, Dei, and Wadlai were suspended due to electoral irregularities. The district registrar stated that results from the affected areas will be announced after thorough investigations. "I think they miscalculated the figures." She says.

End.

Community of Pacego Primary School in Panyangu Sub-County, Pakwach District, on Thursday, 24th July 2025 sang and danced to the installation of a 4,500-watt solar power system, donated by the Deposit Protection Fund (DPF) of Uganda, valued at UGX 32 million.

The solar system includes 36 bulbs and security lights capable of operating for 12 hours, with additional provisions to charge laptops, phones, and a small inkjet printer. The service provider will offer maintenance and servicing for 12 months under the warranty agreement.

Pacego Primary School is among the top-performing schools in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations in Pakwach District, registering one first grade, 39 second grades, and 11 third grades.

School Management Committee Chairperson, Felix Rubanga, expressed optimism that the solar facility will enhance the learners' reading culture, especially during early morning and evening study sessions.

"As you know the supply of electricity, it is not stable. Since you have installed this solar systems, it boost the readings because we have some learners who preps here at night hours it will help them very much and we are sure of power Supply anytime we need it." Rubanga stated.

Headteacher Florence Yokani noted that the installation will provide a stable power supply, improving both learning conditions and the security of school facilities.

"In fact I have stated receiving requests from secondary students to start revising from the school." She says.

Representing the learners, Head Girl Pricila Afoyorwoth, aged 14, said the solar lights have brightened classrooms, facilitating better learning for pupils and other community learners.

District Education Officer Obedling Johnson Thombu urged the school administration to utilize the solar system to introduce digital learning, while advising strict regulation of external learners accessing the facilities.

"Were as we should not stop any school going child from using this facilities, but should be highly regulated especially for the secondary students. If you are going to allow, allow it under strict rules. So that our children are not thought bad manners in secondary schools."

Patrick Ezaga, DPF's Director of Communications, delivering remarks on behalf of CEO Dr. Julia Clare Olima Oyet, said the donation is part of DPF’s Corporate Social Responsibility. He noted that many classrooms across the country remain dark during cloudy days and evenings, depriving learners of opportunities to revise and explore technology. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the facilities for tangible ripple effects.

"It is our desire that in a few years when we return to assess the impact of this intervention, we shall all be proud to have achieved all the above. Indeed, it will be a badge of honour for the DPF for this project to achieve the outcomes stated." Ezaga told the school administrations.