Author: Wilfred Okot

Amuru district, bordering South Sudan, has intensified screening measures at border points following a surge in cholera cases in the neighbouring country. Concerns have risen as cholera cases continue to climb in South Sudan, with over 9,100 cases reported by UNICEF in December 2024. An outbreak has also been confirmed in the neighbouring Lamwo district, prompting authorities to close weekly and monthly marketplaces. Amuru Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ochieng Geoffrey Osborn, has urged residents, particularly those at the Elegu border and travelers, to prioritise handwashing, avoid consuming uncooked food, and practice proper sanitation. He emphasised that cholera, characterised by diarrhoea,…

The fifth Division Commanders, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi, last week on Friday handed over ten vehicles that had been impounded for involvement in the illegal charcoal trade. The handover took place during a meeting with community leaders, truck owners, and transporters at the 103 Infantry Battalion headquarters. Maj. Gen. Katungi strongly cautioned local leaders, transporters, and truck owners about the risks of defying the presidential executive order banning charcoal trade in Northern Uganda. He urged them to adopt alternative energy sources such as gas, emphasising its cost-effectiveness. Maj. Gen. Katungi warned boda boda riders against using alternative routes to smuggle…

The Walk Creative Art Foundation, now encompassing West Nile, Acholi, Lango, and Karamoja, officially launched its Gulu City office on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards uniting the region’s creative arts industry. Chairperson Solomon Aboda, a prominent music and talent promoter, expressed gratitude to the technical committee for their tireless efforts in bringing together artists from across Northern Uganda. “People thought this was impossible,” Aboda said, “but we are here, and going far.” Support for the initiative poured in from various quarters. The Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, Michael Otim, pledged the chiefdom’s solidarity and welcomed Operation Wealth Creation’s…

The 4th Division Court Martial seating in Gulu city, has convicted and sentenced RA/ 270603 Private (Pte) Okumu Owen to 52 years’ in prison for failing to protect war materials, contrary to UPDF Act Chapter 330. The ruling was delivered on Friday. Prosecution led by Captain Augustine Tumwebaze, informed court that on December 30, 2023, Pte Okumu Owen armed with SMG (serial number 56-48000707) and 120 rounds of ammunition abandoned his foot patrol duties in Gulu city. He entered Buganda Pub, where he became intoxicated and fell asleep. By 3:00 am, he was found unconscious, with both the firearm and ammunition missing.…

On Seven accounts, Private Ameny Bonny aged 32 years, a soldier of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has been sentenced to death by the 5th Infantry Division Field Court Martial for the murder of residents in paimol, Agago district He was charged on three accounts of murder, two accounts of attempted murder, one account of abduction and one account of absence without official leave. The court, chaired by Colonel Peter Musherewe, handed down the sentence on Wednesday, following a two-day hearing that was held in Ngora east village, Paimol sub-county in Agago district. The court heard that on October 20, 2024, Private Ameny deserted…

Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, has warned against individuals spreading false information on social media, describing them as “negative elements” seeking to undermine the government. Speaking during a press conference held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the 4th Division Headquarters in Gulu City, Busizoori emphasised that those responsible will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. The warning follows widespread rumours in northern Uganda, particularly in districts near Karuma Bridge, alleging that groups have been hired to sacrifice “400 heads” ahead of the bridge’s reopening. The claims have sparked fear among locals, disrupting daily activities. “We…

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Unit Disciplinary Court (UDC), sitting in Lirakato sub-county, Agago district, has sentenced their own, Sergeant (Sgt) Godfrey Kisembo to one year and 11 months in prison for illegal possession of ivory. Presiding over the court on Saturday, Lt. Col. Nathan Kakawate Mwesigwa convicted Sgt. Kisembo, 50, from the 81 Battalion under the 507 Brigade, after he pleaded guilty to charges of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline under the UPDF Act. The case arose from an incident in May 2024 when Sgt. Kisembo, serving as a detach commander, received information from a civilian…

The inaugural 2024 Gulu City Marathon promises to be a vibrant fusion of sport, culture, and heritage, bringing together runners from across Uganda under the theme “Running Culture and Heritage.” Scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, this event marks Gulu’s debut on the marathon circuit. The chairperson of the steering committee, Francis Gimara, during a press conference in Gulu City at Gulu City Inn on Tuesday. Gimara emphasized the significance of this event, noting that it establishes Gulu as part of the global marathon community, with the hope of inspiring a culture of fitness within the local community. “The Gulu…

Officials from Aru Territory in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the bordering Ugandan districts of Arua City, Arua district, and Maracha have committed to strengthening cross-border cooperation. This was during a two-day meeting in Arua City from Thursday to Friday aimed to tackle cross-border crime and create a safer business environment for the neighbouring nations. The discussions were led by the Aru Territorial Administrator from the DRC and the Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) from Uganda. The agenda covered pressing issues affecting cross-border interactions, including differences in tax regimes, armed robberies, arbitrary arrests of nationals, smuggling, vehicle…