By Immaculate Amony

Otuke district is still stuck with up to 300 million shillings that have not yet been given out to youth groups registered for Youth Livelihood Program.

Bosco Odong Obote, the Otuke district chairperson acknowledged that many youth groups were trained on various projects under the youth livelihood program and that the 300 million shillings meant to be disbursed to the groups are still in the district account, waiting to be given out.

The concern over the money was raised during a meeting organised by the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association in Lira by the Otuke woman Member of Parliament Hon Sylvia Akello.

By Sam Opira

Kole District Resident Commissioner has decried the high level of political interferences that is affecting the social and economic development in the district.

Agnes Akello Ebong said such interferences were recently witnessed during the recent distribution of 1,800 bags of rice food relief supplied by the Office of the Prime Minister for the vulnerable communities affected by food shortage in the district.

The RDC particularly attacked MP Bonny Okello Konypaco of Kole North and Peter Ocen Akalo of Kole South for using their powers to storm the district and forcefully picked over 135 bags of rice in the guise of taking it to their electorates which according to the her, was against the guideline.

By Adongo Zainabu

Thousands of mourners on Sunday gathered at the ancestral home of the late Presidential Commissioner of the then Uganda Military Commission led government Mzee Joel Hunter Wacha Olwol.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who was in the then a member of the Military Commission, was the chief mourner.

Earlier, speaker after speaker eulogized the late as one of the most hard working and dedicated Ugandans who prepared the path for Uganda's independence from the British colonization.

By Odongo Jimmy Bosco

Thousands of Pilgrims on Saturday congregated at the Marian Shrine of Iceme for the Annual Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu Archdiocese Pilgrimage which also marked May as the month dedicated to the Blessed Mary Mother of Jesus.

The gathering of the pilgrims, some of whom arrived at the shrine on Thursday with others travelling on foot from the Dioceses of Gulu, Arua, Nebbi and from all the parishes of Lira Diocese, witnessed the historic administering of the Holy Sacrament of Communion for over 5,000 Christians.

This year's event led by Bishop of Nebbi Diocese Rt. Rev. Linus Sanctus Wanok, was also con-celebrated by Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese His Grace John baptist Odama, the Bishop of Arua Diocese Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki and the host, Bishop Joseph Franzelli of Lira Diocese.

By Okai Ambrose

Police in Kole district are holding the Kole district store man and the Works Department office attendant in connection to the lost of 41 bags of rice currently being distributed as emergency food relief by Office of the Prime Minister.

The arrest of Peter Odyek and another staff only identified as Sarah was prompted after the Members of Parliament for Kole South Peter Ocen Akalo and that of Kole North Bonny Okello Konypaco ordered for an impromptu check following complaints raised by the locals about the missing bags of rice.

Upon checking into district office premises, 41 bags of rice were discovered hidden in the district toilet.

By Okai Ambrose

The increase in the price of sugar has forced the residents in Alee in Ayer Sub county in Kole district to resort to powdered sweet drinks to sweeten their porridge.

The demand for the powdered drinks that come under the brands of Jolly Just, Pop Drink and Super Deep have gone up at Alee Trading Centre where children especially flock to the shops in the morning to buy the sweeteners.

Nelson Okuti, a shop keeper says he sells over 30 sachets of Jolly Just a day compared to the less than 10 in the past.

Bu Ojok jimmy

Lira District Local Government has opposed the request for the importation of 2000 heads of Tanzanian cattle by Rato Enterprise Limited for sale at Amach market in Amach Sub county.

Rato Enterprises on 3rd April wrote to the Commissioner Animal Health requesting to import 2000 herds of cattle from Kyerwa and Karagwe districts of Tanzania through kikagate and Mutukula border post to Lira.

The Principal Veterinary Inspector in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Dr. Aisu Joseph Charles then wrote to the District Veterinary Officer of Lira to ascertain the availability of farm land for the livestock venture in the district.

By Adongo Zainabu

Lira district has received an applause from the executive director of Uganda National Road Authority over their persistence in evicting road side vendors from the road reserves.

According to the Director the move is to allow the Government prepare to implement a 10 year project of road construction that is supposed to run from Tororo through Lira to Kamdini.

During a press conference the UNRA Executive Director, Allen said that the 340km road construction project is being funded by the World bank despite the earlier reports that the institution had withdrawn from funding the projects being implemented by UNRA as a result of mismanagement of funds.

By Adongo Zainabu

The fate of the seven suspects who were arrested on Friday and detained at Lira Central Police station over illegal possession of ivory weighing about 55kilogrammes is yet to be decided as they have not yet been produced before courts for prosecution.

The Lira district Police Commander, Joel Tubanone disclosed that his office is in touch with a team from the Police Standard Unit and Uganda Wild life authority to have the suspects transferred to Kampala where they shall be produced before Buganda Road Court.

He however said that out of the seven suspects, some of whom he declined to mention their names, are to be exonerated because they were not directly involved in the act.

By Ogwal Sam Alero

Famine out break in most parts of the country is forcing most secondary schools in Lango sub-region to close for first term holiday earlier.

According to education calender for 2017, all schools in the country are supposed to close for first term holiday on the 5th, May 2017 but it is unlikely that most of the schools in the region will carry on for the these two weeks following severe food crisis in Lango sub- region.

Mr Peter Awio, the deputy headteacher of Lira Town College revealed to Radio Wa that the school which used to brake on the official day, will be forced to close on Friday 28th April 2017 after the government owned school ran out of food.

By Opira Sam

Members of Parliament from Lango sub-region have accused government of neglecting the area in the current food relief distribution.

Addressing journalists at Parliament on Tuesday, the MPs led by their Chairperson Felix Okot Ogong of Dokolo South said many people from Lango are suffering and dying of hunger just like in Karamoja and Teso regions but no single food delivery has reached the area.

Okot said they are giving government only one week ultimatum to supply food relief to Lango or they will declare to the locals that there is no government for them.

By Otonga Pelegrine

Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Franzelli pointed out the widening gap between the rich and poor in Uganda which he said is number six in the world with the highest number of people affected by malaria.

He said every year, between 70,000 to 100,000 children die of malaria,much more than the victims of HIV/Aids in a country where the minority 10% of the people enjoys 35.7% of the national resources, getting richer and richer while the vast majority of the population of 90% is sharing the remaining 64.3%, becoming poorer and poorer, adding that the situation in northern Uganda is even worse.

By Otonga Pelegrine

There was panic and utter silence among a section of the congregation at Lira Cathedral Church on Easter Sunday after a woman surprisingly went on a labour pain amidst the Church service.

When it was noted that the lady could deliver any moment, the ushers and other women rushed her out to the compounds where they later used the cover of the flowers to help her deliver a bouncing baby

By Amony Immaculate

The Chapel Councils and Choir trainers of the groups that won in the Radio Wa Christmas Carol competition for 2016, have applauded the initiative for uniting the choir groups and promoting Evangelization in Lira Diocese.

Every year, Radio Wa conducts a Christmas Carol competition that have on average attracted more than 20 choir groups from the 18 Parishes in Lira Diocese as part of the activities to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas.

The Director of Radio Wa, Magdalene Kasuku on Saturday handed over cash prizes to the leaders of the three choir groups during a function at the station.

By Opira Sam

Some FDC party leaders have come on spot for their lack of willingness to develop the party.

On Saturday, the last day of the FDC party retreat for Lango Sub-region that was marked with a heated session,Joel Okao Tema, the former MP contestant for Lira Municipality was applauded by other party members in attendance when he particularly attacked the woman MP for Dokolo District Cecelia Ogwal, accusing her of deliberately failing to popularize the party in Lango.

Okao Tema also accused Cecelia Ogwal for offering selective support to some candidates sidelining others and yet they share the same party and ideologies.

By Adero Grace

The locals in Starch factory village in Adyel Division in Lira Municipality are not yet willing to make good use of the police outpost opened in the area days ago.

The Local Council 1 of the area instead has beefed up their own security spending sleepless nights in a bid to nab criminals who move at night.

On Saturday morning a group of four boys were picked by the LC 1 security team on allegations of waylaying road users at night and subjected them to uncountable strokes of canes under the command of the Chairman, Mr. Odomoch Tomson.

By Odong Geoffrey

Nambieso Sub county in Apac district has received 85 million shillings for the implementation of NUSAF III programme.

Joyce Oroma, the Sub county chief while confirming the development on Thursday at the Sub county headquarters, said the office of the Prime Minister has approved five groups under household sub projects where each group will get 17million shillings

Among the groups which will benefit from the fund are Ayat B, Emin A, Openy, Oriye B1 and Oriye B2.

By Ojok Jimmy

Youth in Lango Sub region have come under a series of attack by Clan leaders and Civil Society Organizations for their inadequate contribution to the development of the region.

The biting remarks on youth laziness were made during a one day conference organized by Lira NGO Forum at Grand Pacific Hotel for cultural, religious,civil society organizations, political leaders and other stakeholders to identify the available potentials for development in Lango Sub region.

According to Paul Acak, the Executive Director of Lira NGO Forum, most of the youth that should be engaged in productive work, spend most of their time on social media; chatting on Facebook and WhatsApp and grossly ignore developmental activities.

By Adero Grace

Lira Grade one Magistrate Court has released two women arrested over the weekend over allegations of stealing government drugs.

The women were released on a cash bail of one Hundred thousand shilling each.

The duo Mary Akello, a nurse attached to Amach Health Centre III in Lira and Ruth Awor, the proprietor of Kakoge Clinic each produced two sureties before Grade One Magistrate Court on Wednesday Afternoon.

By Opira Sam

Primary schools that benefited from tree seedlings distributed by Lira District Local Government and Ngetta Sub county Council are faced with the challenges of sustaining the plants.

Lira District Enviroment Officer Mr. Fabious Otike revealed that the authorities had resolved to distribute seedlings to St. Paul Iwal, Akwia-woro, Cura,Ngetta Boys and Girls Primary schools among others.

But a week after the distribution, the residents surrounding St. Paul Primary School allegedly uprooted almost 100 of the 200 seedlings that were given.

By Adero Grace

A faction of clan chiefs from Lango sub region has written to President Yoweri Museveni seeking for his support in the recognition of Eng. Moses Odongo Okune as the new Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango.

Their letter, signed by Rev. George Okeng, the Speaker of the council of Lango clan leaders, introduces Odongo, the Executive Director of Uganda Road Fund and head of Okar Omwano Clan, as the new Paramount Chief elected by the council of clan heads on February 10, 2017.

The election is described in the letter as a major milestone in the transition process of the Lango Cultural Foundation (Tekwaro Lango) that started in June 2015 with the Karuma Peace Agreement.

His enthronement is scheduled to take place before June 19.

By Adongo Zainabu

Two workers of Amac Health Centre III who were arrested last week have been charged with theft of government drugs .

The duo according to the police spokesperson for North Kyoga have been released on police bond but will be arraigned before court of law once the investigations are complete.

Mudong said that the duo had conspired with one boda-boda cyclist identified as Emmanuel Okello and stole drugs from the out patient department where he carried boxes of HIV testing kits, Malaria testing kits among other drugs.

By Ojok Jimmy

The Police and the Judiciary are leading in corruption in Uganda according to the survey conducted by Actionaid Uganda.

The findings were revealed over the weekend by the coordinator Acton aid for Northern region Moses David Okello in a community dialogue with the district leaders which took place at Lira Mayors Garden on Saturday.

He said, the over eighty districts that they have been going to, they have found that the most corrupt institutions are those of the government which involve the police and the Judiciary.

By Otonga Pelegrine

Radio Wa´s News reporter Amony Immaculate (In White Skirt shaking hands with the Director) has been nominated for the Uganda National Journalism Awards 2017.

Through her successful nomination, Radio Wa also became the only media house from the entire Northern Uganda to feature in The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME)’s yearly National Award announced yesterday (Thursday).

Amony is among a shortlist of 80 journalists for the Uganda National Journalism Awards 2017 in the Agricultural category with an entry of a feature report titled: “Reaping Big with Fish Farming”.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

The Chancellor of Lira University Justice Dr Benjamin Odoki has pledged to help the new public university grow rapidly after making his first appearance at the campus on Thursday.

The former Chief Justice who was appointed by president Museveni last year as the first chancellor for Lira University is yet to be officially installed in a ceremony expected to be presided by the President at a date yet to be communicated.

He made his maiden visit to the campus on Thursday and addressed students and university staff.

By Ojok Jimmy

The Apac Anti Corruption Coalition and other district Officials from Kole and Oyam are threatening to sue Apac District Local Government for their acceptance to pay 98 million shillings to nine former NAADS staff of Apac.

The payment was made after a court ruling where the victims had gone to seek redress.

During a regional dialogue meeting held by TACC and other stakeholders on Thursday at Pacific hotel, the officials resolved to sue Apac DLG for wasteful expenditure.

By Okai Ambrose

Over thirty wetland encroachers in Akalo sub county Kole district have voluntarily surrendered themselves to the Sub county authorities for fear of being reprimanded for cultivating in the wetland.

Jonh Oculi, the Akalo sub county chairman says that as sub county, they decided to introduce massive community sensitization after observing a rise in the wetland cultivation in the parish of Bar Akalo where more than 69 acres of wetland was degraded.

He explained that besides cultivating on wetlands, many water channels are being blocked, while road reserves were destroyed and other social injustices generated by some powerful residents .

By Ouni Jaspher

The Resident District Commissioner for Dokolo district Suzan Akany has ordered all NAADs Coordinators in the district to return all motorcycles in their custody to the district latest Friday the 17th of march 2017.

Akany's order follows complains by Parish Chiefs who have been mandated to monitor operation Wealth creation program that their work is difficult without transport.

She noted that once these motorcycles are returned, they will be given to parish chiefs for easy monitoring of government projects at parish levels.

By Adongo Zainabu

Gazetted markets within Lira Municipality that have not been attracting business, have started filling up to capacity following the demolition of the kiosks and illegal structures.

In the last two weeks, the municipal authorities embarked on removing the structures, most of them stocked with merchandise that are also sold in the markets, from the road reserves and evicted street vendors.

A survey conducted by Radio Wa news desk shows that many of the affected owners of the kiosks especially those who were operating in Teso bar- Corner Kamdini, Juba road, Lira- Kampala highway have erected the make-shifts in the markets such as Te-alok, Cuk Ebange and Junior quarters markets among others.

By Ojok Jimmy

The councilor of Starch Factory parish in Adyel division, Harriet Okello has denied allegations by the local resident of the area that she disappeared with money collected for the establishment of a police post.

Harriet Okello denied the allegation during a security meeting held at Holy Rosary Church premises on Sunday. She instead accused the LC 1 chairperson Mr Odomoch of blackmail and defamation her over the media that she had stolen over 7 million shillings

During the same meeting Mzee Oba, the chairperson for Starch A, also attacked his colleague the chairman of Starch Factory B,Thomson Odomoch, accusing him of propaganda when he alleged that Oba connived with Harriet to steal the residents money.

By Opira SaM

People without malaria parasites in their blood have been discovered as the highest consumers of anti malarial drugs in Lira District.

The findings are according to the data compiled by the District health department between January to December 2016 from the various health facilities

Explaining the data findings to our reporter on Monday morning, Lira district Vector Control Officer Mr.Rashid Mwesigye Etwop revealed that up to 36.7% of those who visited the health facilities between April and June 2016 received Coatem even when they were not confirmed to be having malaria.

By Opira Sam

Some MPs from Lango especially those from the opposition parties have expressed high hope on the newly elected Ugandan members of the East African Legislative Assembly(EALA).

They noted that all the elected members have the capabilities and proper credentials to actively represent Uganda at the regional parliament.

Lira District woman MP Joy Atim Ongom while speaking to our reporter in an interview on Wednesday revealed that with the current team of potential Ugandan representatives to the Arusha based parliament, the impact of economic integration will start to be felt by the local people.

By Adongo ZAinabu

Legal officers and Human Rights Advocates in Lango sub region have called upon the general public to embrace the fight for a fair and equal treatment of Patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Their call comes at a time when Uganda joined the rest of the world in the commemoration of the Zero Discrimination Day.

The Zero Discrimination Day is an annual event recognized by the united nations and it is aimed promoting diversity and recognizing that everyone counts regardless of age, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, skin colour, heights, weight, profession, education and beliefs.

By Otonga Pelegrine

Development partners have committed to work alongside government to ensure that the problem of food insecurity is eliminated in Uganda.

They highlighted existing interventions and pledged to further support short term programs that will contribute towards food sustainability.

The commitment was made during the release of the findings of the Food Security Assessment study which was commissioned by government in 2015 to establish the magnitude of food shortage in the country.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

In what appears to be a reaction to the complaint made to the Inspector General of Police over the conduct of the Police in Lira, the North Kyoga Regional Police Commander has asked members of the media not to rush with their cases to the highest authorities instead of approaching the Regional Office.

Mr John Peter Ematu on Sunday called a press conference at Lira Hotel, only a few days after the New Vision Printing and Publication Company's legal department wrote to the attention of the Inspector General of Police complaining about the unlawful apprehension of their reporter, Hudson Apunyo (Pictured Left)

The Vision Group said the arrest of the reporter without police Summons, Warrant of Arrest or Reference Number and reasons for the apprehension, amounted to gross abuse of the mandate of the Police officers in Lira, and implored the IGP to bring his errant officers to order and good discipline.

By Otonga Pelegrine

Thousands of people on Saturday congregated at Arua for the re-consecration and reopening of the Sacred Heart Ediofe Cathedral.

The occasion that attracted many bishops and the clergies from across the dioceses of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan was witnessed by among others, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala.

The host bishop, Sabino Ocan Odoki described the occasion as a rare opportunity in the world and in a life time, adding that, it is not everyday or every year that a cathedral is consecrated, in reference to the then cathedral that was first consecrated as Ediofe Parish Church in June 1928 by Monsignor Antonio Vignato who was the first Apostolic Prefect of the Church in whole of northern Uganda.

By Opira Sam

The commissioner for Urban Development in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Pade Joseph Walter has called upon the District and Municipal Land Boards to play active roles in the fight against illegal allocation of plots in urban centres.

This comes amid several concerns from the public that land allocation in the urban centres are always based on the economic status of individuals and dominated by tendencies of corruption.

Commissioner Pade said, as the ministry, they have documented these occurrences but said, to rectify this, the land boards need to perform their mandatory responsibilities to guard against such exploitation.

He said to further counteract these; government has instituted the Municipal Physical Planning Committee to widen the scope of participation by several stakeholders.

By Omara Geoffrey

Apac district NGO Forum will soon start investigations into the increasing cases of collapse of non-governmental and civil society organizations in the district.

According to the Chairman board NGO-Link Forum ,Mr Tom Opwonya Superman, the number of NGOs and CBOs are reducing in the district due to founder member syndrome, poor financial management and limited capacity of staff to fundraise for the organizations.

Opwonya who is also the coordinator of the Apac Anti-Corruption Coalition (TAACC) made the remarks at emergency board meeting organized by NGO –Link Forum at its board room on Tuesday.

By Okai Ambrose

Residents of Ayer in Kole town council were yesterday shocked after coming across a mysterious dead body apparently dropped only a kilometer from the town council center in broad day.

The LC 3 Chairperson for Ayer Town Council, Richard Okello Ojok said that the man about 6 ft and in his early 40s, had 4,000 shillings in a 2,000 shillings denominations and a razor-blade tied on his hand.

He added that the deceased was totally naked with both legs and arms tied using white shirt.

By Ojok Jimmy

Police in Lira have arrested a 28 year old man for allegedly masquerading as an employee of NEMA attached to the office of the Resident District commissioner.

Ambrose Otyeny, is accused of fleecing about 1.2 million shilling from the public using his pseudo status. Otyeny a resident of Ayago Parish in Ngetta Sub County, Lira District was arrested after he tried to collect 347,000 shillings from Moses Odongo a 52 years old resident of Bur-lobo.

Angelo Opio the LCI of Oloro ‘A’ Vilage where Otyeny was arrested notes that otyeny has been moving within his village conning money from the locals with claims that he works for NEMA and has been assigned to resolve issues concerning wetland encroachments in Lira.

By Alal Sam

Parents of Orem primary School in Barr Sub-County, Lira district have petitioned a move by Lira District Education Department to transfer their headteacher.

The School Headteacher, Ms Molly Ameto Angweri has been transferred to Tetyang Primary School also in Barr Sub-County after only one year at the School.

But her transfer has not gone well with parents who still think she has unfinished tangible developmental activities to revamp learning in the school.

By Okai Ambrose

The current long drought has translated into shortages of fresh foods with prices shooting up in Lira main market, according to a mini-survey conducted by our reporter on Saturday.

Tomatoes and green paper are mostly the Vegetables that the prices have gone up steadily.

Tomatoes Money maker variety is currently selling at 35,000 shillings up from 27,000 shillings per box a few months ago. Other varieties such as Rio, Nuru and Roma are selling at 300,000 in a big box while the small ones are selling four of them at 500 and big ones cost 2000 shilling.

By Okai Ambrose

The current long drought has translated into shortages of fresh foods with prices shooting up in Lira main market, according to a mini-survey conducted by our reporter on Saturday.

Tomatoes and green paper are mostly the Vegetables that the prices have gone up steadily.

Tomatoes Money maker variety is currently selling at 35,000 shillings up from 27,000 shillings per box a few months ago. Other varieties such as Rio, Nuru and Roma are selling at 300,000 in a big box while the small ones are selling four of them at 500 and big ones cost 2000 shilling.

BY Okello Ceasar Ivan

The election of the new Paramount Chief of Lango (Won.nyaci) has temporarily been suspended following an emergency consultative security meeting held in the office of RDC Lira between members of the Cultural Electoral Commission and the regional security team.

The meeting chaired by Lira Resident District commissioner Mr Robert Abak agreed that both the Electoral Commission and security team first suspend the elections for the formality of peace.

During the meeting, the Regional Internal Security officer Capt. Amura Godfrey pleaded with the teams to accept the suspension of the election of Wonnyaci to give way for the security team to establish the reasons against the transition.

BY Otonga Pelegrine

In a bid to improve access to safe water in in Kole and Oyam districts, the Embassy of Japan is today handing over 13 deep wells constructed on its behalf by Christian Vision International.

The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, His Excellency Kazauki Kameda is expected to officiate over the handover function at Kamdini Sub County headquarters in Oyam district.

The project for the improvement of access water in Kole and Oyam districts is part of the 770 million shillings the embassy earmarked to support Access to safe Water in Lango and Acholi regions.

By Opira Sam

The Health officials in Lango Sub region have allayed the fears of anti-malarial drug shortages recently reported in the media.

Last Sunday, one of Uganda’s dailies reported that all the public health facilities across the country were expected to suffer the shortages of anti-malarial drugs for the February cycle after the National Medical Stores ran out of the essential drugs such as coartem.

However, when contacted to verify the report, some health officials whom our reporter managed to talk to speak to, confirmed that they still have stocks of the anti-malarial drugs especially Coatem in their stores to treat malaria patients.

BY Ouni Jaspher

The recently released PLE results has seen a number of school head teachers in Dokolo district demoted.

The exercise done by the District Education Officer, David Eryatu, saw Mr Ekeny Robert a former Head teacher at Adagnyeko P/7 demoted to a class room teacher at Okwalongwen P/7, Arege Paul from Amunamun P/7 to acting deputy at Tetugu P/7 in Agwata Sub country.

During the District Head teacher’s meeting held on Wednesday to develop strategic plan to improve on performance in 2017, the DEO Mr.David Eryatu attributed the demotions to poor performance and negligence adding that they will continue and dismiss all Teachers who are not serious.

BY Adongo Zainabu

The newly elected leaders of Lira Main Market have blamed the poor administration to the delayed move by the Lira Municipal Council authorities to hand to them the instruments of power to enable them execute their work.

The Vice Chairperson, Daniel Ogwal Engwedo told Radio Wa that its close to two months since they were mandated by the vendors following an election, but they need a formal and legal recognition by the Municipal Council.

Last month Ogwal Engwedo said that they have written to the office of the town clerk to have them sworn in but have not been given any feed back.

By Opira Sam

Local communities in Apac district are yet to continue reaping big from the services of the UPDF.

Speaking to our reporter in an interview on Tuesday about the aftermath of the celebrations,the RDC for Apac Beatrice Akello Akori confirmed that the UPDF medical team will still continue to give health care services to the people there for the next three weeks.

This she said, was an order from the president for the UPDF team to remain in the district for the three weeks duration offering services like Hep B and Cervical Cancer screenings among others.

B Adongo Zainabu

The Amach sub county leadership have threatened to withhold any further to the JENACO Construction company if the works on Alworo- Akuli-Onyakede Road Via Awali swamp is not complete in time. The threats on non payment were remarked by the Amac sub county Chief Harriet Aboko during an impromptu visit by Radio Wa reporter at the site.

Aboko noted that little has been done on the road and she is now worried about the onset of the rains. Recently the director of JENACO revealed that work on3.9km road had been worked on up to 70% .

The Amach sub county Chief Harriet Aboko told Radio wa news desk that as sub county they have created a committee to monitor the progress of the construction on the 3.9km road.

By Ojok jimmy

The Bishop of Lira Diocese Rt. Rev Bishop Joseph Franzeli has called upon people in Lango sub region to desist from acts of domestic violence and embrace peace building initiatives in their homes.

The Lord Bishop made the remarks while opening a one day Gender based sensitization training for priests and catechist of all the parishes in Lira . Bishop said that it is a sin for one to beat up his wife or chase her a way from home noting that where there are conflicts there is no peace; advising husbands and wives to emulate the life of Joseph and Mary if peace is to prevail in their lives.

By Ojok Jimmy

The State Minister for Defence Col. Charles Okello Engola Mac Odwogo has warned some NRM politicians hailing from Lango Sub region against sabotaging government programs.

Okello Engola made the remarks on Monday while addressing people at Apac Boma ground during the 31st anniversary of Tarehe Sita .

Okello Engola´s remarks followed a statement that was made by the MP of Dokolo South who is also a member of NRM party Felix Okot Ogong that there is no need for Uganda to celebrate Tarehe Sita in Apac, because there is nothing that the government has done to develop Apac which is a sign of Abuse to the people of Lango.

By Amony Immaculate

Tarehe sita may have climaxed with a Celebration at Apac Municipality Bomah Ground, but the memories of the NRA guerrilla war against the then Government of Dr Apollo Milton Obote still remains.

However, some politicians have been skeptical on the relevance of the the event in promoting peace and reconciliation in the country, after the overthrow of a democratically elected government.

Hon Rebecca Amuge Otengo, the Ambassador Designate of Ugandan to Ethiopia said, the celebration is held in Apac to promote unity, adding that Ugandans should work together in order to develop.

By Opira Samuel

Members of Parliament across the political divide have continued to express their dissatisfaction over the recent budget cut pronounced by president Yoweri Museveni.

While officiating as the chief Guest during the 31st NRM anniversary in Masindi District, the President announced a 10% cut on every budget element and ordered parliamentarians not to debate on the issue.

However some MPs whom Radio Wa contacted argues that the budget cut directly implies a great reduction in the amount and quality of service delivery to the citizens.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

Discontented residents of Kayago parish in Namsale town council in Amolatar district have burnt down grass-thatched house belonging to one of the two suspects in the murder of a fisherman whose body was recovered floating on Lake Kyoga.

On Thursday last week, residents were shocked after discovering the body of a fisherman called Amandua Samuel floating at Kayago landing site after he was killed by suspects

Two suspected men in the murder were only identified as Mehdi and Monday all from Kayunga district but currently trading in Amolatar district.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

The former contestant for Lira Municipality Mayor under NRM ticket George Mawa and 170 residents of Alebtong have dragged government of Uganda to court over the existent of Karamojong herdsmen in Lango.

In the suit filed at Lira High Court last Friday, George Mawa and others through their Lawyer Innocent Omara and Company advocates want government to pronounce itself on the presence of the Karamojong herdsmen in Lango.

The plaintiffs in the notice of intention to sue are seeking special, general and punitive damages arising from trespass, alienation of land, destruction of crops and land, cutting down of trees, cattle theft by Karamojong herdsmen and cost of the suit which is likely to be over 6 billion shillings.

By Ojok Jimmy

Tension is building up in Alito Sub County in Kole District over the location of the headquarters of Okwerodot, a new Sub County curved out of Alito.

The Councillors hailing from the Parishes of Okwerodot, Abongojok, Obutu and Lwala who are in favor of Okwerodot as the location for the seat of the Sub County are battling with the Councillors from Adelogo, Ayara and Ayalla Parishes who want Ayara as the suitable position for the headquarters.

Johnson Aguda, the councillor representing Okwerodot who led a team to Radio Wa on Sunday, said Okwerodot is already the Parish currying the name of the Sub County and yet its one of the Parishes that has lagged behind in terms of receiving service delivery.

By Amony Immaculate

The free distribution of the 24 million mosquito nets announced by the Ministry of Health shall begin in Lira next month, the District Malaria Focal Point Person has confirmed.

Mwesigye Etwop the Hepatitis B and Meningitis A immunisation programme affected the registration process leading to the delay of the distribution.

In November last year, Ministry of health announced that it will distribute 24 million treated mosquito nets in the next five months as one of the efforts to fight malaria, the deadly disease that kills 70- 100,000 citizens annually in the country.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

The effect of famine where many families in Lango now live on one meal a day, has placed the lives of over 2700 children living with HIV at very high risk of survival

The prolonged draught coupled with crop failure in the last planting season has led to severe food shortage in the villages where most of these children are found.

The authorities at Lira Regional Referral Hospital said that the status at which the children are living calls for immediate intervention to rescue the situation.

By Paul Aloca

The Minister of Health has called for a behavioral change among the youth to avoid the spread of Hepatitis B which mode of infection is similar to that of the deadly HIV/Aids.

Dr. Jane Aceng Ochero said the current statistics show that the spread of Hepatitis B is more prevalent among the youth aged 15 to 35 years, saying the trend is so worrying for the future of the country that depends on the youth.

The Minister who was on Sunday speaking on the occasion to commission the emergency ward for St. John's Hospital Atapara by the Papal Nuncio in Uganda, His Excellency Archbishop Micheal August Blume.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan.

A peace meeting between Lango Cultural Foundation and Karamojong cultural leaders over the existent of Karamojong herdsmen in Lango on Tuesday ended without any tangible solution to their problems after the two tribes failed to reconcile their differences.

The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Lango Dr Richard Nam on behalf of the Lango Paramount Chief, included the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs who represented the government, Religious and Political leaders, Civil Society Organizations, the military and the police among others.

Tensions between Karamojong herdsmen and the people of Lango is not about to cool down after Lango Cultural Foundation resolved that government should ensure that no Karamojong herdsmen entered to graze in Lango although the government is of the few that the herdsmen continuous to stay where they are currently.

By Adongo Zainabu

Lira Regional Referral Hospital hopes to recruit 49 more new staff in the financial year 2016/2017 to reduce on the current 119 vacant positions.

The hospital's Human Resources Officer Ms Lorna Asima said the recruitment shall be made possible after a wage enhancement by 500 million shillings.

Most of the vacancies to be filled, she said, are in the administration and technical departments although the hospital needs six more medical

officers, ten more consultants and four senior consultants.

By Opira Samuel

The Member of Parliament representing Persons With Disability for Northern Uganda Hon. William Nokrach has expressed his disappointments over the manner in which some district officials are mismanaging funds meant to facilitate the activities of the PWDs.

Without mentioning the affected districts, Nokrach said government always send money inform of a disability grant to every districts but end up being mismanaged by some individuals at the districts.

During an interview with our reporter on Wednesday, Nokrach pledged to start following up on how and where the funds have been mismanaged where after, appropriate legal steps shall be taken on those found guilty.

By Adero Grace

Adherence to the ministry of education cut off points for admission to S.1 is the surest way of gate keeping to quality results at both Ordinary and advanced level of education.

Though the cut off points are arrived at for the national selection exercise, many school administration always admit student with their points above the cut off points.

With more pupils scoring a first grade in Lira district it may not be so easy for them to join Secondary level of Education.

By Amony Imaculate

The Secretary Finance and Administration at Lira Municipality Walter Opota has asked the district elected leaders not to politicize the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program in the name of supervising it.

Opota said if the program is seen as another political program of the government, it will suffer a set back as it has been with other previous programmes that were meant to alleviate poverty.

He was speaking during the Lira Municipal Stakeholders sensitization Training organised by the UWEP Regional supervisors at the municipal hall.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

The timing of the disbursement of the Youth Livelihood Fund during the 2016 election season has affected the effective management of the program, the District Community Development Officer for Lira has said.

Speaking to Radio WA reporter, Francis Okello Olwa said most of the groups that received the loans during the campaigns for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections are reluctant to make recoveries, thinking that the money was a gift from government.

He stressed that they have been left with no option but to cause arrests to some youth leaders who have misappropriated the funds by distributed them among themselves

By Amony Imaculate

Uganda blood bank in-collaboration with St Kizito old students association SKOPA has collected 685 units of blood during the one week blood donation drive that ended on Saturday at Lira Mayors garden.

Jude Patrick Olwa the area Manager of Lira blood collection Centre said that the blood donation drive was aimed at improving the health of the people in Lango more especially pregnant mothers and Children who at times suffered from anaemia.

According to Olwa they manage to collects more than what they expects and he hopes to help the 15 Hospitals in Lango including Lira regional Hospital that is running out of bllod.

By Ojok Isaac

Thousands of people yesterday thronged Aber Catholic Parish to welcome the Papal Nuncio in Uganda, His Excellency Archbishop Michael August Blume who was in Lira Diocese for a pastoral work to commission an emergency unit at St. John's Hospital Aber.

Before then, the Nuncio who led a Eucharistic Mass, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 350 Christians and later blessed the new building of St Peter and Paul Chapel at Kamdini Township.

Speaking about the emergency unit that was built with the assistance of Medical Aid for Northern Uganda, a USA based Charity, the Nuncio said it was made possible due to the prayers that the people have been asking for better medical care.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

The Authorities of Lira Municipal Council have agreed to begin appreciating through what they will call a handshake to head teachers whose schools excel in Primary leaving examination- PLE.

The pronouncement was made by Lira deputy Town Clerk Patrick Ogweng and Mayor Mike Ogwang Veve while officially handing over PLE results from 28 centres of the schools in Lira Municipality to head teachers at the Health board room.

Patrick Ogweng said that they will arrange and give handshakes as the only way of motivating the head teachers whose school put the Municipal on the national map.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

The Environmental Police and NEMA officials will begin traversing all the wetland areas in Lira district to assess their current situation, the Resident District Commissioner has disclosed.

Robert Abak who is to move with the team of Police from Environmental Management and Protection Unit throughout the district said that the exercise will commence later this week.

Government of Uganda through the environmental department is to start evicting or arresting those who have illegally encroached wetlands and Forest reserve in the country.

BY Ojok Isaac

The alarming rate of accidents caused by Boda Boda riders has forced the police in Lira to enforce the carrying of riding permits by all riders effective this month.

Mohamed Bigirwa, the Officer in Charge of Traffic in Lira district said serious accidents that have occurred by riders have been attributed to mainly those without valid riders' permit.

Bigirwa said the police who shall be charged with ensuring that all riders have the valid permits have also been instructed to impound any motorcycle being ridden by unlicensed rider.

By Adero Grace

Vendors in Lira Main Market are calling for the demolition of Juba market and the banning of business along Notte-ber road if Lira Municipal is to realise meaningful revenue collection.

Dorcus Odong, a dealer in fresh cassava says buyers prefer Juba market and purchasing food stuffs along the road side which makes trading from inside the market a disgrace to their business.

Another vendor, Adongo blamed the municipal authority for permitting the pedallers who are selling goods on wheel barrows for chocking their business.

By Adongo Zainabu

Cultural leaders should continue to engage their subjects in dialogues over the dangers of domestic violence to the general wellbeing of the public and to find lasting solutions.

This was the quest made by the Awitong of Okii Raki Okwero Cobo Clan, Shaban Alunga Atepo during the clan’s end of year meeting for the leaders from the districts of Dokolo, Alebtong and Lira last Friday at Bata Sub County, Dokolo district.

Alunga said most families are forcing the children to engage in activities such as hawking and gardening which has made most of them to drop out of school.

By Ojok Isaac

The Police in Amolatar Central Police station is holding two Police officers in connection with the death of Robert Ogwal a local resident of Kayago landing site Namasale sub county Amolatar District.

David Ongom Mudong the Police Public Relation officer for North Kyoga confirmed the arrest and noted that the two police officers tentatively are on murder charges as inquiries continue and the case was recorded at Amolatar central Police station under CRB 16/2016.

It is alleged that on the 1. Jan.2017 at around 1.00AM the officers who were in for patrol encountered a group of local people who seemed to be rioting and setting ablaze the papyrus Kiosks in the trading centre, they shot one civilian Robert Omara in their attempt to put situation to order.

By Opira Sam

The youth leaders in Lango sub region have called for amendments in the implementation of the youth livelihood project if tangible results are to be realised

James Omara Elem,the District youth councillor for Lira notes that as the youth leadership, they have realised that most of the beneficiary youth groups have failed in terms of enterprise selection and end up engaging in activities that are not viable.

This he said, has forced most of the youth to run away after failing to pay back the money which is supposed to be a revolving fund.

By Adongo Zainabu

The Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo and the Opposition Chief Whip in the 10th Parliament, Hon Cecilaia Ogwal is leading as one of the legislators from Lango Sub region who have made the most contributions in the floor of parliament.

An independent analysis of the Hansard, the Official parliamentary record showed that at least 82 MPs did not say a word during the debate in the just ended first session of the house while 51 MPs spoke only once throughout the 37 plenary sittings in 2016.

However from Lango sub region, among the Members of parliament who have been rated for having participated actively in the sittings include: Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal Dokolo with 52 times, Hon. Anthony Okello of Kyoga County 29 times, Hon.

By Ojok Isaac

The Bishop of Lira Diocese has urged on everyone to be instruments of unity and reconciliation as a prerequisite for peace peace building in every family.

Rt. Rev Joseph Franzelli said it should be the responsibility of every individual to

be change agents for unity and reconciliation if a peaceful coexistence is to be realised in the families and the society at large.

Bishop Franzelli was on Sunday presiding over the profession of the Sisters from the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church at their convent at Ngetta, outside Lira town.

By Amony Immaculate

The female inmates at Lira Central Prison on Saturday 31st December concluded the year with a visit by a team from Radio Wa who took along gifts for them to usher with the new year.

Among the goodies presented were soaps, sugar, beans, posho, cooking oil and other food items which some organisations and well-wishers entrusted with Radio Wa for delivery to the inmates.

Magdalene Kasuku (Pictured left, the director Radio Wa who led the delegation said she hoped the gifts, however in small quantities, will make a difference in the lives of the women, some of whom have babies.

By Adongo Zainabu

The Mayor of Lira Municipality has implored on sports stakeholders to encourage the promotion of all the games that enhance physical and mental developments.

The Mayor was on New Year Day officiating over a friendly football match between the Lira Cathedral Catechist Association and the Lira Cathedral Seminarians Association at Lango College Sports Ground.

The match was organised as an event to mark the beginning of the New Year and for the clergy and the religious to entertain the public. (Fr. Desiderious Pule pictured left)

By Pelegrien Otonga

To all the men and women of good will in Lira Diocese

Dear brothers and sisters,

This is the 12th time for me to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Since 2005, year after year, as a shepherd of Lira Diocese, I have been sharing with you my best wishes and what I felt in my heart could be the message of Christmas for us.

Every year, I tried to stress and highlight that particular aspect of the mystery of this unique event which I felt more relevant to our life and situation here in Lango. What else can I say or add this year?

A few days ago Pope Francis made a surprise phone call during a popular program of the Italian television to convey his Christmas wishes to all the viewers. I would like to address to you and make my own his words: “I wish you a Christian Christmas,

By Okello Cesar Ivan

John Paul Byagami, the Lira Laboratory Technician and the Laboratory Focal point Person who was accused of stealing medical equipment, is now faced with interdiction.

The District Council of Lira has recommended that John Paul Byagami be interdicted from office to allow him prove his innocence before the courts of law.

On Friday, the District Health Officer Dr Patrick Buchan Ocen said he recently wrote to the Chief Administrative Officer informing him about the issue concerning Byagami.

By Adongo Zainabu

The decline in the observance of norms and traditional believes is eroding the cultural values that existed among the tribe of Lango, years ago.

The decline, according to Tom Okao the Clan Minister of Planning for Okii Raki Okwero Cobbo is attributed to the emergence of modern civilisation and the adaption of some western cultures in the African settings.

Okao who is also the Director of the Lira based Fountainhead Institute of Management and Technology was speaking during the general clan meeting that brought together the members from  Amugu, Abako and Awei in Alebtong, Bata and Adok and Agwata in Dokolo district and Barr in Lira district,

By Ojok Isaac

The first day of January that the Catholic Church dedicates to Mary as the Mother of The Church is also an annual event at the convent for the Missionary Sisters of Mother of the Church founded in Lira Diocese.

To honour the day, and as a tradition, preparations are in high levels at Ngetta convent for the professions to Sisterhood of six candidates who will be taking their first vows.

Speaking to Radio Wa from the convent, Rev. Sr. Mary Lilly Driciri, the communications secretary of the Congregation said, the level of preparations has reached to the climax especially for the liturgy.

By Sam Ogwa Alero

A boda boda rider in Lira town survived death last night after he was attacked by two iron bar hit men.

Albert Obua, of DJRA stage near White House building in Lira was attacked at 8pm by the two hit men who had asked him to transport them to Nancy School for the deaf but on reaching near the school playing grounds, the two tactically jumped off the motorbike and hit him several times leaving him with serious injuries in the head .

His motorcycle Registration number UEL582/J was then robbed instantly.

By Amony Immaculate

Over a hundred people have participated in the ADINA walk to run marathon which took place this morning.

Those who participated in the marathon included adults who participated in the 5, 16 and 21 kilometres, while children participated in the 2 kilometres run.

Sam Atul, the chairperson ADINA foundation said this is the 2nd marathon of this kind and further explains reason the marathon was organised.

By Opira Sam

Even after her proposal to be granted a leave before tabling her Alcohol Control Bill 2016 was thrown out by Parliament on Thursday, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Bakaleke Nambooze is still determined that she will make all the efforts to ensure that the Bill is tabled and discussed.

Parliament has on Thursday advised Nambooze to seek consent from government before being granted leave of the house to present the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2016.

Distancing Speaker Rebecca Kadaga from her failure, Nambooze noted that her proposal was only thrown out by the biased members of the ruling NRM party whose ambitions are only to suffocate the ideologies of the opposition Mps.

By Okai Ambrose

A local comedian in Oyam District was on Thursday expelled from a burial place at Abie-buti, Loro Sub County after his utterance against the church did not go down well with the mourners.

Okello Ameri who is about 38 years old, forced his way to program controller at the podium where he in a comical way began introducing himself as the LC 7, Bishop for the Pegans and chairman wrong doers in Oyam.

Okello who was seemingly under the influence of alcohol to be drunk began by accusing the church of corruption and thereafter alledged that he hated the church because his wife met her death in the hands of a church leader.

By Amony Immaculate

The Holy Innocent Lira Babies Home in Ngetta on Wednesday evening received gifts from three different organisations that paid them a charity visit and to wish them a merry festive season.

The organisations included Radio Wa, Centenary bank and St EGIDIO Community of Lira Cathedral.

Among the donations were soaps, sugar, biscuits, milk, sodas and other food items among others which were collected from the organisations and well-wishers and pooled together for delivery.

By Opira Sam

The Ugandan Ambassador to South Africa Mr. Julius Peter Moto has implored the general public to consider adopting children who do not have parents to enable them get the care and love they need to grow into productive citizens.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Wa, on Wednesday, Ambassador Moto made reference to the orphanage at Lira Babies Home where a number of minors who have lost their parents or abandoned are currently being kept but registering very low level of adoption.

Committing himself to looking forward to adopting some children from the babies home, the ambassador called upon all persons of good will to also do the same so as to find favour from God.

By Adero Grace

Members of the small village savings “Bolicap” group in Aconyobo village, Abako sub county in Alebtong district have impounded 5 Cows and 6 Goats belonging to the group's treasurer accused of misappropriating about 1.6 million shillings.

The animals are awaiting to be sold at Amugu market on Wednesday to recover the group's money that the members failed to distribute as dividends to celebrate with Christmas.

The treasurer only identified as Eyutu Richard who is on the run, claims that a certain bank with which he had accumulated loans, raided his home and instead took the money belonging to the group members.

By Ojok Jimmy

The Resident District Commissioner of Oyam district the tendency by some politicians who turn burial ceremonies as platforms for politicking.

Akullo Gillian’s remarks followed confusion that happened last Friday during the burial of a reknown UPC member Bruno Elwar at Oyam Town Council whereby some politicians started attacking one another over the level of support their political party made towards the burial arrangement.

Akullo said politicians always waste a lot of time when given the opportunity to speak at burial places yet most of what they speak are politics and inciting violence.

By Okai Ambrose

The level of preparedness for Christmas celebration has turned into losses for those who slaughtered animals for sale in Ayer Sub County in Kole District.

A total of 20 pigs and 8 cows were slaughtered on Christmas eve on Saturday but the meat failed to sell because most people belonging to the small village savings group popularly known as 'Bolicap' received their end of year saving dividend in form of meat.

As a result, a kilogram of pork was sold at 8000 instead of 10,000 shillings while beef which is always scarce in the area, was sold at only 9000 instead of 10,000 shillings.

By Otonga Pelegrine

With only a day to Christmas Day, transport operators as is the norm have hiked fares for travelers leaving Kampala headed for the countryside.

At the various parks, in and around the central business district congestion was growing by the minute on Thursday morning as people rushed to catch the next bus back home, while others scrambled to purchase different items in the busy shops for the festivities.

Transport fares to the Eastern region, Western region, the Northern part of the country and some parts of Central region have been slightly increased due to the overwhelming number of passengers competing for the limited transport means available.

By Adongo Zainabu

A section of the public are critical of the government's proposal of electing Local Council 1 and 2 leaders by lining up behind the candidates during the elections due for January 2017.

During an interview with Radio, some members of the public said the method of lining up is aimed at scaring the voters from electing leaders their choice.

Paul Okello Ochieng, a retired civil servant and a resident of Kamdini in Oyam district said that the process is against Article 21 Clause 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

Lira District Council debate for the year ending 2016 went into chaos on Thursday following the suspension by the speaker of the male youth councilor for two consecutive sittings.

Speaker George Rashid Opio had reprimanded James Omara Elem (Pictured Left) with the suspension for his public remarks where he accused some district officials for receiving heifers under Operation Wealth Creation.

This, and other issues where among the debate that took place at the district chambers. It all started at around 1 PM on Thursday, Lira District Council Hall was not a secured place to be as Councilors opposed to the suspension of Omara Elem turned violent while accusing speaker and Chairman Oremo Alot for acting unlawful since the issue concerning the distribution of the heifers never reached the floor of Council.

By Odongo Jimmy Bosco

Police have arrested four people for destroying a building under construction for the residence of the catechist of Akanoalyec Chapel in Ogur Sub County, Lira District.

The destruction that took place last Tuesday night, followed the pastoral visit of the bishop of Lira Diocese Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli to Akanoalyec where during the day, administered the sacrament of confirmation to 200 Christians.

It also followed an earlier warning by a group of people opposed to the development of the Catholic Church in the area who wrote threatening to cause havoc should the bishop go ahead with his planed pastoral work in the area.

By Ojok Jimmy

The Police in Lira have recovered fourteen motorcycles and arrested three men suspected to be behind the racket of stealing of motorcycles, selling them to other people and murdering of boda bodas in Lira.

Speaking from Lira Central Police Station, the Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga region, David Ongom Mudong said those arrested include their key leader Denis Opio who is known as Opio Kamdini and his two others accomplices only identified as Otim and Okello who are all are residents of Kamdini Town Board in Oyam District.

Ongom said the thieves always steal motorcycles and alter the number plates besides adding some marks on the motorcycle to confuse the owner before selling them to unsuspecting buyers in another district.

By Okello Ceasar Ivan

A member of the Uganda People’s Congress Party and an executive of Lira District Council has asked the public to be patient as they wait for President Museveni to fulfil his pledges made during elections.

Jefferson Obalim, the Councillor for Lira Central Division and Secretary for Finance and Administration said Museveni is a good leader and can fulfil all his pledges if given time.

Obalim was commenting on the NRM manifesto for 2016-2021 where President Museveni pledged free sanitary pads for school girls and 18 million hand hoes to Ugandans if re-elected to which Obalim said he should be given more time to make good the pledges.

By Opira Sam

The Commissioner for Forestry in the Ministry of Water and Environment Mrs. Natana Goretti has revealed that the country's forest landscape currently stands at only 9% as compared to 24% in 1990.

Natana who is also the national focal point person for forest landscape restoration, made the rather shocking revelation during an exclusive interview with our reporter at the sidelines of a dissemination workshop on environment organized by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Lira Hotel over the weekend.

In their deliberation, the District Forest Officers and Environment Officers from Lango and West Nile Sub-regions had cited the rampant deforestation for charcoal burning as a major driver of climate change.

By Amony Immaculate

Two families in Ober Village Agweng Parish in Adwari Sub County in Otuke District are still locked-up in a land dispute dating back to 1952 and despite numerous court interventions.

The unending dispute has already drawn the attention of the Police in case it degenerates into a fully blown out conflict among the families that were once driven away from their land during the two decade insurgency in northern Uganda.

The Officer in charge Criminal Intelligence Department at Otuke Central Police Station last Friday asked the local community in Lango to embrace peace, exercise tolerance and remain truthful in order to find lasting solutions to their grudges.

By Adongo Zainabu

Pelegrine Otonga the Sub News Editor and Acola Jane Omony, a radio presenter and English News Anchor, have been recognized as the best employees of the year 2016.

They were unveiled by the director of Radio Wa, Magdaline kasuku during the staff Annual general Meeting held at the radio conference room on 15th December 2016.

Pelegrine’s achievements in mentoring the volunteers and other News reporters, providing guidance through out the year and improving on the news content in addition to his contribution and sacrifice in rising up every morning to host #BehingTheHeadlines program every Monday to Friday and Saturday’s #ManyVoicesOnePeople program – earned him the recognition.

By Achan Irene

The National Resistance Movement Administrative Secretary’s office in Lira District has been Closed over rent arrears.

Moses Okello Oleng, the landlord locked NRM office over an accrued arrears of about 4,570,000 that has been accumulating since September 2015.

After locking the NRM office , Okello threatened to take legal action against the NRM party if no immediate action is taken by the Secretariat in Kampala.

By Ojok Jimmy

The chairman of Lira United Motorcycle Boda Boda Association has has cautioned his members to avoid riding at night and going long distances even during day time.

Moses Okori's caution comes at the time when the general public have been warned against act of insecurity during the Christmas festive season.

Okori said there are some bodaboda riders who have been killed in broad day light and their motorcycles stolen especially when they are hired to travel distances.

By Amony Immaculate

A three day Youth Conference organized by Lira Diocese has ended with an encouragement to the youth study hard, capture new information and make critical analysis if they are to become leaders in the future.

Ferdinand Okello, the Deputy Director Caritas Lira made the encouragement while giving a closing remarks at the conference for over one hundred youth at St. Mary Magdalene Girls' School at Barogole

on Wednesday morning.

Listen to more in this reportage

By Okello Cesar Ivan

Lango War claimants under Moses Ocip faction now have a reason to smile after they were assured of their payments before the 30th of December 2016-12-13

They assurance of payment was made public by the group’s counsel Alex Basassa of Basasa and Company Advocate on Tuesday while addressing hundreds of claimants from the eight district of Lango at Lira Mayors garden.

During the gathering different speakers asked for calm among the War claimants with NRM Vice Chairperson from Northern Uganda Hon Sam Engola promising to meet the President and table the matter before him and see that Lango is compensated before the end of this year.

By Adero Grace

Lira District leaders have been blamed for the poor academic performance of primary pupils in Amac Sub county.

Bernard Adoko the chairman Lc3 of Amach sub county revealed that despite their attempts to write to Lira district to close markets in Amac during school days this has not happened. He claims that pupils abandon classes on Wednesday until Saturday to attend to traders from Juba.

Lira Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak revealed that internal bickering among civil servants in local government has negatively affected service delivery in Lango Subregion.

BY Adongo Zainabu

The Resident District Commissioner for Lira district Robert Abak has given a 14 days ultimatum to the former in-charge of Akangi health center to refund 800,000shillings that she is reported to have embezzled from the health unit

This follows the allegations that was tabled to the RDC by the area councilor of Ogur sub county at Coorom primary school last week while presiding over the anti corruption week organized by transparency international Uganda.

Listen to more in this reportage

By Opira Sam

The community of Bala Sub-county in Kole District are living in great fear following reports of illegal guns which are reportedly on the increase in the area.

The Resident District Commissioner for Kole Agnes Akello Ebong confirmed the report saying her office is planning to take actions.

She called upon those currently holding illegal fire arms and weapons to surrender them to the concerned authority before her office launches an operation to search for the weapons.

By Adero Grace

The Vicar General of Lira Diocese has underscored the contributions of the Women Guild in the development of the Church.

Rev. Fr. Desiderious Pule Olima said because of the 90% contribution from the Women Guild through their structures in the diocese down to the Parishes and Chapels, the work in Lira Diocese has been made much easier

Father Desdarious was on Thursday afternoon addressing hundreds of the members of the women guild and other Christians who congregated at Lira Cathedral Ordination Ground to celebrate the the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

By Adero Grace

Any district official who will award contracts to any company without the consent of the Resident District Commissioner will be in trouble.

Robert Abak, the Lira Resident District commissioner sounded the warning as it emerged that there is syndicate corruption in the local government which calls on the office of the president to monitor closely

He said the office of the president should be made aware of all the contracts within the district which has never been the case in Lira District.

By Ojok Jimmy

Although the trial of the former LRA Sinia Brigade Commander Dominic Ongwen that kicked off at the Hauge today may take a bit long for justice to have been done, public opinion is already weighing in against his conviction.

Instead, the views of the people our reporters have managed to talk to suggests that it should be the government of Uganda to be placed in the dock for its failure to protect especially the innocent children that by then included Dominic Ongwen from being abducted by the rebels. Ongwen was by then only 13 years.

Brian Okullo Okere 45 years and a resident of Adwari sub county in Otuke district said when the LRA roamed their villages even during the day and subjecting them to all the forms of torture, there was no army to confront them.

By Adongo Zainabu

Trail Blazers Mentoring Foundation field officer for Omoro and Amugu Sub Counties in Alebtong district Ojok Amos has decried the high level of child marriages in the two Sub Counties stating that as of now the cases are alarming

He has attributed the increase to the negative mindsets and high levels of violence in most families. In one case, a 13years old girl was beaten 60 strokes for refusing to get married to a 40year old HIV Positive man, while another 9 years old girl was defiled.

Listen to more in this reportage.

By Ouni Jaspher

The Chief administrative Officer Dokolo Mr. George William Omuge has ordered for the reverification of both teachers and their heads in service by the District Service Commission.

This follows the detentions of about 1146 candidates' results for Primary Seven Entrance examination 2016 that was set by Dokolo District Examination Board (DDEB) in order to assess the competence of primary six learners that the district is preparing to register for the 2017 PLE.

Omuge says although most teachers in Dokolo are professional but there could also be some impersonators who are incompetent and must be investigated by District Service Commission in January 2017, adding that impersonators will be thrown out with penalties when discovered.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

Security officers in Lira district are worried about illegal arms still in the hands of civilians

According to Lira Resident district commissioner, Robert Abak who heads security in the district, his intelligence reveals that a number of civilians still poses guns which they use to rob and kill people.

Without announcing a particular date, Abak said, any time they will launch an operation to recover the illegal guns and those found in possession will be arrested.

By Ouni Jaspher

Key district officials in Dokolo have undergone a capacity building training on birth registration sponsored by Dokolo District Local Government in Conjunction with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) .

According to the District Population Officer Dokolo, Mr. Moses Okello the key objectives of the training include, Improve Participants understanding on Birth and death registration (BDR), to review both National and International legal standards on BDR and to increase participant’s awareness and understanding of Uganda’s Legislation on BDR.

Okello expects participants at the end of the training to have identified or mapped out community based structures and developed knowledge on how to work with them in Birth registration, understand the respective BR key actor’s roles and responsibilities and also Be knowledgeable about the legal standards and frame work for Birth Death Registration in the country .

By Adero Grace

Despite several other interventions, domestic violence is still a challenge in Lango Sub region.

Annet Lamwaka, the Project Coordinator at Lira Safety Center for Gender Based Violence says the usefulness of the domestic violence Act still leaves a lot to be desired, she adds that there are good laws in Uganda but implementation is lacking.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

the founder of Lango War reparation Association LAWRA has asked Police in Lira to investigate and arrest Linda Auma and Emmy Joe Odongo for alleged continued extortion of money from the war claimants.

According to Ayena Odongo both Linda Auma and Emmy Joe Odongo are continuously fraudulently extorting money from the complainants in the name of carrying out verification yet the exercise was smoothly completed early this year by the office of the Attorney general.

Now Ayena wants Police to raid Awuma's residence and have her arrested because over illegal transactions.

By Ojok Jimmy

Residents of Bar Onger Parish in Railways division in Lira Municipality are demanding urgent response from the authorities following a heavy down pour that scattered human remains in their gardens.

Solomon Achar, a resident says the human remains were washed to his garden neighboring from the cemetery following the two day's down pour.

According to Achar, at first he thought the bones were from the remains of animals slaughtered in the nearby abattoir but his fears worsened when he smelt a heavy stench accompanied by blue flies from his garden.

By Wa Reporter

The Apac Anti Corruption Coalition (TAACC) is launching the anti corruption week through forum theatre plays, local songs and poetry, with the theme: "Reject and Report Corruption: Your responsibility".

TAACC therefore wishes to employ the interactive education programmes such as forum theatre plays, tailor made songs and poems to inform, educate and entertain the citizens to demand and advocate for their political rights as well as effective service delivery.

According to Tom Opwonya the Executive Director – TAACC The event will further deepen the intensity and stimulate more discussions on accountability and anti-corruption campaigns.

By Ojok Jimmy

Lira municipality member of parliament Hon. Jimmy Akena has cautioned those intending to contest for UPC party president to with draw their intentions as there is no vacancy for that post.

Akena sounded the caution while addressing a gathering at Lira Primary School during a launch of phase two Boda boda motorcycles distribution.

He said there are people moving around to consult UPC delegates at grassroots level so that they can assume the office of the party president; to Akena, the office of the party president will only be vacant in 2020.

Listen To Akena in the Audio file

By Cesar Ivan Okello

The religious leaders, cultural leaders, members of Parliament (MPs) and district leaders from Lango Sub Region have fronted a draft resolution against the proposed land amendment bill by the government.

Jonathan Odur (Pictured Left) were among the leaders made this resolution in a meeting organized by Northern Uganda Inter Church Alliance at Gracious place in Lira Town.

The executive director of NUICA Rev.Joel Awio Agel said, they want to prevent the bill in its early stages.

By Adongo Zainabu

Cases of Gender based violence are expected to reduce in Lira district, after the authorities decided to come up with an ordinance that shall be launched on the 10th of December in Iwal Primary school, Ngetta Sub County during the celebrations to mark the 16 days of activisim.

The 16 days of activism against gender based violence is a campaign that was launched by the United Nations Women aimed at galvanizing actions to end violence against women and girls around the world.

In Lira district, to ensure that Gender based violence is eliminated at all levels the district councilors drafted an ordinance that was tabled before the council and approved.

By Cesar Ivan Okello

The Chairperson Women league for National Resistance Movement party for Lira District has called for immediate intervention by RDC over what she said unfair treatment by LCIII Chairperson for Amach Sub-County.

Zena Opolot who is also the female Councillor for Teso A Parish in Adyel Division Lira Municipality said, the LCIII of Amach Sub-County Bernard Adoko, is blocking NRM members from benefiting from Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program fund.

According to Zena Opolot, Bernard Adoko is currently side-lining NRM members from registering their groups to benefit from the program yet government program is supposed to benefit every body regardless of Party affiliation.

By Omara Geoffrey

Pupils in five primary schools in Apac district still sit on the floor while attending lessons according to the finding by the Apac Anti Corruption Coalition-TACC.

The report presented by the Executive Director of TACC, Tom Opwonya Superman at Omodi Hotel on yesterday said, over 3000 children in the five schools in Apac do not have access to desks which are conducive for learning.

Opwonya said, the schools which do not have the desks include Aketo, Wansolo, Alerwany, Apwori and Akokoro primary schools.

By Okot Henry

Police in Aduku has arrested 9 suspects in connection with the robbery at Ikwera Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) that led to the theft of 24 million shillings.

According to the security guard of Ikwera Sacco Doi Bonny who spoke to our reporter, at about 1am last night, a group of 15 men raided Ikwera SACCO Premises after dismantling the heavy padlocks on the door.

Abili Clinton the deputy Manager Ikwera SACCO confirmed the incident adding that even their computers were stolen.

By Opira Samuel

The recent directive by the Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Relief Hon. Hilary Onek to ban the importation of Sachet Waragi in Lango, is gathering support from members of the public including the dealers.

While addressing the RDCs, CAOs and District Chairpersons from all the districts in Lango at Lira District chambers yesterday, Onek ordered for an immediate ban on the sales and consumption of sachet Waragi.

He argues that the massive importation of the Waragi in Lango and Northern Uganda at large is highly contributing to the increasing levels of poverty in the region.

By Cesar Ivan Okello

The former UPC Adhoc Committee Chairperson has called for coexistence among the rival UPC factions who are currently fighting for the leadership of the party.

Rev Opolo Apelo who is currently bed ridden and occasionally suffer from some loss of senses, made the appeal when Radio Wa reporter paid him a courtesy call at his Rainbow Home in Ojwina Division, Lira Municipality.

In 2005 during the disputed UPC party elections where some bigwigs of the party were locked out, Rev. Yokoyadi Opolo Apelo stood firm to ensure that the party that twice led the government, did not collapse.

By Ojok Jimmy

The Police has cautioned crime preventers against threatening the community with arrests saying they are not mandated to arrest any one.

According to the police spokesperson ASP David Ongom Mudong, they have received complains that some crime preventers are threatening people in the community with arrest but with the intension of extorting money from them.

Mudong said crime preventers are not mandated to arrest any one and they are not allowed to carry any operation without the police. They are however only allowed to report to police any crimes that happen in their communities.

By Ouni Jasper

Dokolo grade one magistrate, Drajole Emmanuel Alione on Tuesday adjourned a robbery against a Saloon operator in Adwoki trading center and 4 others to the 24 /11/2016.

The five are accused of robbing George Ojegele a resident of the same centre of property worth 1.8 million shillings.

Prosecution alleges that on the 21/09/2016 in Adwoki trading center Agwata Sub County at 3:00am a group of young men broke into George Ojegele's store in Adwoki and stole 3 inverters, one Solar panel and one Solar battery worth 1.8 million.

By Amony Immaculate

The creation of new sub-counties from Adekokwok sub-county still hangs in the hands of the local community and opinion leaders as they are to be consulted first.

The chairperson Local Council 3 Moses Mike Alengo said the action cannot be taken without the advice from the stakeholders and communities as they are important in defining boundaries.

Listen to more in this reportage.

By Pelegrine Otonga and Ceasar Ivan Okello

20th November marked the formal close of the extraordinary Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy launched by Pope Francis last December 8th 2015.

As the curtain came down with the symbolic shutting of the main door at Uganda Martyrs Lira Cathedral, the Bishop of Lira Diocese Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli called on the Christians to embrace the mercy of God by becoming ambassadors of mercy and forgiveness in their different communities.

Before declaring the official end of the special jubilee, Bishop Franzelli reminded the congregation that assembled outside the church, of the unending mercy of God to all who seek forgiveness and ready to live righteously.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

There was drama on Saturday afternoon at Silver Peak Hotel along Soroti Road in Lira after Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) Party delegates chased away Lira Municipality MP Jimmy Akena who had sneaked into the Hotel’s Conference Hall where Julius Ocen, the MP for Kapelebyong County was addressing the Party loyalists.

Julius Ocen who contested as an independent candidate during the 2016 general Election after pulling out from contesting under the UPC ticket is vying for the UPC Party Presidency following the release of an election roadmap by acting UPC President Joseph Bbossa.

He was meeting party delegates from the eight districts of Lango to seek their mandate for what he said, was to rescue the Party he said is on the verge of collapse.

Listen to more in this reportage.

By Opira Samuel

The Government will this week begin touring prospective tourists attraction sites in Lango which includes the tomb of the founding Father of the Nation and leader of the Uganda Peoples’ Congress Party, Dr. Apolo Milton Obote in Akokoro.

The Ministry of Tourism recently announced that important historical sites throughout the country shall be developed to attract more tourists into the country to boost its foreign earnings.

Speaking to Radio Wa reporter in an interview on Monday, the MP for Dokolo North Hon Paul Amoru Omiat confirmed this development and said over 2000 visitors will be in Lango sub-region this week.

By Omony Gideon

With great pleasure, Radio Wa invites you to join the rest of the world in the celebrations to welcome the Prince of Peace; Jesus Christ on Christmas.

As a tradition, the yearly Christmas Carol Competition is back, this time with a reflection on Christ’s coming as revealed by prophet Isaiah and how it relates with this year’s Jubilee of Mercy which will conclude on November 20th. 2016.

All willing choir groups should register with Radio Wa by 25th November 2016 ready for recording from 3rd December 2016 to 14th December 2016.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

Police in kole district are investigating circumstances under which a crime preventer stabbed his collegue to death,

The incident happened in Ayara parish on Thursday at around 9.00pm. The dead man has been identifed as Joseph Archa 21 years and his killer as Denis Denis Owiny.

According to an eye witness the two men were among those playing cards for money but under unclear reasons locked up themselves in a fight that led to Aracha's death.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

The Minister of Trade , Industry and Cooperatives Hon Amelia Kyambade has challenged business Community in Lango and Lira in particular to always accept competition in business.

Hon Amelia Kyambade who is also the MP for Mawokota County made the caution on Friday while meeting business Community in Lango at Lira District Council Hall over their long pending complains of interfereance in business by the Foreign investors.

On Friday business men and women in Lira town locked their shops to show their grievances towards the foreign investors whom they accuse of running petty businesses that are supposed to be done by local business people.

By Adongo Zainabu

The community of Agweng Sub county has blamed the delay in the completion of Kaguta Bridge construction to the rampant rates of corruption among the contractors and the technical persons at the sub county and Lira district Local government.

The residents raised this concern during a dialogue organised by FAPAD on Saturday at the sub county.

Listen to more in this reportage

By Wa Reporter

Dr. Badru Kiggundu, Electoral Commission chairperson since 2002, held a final press briefing as Electoral Commission chairperson today at Imperial Royal Hotel. Earlier this year, Badru Kiggundu announced that the February general elections were his last.

Kiggundu said, during the 14 years at Electoral Commission, we were been able to organize, conduct and supervise three general elections i.e. 2006, 2011 & 2016. Adding that EC has been consistent in developing administrative technological capacity to deliver effective electoral services.

Kiggundu’s Electoral Commission has been accused by the opposition of working to ensure that Museveni wins elections. This year’s general elections were seen as particularly shambolic, with the EC failing to deliver voting materials in key opposition strongholds in and around Kampala on time.

By Francis Owani

Over twenty people reported dead from Hepatitis B infections in Amolatar district.

According to Geoffrey Ocen, the vice chairperson LC5 Amolatar district the twenty people died with in a space of one week. Ocen is calling upon the ministry of health to take immediate action to rescue the residents of Amolatar district out of deadly virus.

He further noted that statistics from their health centres indicate Hepatitis B Virus is the most killer disease compared to others like HIV/AIDS and Malaria among others.

By Okai Ambrose & Ouni Jaspher

Police in Kole Central police station have arrested Emmanuel Opio, a resident of Abolo-wo village, Obutu parish, Alito sub county, Kole district for alleged involvement in the lynching of a clan brother.

Opio who was earlier reported to be on the run after allegedly killing Tia Emmanuel, was arrested from his hideout in his house at Alito Sub county on Tuesday 8th.

Jimmy Mogi Agaba, the Kole the officer in charge of Criminal Investigations Department confirmed the arrest of Opio saying, police have finished investigations and shall produce him for prosecution before court anytime.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

The Chairperson for Persons living with HIV Aids in Lira District is calling upon district leaders to ban the selling and consumption of pork in Ogur Sub-County following reports that farmers are feeding pigs with ARV.

Speaking to Radio WA reporter on Augustine Oyo said, there are complains about farmers in Ogur feeding the animals with ARV in order to make them fat.

He warns that unless local leaders and Health officials put a ban on the selling and consumption of pock people will contract deadly disease for eating meat that is poisoned by ARV.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

The Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development Hon shall channel all the developmental funds meant for Lango Cultural Institution through the office of the Speaker of the institution.

The pronouncement was on Monday made during a meeting with a delegation of 15 Cultural leaders from Lango in the boardroom of the Gender Ministry in Kampala.

In her communication, the Minister Janat Mukwaya said, the decision to channel the funds through the Speaker’s office, arose from numerous complaints that most of the funds were being mismanaged or diverted from the original plans.

By Opira Samuel

Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi, the outgoing Lira Resident District Commissioner has donated the heifer he received under the Operation Wealth Creation Program to Children for Peace Uganda, an NGO operating in Lango, Acholi and Teso sub regions.

This comes a fort night after the presidency Minister, Esther Mbayo, gave a directive to leaders in Lira district who received heifers under the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) program to return them immediately.

In her directive, Mbayo described the leaders who received the heifers as corrupt and ordered them to bring back the animals so that they are given to the most vulnerable people.

By Immaculate Amony

The Primary Leaving Examinations kicked off yesterday with briefing of the candidates after months of intensive preparations by both the candidates and the school teachers.

In most schools, pupils were briefed in the morning hours on the do´s and don´ts during the two day examination period from Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd November.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

All Saints University Lira is to launch a fundraising drive to save the institution from being de-gazetted by the National Council of Higher Education from continuing to operate from St. Augustine Guest House in Lira town.

The Council has already given a one year ultimatum for the university to relocate to its own site or their operating licence shall be revoked.

Consequently, the synods of the Anglican Dioceses in Lango have decided to appeal for funds to enable the university develop its site located at Ireda, next to Lango Cultural Centre before the end of 2017.

By Amony Immaculate

The Lira business community has given a 5 days ultimatum to the government to resolve their issues, or else they will resume their earlier proposed industrial action to protest the manner in which the Asians are conducting their business.

The suspension of the strike followed a closed door consultative meeting held at North Kyoga Regional Police Headquarters at Erute with the newly posted Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak.

Imat Apuli commonly known as Queen Alango who spoke on behalf of the business community at a press conference said they have suspended their planned strike awaiting communications from the President through the RDC. They also added that suspending the strike does not mean that they are cowards but rather civilised and peace loving people.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

The running of National Resistance Movement party activities in Otuke District has been paralyzed following the closure of administrative office over rent arrears.

The Otuke District NRM Chairperson Jasper Okengo told Radio WA that he is currently in a total mess as all the party documents have been locked inside the office by the land lord over the rent which has accumulated for over two years.

Okengo Jasper said that the land lord James Obot is demanding for 2.4 million shilling from NRM secretariat that has never been paid for the last two years. According to Okengo, he has now abandoned living within Otuke Town Council for fear that the land lord would get him and embarrass him in public.

By Opira Sam

The outgoing RDC for Lira Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi,has said as Lira aspires to attain a city status,there is need to embrace revenue reforms.

The intention of this he said, will be to streamline mechanisms of revenue mobilisation and management within the Municipality.

He was bidding farewell to Lira Municipal Council during the main council meeting held at the Municipal council hall.

By Omara Geoffrey

Nicholas Opio Bunga, the former Apac LC V chairperson is the new District Service Commission chairperson. Apac district council approved his nomination and other members of the Commission in an extra ordinary meeting held early this week.

The other members of Apac District Service Commission include Erick Odyeny, a retired Grade II magistrate, Margret Odot, Sam Ben Emer and Dr. Ambrose Onapa.

Bob Okae, the Apac LC V chairperson, has welcomed the approval of the new District Service Commission members, saying it has been difficult to work with the Commission, which supports service delivery to residents.

By Ojok Jimmy

Northern Uganda has been identified as one of the regions in Uganda with the lowest and fewest enterprise establishments.

This is because 70 percentage of the people in the region rely on agriculture. The finding were highlighted in a survey carried out in 2013 by the ministry of trade.

Speaking to members of Uganda Chamber of Commerce from North-Eastern uganda at Magherita Hotel, Oule David the specialist at the Ministry of trade said, the aim of the meeting with the business community is to educate them on Small and Medium Enterprise businesses which can attract international markets.

By Caesar Ivan Okello

The Minister for the Presidency Hon Easter Mbayo has accused Civil servants of betraying government efforts of achieving vision 2020 to realize middle income status.

The minister was on Tuesday monitoring and commissioning several projects under the Presidents office in the three District of Alebtong , Otuke and Lira.

Mbayo commissioned RDC's office in Otuke , Lira and tractor in Alebtong and also toured citrus and pineapple farms among other projects.

By Adongo Zainabu

A good number of applicants who had the interest of join the national army, the Uganda People´s Defence forces from the North Kyoga region today were turned away at a recruitment centre in Lira.

The youths who had come from the districts of Lira, Otuke, Alebtong and Dokolo arrived at Akii Bua stadium early on Tuesday morning which was the area´s Centre of recruitment, others as early af 5:00AM.

While addressing the press at Akii Bua stadium, Colonel Jeff Mukasa who is the recruitment team leader said, the exercise targets only senior four leavers who have completed O´level between 2014 and 2015.

By Omara Geoffrey

Apac district Council on Monday banned gambling using casino machine following complaints that the vice is threatening security in the area and promoting laziness among the youth.

The leaders passed the resolution during a council sitting held on Monday. The council's decision has, however, drawn public criticism with a section of residents arguing that the district leadership should have regulated the gambling business rather than banning it.

Mr Peter Obong Acuda,the LC5 councilor for Akokoro sub county said they had received numerous complaints from parents that many school-going children dodge classes in preference to go gambling.

By SamOpira

Alebtong district leadership have agreed to begin using the tractor obtained from the office of the Prime Minister to plough all the school land in a bid to revive the school feeding programme currently being muted by the Member of Parliament for Moroto County, Samuel Okwir Odwe.

Odwe said the School Feeding programme has received the backing of Christian Charity Rehabilitation Foundation of Uganda where the school gardens shall be planted with cassava, maize and beans.

The legislator told Radio Wa over the weekend that the State Minister for Education Rose Mary Sseninde and that of Northern Uganda Grace Kwiyucuny will soon visit Alebtong district to follow up on the new initiative to revive school farms to support the School Feeding Programme which he said has received the backing of the education officials and the councillors.

By Ojok Jimmy

The Assistant Education Secretary of Lira Diocese Father Lawrence Opio has said the success and future of the children depend on how parents are responsible at home and committed towards their education.

He said if parents are responsible and serious about education, their children will perform well in all exams and have a bright future in life.

He made the remarks over the weekend while presiding over the dedication prayer for primary seven candidates of Lira Central Primary school.

By Opira Sam

The Regional Police Commander of North Kyoga John Peter Ematu, has vowed to camp at Atin Kok Parish in Abia Sub-county Alebtong District at any time following the escalating level of crime in the area.

John Peter Ematu was on Saturday addressing a security meeting of Ogora clan organised by Moroto County Member of Parliament Samuel Okwir Odwee following the recent wake of murder cases in the area.

In a space of only one week, at least two members of Ogora Clan were murdered under circumstances relating to land wrangles with the most recent one being that of Okello Angelo who was reportedly way laid and hit to death.

By Okai Ambrose

Crime Preventors across Kole District have petitioned their superior to lobby for special government programs that come to the district to help in transforming their lives.

The Crime preventors who are mostly young men and women say they are also among the neglected in community who should be treated as others who are benefitting from government programmes aimed at eradicating poverty.

In their meeting held on Thursday with the Resident District Commissioner, District Police Commander (DPC) and the Production Officer of Kole at the district headquarters, the Crime Preventors through their coordinator Milton Ogwal said, they have been so resourceful to government in controlling mob justice, controlling the successful conclusion of the recent elections and still remained patriotic, that they will never let down any government programme.

By Caesar Ivan Okello

The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese has appealed to Christians to partake the martyrdom of Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa as models to acclaim God's Mercy to the people of northern and Uganda at large.

Archbishop John Baptist Odama said with God's mercy, there should be no more revenge and all forms of hatred which do not promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

His Grace Odama was today speaking to thousands of pilgrims that congregated at Wipolo Shrine for the Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa at Paimol in Agago district for the annual commemoration of the two martyrs.

The prelate also decried the rampant killings that is being fuelled by land conflict, yet he added, the land that people are fighting for, is a free gift by God to all mankind.

By Aloca Paul

Community in Myene Sub-County in Oyam District have offered 100 acres of Land to Ministry of Health for the construction of Hospital.

The Hospital will be constructed by Syno-hydro company Ltd which is working on Karuma hydro power dam project. The plan to build the Hospital in Myene Oyam District is part of the social responsibility that syno-hydro company planned for the communities from oyam, Nwoya and Kiryandongo districts.

During the consultative meeting held at Juma Parish in Kamdini on Tuesday , the community unanimously agreed to give 100 acres of the land they have been using as communal grazing ground for the construction of the hospital.

By Immaculate Amony

Uganda is going to get to the HIV/AIDs elimination stage by 2030 if people protect their children who are the next generation against the deadly epidermic.

This assurance was made by the Director General of Uganda Aids Commission, Dr Christine Ondoa during the National Ceremony to Commemorate Philly Bongole Lutaay Day held in Alebtong District.

The Minister also promised to coordinate the response to HIV/AIDs in Lango

Listen to more in this report.

By Opira Sam

Plans are under way by Oyam district authorities to suspend gambling and early morning drinking in the district.

Gillian Akullu the Resident District Commissioner for Oyam (Pictured Left) said, they have held a series of security meetings to devise appropriate legal procedures to follow while implementing the decision.

She said it was agreed that they target at eliminating Casino Slot Machines commonly known as Zagazaga among other measures. Akullu added that they are yet to hold another security meeting which will come out with a final resolution on the steps to be taken on gambling activities and early morning drinking.

By Okai Ambrose

Police in Kole district have arrested the Ayer Sub County Chief, Walter Ocen over allegations of fraud.

Walter Ocen was arrested for allegedly forming two ghost youth groups in the names of Obed-agen Youth Group in Agege and another one in Omwara Parish all in Bala Sub County that led to the misappropriation of over 15 million shillings under the Youth livelihood Programme before his transfer to Ayer as the Sub County Chief.

Jimmy Mogi Agaba, the Kole police Officer in Charge Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed the arrest of Ocen saying investigations in to the matter are ongoing.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

Police in Lira on Monday foiled a demonstration by family members over the release of one of the suspects involved in the murder of late Phinehas William Otile a software Engineer in April 2016.

Led by the late's aunt, Eunice Otile, 15 family members started their demonstration on Obote avenue at exactly midday drawing the attention of the public and and also prompting police to take action.

The protesters who were all carrying placards calling for the intervention of the Resident District Commissioner of Lira, accused police for unlawfully releasing Joseph Odur who together with seven others were arrested after the death of their son William Otile.

By Ojok Jimmy

District leaders have been told to involve the communities in budget conferences so as to enable them identify areas that need to be funded.

The district leaders were challenged by the Assistant manager of Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group(CSBAG) Lydia Kabusinge, at a two days meeting organized by Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAPAD)

Kabusinge said many districts always approve budgets without involving the local community and yet yet it is the community to tell them the department that needs more help.

By Okai Ambrose & Sam Ogwal Alero

The Uganda Certificate of Examination (UCE) exams on Monday kicked off well in various schools in Lira.

According to a mini survey conducted by Radio Wa in and outside Lira municipally, by 7.30am, candidates were ready for Physics practical which is the first exam for this year.

In Kole district despite the early arrival of papers, schools are complaining about a huge number of fees defaulters sitting for the exams.

By Opira Sma

Sickle Cell patients at St.John's Hospital Aber have received a new hope with development partners and well wishers committing to aid the Sickle Cell Clinic.

During a mini fund raising conducted on Friday at the sideline of the Annual General Assembly of the Hospital, at least 1.3 million shillings was raised in cash and over 1 million shillings made as pledges towards procuring drugs and other assortments for the Sickle cell clinic.

The clinic was constructed some times back with the expectations of receiving supplies from the government but which has since, not yet responded positively leaving a considerable number of patients with little hope of receiving treatment.

By Ceasar Ivan Okello

The District Agricultural Officer for Lira District Ms Dorcus Alum (Pictured Left) has asked farmers in Lango sub-region not to shun seedlings under operation wealth creation because of the current weather changes.

Alum made the appealed following continued public outcry that most of the items being distributed under OWC are not creating any impact as a result of timing and lack of consultation to access the need of the people .

She said that farmers should accept the seedlings because the current continuous dry spell is beyond them and the government can not do much to stop it.

Dy Opira Sam

Blind person still face much discrimination as evidenced in the number of school required to offer them equal learning opportunities.

This is among the concerns expressed by the blind in Lira District as Uganda yesterday joined the rest of the world to mark the World Sight Day that is an annual event to focus on global attention on blindness and vision impairment that is done on the second week of October.

By Zainabu Adongo

Lira district local government has created six new sub counties from the sub counties of Adekokwok, Ngetta, Lira sub county, Barr, Amac and Aromo sub counties.

Among the new sub counties are Iwal, Boroboro, Itek, Wiodyek, Olaka and Ayami sub counties.

The vice chairperson of Lira district local government, George Okello Ayo, said that they created the new sub counties due to the large populations that has been recorded in the sub counties of Ngetta, Barr, Amac, Aromo, Lira and Adekokwok sub counties.

By Caesar Ivan Okello

The Minister for Presidency Hon Esther Mbayo is expected to visit Otuke District on Monday 17th October 2016 to monitor government projects mainly Youth Livelihood projects which have become a public concern Country wide.

The development for the Minister's visit was revealed by Otuke Resident District Robert Abak in an interview with Radio Wa. According to Abak, Hon Mbayo shall visit Youth Livelihood projects in Alai Ward where the youth are engaged in fish farming for income generation .

Minister Mbayo is coming at the time when there are numerous complains that many Youth groups have shared the Youth Livelihood fund money among themselves while other group leaders have run away with the money.

By Sam Ogwal Alero

Alebtong district has been chosen to host the national celebration of Philly Bongoley Lutaaya day which is annually commemorated on the 17th October to crate awareness on HIV/Aids.

This was confirmed by Alebtong district leaders headed by the RDC Moses Andrew Awany during a press briefing held at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira Town.

The district leaders told press that HIV-Aids is still posing a major public health and economic challenge in the country particularly in northern Uganda . We have more in the report

By Omara Geoffrey

At least 4100 household members across Kole and Apac districts have benefited from NUSAF 2 programme totalling to more than 8.3 billions.

Addressing a stakeholder meeting held at Scouts hall in Apac, Mr.Jaspher Otimoi, the NSUAF 3 desk officer said a total of 267 sub-projects are expected to be funded with several others to be considered in the financial year 2016-2021 adding that a total of 7.8 billion has been released as disbursement for the projects which will be considered .

Otimoi noted that the money will be posted to individual sub-project accounts for the groups’ leaders to withdraw and spend accordingly.

By Amony Immaculate

Otuke and Amolatar districts have been ranked the worst for submitting less than a quarter of the numbers required for a scholarship offered by Kampala International University (KIU).

George Titus, the centre coordinator KIU Lira study centre confirmed the report saying of the 50 slots offered per district, both Otuke and Amolatar districts submitted less than 10 beneficiaries.

Titus blamed this on lack of coordination and sensitization of the parents over this opportunity where the successful students would be able to study most of the arts and science disciplines.

By Zainabu Adongo

There is a wide perception from the general public in Lango sub region that the death of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote on the day falling immediately when the country celebrates its independence anniversary, be gazetted as a national day.

Obote died on the 10th of October 2005 of kidney failures in one of the hospitals in Johannesburg, south Africa and his body was buried at his ancestral home in Akokoro, in Apac district.

It can now be confirmed that this year, the day passed without any activity such as a memorable prayer, public lecture or a rally dedicated to the fallen hero.

By Jimmy Ojok

The Vicar General of Lira Diocese has cautioned students who are about to sit for their final exams against joining any club of gamblers during their vacation.

Monsignor Desiderious Pule Olima said many youth have taken up to gambling activities like sport betting, Zagazaga Chinese slot machines and playing cards staked on money where the students can easily be lured to.

Father Desderious Pule sounded the caution during a dedication prayer for senior four and senior six candidates of Comboni College at Ngetta.

By Zainabu Adongo

Lira Municipal Council have refuted reports attributed to the Resident District Commissioner of Lira that there are mafias who are swindling the revenue collected from the municipality.

In his response, the acting deputy Town Clerk, Patrick Ogweng (Pictured Left) blamed the low revenue collection to a number of challenges ranging from evasion of tax payment by most businessmen and women and inadequate human resource to manage the collection.

Listen to more of the report.

By Grace Adero

The Bishop of Lira diocese has said Uganda needs women who will go against the current trend of corruption, lack of responsibilities and living without caring for the needs of others.

The Bishop said, women should grow in authority as they strive to make a difference through sacrifices to end corruption that has endangered the lives of the needy who are the would be beneficiaries of most government programs in Uganda.

The Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli was speaking on the occasion to mark the 20th anniversary of the abduction of the Aboke Girls by the Lord's Resistance Army rebels. He said, there were still more challenges despite the changes that have taken place in the school.

By Zainabu Adongo

The Resident District Commissioner of Lira has said Lira Municipal Council has been taken over by some Mafias who collect money into their accounts.

Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi said that the municipality has got a huge challenge that the new mayor, Mike Ogwang Veve are grappling with.

The RDC made these shivering remarks while officiating the celebrations marking the 54th Independence anniversary for Lira district at Akii Bua stadium on Sunday.

The Independence anniversary that Uganda marks every 9th day of October is becoming reminiscent of the death of the Founding Father of the Nation, the late Dr. Apollo Milton Obote that occurred on 10th October 2005.

Much as the Independence Day brings back the memory of Obote's death, no anniversary event has been organised at the tomb at Abeibuti Village, Abutipuku in in Akokoro in Apac district and elsewhere.