The Nile Cast

20/06/2025

“I grew up in Northern Uganda during the conflict. I saw so much happening: The suffering in terms of humanitarian crisis, in terms of human rights abuses. So, when the Court started investigations in Northern Uganda, I started reading more, I started asking more questions and looking at what the Court can offer to the victims, to the people who need so much, to the people who’ve lost hope, to the people who are looking for anything that could help them”.

Jimmy Otim, Field Outreach Assistant in the Kampala Field Office is the face of the ICC among the affected communities, a bridge between the Court and the communities.

Learn more about ICC Outreach and how the Court engages with the people most affected by crimes ->

No matter how far victims might be from the Court, the ICC endeavours to reach out and engage with them and their communities. People most affected by the crimes have the right to understand, to participate in, and to have a sense of ownership of the justice process. The Court engages with these com...

19/06/2025

Today 19/6/2025, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena visited Lawirwodi Acholi at Ker Kwaro Acholi on her tour of duties of the chiefdoms and kingdoms in Uganda.
Lawirwodi Acholi Rwot David Onen Acana II and other chiefs welcomed her at KKA headquarters this afternoon where she pledged government's commitment to working and supporting cultural and traditional institutions in Uganda.

Minister Amongi urged the traditional leaders to desist from armful cultural practices like wives inheritance, early child marriage, wives beatings etc.

She also informed the meeting that her ministry has already procured two vehicles for each cultural institution for the chiefs and kings.

Amongi also told the meeting that government recognizes only 17 gazetted cultural leaders and institutions, of which Ker Kwaro Acholi headed by the Lawirwodi Acholi none other than Rwot David Onen Acana II is one of them

The chiefs in the meeting also informed the Hon. Minister that their leader is one and only Rwot David Onen Acana II.

She informed the leaders that her ministry has earmarked to construct three palaces in the next financial year 2025/26 and KKA is amongst. She also promised to carry renovations on the houses built for the chiefs in their respective chiefs on and called for an assessment of these structures.

Lawirwodi gifted the Hon. Minister with a goat among other items as of Acholi culture that when a visitor comes to visit, she/he must be go back with some present. She expressed gratitude to the Acholi chiefdom

UPDATES

16/06/2025

Gen Kainerugaba Paid a Courtesy Visit to Acholi Paramount Chiefi, Rwot David Onen Acana II, this afternoon.

The Paramount chief received Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, who is in Gulu on an assessment tour of ongoing UPDF operations.

14/06/2025

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: FROM BOTTOM TO TOP

CELEBRATING THE ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER OF MRS. MARGARET ORIK OBONYO (ACP) ON HER RETIREMENT

Today, June 14, 2025, the Uganda Prisons Service bids a heartfelt farewell to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) Margaret Orik Obonyo, who officially retires after an extraordinary 43-year career. As the Regional Prisons Commander for Northern Uganda, Mrs. Obonyo’s journey from a recruit wardress to a transformative leader exemplifies resilience, discipline, and a commitment to serving the sovereign state of Uganda. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, marked by exceptional leadership, community engagement, and a legacy that will inspire generations.

Born on June 14, 1962, in Gulu District, Margaret Orik Obonyo’s early life was shaped by ambition and hardship. She completed her Primary Leaving Education in 1978 and attended Gulu High School for her O-levels. Tragically, the loss of her father during the brutal Idi Amin regime disrupted her education, forcing her to drop out of school due to lack of school fees. This setback shattered her dream of becoming an engineer, but it did not dim her determination to make a meaningful impact.

In 1981, at the age of 19, she joined the Uganda Prisons Service as a recruit wardress following a successful recruitment exercise at Booma Grounds in Gulu District. Her commitment and discipline shone through during training, where she emerged as the best female trainee, earning numerous prizes for her adherence to training norms. Her flexibility, intellect, and leadership abilities quickly distinguished her, setting the stage for an illustrious career.

Mrs. Obonyo’s early career saw her deployed to the Prisons Training School as a trainer, a role she executed with diligence for 24 years until 2006. During this period, she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of prison officers, training many of the service’s senior leaders, including the current Commissioner General of Prisons, Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, all Assistant Commissioner Generals of Prisons, and various Heads of Departments between 1982 and 2006. Her influence on the Uganda Prisons Service’s leadership pipeline remains profound.

In 2006, she was transferred to Mbale Women Prison as Officer-in-Charge, where her administrative prowess transformed the facility into a model of excellence. Under her leadership, Mbale Women Prison became renowned for its high level of organization, neatness, and smartness, with significant improvements in staff well-being and inmate livelihoods. Her ability to foster discipline and rehabilitation earned the prison widespread recognition.

Mrs. Obonyo’s talents extended beyond Uganda’s borders. Her exemplary service led to her appointment under the United Nations Mission in Sudan and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, where she served with distinction for nearly two years. Her diplomatic assignments showcased her ability to represent Uganda with professionalism and grace, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile leader.

Upon her return, Mrs. Obonyo made history as the first female Officer-in-Charge of Gulu Main Prison. She later rose to District Prisons Commander for Gulu and, subsequently, Regional Prisons Commander for Northern Uganda—a position she has held with exceptional administrative skill until her retirement.

Since her appointment as Regional Prisons Commander, Mrs. Obonyo has overseen the establishment of several new prison units across Northern Uganda, including Nwoya, Amuru, Orom Tikau, Lututuru, Patongo, Pader, and Aswa. These facilities have strengthened the region’s correctional infrastructure, access to justice, improved prisons production, enhancing rehabilitation and community reintegration efforts. Her leadership has ensured these units operate with efficiency and align with the Uganda Prisons Service’s mission of safe, secure, humane custody and rehabilitation.

Mrs. Obonyo’s legacy is not confined to prison walls. Her strong community engagement and public relations skills have been a cornerstone of her tenure. She prioritized building trust and collaboration between the Uganda Prisons Service and local communities, fostering partnerships that enhanced the service’s impact. Her initiatives included skills training and rehabilitation programs for inmates, enabling them to reintegrate as productive members of society.

Her approachable demeanor and dedication to public relations earned her respect from high-ranking government officials, who frequently visited her region to witness her transformative work. Mrs. Obonyo’s ability to balance operational excellence with community outreach has left an enduring mark on Northern Uganda.

Despite the challenges that interrupted her early education, Mrs. Obonyo pursued further studies, earning a Diploma in Business Studies from the Northern Institute of Business Management. Her commitment to personal growth mirrored her professional dedication. A happily married mother of five (three girls and two boys) and a proud grandmother of eight, she has balanced her remarkable career with a fulfilling family life, serving as an inspiration to women in uniform.

Her success is rooted in her core values: character, discipline, hard work, and an unrelenting determination to serve Uganda. Mrs. Obonyo’s willingness to push boundaries and her belief in the power of perseverance have made her a role model for aspiring leaders.

As ACP Margaret Orik Obonyo retires on her 63rd birthday, her four decades of monumental contributions is highly celebrated. We wish her a well-deserved retirement filled with joy, family, and new adventures.

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN UNIFORM

www.ugandaprisons.go.ug

12/06/2025

Mapenduzi Hopeful, Bardege-Layibi Division still intact.

12/06/2025

Hon.Dr. Odonga Otto, Lecturer at Law Development Centre resigned to seek re election in Aruu County 👌

12/06/2025

Lanyero Immaculate Olivia aka Sherry Princess joins the political race to represent the people of Pece-Pageya in lower council .

The singer revealed this today during a thanks giving prayer and unveiling of Anena Tracy another contender for Councillor V in an event dorminnated by NRM Stewart.

08/06/2025

Okullo John Bosco bows out of the Democratic Party (DP) and hands over his Card to NRM Nwoya District. He served as LC 3 Chairman Koch Goma on DP Ticket for 15 years. Together with the MP Geoffrey Okello whom they parted ways recently sent Veteran Zachary Olum to retirement after denying him the party ticket making Zachary's last contest on Independent Ticket. Okullo and I contested for the Gulu Chair of UYD, when it became apparent that I was defeating Okullo, they disqualified me from the contest making Okullo unoppossed. UYD Headquarters didnot recognise that election, I was already active in the UYD Students' Union undergoing prep to take over UYD Leadership Nationally. Time always separates opportunists from committed members in DP and UYD.

Okidi Christopher

08/06/2025

World Bank Reverses Uganda Loan Ban Amid Global Backlash Over Anti-LGBTQ Law - Record TV Uganda

The World Bank has lifted its suspension of new financing to Uganda, which was imposed due to the country's Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) that includes severe penalties for homosexual acts.

The World Bank worked with Ugandan authorities to implement measures to mitigate potential harm from the AHA, leading to the approval of new projects in social protection, education, and support for displaced persons.

The decision to resume funding has been controversial, with LGBTQ+ activists and human rights organizations criticizing the World Bank for compromising its commitment to non-discrimination.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni defends the AHA as reflecting cultural values and criticizes international institutions for imposing foreign values.

The World Bank's decision highlights ongoing debates about the role of international financial institutions in promoting human rights while balancing development goals with ethical considerations.

06/06/2025

*I Am Leaving Parliament Without My Husband but With Huge Loans and Shame*

Yesterday at the NRM Secretariat, I had a highly emotional interview with a female member of parliament after she picked up her nomination forms. She authorized me to publish this information without mentioning her names. What she shared was heartbreaking and eye-opening,revealing the true cost of politics for many women.

She began by saying, I am leaving parliament without my husband but with huge loans and shame.She described a once happy marriage with her husband and children, which was torn apart after she joined parliament in 2016. From 2017 onwards, her family was always at war; their home became a house of fire. She explained she had no time for her husband and kids, as her life in parliament was filled with meetings, travels, and encounters with men from all walks of government.

She admitted,Truth is, I was in a different life in parliament—meeting all types of men in the house sessions and traveling abroad with men.She recounted spending weeks abroad on parliamentary assignments with male colleagues, and how these trips often led to inappropriate relationships.Even if you are a strong woman, you will end up in an affair with a fellow member of parliament,minister, senior government officials, security officials, etc. This is the reality married female members of parliament will never talk of, but it's what they go through.

She described the dangerous dynamics of these trips: You go abroad for two weeks with male legislators and government officials, sleep in the same hotel, share meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—together with all men on the delegation interested in having you. Some will offer financial support, promising opportunities, connections in government, ministerial appointments, projects, trips—you name it." She revealed that many women do not survive these manipulative advances, and those who do often suffer consequences—emotional,relational, and health-wise. "Many are HIV Positive, she added gravely.

She lamented how her focus shifted from her family to these relationships: "I lost interest in my husband and focused more on men I met in parliament and other government officials. I didn’t realize these men were just users. My husband had spent a lot to support my political ambitions. We sold family properties, and he lost a well-paying job at an international NGO because he was involved in my politics. Later, he started a family business, but by then, the damage was done.

Her voice trembled as she described how her marriage unraveled: "I saw most female MPs falling in love with fellow MPs, ministers, and senior government officials, and I resisted at first. But I ended up doing the same throughout. My husband became useless and unwanted as I became powerful, connected, and involved with parliamentarians and government officials.She pointed out that, sadly, many of these men are HIV Positive, often without regard for the health risks involved.

Now, after two terms in parliament, she finds herself in pain and anguish. "My family is gone, I’m left with huge loans, and in total isolation.She explained how her monthly salary of 5 million shillings is mostly taken by money lenders, making it difficult to maintain her constituency. "The expenses are too high; men would try to help me, but they are no longer there.

Her regret was palpable: "I regret the day I joined politics. I lost my good, caring man and my marriage. Now, at 49 years old, I am alone." Her former husband has suffered for ten years, with some men in government investing heavily to incapacitate him financially or even attempt to kill him. She revealed she became influential in her church but felt she had betrayed her family and her values.

She reflected deeply: "If I hadn’t joined politics, I and my husband would be happy, successful, and with a good family. Now, I am alone, and the constituency is too heavy for me. It’s costly, and I feel ashamed of myself.She admitted praying daily for forgiveness as she returns to her constituency without her husband's support. "In 2021, he sold our land to support my politics. I am sorry I betrayed him.

Her story is a cautionary tale for women in politics: "When you join politics, you become too selfish and ambitious, thinking only of big things and positions. Once you have big ambitions, you end up sleeping with men who can help you get there. Many women have ended up in this situation. When a female MP meets fellow legislators and senior officials, she will never have respect again for her husband.

She concluded with a heart-wrenching reflection: "In the end, I am left with nothing but regret and sorrow. I regret the decisions I made and the pain I caused my family. I mourn the loss of my marriage and the love of my life. I can only hope my story serves as a lesson to others—avoid the mistakes I made. My children will never be politicians. Every politician is a liar and dishonest. All they know is to use and dump. They all act powerful and connected.

Her story reveals the true cost of political ambition—an emotional toll that often leaves women and their families shattered. It underscores the importance of staying true to one’s values and the devastating consequences of neglecting family in pursuit of power.

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05/06/2025

It's Official Now; Kilak North MP Anthony Akol, has crossed from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as he seeks re-election in the forthcoming 2026 general election. He says his time in the opposition side is up, having served for a long time, yet poverty levels among his people continue to rise compared to those in NRM areas.
📸: Abubaker Lubowa

05/06/2025

Several Pilgrims were involved in an accident and sustained serious injuries after a bus they were traveling in from Namugongo Martyrs Shrine back to Kenya lost control and overturned.

It's reported that the accident happened at UCI Cell in Osukuru Town Council, Tororo, on the Malaba-Jinja Highway. The ISUZU school bus registration number KCQ 057Q, belongs to Kasima Mixed Secondary School, Nyandarua Kenya.
📸Courtesy