National Politics
• Three party presidents visited the district in March, 2010. The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency, Yoweri Museveni visited twice. First during the burial of the late Samuel Onegiu – a prominent farmer and the first businessman in Nebbi Town on 20th March, 2010.
• The President came again to campaign for the NRMO flag bearer Dr. Paschal Odhoc on the 15th April, 2010. He visited Parombo, Agwok/Nyaravur and Nebbi Town Council.
Analysis
• The ruling flag bearer Dr. Odoch Paschal won the seat. He polled 14,816 votes. The runner upper, Joshua Anyarach, and NRM independent and presenter with Paidha FM, got 10,036 votes, Marios Okwir Amulla (FDC) garnered 4,025 votes, Charles Olangi (UPC) had 2,818 votes and Kizito Ngabirombo (independent) trailed with 300 votes.
• The results turned like this because the NRMO had an aggressive campaign, sending four bigwigs, including four ministers who camped for two weeks.
• At the peak of the campaigns, President Museveni also hit the vote hunting and mudslinging trail – moving in hard to reach areas like Erussi Sub County, through Parombo to Nyaravur and Nebbi Town.
• March 20th 2010 saw Nebbi hosting 100 years of faith centenary celebrations at Pakwach.
• NUSAF 2 (Northern Uganda Social Action Fund-Phase II) – A World Bank and Government of Uganda funded project was launched 8th April, 2010. This builds on the first NUSAF (2006-2009).
• The FDC president, Dr. Kizza Besigye (Rtd. Captain); and former Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Mugisha Muntu also came campaigning for the FDC party presidency. The FDC presidency was eventually won by Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Local Politics
• Following the death of the area MP, Hon. Ringe-Can David, there were heightened campaigns for the Padyere Parliamentary seat. Three main parties organized constituency delegate’s conference to elect their flag-bearers.
• The campaign has brought five contestants, namely: Dr. Pascal Odhoch (NRM); Mr. Okwir Mario Amulla (FDC); Mr. Olangi (UPC) and two independent candidates Mr. Anyarach Joshua; Mr. Wolenga Slot (who is suspected to be for Uganda Federal Alliance.
• Analysis for Odoch and Anyarach shows that NRM is still the most popular party in the area.
• However, women participation is still minimal – remaining in minimal roles of only voting and not taking on serious roles of contesting for flag bearers.
School & Local Events
• Nebbi woman gives birth to triplets Thursday, 24th June, 2010
Alice Okaba attends to the babies as their mother, Doreen Atimango, looks on |
By Frank Mugabi and Conan Businge
THE medical workers in Nebbi Hospital are working frantically to save the lives of triplets who were born prematurely on Wednesday.
The children, all girls, were delivered at eight months by Doreen Atimango, 33, a resident of Pawoo Alala village in Kucwiny sub-county.
Alice Okaba, a midwife, said the babies’ condition is stable, but they need an incubator.
The medical superintendent, Dr. Ben Ochora, said the hospital had not had an incubator for the last 20 years.
Incubators maintain optimal conditions (temperature and humidity) for the growth of premature babies.
Ochora said they had improvised hot water bottles and blankets to keep the babies warm.
• Students of Nebbi Town SS took their head teacher Amukum Emmanuel hostage, and frog-marched him to the DEO’s office purportedly for abuse of office, corruption and sale of school property. Unfortunately, the Police joined in before they could present their petition to the DEO and had them caned.
• During the period, Nebbi business community hosted an international friendly football match with their counterparts from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)-Mahagi Zone-Eastern Province