Isaac Otwii
Lira, Uganda
Isaac Otwii is a journalist based in Lira, Uganda and a Correspondent with Nation Media Group | A young industrious, and dedicated journalist with a special interest in social justice, crime, and corruption
Seen in Nilepost News, Monitor, Allafrica +2 more
Talking Pen Sparks Reading Interest Among Pupils in Lira
Reporting style, Factual: Primarily factual reporting, with attributed views from school staff and pupils.
Versity Junior School in Lira City uses Talking Pens to help pupils practise reading independently with audio-enabled, level-specific books. Director of Studies Sarah Akech says the programme has improved literacy among pupils and expanded from lower primary to Primary Seven. Pupils report better pronunciation, comprehension and confidence. The device also supports English and Mathematics, but requires regular charging and reliable electricity. The school’s experience comes amid a wider literacy challenge in Uganda, where cited studies found that nearly eight in 10 Primary Two pupils could not read a connected English text. School leaders say similar tools could give learners more practice and ease pressure on teachers.
New Grants Target Women Who Missed GROW Loans
Reporting style, Informative: Primarily factual reporting, with attributed views and calls for policy changes.
Uganda is introducing non-repayable grants of Shs3.5 million to Shs107 million for women entrepreneurs who could not access loans through the GROW project. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with World Bank support, plans to assist at least 2,626 women-owned enterprises, including businesses in refugee-hosting districts, prioritizing areas such as STEM, green businesses, agribusiness processing, health technology and childcare. Applications will be free and submitted digitally; officials warned applicants against brokers and corruption. Local leaders said limited awareness, bank requirements and lack of collateral—often because customary land is registered to male relatives—kept many women from qualifying for loans. The grants are expected to run for nine to 12 months, with funded projects due for completion by June 2027.