By Onzima Allan

Schoolgirls at Pereci Primary School and Pakele Girls Primary School in Adjumani District have received reusable sanitary pads from Create Hope in Youth and Amani Transformational Foundation in an initiative aimed at improving menstrual hygiene and reducing school absenteeism.

The intervention seeks to help girls manage their menstrual periods with dignity and confidence, while ensuring that limited access to sanitary products does not prevent them from attending lessons or participating in school activities.

Beyond distributing the reusable pads, the organizations sensitized learners on menstrual hygiene management, including the proper use, washing and maintenance of reusable sanitary pads. The sessions also emphasized the importance of education and encouraged girls to remain in school throughout their menstrual cycles.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Iranya Jordan, team leader at Create Hope in Youth, said the initiative was conceived after recognizing the vulnerability of school-going girls and the challenges they face during menstruation.

He said the organizations wanted to provide practical support to girls to help them manage their menstrual health and remain focused on their education.

Ayur Joan Comfort, the assistant head girl of Pereci Primary School in Pakele Town Council, welcomed the intervention, saying it had come at a time when many girls needed such support.

She expressed gratitude to the two organizations, noting that the reusable pads would help girls who struggle to access menstrual hygiene products.

Angudia Josephine, the senior woman teacher at Pereci Primary School, said menstrual challenges had affected many girls, particularly in government-aided schools, where some learners struggle to access adequate sanitary products.

She welcomed the intervention, describing it as an important contribution towards improving girls’ welfare and supporting their continued participation in education.

Beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the support, saying access to reusable sanitary pads would help them concentrate in class, participate in school activities and manage their menstrual periods with greater confidence.

Representatives of the two organizations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting girls’ empowerment through interventions that address barriers to education and well-being.

They also called on parents, development partners and the wider community to support menstrual health initiatives and ensure that girls have access to the resources and information they need to manage menstruation safely and confidently.

Teachers and school leaders at the two institutions welcomed the initiative, noting that improved menstrual hygiene support could help create a more inclusive learning environment and encourage girls to attend school consistently.

As the organizations continue their efforts to support vulnerable learners, the intervention highlights the importance of collaboration between community-based organizations, schools, parents and development partners in addressing menstrual health challenges and keeping girls in school.

END

By Herbert Yiki

More than 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Itirikwa Sub-county, Adjumani District, have benefited from a poultry farming initiative under the ECO FOOD Project, aimed at improving household food security, increasing incomes and promoting disability-inclusive agricultural development.

The intervention, launched in early 2026, supports persons with disabilities and other vulnerable communities to participate in sustainable and climate-smart agricultural activities while improving their access to livelihood opportunities.

Through the distribution of chicks, individual beneficiaries are being equipped to engage in poultry farming as an alternative source of household income and nutrition. The initiative is expected to enable families to consume eggs and poultry while selling surplus produce to generate additional income.

The ECO FOOD Project promotes sustainable, climate-smart and disability-inclusive agri-food value chains across Northern Uganda.

It is coordinated by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and implemented through a consortium comprising the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD), Cooperation and Development, AgriTalk and the East Africa Entrepreneurs Association (EAEA), among other partners.

The project is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Combining Poultry and Vegetable Farming for Better Livelihoods

Beyond poultry farming, the ECO FOOD Project is promoting vegetable production, particularly crops such as dodo, to diversify household food sources and create additional income-generating opportunities.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to grow vegetables for household consumption and sell surplus produce in local markets, helping improve nutrition while reducing dependence on a single source of income.

By combining poultry and vegetable farming, the project seeks to strengthen household resilience, improve food availability and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Promoting Ownership and Sustainability

Speaking during the engagement, Mwangaike John, a board member of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), emphasized the importance of beneficiary ownership in ensuring the sustainability of the interventions.

He urged persons with disabilities to take responsibility for the project rather than depending entirely on implementing organizations to sustain the initiative.

“We should own this project; it is no longer for NUDIPU,” he said.

Mwangaike also encouraged beneficiaries to organize themselves into groups to strengthen their participation in agricultural activities and improve their access to development programmes and livelihood support.

Meanwhile, Musinguzi Julius, Programme Head at NUDIPU, highlighted the project’s commitment to promoting sustainable, climate-smart and disability-inclusive agricultural value chains.

He called on government leaders at all levels to ensure that persons with disabilities are deliberately included in government programmes and development initiatives.

He emphasized that equal access to economic opportunities, agricultural resources and livelihood support is essential to ensuring that persons with disabilities participate meaningfully in community development.

Beneficiaries Look to Improved Household Incomes

For beneficiaries, the poultry initiative offers an opportunity to improve their livelihoods and become more economically independent.

Mundua Scovia, a member of the Hope of Future Group in Aliwara Village, Mungula Parish, welcomed the support, pledging to make productive use of the resources provided through the project.

She said the poultry intervention would help her improve household income and food security while creating opportunities to strengthen her family’s economic well-being.

Scovia expressed hope that the different interventions under the ECO FOOD Project would bring lasting improvements to her livelihood and enable her to become more self-reliant.

District Reaffirms Commitment to Disability Inclusion

At the district level, Hon. Ambayo Godfrey Chono, the district councilor representing persons with disabilities, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the inclusion of PWDs in local government development programmes.

He noted that persons with disabilities require deliberate support to access livelihood opportunities and benefit from government interventions aimed at improving household welfare.

Ambayo also pledged to continue advocating for disability-related priorities that remain inadequately funded at the district level, calling for greater attention to the needs of persons with disabilities in planning, budgeting and service delivery.

Reaching More Vulnerable Communities across Northern Uganda

The ECO FOOD Project is designed to benefit more than 6,100 people across Northern Uganda.

At the grassroots level, the initiative targets 1,108 marginalized individuals from 221 households, organized into 37 district farmer groups or cooperatives.

Disability mainstreaming is one of the project’s key pillars, with NUDIPU playing a leading role in ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in agricultural value chains and have opportunities to benefit from livelihood improvement interventions.

Through poultry farming, vegetable production and other agricultural interventions, the project seeks to address barriers that have historically limited the participation of persons with disabilities in economic activities.

For beneficiaries in Itirikwa Sub-county, the distribution of chicks represents an opportunity to improve household nutrition, generate income and participate more actively in community economic activities.

The long-term impact, however, will depend on beneficiaries’ ability to sustain the enterprises, access markets and receive continued technical support.

END

By Tasia Doreen

For many women entrepreneurs in Adjumani District, the opportunity to expand their businesses through government-supported financing remains out of reach, not because they lack viable business ideas, but because they cannot provide the collateral required by financial institutions.

The challenge emerged during the conclusion of a four-day business training conducted by Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and FEM consultants and Research Centre on November 12^th, 2026, under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.

During the engagement, stakeholders highlighted the difficulties women face in meeting loan requirements, particularly the demand for land titles and other assets that many do not own or control.

Implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the GROW Project seeks to support women-owned and women-led enterprises through improved access to finance and business development services, enabling them to expand businesses, create employment and increase household incomes.

However, for some women in Adjumani, limited ownership of property is becoming a major obstacle to accessing the financial support intended to grow their enterprises.

Speaking during the training, Swaib Olema, the Adjumani GROW Project focal person, revealed that UGX 836 million had been disbursed to 98 women entrepreneurs in the district as of July 2026.

He noted, however, that several other applicants had not accessed the loans because they could not meet the collateral requirements set by participating financial institutions.

“One of the challenges since the project started has been the lack of collateral. Most women do not own property in their names. If they are not on good terms with their husbands, brothers or fathers, they may find it difficult to access property that could be used as security. Yet financial institutions require land titles and movable assets,” Olema said.

The situation particularly affects women who have limited ownership or control over family property, leaving them unable to secure loans even when they have business plans and the ambition to expand their enterprises.

Adjumani District Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo called on financial institutions and project implementers to consider alternative collateral arrangements that would accommodate women without formal property ownership.

He said concerns about the loan selection criteria had previously been raised during engagements in Koboko District, where women entrepreneurs were also experiencing difficulties accessing the financing.

“We are happy that the women have received training. However, when we were in Koboko, we raised concerns about the challenges women face in accessing the money and called for the incentive and selection criteria to be reviewed because the current requirements do not favor some of them,” Anyanzo said.

The collateral challenge raises questions about whether the project’s financing arrangements are sufficiently responsive to the circumstances of rural women, particularly those from low-income households who may have viable businesses but lack formally recognized assets.

While access to credit can provide an opportunity for business growth, the requirements attached to borrowing may exclude some of the women the project intends to support.

Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner, Swaib Toko, urged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge acquired during the training and exercise financial discipline in managing their businesses.

“I appeal to the women to take this training seriously and apply the lessons in their businesses. For any business to grow, financial discipline is essential. Separate your personal finances from your business finances,” Toko said.

Beyond access to financing, stakeholders emphasized the importance of strengthening financial literacy, business management skills and enterprise formalization to enable women to manage their businesses effectively and meet relevant financial requirements.

The four-day training brought together 106 women entrepreneurs, comprising 75 from host communities and 31 refugees.

As the GROW Project continues to support women-owned and women-led enterprises, addressing the collateral barrier will be critical to ensuring that women who lack formal property ownership are not left behind.

For many aspiring women entrepreneurs in Adjumani, access to business training is an important first step. But without financing arrangements that recognize their economic realities, the opportunity to turn their business ambitions into sustainable enterprises may remain limited.

END

By Victor Andama

Along the dusty stretches of the Arua–Nebbi Highway that wind through Uleppi Sub-county, towering stacks of white polypropylene sacks stand by the roadside under the scorching West Nile sun. Filled with lumps of charcoal, the bags await transportation to urban centres such as Arua, Gulu and Kampala.

For 34-year-old single mother Beatrice Candiru, the sacks represent both a source of livelihood and a growing environmental threat.

“If I do not burn charcoal, my children do not eat, and their school fees go unpaid,” she says, her hands stained with charcoal dust. “But every year, I have to walk deeper into the bush to find trees big enough to burn. The land is getting hotter, the rains are becoming unpredictable, and we are cutting down the very trees that provide us with shade.”

Candiru’s experience reflects a growing dilemma facing many households in Uleppi: the struggle to survive amid worsening environmental challenges.

Communities that have contributed little to global greenhouse gas emissions are increasingly bearing the consequences of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells and declining agricultural productivity are placing additional pressure on rural livelihoods. For households with few alternative sources of income, charcoal production has become an emergency survival strategy.

However, as more families turn to charcoal burning, the activity is accelerating the destruction of the very natural resources on which their livelihoods depend.

Agriculture’s Decline and the Turn to Charcoal

For generations, Uleppi Sub-county has relied heavily on agriculture, with cassava, simsim and groundnuts among the crops cultivated by local farmers.

Today, however, changing weather patterns are creating growing uncertainty for farming households. Farmers increasingly struggle with unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells and occasional heavy downpours that can wash away fertile topsoil.

When harvests fail, many households have limited options. Without reliable agricultural insurance, adequate financial support or alternative livelihood opportunities, some turn to charcoal production to meet immediate household needs.

Limited access to affordable alternative energy sources further sustains demand for charcoal. In communities where electricity and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remain inaccessible or unaffordable to many households, charcoal continues to serve as both a source of income and an essential cooking fuel.

A seasonal economic survey conducted by local civil society actors reportedly found that nearly 70 per cent of smallholder households in Uleppi depend on charcoal production as their primary or secondary source of emergency income when harvests fail.

For Mundu Moses Okondo, a climate ambassador from Uleppi Sub-county, the situation requires urgent intervention. He estimates that up to 90 per cent of households in the area depend on charcoal burning for their livelihoods.

Yet his efforts to encourage environmental conservation have come at a personal cost.

Okondo says some community members ridicule and isolate him because he does not participate in the charcoal business, which has become a lucrative source of income for some residents.

“I am always called a poor man in my village because I do not have money like the charcoal dealers. Because I do not engage in the business, some people exclude me from community activities. Yet this is money they have obtained through dubious means,” he says.

Despite the criticism, Okondo continues to champion tree planting and environmental conservation, using public gatherings, funerals, social events and school engagements to encourage communities to protect trees.

His experience illustrates the social and economic pressures facing environmental conservation advocates in communities where immediate financial returns often take precedence over long-term environmental protection.

The Assault on Indigenous Trees

The growing charcoal trade is placing increasing pressure on indigenous tree species in Uleppi, particularly slow-growing hardwoods such as the Shea tree and Afzelia Africana.

The destruction of these trees threatens more than the area’s forest cover. It also undermines traditional livelihoods and the community’s ability to adapt to climate change.

Loss of traditional sources of income: Shea trees provide fruits and oil that can support household consumption and generate income, particularly for women. Cutting them down for charcoal offers a one-off financial return but destroys a resource that could sustain households for generations.

Declining environmental resilience: Trees provide shade, protect soil and help regulate local environmental conditions. As tree cover disappears, exposed land becomes more vulnerable to intense heat and moisture loss.

Increasing soil degradation: Tree roots help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Their removal exposes fertile topsoil to being washed away during heavy rainfall, further undermining agricultural productivity.

This creates a damaging cycle: declining agricultural productivity pushes more households into charcoal production, while continued tree destruction makes farming increasingly difficult.

An officer from the Madi-Okollo District Environment Department warns that the continued loss of indigenous trees threatens the area’s environmental stability.

“We are witnessing the destruction of our natural heritage. Uleppi is losing its ecological protection. Every tree turned into charcoal means less protection for the soil, poorer agricultural conditions and hotter surroundings for future generations,” the officer says.

Women and Children Bear the Hidden Cost

Although charcoal production provides immediate income for some households, its environmental and social consequences are not shared equally.

Women and children bear much of the hidden cost of the trade, particularly as nearby woodlands become increasingly depleted.

As trees disappear around settlements, women and girls must travel longer distances in search of firewood for household use. These journeys consume time that could otherwise be spent on farming, education or other productive activities. They may also expose women and girls to physical injury and safety risks.

Women and children who work around charcoal kilns are also exposed to smoke and harmful particulate matter, which can pose serious respiratory health risks.

For young people, the growing dependence on charcoal presents another concern. Economic hardship and the need to support household incomes can interfere with children’s education, particularly where families struggle to meet school-related expenses.

Some young people may be drawn into activities such as cutting trees, monitoring kilns and packing charcoal, potentially limiting their opportunities to pursue education and acquire skills for alternative livelihoods.

Without viable economic alternatives, the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation risks being passed on to another generation.

Weak Enforcement and the Search for Solutions

Despite the environmental concerns, controlling charcoal production and illegal tree cutting remains a challenge for Madi-Okollo District.

The district has environmental regulations restricting the commercial cutting and burning of protected tree species, including Shea trees. However, enforcement is constrained by limited resources, inadequate personnel and the difficulty of monitoring remote communities.

The district’s environmental sector reportedly operates with a limited budget, affecting its ability to conduct regular inspections and patrols. Without adequate transport, fuel and staffing, monitoring illegal tree cutting and charcoal transportation becomes difficult.

Concerns have also been raised about the role of middlemen who purchase charcoal from local producers and transport it to larger urban markets. Allegations of informal payments and the circumvention of checkpoints further complicate enforcement.

However, the challenge goes beyond enforcement. For households such as Candiru’s, simply prohibiting charcoal production without addressing the economic pressures driving it could deepen existing poverty.

Climate justice advocates argue that communities need practical and sustainable livelihood alternatives alongside stronger environmental protection measures.

Civil society organizations, including RICE West Nile, have called for targeted investments in climate adaptation and alternative income-generating activities.

Some of the proposed interventions include:

• Solar-powered irrigation systems: Investing in solar-powered irrigation and water storage facilities would enable farmers to grow high-value crops throughout the year, reducing their dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
• Sustainable beekeeping: Establishing modern apiaries in indigenous forest areas could provide households with income from honey production while creating an economic incentive to conserve trees.
• Sustainable biomass management: Training communities in sustainable harvesting practices and promoting tree planting would help reduce pressure on existing natural forests.
• Fuel-efficient cooking technologies: Promoting improved cook stoves could reduce household dependence on charcoal and firewood, helping to minimize demand for biomass energy.

These interventions would require coordinated investment from government, development partners and civil society organizations to ensure that environmental protection does not come at the expense of vulnerable households’ livelihoods.

Executive Order No. 3 of 2023: What Does It Mean for Uleppi?

The government’s position on commercial charcoal production is outlined in Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, issued by President Yoweri Museveni on May 19, 2023.

The order introduced restrictions on commercial charcoal burning, trade and extensive tree cutting in several parts of Uganda, including Northern Uganda, West Nile, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi and the Teso sub-region.

The directive was intended to address widespread environmental degradation and the destruction of forest resources.

However, its implementation raises important questions about enforcement, accountability and the availability of alternative livelihoods for communities that depend on charcoal production.

How effectively is the order being enforced in Uleppi? What measures has Madi-Okollo District put in place to protect indigenous tree species? And what support is available for households that depend on charcoal production to survive?

These questions remain central to understanding the gap between environmental policy and the realities facing communities on the ground.

Until these concerns are addressed through effective enforcement, adequate funding and sustainable livelihood interventions, the charcoal trade is likely to remain an attractive option for households struggling with poverty and climate-related agricultural losses.

For Beatrice Candiru and many other families in Uleppi, the charcoal kiln is more than a source of income. It is a reflection of the difficult choices people make when survival today comes at the expense of tomorrow.

The challenge, therefore, is not simply to stop communities from cutting down trees, but to create economic conditions that make protecting those trees a more sustainable choice than destroying them.

END.

By Onzima Allan

Organizers of the Northern Uganda Music Awards (NUMA) 2026 have called on South Sudanese musicians, both male and female, to participate in this year’s edition, in a move aimed at promoting regional talent and strengthening cultural exchange between Uganda and South Sudan.

The organizing committee says it has recognized the growing musical talent among South Sudanese artists living in Northern Uganda and those based across the border, noting that their participation would bring greater diversity and competition to the awards.

Speaking about the initiative, Temporal Omona, Chairperson of the Northern Uganda Music Awards, said the platform is open to talented musicians across the region, regardless of nationality, provided they have contributed to the growth of the music industry.

He encouraged South Sudanese artists to submit their music for consideration in the different award categories, noting that their creativity and distinctive musical styles have gained popularity among audiences in Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and other parts of the region.

“The awards are not limited to Ugandan artists. We welcome talented musicians from across the region who have contributed to the growth of the music industry in Northern Uganda,” Omona said.

The initiative has also received support from local leaders, with Gulu District LCV Chairperson Justine Simple man Obol describing the awards as an important platform for recognizing and promoting local talent.

Obol said the awards provide an opportunity to appreciate artists for their contributions throughout the year while giving emerging musicians exposure and a platform to reach wider audiences.

Meanwhile, Juma Jamie, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Uganda Music Awards, reflected on the growth of the initiative, saying it had evolved from a modest undertaking with limited resources into an increasingly recognized platform for celebrating musical talent.

He attributed the progress to the determination of the organizing team and support from local leaders, artists and the wider community, despite the financial and organizational challenges encountered in the early stages.

The 2026 edition aims to celebrate musical excellence, promote emerging talent and strengthen cultural ties between Uganda and South Sudan through music.

According to the organizers, nominations for the Northern Uganda Music Awards 2026 are scheduled to open on December 1^st, 2026.

By welcoming South Sudanese musicians, the awards seek to expand their regional reach and create opportunities for artists from both countries to showcase their talent, connect with new audiences and contribute to a more inclusive music industry.

END

By Bazio Doreen

Adjumani District is preparing for another round of development investments under the second phase of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP II), but concerns over financial accountability, incomplete infrastructure and weak community management are raising questions about whether lessons from the first phase will translate into better results.

The concerns emerged on Friday, November 6^th, 2026, when a delegation from the World Bank, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Ministry of Local Government and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) visited the district headquarters to assess its preparedness for DRDIP II.

The meeting brought together district political and technical leaders, representatives from UNHCR Adjumani, OPM Adjumani and the Resident District Commissioner’s office, among other stakeholders.

DRDIP II is a five-year Government of Uganda programme implemented through OPM, with US$328 million in World Bank financing. It targets approximately three million people, including one million refugees, in refugee-hosting and transit communities.

The programme seeks to address the social, economic and environmental pressures associated with displacement through investments in community infrastructure, essential services, livelihoods and environmental restoration. It also seeks to strengthen peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.

For Adjumani, a major refugee-hosting district, the stakes are high.

What did Shs 57 billion deliver?

Presenting the district’s performance under DRDIP I, District Desk Officer Gulam Abubaker reported that Adjumani implemented 386 sub-projects valued at UGX 57,070,801,129/= benefiting 139,263 people.

The investments included: 60 classrooms, 1,080 desks and 264 latrine stances. These interventions improved the classroom-to-pupil ratio from 1:110 in 2019 to 1:72 in 2023, the desk-to-pupil ratio from 1:7 to 1:5 and the latrine-to-pupil ratio from 1:79 to 1:60 respectively.

Other education investments included two science laboratories, ten dormitories, three examination halls and 14 teachers’ houses.

At Alere Secondary School, the science laboratory intervention was followed by the school attaining fourth position in science performance among 22 secondary schools in the district. The dormitories also supported increased enrolment at Mungula and Maaji Secondary Schools.

In the health sector, DRDIP I supported five outpatient departments, three general wards, one maternity ward, one drug store and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

At Adjumani Mission Health Centre III, admissions reportedly increased from 171 to 532 following the construction of a general ward, while Maaji Health Centre II registered a reported 30 per cent increase in health-seeking behavior after the construction of an outpatient department.

The project also constructed 144 kilometers of roads, one bridge and two markets, alongside 12 water taps, 4.3 kilometers of water pipelines and a 60,000-litre water tank.

Environmental and livelihood interventions included 1,043 acres of woodlots, 30 acres of ecosystem restoration, 35 acres of irrigation, 26 solar installations in institutions and 3,038 improved cook stoves.

Under the livelihoods component, 47 Village Revolving Funds (VRFs), 107 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and four Special Interest Groups (SIGs) received support. Collectively, the groups generated UGX 8.5 million in revenue, including UGX 4.7 million in profit.

While these figures demonstrate the scale of investment, the district’s own assessment identified gaps that could undermine the sustainability of the achievements.

Three components, different development priorities

Adjumani began preparations for DRDIP II on March 17, 2026, identifying proposed investments across the program’s three components.

Under Component One, covering community infrastructure and social services, the district identified 98 proposed sub-projects costed at UGX 135.3 million.

Component Two focuses on environmental and natural resource management, with Adjumani earmarking 4,400 acres for ecosystem restoration.

Component Three targets livelihoods and economic opportunities. Proposed interventions include 30,000 chicks, 11,250 acres of soya and simsim, 1,800 acres of maize, 720 acres each of coffee and cocoa, support to 50 business groups, 36 demonstration plots, 11 tractors, 11 value-addition groups and 11 micro-scale irrigation groups.

The proposals are intended to improve community services, restore degraded environments, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen economic opportunities for refugees and host communities.

However, the scale of the proposed investments raises questions about how beneficiary selection, financial management, technical support and market access will be handled to ensure that the interventions produce lasting results.

Accountability and sustainability concerns

During the assessment, district leaders and development partners raised concerns about weaknesses experienced under DRDIP I.

Participants reported that some beneficiary groups received project funds and subsequently became inactive or disappeared, while others lacked formal registration and adequate financial management capacity.

Failure to follow procurement procedures, sometimes influenced by local political interference, was also identified as a challenge.

The meeting further highlighted groups that had been identified but never received support, discrepancies in beneficiary information recorded in the project system and difficulties monitoring community bank accounts.

Participants called for stronger beneficiary verification, formal registration and financial literacy training before funds are disbursed.

They also questioned the practice of transferring funds directly to community groups where members lack adequate financial management skills, recommending a review of the approach to strengthen oversight while maintaining community ownership.

The district called for greater involvement of its procurement unit in awarding contracts, improved coordination between OPM and district authorities, and clear communication whenever implementing partners are engaged through memoranda of understanding.

Contractor performance was another concern, particularly companies taking on several sub-projects but failing to complete them within agreed timelines.

The nearly completed abattoir under DRDIP I, reportedly standing at 90 per cent completion, was identified for follow-up.

Participants also demanded that equipment for previously constructed infrastructure be put to use, inactive project bank accounts be closed and mismanaged funds recovered.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, specifically called for the recovery of mismanaged funds in Maaji Settlement.

Other recommendations included: prioritizing persons with disabilities, linking supported business groups to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) for product certification, and strengthening risk management and market access.

OPM promises stronger safeguards

Eng. Francis Okello, Civil Engineer for DRDIP II at OPM Kampala, said contracts for the new phase were expected to be awarded in February 2027.

He said five per cent of the funding allocated to each sub-project would be reserved for operation and maintenance to support the functionality and sustainability of completed investments.

Okello added that infrastructure designs would incorporate sustainability measures and beneficiary groups would undergo capacity-building before funds are disbursed.

Key project personnel would also receive training on implementation policies and expectations.

He said OPM was working on operational funding and Project Implementation Funding Frameworks (IPFs), which were expected to be shared with benefiting districts before the end of November 2026.

On contractor accountability, Okello said contractors who failed to deliver under DRDIP I had been blacklisted and would not be considered for new contracts.

OPM would also write to the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury regarding unspent project balances that had been swept back into the Treasury.

The district’s Chief Administrative Officer was tasked with writing to the Permanent Secretary, OPM, seeking support to fully equip the ICU constructed under DRDIP I.

Okello further said the CAO and District Desk Officer should profile previous woodlot beneficiaries to explore opportunities for carbon financing. He added that a risk management plan was already in place.

World Bank stresses peaceful coexistence and inclusion

Davina Roselyn Vusia, Forced Displacement Specialist at the World Bank, said peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities should remain central to DRDIP II because addressing displacement-related development challenges is the program’s primary purpose.

She urged the district to prioritize beneficiary groups from the first phase that remain active, strengthen project data and information management, and support refugees to access land for productive activities.

Koma Stephen, Commissioner for District Inspection at the Ministry of Local Government, called for clear roles and responsibilities among implementing stakeholders to improve coordination and accountability.

He encouraged refugees to participate in environmental restoration, particularly tree planting and fruit growing, noting the pressure on natural resources caused by demand for firewood in settlements.

Stephen also called for greater utilization of community-based organizations and refugee-led organizations, while urging groups to avoid forged documents and practices that could undermine donor confidence.

Francesco Rubino, FAO Project Coordinator, emphasized the need to fast-track IPFs, harmonize DRDIP II with other government programmes and clarify activities that districts can implement directly and those requiring external technical support.

He also highlighted market access and private-sector participation as essential to ensuring that supported livelihood groups become economically sustainable.

The accountability test ahead

With contracts expected in February 2027, Adjumani has an opportunity to address the shortcomings of DRDIP I before the next phase moves into implementation.

However, several questions remain important for public accountability: Will previously supported groups be assessed to establish which are still functional? Will incomplete projects and unused equipment be addressed before new investments are undertaken? How will beneficiary selection, procurement and financial management be monitored? And will refugees and host communities have a meaningful role in deciding and overseeing projects that affect their livelihoods?

The district’s preparedness will also depend on adequate operational funding. Abubaker disclosed that limited operational resources had prevented the district from cascading project orientation to sub-counties, a gap that could affect community awareness and participation if not addressed.

Ultimately, DRDIP II must move beyond counting approved projects, funds disbursed and infrastructure constructed. Its success should be measured by whether schools, health facilities, roads and livelihood enterprises remain functional, whether public resources reach intended beneficiaries and whether refugees and host communities experience lasting improvements in their lives.

For Adjumani, the next phase is not simply another opportunity to spend development funds. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that lessons from a UGX 57 billion investment can produce stronger accountability, inclusive development and more sustainable results.

END

By Onzima Allan

For the 20 students of St. James Secondary School in Dzaipi Sub-county, Adjumani District, the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations represent more than a final test of what they have learnt over the years. They carry the hopes of families, the expectations of teachers and the possibility of opening doors to university and other opportunities.

As the 2026 UACE examination season begins, eight girls and 12 boys from the school are preparing to take on the examinations, with the majority drawn from science classes. Their preparations have been supported by teachers and school administrators, but the candidates now face the responsibility of translating years of classroom instruction into results.

The national examination briefing took place on November 6^th, with written UACE papers scheduled to begin on November 9^th and run until December 5^th, 2026.

At St. James, Head Teacher Amale Savior said the examination process begins with the briefing of candidates and involves the contribution of several stakeholders to ensure that the exercise is conducted smoothly.

He urged candidates at St. James and other schools to play their part by remaining disciplined, confident and focused throughout the examination period.

One of the candidates, Kenyi Baptist Alau, expressed readiness for the examinations and encouraged fellow candidates to remain confident in their preparation.

For learners still in the lower classes, the moment also carries a sense of expectation. Eriyo Petrua, a student at the school, wished the candidates, particularly those in Senior Six, success, expressing hope that their efforts would produce positive results.

A growing examination cohort, greater responsibility

The 20 candidates at St. James are part of a much larger national cohort. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), 203,875 candidates registered for the 2026 UACE examinations, up from 166,400 in 2025, representing a 22.5 per cent increase. In Adjumani, 813 students are set to sit for the exams up from 132 in 2022.

The growing number of candidates reflects the increasing demand for advanced-level education and the importance of ensuring that learners are adequately prepared, supported and assessed fairly.

At school level, Deputy Head Teacher in charge of Academics, Emmanuel Odong, said teachers had done their part by equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required for the examinations. He urged candidates to apply what they had been taught rather than allow anxiety to undermine their preparation.

However, the responsibility of schools does not end when candidates leave the examination room. Odong also raised concerns about what happens to learners during school holidays, when some may be exposed to risks that affect their education, health and future.

He urged students to use the holiday productively by helping their parents, participating in community activities, reading and acquiring practical vocational skills.

He cautioned learners against idleness and negative peer influence, including drug abuse, theft and early sexual relationships. He also expressed concern about early pregnancies and HIV among school-going children in the district, calling on both girls and boys to make responsible decisions and protect their wellbeing.

The risks that follow learners home

Odong’s concerns reflect a wider national challenge. Teenage pregnancy and child marriage continue to threaten the education and future prospects of many adolescent girls in Uganda.

The Ministry of Health’s 2024/25 annual report on multi-sectoral efforts to end teenage pregnancy and child marriage estimates that approximately 1,000 teenage girls become pregnant every day in Uganda. The report also indicates that 34 per cent of girls marry before the age of 18.

The 2024 National Population and Housing Census further found that 6.5 per cent of girls aged 10 – 19 nationally had begun childbearing. The figure was also 6.5 per cent in the West Nile region, while the Madi sub-region recorded 3.8 per cent.

These figures provide important regional context, although they do not establish the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among students at St. James Secondary School or in Adjumani District specifically.

HIV also remains a concern among young people. Preliminary findings from Uganda’s 2025 Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, released by the Ministry of Health in October 2026, put HIV prevalence among young people aged 15 – 24 at 1.5 per cent, with prevalence higher among young women at 2.0 per cent compared with 1.0 per cent among young men. Among girls aged 15–19, prevalence was estimated at 1.3 per cent.

The statistics underline why learner protection cannot be treated as a responsibility that belongs to schools alone. They point to the need for sustained guidance, access to accurate health information and supportive environments in which young people can make informed decisions.

Parents and schools must remain involved

As candidates prepare to complete their final examinations and other learners head into the holiday, Odong called on parents and guardians to take an active role in guiding their children.

He urged families to monitor their children’s activities, offer counselling and maintain communication with them, rather than leave them without direction during the long break.

He also encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that learners return to school when the new term begins, warning that the holiday should not become an opportunity for children to disengage from education.

The call raises an important question for parents, schools and education stakeholders: how can the progress made in classrooms be protected when learners are outside the school environment?

For schools, this means making guidance and counselling a continuous part of learner support, including preparing students for the risks they may encounter during holidays. For parents, it means creating time to listen to, guide and supervise their children. Community leaders and relevant service providers also have a role in ensuring that young people can access appropriate information and support.

The examination period may determine the next academic step for the 20 candidates at St. James, but their long-term success will depend on more than the grades they obtain.

As they sit for their final examinations, their teachers hope to see the years of preparation reflected in their results. For the younger learners watching them, their journey offers a reminder of what education can make possible.

Yet, beyond the examination papers and eventual results, the bigger responsibility remains: ensuring that every learner has the support, protection and opportunity needed to complete their education and build a future.

END.

By Allan Onzima

For many adolescents and young people in refugee-hosting communities, accessing sexual and reproductive health services can be complicated by limited facilities, inadequate privacy and the fear of being judged when seeking sensitive health information.

At Mungula Health Centre IV in Adjumani District, efforts are underway to address some of these barriers through the construction of a UGX 43 million Adolescent-Friendly One Stop Centre designed to give young people a safe, private and welcoming environment to access essential health services.

Train a Girl Child Uganda (TAGU), together with its partners, has handed over the construction site to a contractor, marking the beginning of a three-month project expected to strengthen access to adolescent-friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services for young people in refugee and host communities.

The centre is being established under the Girls in Crisis – Deepening Impact (GiC-DI) project, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Judith Neilson Foundation through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.

Once completed, the facility is expected to provide adolescents and young people with access to SRHR information, counselling, referrals and related services in an environment that respects their privacy and dignity.

The intervention comes amid longstanding infrastructure challenges at Mungula Health Centre IV, which have affected the facility’s ability to provide some services in an appropriate environment.

Janet Mundua, Executive Director of TAGU, outlined the project’s objectives and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that sexual and reproductive health services are accessible to adolescents and young people in both refugee and host communities.

She emphasised that access to SRHR services should not be limited by where young people live or their circumstances, noting that TAGU would continue working with partners to strengthen service delivery.

Dr. Atia Joseph Idoru, the In-Charge of Mungula Health Centre IV, welcomed the intervention, describing it as an important response to infrastructure challenges that the facility has experienced over the years.

He expressed optimism that the support from TAGU would help address the long-standing infrastructure gap and improve the environment in which adolescents and young people receive health services.

His remarks highlighted the importance of appropriate infrastructure in delivering quality healthcare, particularly services that require confidentiality and sensitivity.

Funding constraints heighten the need for partnerships

The intervention comes at a time when humanitarian operations are facing significant funding constraints, placing additional pressure on organisations and institutions supporting refugee and host communities.

Angua Christine, Assistant Field Officer for UNHCR in Adjumani, acknowledged the growing resource challenges, noting that humanitarian needs remain high even as available funding becomes increasingly limited.

She said the support provided through the initiative was particularly important at a time when resources are scarce and competing emergencies require attention.

Her remarks highlighted the growing importance of partnerships in sustaining essential services for vulnerable communities, especially adolescents who require consistent access to health information and support.

Twebaze Penelope, Assistant Settlement Commander for Mungula Refugee Settlement, commended TAGU and its partners for the initiative and pledged continued support from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

She assured stakeholders that the settlement leadership would support the project from groundbreaking through construction to completion, including monitoring to ensure that the work meets the intended standards.

Beyond the construction: Will young people benefit?

The UGX 43 million investment represents an important step towards improving adolescent-friendly healthcare infrastructure in Mungula. However, the centre’s long-term impact will depend on more than the completion of the building.

Its effectiveness will also rely on the availability of qualified health workers, consistent supplies, appropriate referral systems and services that adolescents can access without fear of stigma or discrimination.

For young people, particularly girls, the availability of confidential counselling and reliable SRHR information can help them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

The project is expected to be completed within three months, with stakeholders committing to continued collaboration and monitoring throughout implementation.

For Mungula Health Centre IV, the intervention offers an opportunity to address a longstanding infrastructure challenge. For adolescents and young people in the surrounding refugee and host communities, it presents the prospect of accessing essential health services in a space designed with their specific needs in mind.

Ultimately, the success of the initiative will be measured not simply by the completion of the UGX 43 million facility, but by whether young people feel safe, respected and confident enough to use the services it is intended to provide.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

For a trader operating in Adjumani Town Council, paying local taxes comes with an expectation that the money will translate into cleaner streets, better public infrastructure, improved services and a more functional local government.

But when garbage collection is irregular, public infrastructure remains inadequate and essential services fall short of expectations, residents may begin questioning what they are getting in return for their contributions.

This relationship between taxation and service delivery took centre stage during a fiscal decentralization and Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) training organized by the Local Government Finance Commission (LGFC) at Adjumani District Headquarters.

The Commission challenged political and technical leaders to address weaknesses in revenue mobilization, eliminate collection leakages and strengthen accountability for public resources amid concerns over the district’s failure to meet its own-source revenue targets.

The engagement brought together heads of departments, newly elected Local Council III chairpersons, Sub-County Assistant Chief Administrative Officers (SACAOs), Account Assistants and members of the District Executive Committee.

Discussions exposed a significant gap between the district’s revenue ambitions and actual collections, raising questions about whether Adjumani is fully exploiting its available revenue sources and whether existing collection systems are delivering the expected results.

Revenue collections remain below expectations

Figures presented during the training show that although Adjumani’s local revenue collections have increased in absolute terms over the past three financial years, the district continues to fall short of its annual targets.

In FY 2023/2024, the district collected UGX 412 million against a target of UGX 2.04 billion, representing 20 per cent performance.

Collections improved to UGX 1.018 billion in FY 2024/2025 against a target of UGX 2.07 billion, translating into 49 per cent performance.

However, in FY 2025/2026, the district collected UGX 1.082 billion against a target of UGX 2.64 billion, representing 41 per cent.

For FY 2026/2027, the district is targeting UGX 2.64 billion, although first-quarter collections stood at just UGX 65.86 million.

The figures point to a revenue administration challenge that goes beyond setting ambitious targets. They raise questions about the identification of taxable economic activities, the efficiency of collection mechanisms, enforcement and the capacity of revenue officers to monitor potential revenue sources.

Unzia Martine, Chairperson of the LGFC, said Adjumani was added to the Commission’s support supervision programme because of its relatively low revenue performance despite having been engaged three times previously to review its local revenue mobilization.

She argued that the district should be collecting more revenue than some local governments with smaller revenue bases.

However, her concern was not limited to the amount collected. She questioned whether residents could identify the services supported by their tax contributions.

“Do taxpayers, especially in Town Council, feel value for the money they pay? Do they get adequate access to electricity? Is their garbage collected on time? These are things that can motivate people to pay taxes on time,” Martine said.

Her remarks highlighted an important relationship between local taxation and public trust: residents are more likely to comply with their tax obligations when they can see how their contributions improve their communities.

Martine also observed that political leaders establish a social contract with the public through their election manifestos and must therefore be accountable for translating their promises into tangible services.

She revealed that political leaders would be incorporated into IRAS performance monitoring to reinforce their oversight responsibilities in local revenue administration.

Revenue leakages and inadequate facilitation.

Fred Andema, Senior Manager for Revenue and Research at the LGFC, identified weaknesses in the district’s revenue collection structures as some of the factors that could be contributing to poor performance.

He observed that Adjumani may not have exhausted its available revenue base, suggesting that the district needs to identify untapped sources and improve the administration of existing ones.

One of the concerns he raised was the inadequate facilitation of Parish Chiefs, who play an important role in revenue mobilization at the local level.

According to Andema, failure to provide these officers with the necessary resources and motivation can create opportunities for revenue leakages and weaken collection efforts.

“We need to also motivate the people collecting this local revenue. Parish Chiefs should be facilitated and motivated. At least 10 per cent of revenues collected should be allocated for this purpose,” he said.

He further challenged the district to move beyond preparing annual revenue enhancement plans as routine administrative requirements, urging officials to implement, monitor and periodically review them.

Andema also called for the revival of property tax collection through the functionalization of the district’s property valuation board, whose previous term expired in FY 2023/2024.

The Commission recommended a broader revenue improvement approach centered on assessing revenue potential, expanding the tax base, reducing leakages, improving compliance, enforcing taxes fairly and making realistic forecasts.

These proposals raise important questions about the district’s capacity to translate existing revenue opportunities into actual collections and whether the officers responsible for mobilization have the necessary resources to do their work.

Leaders challenged to lead by example.

The responsibility for improving local revenue performance also drew attention from district political and technical leaders.

Hon. AA Rokani Moses Simba, District Speaker, called for collective responsibility and equal enforcement of revenue obligations, warning against allowing personal relationships to interfere with revenue assessment and collection.

“Do not say this is my brother and so I can’t assess him for the local revenue payment. We need to work together to improve our district’s financial capacity,” he said.

Simba urged political leaders and revenue officers to spend more time in communities identifying revenue opportunities and following up on collections instead of relying heavily on meetings.

His remarks highlighted the need for fairness and consistency in enforcing local revenue obligations, particularly where personal relationships and political influence could undermine compliance.

Leku Samuel, Chief Finance Officer, acknowledged operational challenges affecting revenue administration, particularly delays in remittances to lower local governments.

He attributed some of these delays to bureaucratic approval processes involving different stakeholders.

He also revealed that government plans to establish a dedicated department for revenue collection, although further details about its structure and implementation were not provided during the engagement.

Leku urged district stakeholders to embrace technology and strengthen collaboration in improving the use of IRAS.

“We need to appreciate technology and help others to improve our IRAS performance. I urge those directly involved in revenue mobilization to use resourceful persons amongst us,” he said.

Ocen James Andrew, Chief Administrative Officer, expressed optimism that the district would register improved performance during the current financial year.

He attributed part of his optimism to the arrival of a new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer from Oyam District, which he observed had been performing better than Adjumani.

Will the recommendations translate into results?

One of the key resolutions from the training was the establishment of a district task force to monitor local revenue performance and strengthen accountability among the different stakeholders involved in revenue administration.

The task force is expected to track collections, identify operational challenges and follow up on the implementation of agreed revenue enhancement measures.

The training also emphasized the use of IRAS dashboard reports as tools for monitoring revenue performance, identifying collection gaps and strengthening political and technical oversight.

The Local Government Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 194 of the Constitution of Uganda, mandated to advise government on matters concerning the financing of local governments.

For Adjumani, however, the real test will be whether the recommendations translate into measurable improvements.

The district must demonstrate that it can identify and exploit available revenue sources, address weaknesses in collection systems, adequately facilitate revenue officers and ensure that enforcement is fair and transparent. Equally important is accountability for the money collected.

When residents pay taxes but cannot see improvements in waste management, local infrastructure and other essential services, confidence in the revenue system can weaken. Conversely, visible improvements in service delivery can strengthen public willingness to comply with tax obligations.

The proposed district task force therefore faces a responsibility that goes beyond tracking figures on an IRAS dashboard. It must help establish a revenue system that is efficient, transparent and responsive to taxpayers’ needs.

Ultimately, Adjumani’s success will not simply be determined by whether it reaches its UGX 2.64 billion target. It will also depend on whether residents can point to meaningful improvements in their communities and confidently say that the money they pay is making a difference.

END.

By Herbert Yiki

For the pupils of Mother Theresa Preparatory Primary School, a visit to Gift of Love Slovak Catholic Caritas Uganda was more than an opportunity to meet children living in difficult circumstances. It was a practical lesson in compassion, sharing and the responsibility to care for people who need support.

The pupils, accompanied by their teachers and school administrators, visited the charitable organization, which provides care and support to disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

The visit brought together staff from both institutions, community members and local leaders in a gathering that celebrated Christian values of love, charity and solidarity while drawing attention to the needs of vulnerable children.

Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo, the LCV Chairperson of Adjumani District and Guest of Honor, commended the school for nurturing compassion among young learners, describing such initiatives as important in shaping responsible and caring members of society.

The school administration said the visit was intended to help pupils understand the importance of sharing with others and extending kindness to children facing difficult circumstances.

Asiku James, Educationist, also praised Gift of Love Slovak Catholic Caritas Uganda for its commitment to caring for disadvantaged children, noting that the centre was making a difference in their lives through love, support and care.

He challenged Adjumani District leadership to increase publicity about the facility so that more people could learn about its services and support its work.

His appeal highlighted the importance of community awareness in connecting vulnerable children with organizations and services that can improve their wellbeing.

A call for collective responsibility.

Catherine Riria, co-founder of Caritas Slovak Catholic Uganda – GOLD, called for stronger partnerships in addressing HIV/AIDS and supporting children experiencing hardship.

She made the appeal during the visit, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure that vulnerable children are not left without the care and support they need.

Her message pointed to the broader social challenges affecting children and the importance of collaboration among charitable organizations, government institutions, communities and other development partners.

For organizations working with disadvantaged children, sustained support is essential to maintaining care services and creating opportunities for children to develop their potential.

Beyond care: Preparing children for the future.

In his remarks, Anyanzo acknowledged the work being done by Gift of Love Slovak Catholic Caritas Uganda and pledged support for the facility.

He also highlighted the importance of practical skills development, linking the work of the centre to the ATMS development agenda, which stands for Agro-industry, Tourism, Minerals, and Science, Technology and Innovation.

Anyanzo referred to a recent engagement in Gulu where district leaders were addressed by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation on the importance of promoting practical skills as a foundation for development.

He emphasized the relevance of equipping learners with skills that can prepare them for productive and self-reliant futures.

The emphasis on practical skills adds another dimension to the work of organizations supporting vulnerable children: beyond providing immediate care, there is a need to create pathways through which children can acquire knowledge, develop abilities and participate meaningfully in society.

Turning compassion into sustained support.

The visit by Mother Theresa Preparatory Primary School offered an opportunity to demonstrate that supporting vulnerable children is a shared responsibility that extends beyond charitable organizations.

While the pupils brought a message of love and solidarity, the calls from community members and educationists highlighted the need for more sustained institutional and public support for facilities such as Gift of Love.

Improved publicity, stronger partnerships, community involvement and investment in practical skills development could help expand the opportunities available to children under the center’s care.

For the visiting pupils, the experience offered a lesson that cannot always be taught within classroom walls: that the wellbeing of others matters and that even small acts of kindness can contribute to a more caring society.

Ultimately, the challenge is to ensure that the spirit of giving demonstrated during the visit does not end with the event, but grows into sustained support that gives vulnerable children greater opportunities to live with dignity, develop their abilities and build independent futures.

END.