By Anzoo Evaline

Adjumani District Local Government has raised concern over the increasing number of new HIV infections among women and young people despite a reduction in the overall number of new cases registered in the district.

The concern was raised during a stakeholders’ engagement on HIV/AIDS where district leaders, health workers, and representatives of people living with HIV reviewed the district’s HIV situation and discussed strategies to end new infections.

According to the District HIV/AIDS Focal Person, Inyani Dolorence, the district has made progress in reducing new HIV infections compared to previous years, but the latest figures still present a worrying trend, especially among women and young people.

“We used to have more than 400 new HIV infections, but currently we have 225. And Adjumani Town Council is number one with 67 new cases. The detailed analysis of the 225 shows that 30% of these 225 are people between the age of 15 to 29 years. And it is very bad that 65% of the total 225 new infections is occurring among the female gender.

147 out of 225. Very bad picture. And this means that we need to really prioritize the female gender in terms of prevention,” said Inyani.

The figures indicate that out of the 225 newly registered HIV infections, more than half are women and girls, while nearly a third are young people aged between 15 and 29 years. Stakeholders noted that these statistics require urgent interventions targeting the most affected groups.

The Chairperson of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Adjumani District, Opi Leonard, called for greater efforts in tracking clients who discontinue treatment and disappear from health facilities after testing positive.

“Let us walk up about tracking of our lost clients. Last week we have discovered from in our facility one child has been born with HIV. This is a mother who was tested positive and put on ARVs and she disappeared. And went and conceived somewhere, came with a baby. No care, that lady is giving us a shame.

The cross-border issue, especially the refugee community. The moment they are tested, they disappear. They go to south Sudan, others go to Congo. Finding them is not easy, but these ones within we can make it. Let’s try and tell our relatives. The moment the person has been detected, we should help them,” Opi said.

He emphasized that communities have a role to play in ensuring that people diagnosed with HIV remain on treatment and receive the support they need to prevent further transmission of the virus.

Speaking during the discussion, Apio Ruth Sharon Baru expressed concern that many people no longer fear HIV infection as they did in the past, making prevention efforts more challenging.

“Currently, there’s nothing people fear about HIV that’s why you hear people saying girls/ women fear pregnancy more than HIV/AIDS. But why? To me, maybe it’s because the right information that they are supposed to be given has not yet sank into them so well. So, I think a lot has to be done in regards to engaging the communities,” she said.

Her remarks highlighted the need for continuous community sensitization and awareness campaigns, particularly among young people and women who continue to bear the greatest burden of new infections.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Toko Swaib urged stakeholders not to lose hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS, noting that sustained sensitization and collective responsibility remain key to ending the epidemic.

“Let’s not give up. We continue sensitizing our community and it is becoming difficult, actually the difficulty is going. We shall reach at a point when we want everybody to understand the message. I have like the theme you have written here ending HIV by 2030 is possible through collaborative responsibility. That means all the department must comply,” he said.

The RDC emphasized that the fight against HIV/AIDS should not be left to the health sector alone but should involve every department, institution, community leader, and household.

Stakeholders agreed that while the reduction from over 400 new infections to 225 represents significant progress, the high number of infections among women and youth remains a major challenge that requires targeted prevention measures, community engagement, and strengthened follow-up of people living with HIV.

As Adjumani District continues working towards the national goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030, leaders are calling for stronger collaboration among government departments, health facilities, community leaders, families, and development partners to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against the disease.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, and community awareness programs, with particular focus on women and young people who account for the majority of new infections. Leaders stressed that ending HIV by 2030 remains achievable if every stakeholder takes responsibility and works together to protect communities from new infections.

END.

By Onzima Allan.

Adjumani District Ebola Task Force has suspended public gatherings as Ebola outbreak cases increase in Uganda and neighboring countries.

As Ebola cases rise in Uganda and the neighboring country DRC, boarder districts are tightening controls.

In Adjumani the District Task Force has ordered temporary suspension of all public gatherings. The move comes as Uganda records 19 confirmed cases and 2 deaths, while the DRC outbreak nears 500 cases.

Speaking during Ebola Task Force meeting on 8^th June 2026 at the Office of the Resident District Commissioner Adjumani, Olony Paul, the Surveillance Focal Person Adjumani urged, the task force to suspend weddings, funeral, and large religious events to cut transmission risk; an advice that was approved by the meeting.

Richard Atepo, the Senior Health Educator, urged leaders to sensitize the communities on the signs and symptoms and join efforts to call for vigilance.

Dr Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant District Health Officer In charge of Maternal Child Health Adjumani, on his part said, Adjumani hosts a very large number of refugees for them to be ready, emergency tools and other supplies must be brought to Adjumani. He said the district needs PPE Isolation units, test kits.

Abina Polyene Irene, the Refugee Desk Office Adjumani, said this fight needs joint effort as Government, the community and partners must work together. He added that partners like Medical team Uganda (MTI). Will contributes highly when it comes to the response.

The message from Adjumani today is clear, Ebola thrives on silence and delay. With 19 confirmed cases in Uganda and the outbreak still active in DRC, boarder district cannot afford to wait.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline

Stakeholders in Adjumani District have cautioned residents to take deliberate action in restoring the environment through tree planting, warning that continued environmental degradation could worsen the effects of climate change and threaten livelihoods in the district.

The call was made during a tree planting and environmental restoration activity held at Elegu Central Primary School in Arinyapi Sub- County.

The event brought together district leaders, environmental activists, development partners, teachers, pupils, and community members under the theme, “Climate Action Begins with You, Act Now.”

Speaking during the event, the District Environment Officer, Amadra Sabino, emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality already being experienced by communities across the district and the country.

“We are saying climate change starts with you act now. The impacts of climate change that we see everyday, rain is coming a bit in excess. We also see if there is a dry spell, it moves for a longer time,” Amadra said.

He noted that changing weather patterns have become more evident in recent years, with prolonged droughts and excessive rainfall affecting agriculture, water resources, and the wellbeing of communities. He urged residents to become active participants in environmental conservation by planting and nurturing trees around homes, schools, institutions, and public spaces.

Environmental conservation advocates also highlighted the growing pressure on natural resources in Adjumani, particularly due to increasing population demands and dependence on forest resources for energy.

Amanzuru William Lesion, Team Leader of Friends of Zoka, said the environmental challenges facing Adjumani require urgent attention from all stakeholders.

“For you to understand the magnitude of environmental challenge in this district, you must put in mind how the district is hosting refugees plus other people who are in this district. But also, you need to look into how energy sector is being addressing the district. That gives you a better magnitude to understand what it means to talk about environmental abuse,” he said.

Lesion further expressed concern about increasing encroachment on protected areas, especially the Zoka Central Forest Reserve, which is internationally recognized for its unique biodiversity.

“But then also encroachment inside gazzeted areas like Zoka Central Forest Reserve that currently seems to be the bank gene for wild coffee across the country but also across the world. Apart from the wild coffee, it also has wild rice. It has flying squirrels, blesses for serene and all these. This magnificent future that has been gazzeted some years back is facing a lot of resistance from destructions,” Lesion added.

He stressed that protecting forests such as Zoka is critical not only for biodiversity conservation but also for maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, Wambi Richard, attributed much of the environmental destruction to human activities and irresponsible practices that have led to the loss of tree cover and environmental pollution.

“Because of the human character, human practices, we have destroyed the environment by cutting all the trees, throwing all the cover everywhere, the bottles, and we have affected the environment. And it is now us to get the effects of what we did to the environment. That’s why Adjumani and other places are very hot, and this is very unfortunate,” Wambi said.

He noted that communities are already experiencing the consequences of environmental degradation through rising temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions.

“So, we are here to demonstrate that we need to restore the environment. And this is the responsibility of everybody beginning with me and you,” he added.

Wambi urged residents not only to plant trees but also to ensure that the trees survive and grow to maturity.

“We want to request that everybody takes seat up on themselves to ensure that on any basis you grow a tree don’t just plant,” he said.

The Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, Toko Swaib, encouraged residents to embrace fruit tree planting as a practical solution that can simultaneously address environmental, economic, and nutritional challenges.

“My advice to stakeholders and every other person around here is that as we are embarking on this tree planting, I want to encourage the population also to plant more of fruit trees because when we plant fruit trees, we are addressing three issues at a time go,” Toko said.

“When we are planting the fruit trees, we are addressing the issue of environment, we also addressing the issue of house or income as well as addressing also nutritional issues. So, I want to encourage the population to continue this exercise.”

The RDC further urged communities to reduce dependence on natural forests for survival and instead adopt sustainable alternatives that can help conserve remaining forest resources.

“And most importantly, let’s also encourage our communities from disease on the dependence of the natural trees of forest as life,” he added.

During the exercise, participants planted a number of tree seedlings within the school compound as a demonstration of the district’s commitment to environmental restoration. Teachers and pupils pledged to take responsibility for nurturing the trees to ensure they survive and contribute to improving the local environment.

Stakeholders emphasized that restoring degraded landscapes requires collective action from individuals, institutions, communities, and government agencies. They called on every resident of Adjumani to take personal responsibility for protecting the environment by planting trees, preventing deforestation, properly managing waste, and safeguarding protected forest reserves.

As climate-related challenges continue to affect communities, leaders believe that tree planting remains one of the most effective and affordable ways of restoring ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and securing a healthier environment for future generations.

Under the theme “Climate Action Begins with You, Act Now,” stakeholders said the time for action is now, urging every household to plant and grow trees as a lasting contribution toward environmental restoration in Adjumani District.

END.

By Onzima Allan

Adjumani, Uganda – The Madi Debaters Conference has intensified preparations for the 2026 National Debate Championship by convening a strategic planning meeting aimed at strengthening debate training in schools across the Madi sub-region.

The meeting, held on June 6, 2026, brought together primary and secondary school teachers, education stakeholders, and debate coordinators from across the district to discuss strategies for preparing students ahead of the national championship scheduled for July at St. Mary’s College Kitende.

Speaking during the meeting, Kandaruku Dominic, the Executive Director of the Madi Debaters Conference, emphasized the importance of introducing debate skills to learners early enough to enhance their competitiveness at the national level.

“We have come together with district leaders and education stakeholders to ensure that learners actively engage in debate. Debate is no longer merely an academic activity; it is a vital life skill that equips young people with critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities,” Dominic said.

The Lead Organizer for the Madi Sub-region, Owole Emmanuel Drani, called for greater support from schools, parents, and development partners to nurture young debaters. He noted that debate provides a platform for learners to discuss identity, culture, and community issues while developing confidence and civic awareness.

“We want to see more young people participate in debates that address issues affecting their communities. Such engagements help shape informed and responsible future leaders,” Drani said.

Participants at the meeting also highlighted the transformative impact of debate on learners. Gloria Munguci, a student debater, commended the organizers for expanding debate opportunities and encouraged more young people to join the activity.

“Debating has helped me build confidence, improve my public speaking skills, and express my ideas more effectively,” she said.

However, some stakeholders called for a more inclusive approach to debate development. Amale Sunday, a teacher, urged organizers to prioritize government-aided primary schools, arguing that many debate programs have largely benefited private institutions.

“There is a need to ensure that learners in government schools receive equal opportunities to participate and compete,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abbe Sandra, a matron at St. Peter’s Primary School, emphasized the need for training programs to include wardens and matrons who play a critical role in supporting learners during competitions and school activities.

The Madi Debaters Conference believes that the success of the July 2026 National Debate Championship will depend on strong collaboration among schools, teachers, parents, local leaders, and other stakeholders.

The National Debate Championship, one of Uganda’s premier platforms for student public speaking and critical thinking, is expected to attract participants from schools across the country, providing an opportunity for young debaters from the Madi sub-region to showcase their talents on the national stage.

END.

By Bazio Doreen,

Adjumani District Local Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience through the establishment of a 2.5-acre woodlot at Elegu Primary School in Arinyapi Sub-county as part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026.

The district-led initiative brought together political leaders, technical officers, development partners, teachers, learners, and community members in a tree-planting exercise aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental management.

Speaking during the event, the District Natural Resources Officer, Mr. Giyaya Charles, noted that environmental degradation remains one of the key challenges facing Adjumani District due to increasing demand for land, firewood, charcoal production, and settlement expansion.

He explained that the district has embarked on a campaign to plant approximately 2,000 trees in schools, institutions, and communities to support ecosystem restoration and strengthen climate resilience.

“Tree planting is one of the most practical interventions for addressing environmental degradation. Beyond restoring ecosystems, trees help improve soil fertility, protect water sources, sequester carbon, and support livelihoods,” Mr. Giyaya said.

According to Uganda’s forestry records, the country experienced a significant decline in forest cover from approximately 24 percent in 1990 to about 12 percent by 2017, largely due to deforestation and land-use change. While recent restoration efforts have contributed to gradual recovery in some areas, government agencies continue to emphasize the need for sustained conservation and reforestation programmes.

The Chairperson of Adjumani District Local Government, Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo, said the district’s environmental restoration efforts directly support Uganda’s national climate change commitments and sustainable development priorities.

“Environmental protection is not only about conserving nature; it is also about protecting livelihoods, food security, and the future of our communities. Every tree planted today contributes to a healthier and more resilient Adjumani,” he said.

Hon. Ambayo further urged schools and communities to take ownership of the planted trees to ensure their survival and long-term environmental benefits.

The Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Toko Swaib, emphasized that climate change is increasingly affecting communities across Uganda through prolonged dry spells, erratic rainfall patterns, floods, and declining agricultural productivity.

“Climate change is no longer a future threat. It is already affecting our communities and livelihoods. We must all take responsibility by restoring our environment and adopting sustainable practices,” he said.

The district’s initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader climate action agenda under the National Climate Change Act, 2021, and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which seek to strengthen climate resilience, increase forest cover, and promote sustainable natural resource management.

Nationally, Uganda has registered progress in ecosystem restoration. Recent government reports indicate that wetland coverage has recovered from 8.9 percent in the early 2020s to 13.9 percent by 2025 following targeted restoration interventions. Similar efforts are being implemented across the country to restore forests, wetlands, and other critical ecosystems.

This year’s World Environment Day was commemorated under Uganda’s national theme, “Climate Action Begins with You: Act Now,” which calls upon citizens, institutions, and communities to take practical steps toward addressing climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

As Uganda prepares to host the National World Environment Day celebrations in Adjumani District in 2026, the district has positioned itself as a key contributor to national efforts aimed at restoring ecosystems, promoting climate action, and building a greener and more sustainable future.

END.

By Dramadri Federick

Arua City has been thrust into the center of a growing financial scandal after explosive allegations emerged of a coordinated scheme involving technocrats, contractors, and consultants accused of attempting to siphon hundreds of millions of shillings from the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Additional Financing (USMID-AF) project.

The allegations surfaced during a heated council debate over a supplementary budget worth 2.023 billion shillings, part of which had been earmarked as outstanding contractual obligations to China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd (CRSG), the contractor behind the rehabilitation of Go-Down Road and related infrastructure works in the city.

At the center of the controversy is a disputed payment claim of more than 513 million shillings that some city officials allegedly sought to push through despite mounting evidence that the contractor was either overpaid or owed only a negligible amount.

The supplementary budget, sent by the Ministry of Finance under the World Bank-funded USMID-AF program, had initially proposed 513.5 million shillings as outstanding obligations to CRSG and 1.5 billion shillings for procurement of 192 solar street lights along key roads in Arua City.

But what appeared on paper as a routine budget approval quickly turned into a bombshell corruption exposé.

According to documents tabled before council, Arua City implemented the USMID-AF project from the 2019/2020 financial year until December 2023, with an extension to June 2024. The original contract awarded to China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd was worth 13.5 billion shillings for 12 months, but was later extended by three months, increasing the contract value to 14.03 billion shillings. However, the contractor, consultant, and Accounting Officer reportedly presented a higher contract figure of 15.43 billion shillings, which differed from the signed agreement. Additionally, a final payment claim of 1.596 billion shillings submitted by the consultant was said to lack support from the original contract documents, raising concerns over possible inflated claims and financial irregularities.

This discrepancy reportedly triggered suspicion among some council members and technical officers, who began reviewing payment records and audit reports.

Council records showed that CRSG had already received payments totaling 13.446 billion shillings through advance payments, interim certificates, retention fees, and payments for street lights. By official calculations, the contractor’s outstanding balance should have been approximately 583 million shillings.

The Paper Trail.

The 2025 Auditor General Value for Money report discovered that 63.7 million shillings had allegedly been paid for installation of 12 solar street lights on Afra Road that were never installed. The amount was flagged for recovery but accounting officers didn’t take any action. Another 78.3 million shilling was recommended for recovery by the Office of the Auditor General following findings of overpayments on Go-Down Road.

The scandal widened further when auditors reportedly uncovered illegal 20 percent deductions imposed by the contractor on subcontractors handling water and electricity works. The deductions, amounting to over 110 million shillings, were classified as unlawful recoverable funds.

More evidence unveiled on March 15, 2023 when Archways Holdings Limited that was subcontracted by China Railway Seventh Group Company Limited (CRSG) to relocate utilities wrote a complaint letter to the project manager CRSG about a 20% illegal deduction of their pay totaling to 74,046,777 Shillings and threatened legal action against the contractor.

Shs1.242 billion embezzled in Ghost Camp site

Documents indicated that the contractor had previously been paid 2.8 billion Shillings under School Road Construction project to establish a camp site and quarry. Council, consultants, and the contractor had reportedly agreed that the same facility would be reused for the Go-Down Road project at no extra cost. The site was previously used as a play field for Arua Prison Primary School but cannot be used for any purpose due to the damages caused. CRSG is

Despite this agreement, the contractor allegedly claimed and received an additional 1.242 billion Shillings for establishing a “new” camp site for Go-Down Road. Another 100 million Shillings was allegedly paid for reinstating the same camp site work that investigators say was never completed.

Officials who opposed the payments claim their objections were ignored by the Accounting Officer despite written warnings from the Contract Manager.

Link to the Graph of Contractors demands for the 513million shillings

Questionable Payments Made to the Contractor.

A review of financial transactions, payments made by Arua City Council to China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd under the USMID-AF project shows that the contractor received a cumulative total of 13,446,020,680 Shillings through advance payments, interim payment certificates, retention release, and payments for solar street lights.

The first payment of 2.701 billion Shillings was made on 22nd January 2022 as advance payment, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the total payments made. This advance was intended to facilitate mobilization of equipment, personnel, and commencement of works on the Go-Down Road rehabilitation project.

Subsequent payments were processed through six Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), which together amounted to 9.358 billion Shillings. The largest single IPC payment was Interim Payment Certificate No. 5 worth 2.502 billion Shillings paid on 19th June 2023, while the smallest was IPC No. 2 worth 535.8 million Shillings paid on 10th June 2022.

On 11th July 2023, the contractor received 1.513 billion Shillings under Interim Payment Certificate No. 6 and an additional 322.6 million Shillings as retention payment on a single day, no explanation was given by the town clerk regarding the payments.

The contractor also received 1.083 billion Shillings specifically for installation of 321 solar street lights. However, subsequent inspections and audit findings revealed that some street lights, including 12 units on Afra Road worth 63.7 million Shillings, were allegedly never installed despite payment being made.

Financial analysis further indicates that the total amount paid represented about 95.8 percent of the revised contract sum of 14.029 billion Shillings. This left an expected contractual balance of approximately 583.5 million Shillings before deductions and recoveries identified by auditors and technical officers.

However, later reviews by the Office of the Auditor General and city technical staff raised concerns over unsupported claims, overpayments, duplicate camp site charges, illegal deductions imposed on subcontractors, and payments for unexecuted works.

After accounting for all recoveries and deductions amounting to approximately 1.595 billion Shillings, technical analysis reportedly concluded that the contractor’s actual payable balance reduced drastically to only 1.5 million Shillings instead of the claimed 513.5 million Shillings.

The payment trends therefore raise significant concerns regarding contract management, certification of works, accountability controls, and possible financial irregularities in the implementation of the USMID-AF project in Arua City.

The revelations sparked fears of an organized scheme to divert public funds through manipulated contractual claims.

According to the motion presented before council, by the secretary for Finance Planning and Administration Moses Adriko, some technocrats allegedly attempted to use forged documents and questionable reconciliations to justify payments that lacked contractual backing.

“I saw some reports cooked in the names of the consultant from the town clerk’s office shared with the executives whose contract expired in June 2024, when we questioned David Kyasanku (Town Clerk) did not want any other officer to clarify and yet the consultants obligations were fulfilled, if we are to arrest this time round the town clerk must not be left”. Adriko stated

Consultant, Town clerk on spot for alleged connivance.

The contract for SEGAMU 14 Consults Ltd, the supervising consultant, reportedly expired in June 2024. However, documents continued surfacing afterward under the consultant’s name. Whistleblowers alleged that some of these documents were prepared by city officials and individuals linked to the contractor rather than the legitimate consultant team that supervised the project in Arua.

“Those documents do not have authentic evidence and some of you have been receiving them through social media platforms including WhatsApp, please disregard them”. Adriko stated

In one of the most explosive allegations, councillors were told by the Secretary Finance Planning and Administration that the Accounting Officer (City Town Clerk) David Kyasanku was allegedly mobilizing support for approval of the disputed supplementary budget by promising facilitation payments to councillors.

Adriko who laid grave evidences of the Auditor general’s Value for Money report of the road project, reports from the contracts Manager, the signed contract agreements and a detailed analysis report urged councillors to approve 1,524,031 shillings other than the 513,511,823 shillings.

The motion further alleged that representatives brought before council by the Accounting Officer to defend the contractor had not even worked on the Arua project, with some reportedly coming from Gulu and Kitgum projects instead.

He also warned that the action of the town clerk was a deliberate attempt to manipulate public systems and divert taxpayer funds through fabricated obligations.

“Somewhere someone has selfish interest, I am aware some of you councillors were promised shs.10million, shs.5million if you had approved the over 500million shillings, I am leaving the council but we must learn to stand on the truth if someone is to be arrested, they must start with the accounting officer because he refused to implement council resolutions even when the Mayor wrote to him directing payment of the funds, this town clerk paid death ears”. Adriko started

Technical officers Defend Contractor.

David Kyasanku, the Arua city town clerk vows not to sign any documents related to the USMID-AF specifically pertaining the Go down Road construction. Kyasanku who based his defense on the October 10, 2025 letter of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance Ramandan Ggoobi directing the release and utilization of the 2.023billion shillings for offsetting contractual obligations and the consultant’s report that indicated that contract was demanding 1.589billion said he will not approve any funds for street lighting or even less than what the consultant had indicated.

“I can’t approve what doesn’t have a backup and what the consultant gives me is what I will pay but if the council insists, I will not sign for the release but I need to write to my bosses for an independent audit for the third time”. Kyasanku noted

In his letter dated 10^th December 2025 under Ref ENG/204/10 by Contracts Manager Anthony Dradria who also doubles as the city’s Senior Civil Engineer, insisted that the net payable to the contractor is 513,511,823 Shillings and urged the city’s Executive to pay without delay.

The Assistant Deputy Town Clerk Arua City Emmanuel Angudubo who represented the office of the town clerk during the May 11, 2026 council sitting, started with a disclaimer statement saying he is not an accounting officer and warn that approving unsupported payments could expose city officials to criminal liability once investigations are completed.

“I’m not the accounting officer, actually the first person to be asked about this project is the project manager not any other person because he implemented the project from the time go to the end. My guidance is the council should approve the 513.5million shillings as per the contract manager to avoid litigations”. Angudubo noted.

The controversy has now left Arua City deeply divided, with some officials demanding a full forensic audit into all USMID-AF expenditures.

The Councillors Stand

Meanwhile, council was urged to redirect the bulk of the supplementary funds toward procurement of solar street lights rather than disputed contractor claims.

The councillors upon deliberating on the matter were convinced by the report presented by the Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration and redirected and approved 2.023billion Shillings of Which 2.021billion shillings has been directed  for procurement of new 192 new solar street lights based on the documentary evidences tabled before the Council for Arua Hill Round About to Ewuata (Pakwach Road), Ediofe Cathedral Road (Pajulu Road) and State Lodge to Mvara S.S Gate to MUBS Arua Campus Road (Mt. Wati Road) under USMID-AF and 1,524million shillings be paid to China Railways Seventh Group Co. Ltd as outstanding obligation.

Mbigiti Godfrey Jona the Deputy Resident city commissioner in charge of Ayivu division threatened to arrest whoever has a hand in the scandal saying money meant for service delivery must serve the purpose.

“We cannot pay someone out of pressure, we must pay for work done otherwise whoever is engineering such useless reports must present evidence with prove or else we shall arrest them”. Mbigiti responded.

Yako Teddy Gloria the Arua city speaker after each and every member of the councils submissions asked those in support to respond and councillors unanimously responded okaying that the city council will pay the contractor 1,524,031 shillings instead of the 513,511,823 shillings as demanded by both the city town clerk, and the contractor.

“Those who say the contractor China Railway Seventh Group Company Limited be paid 1,524,031 shillings bot not 513,511,823 shillings and a total sum of 2.021billion shillings be used for procuring solar streetlights, those in favor say Aye, and those not in favor say Nay….. (Councillors …Aye…) Ayes have it” the speaker then ruled immediately directing the funds be used as per the council resolution.

The scandal now threatens to become one of the biggest corruption investigations tied to municipal infrastructure financing in northern Uganda, with several senior officials potentially facing scrutiny over abuse of office, fraudulent accounting, and causing financial loss to government.

As pressure mounted, the matter attracted the attention of the Inspector General of Government (IGG), who in their letter dated 13^th April 2026 signed by Nicholas Kajura wrote to the town clerk Arua city demanding for documents regarding the rehabilitation of Go Down Road under USMID program to assist in investigations into the project.

Arua’s Growing Corruption Crisis and the National Picture.

Since 2019, a total of 11 technical officers from Arua city have so far been arrested and either directed to refund funds or interdicted in connection with mismanagement of infrastructure, road funds, and service delivery by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).

According to reports by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) in 2024 and 2025, Uganda loses an estimated UGX 10 trillion (approximately $2.7 billion) annually to corruption. Public procurement is a primary driver of these losses, accounting for some of the largest corruption-related financial drains. This staggering figure accounts for about 44% of the country’s domestic revenue, severely impacting public service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth

As investigators close in, the central question remains: how much public money would have been lost had the discrepancies not been uncovered?

END.

By Vasco Gift

Growing concerns are emerging in Koboko District over alleged illegal mercury mining activities in Abuku Sub-county, with local leaders, environmental experts, and community activists warning of potential health, environmental, and safety risks associated with the unregulated extraction of the toxic mineral.

Speaking to the press, the LCIII Chairperson of Abuku Sub-county, Hon. Swali Itima, said local authorities have not yet confirmed the presence of mercury deposits in the area due to the lack of technical equipment and expertise required to conduct a proper geological assessment.

“We cannot conclusively confirm the existence of mercury in the area because there has been no official survey conducted by the relevant authorities. As leaders, we do not have the technical capacity or equipment to verify such claims,” he said.

Despite the absence of official confirmation, Hon. Itima acknowledged reports that some community members have been involved in mining activities since last year under the guidance of an individual believed to be from Western Uganda. According to local accounts, the alleged operator is rarely seen at the site, and his identity remains largely unknown to district authorities.

The mining site is reportedly located near the Abuku Sub-county headquarters.

Hon. Itima further noted that those involved in the activity have cited high operational costs, including the purchase of expensive chemicals used in the extraction process, as one of the challenges affecting the continuity of the operation.

As concerns continue to mount, leaders across the district are calling for immediate intervention by government authorities.

The LCIII Chairperson of Lobule Sub-county, Hon. Suleiman Banga, emphasized that Uganda’s laws require all mineral exploration and extraction activities to be authorized by the relevant government institutions.

“The Government of Uganda does not permit illegal mining. Any individual or company interested in mineral extraction must obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and other relevant authorities,” he said.

Hon. Banga warned residents against participating in unauthorized mining activities, arguing that local communities are vulnerable to exploitation by individuals operating outside the law.

Community activist Ronald Baiga, commonly known as Kanawara, expressed deep concern over the alleged illegal mining operations. He said local residents are reportedly being used to carry out excavation work without adequate protective gear, exposing them to significant health and safety risks.

According to Baiga, the activities threaten water sources, agricultural land, livestock, and the general wellbeing of surrounding communities.

“The reported mining activities pose serious risks to women, children, and livestock through potential contamination of water sources and farmland. The excavation of deep pits also presents a physical danger to community members,” he said.

Baiga further alleged that landowners and community members were not adequately consulted before the commencement of the activities and called for a comprehensive investigation by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines.

He urged authorities to conduct a thorough assessment of the site and prosecute any individuals found to be operating outside the law.

Koboko District leaders have also taken note of the allegations.

Hon. Mambu Ashrafu, an LCIII Chairperson in Koboko District, said he had not received any formal communication from the individuals behind the mining activities but assured residents that the district leadership would engage the relevant ministries to establish the facts and determine the appropriate course of action.

Meanwhile, the District Environment Officer, Alege Wadri, clarified that local governments do not have the mandate to issue mining licenses.

“As a district, we cannot authorize mineral extraction. Such powers rest with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development,” he explained.

Wadri revealed that district authorities had earlier written to an individual reportedly linked to the activities after learning that local residents were being engaged in excavation work without the necessary approvals.

He warned that the continued extraction of minerals without proper authorization could have serious environmental consequences and called upon residents to desist from participating in the activity.

“If these activities continue without the required documentation and approval, the district will be compelled to take appropriate action in accordance with the law,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Koboko County, Hon. Emmanuel Natal Banya, also pledged to follow up on the allegations and engage relevant authorities to establish the legality of the mining operations.

Experts warn that mercury is among the most hazardous substances to human health and the environment. Exposure to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and blood cells, while prolonged contact may result in severe health complications. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to mercury poisoning, which can lead to developmental and neurological disorders.

Environmentalists further caution that mercury contamination can pollute soil and water sources, threaten biodiversity, and affect agricultural productivity. Illegal mining sites are also associated with increased risks of accidents, including the collapse of excavation pits that may result in injuries or fatalities.

Under Uganda’s Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, unauthorized mineral extraction is prohibited and punishable by law. Individuals found guilty of engaging in illegal mining activities may face substantial fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

Legal and Environmental Concerns

The alleged mercury mining activities in Abuku Sub-county come at a time when government authorities are intensifying efforts to curb illegal mineral extraction across Uganda. Under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, all mineral exploration, prospecting, and mining activities must be conducted under a valid licence or permit issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Individuals found conducting mining operations without authorization face severe penalties, including substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. The Act further prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations due to its well-documented health and environmental risks. Violators may face fines of up to 5,000 currency points, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

In addition, the Constitution of Uganda under Article 39 guarantees every citizen the right to a clean and healthy environment, while the National Environment Act, 2019 places an obligation on individuals and institutions to protect natural resources from degradation. Any activity that contaminates water sources, destroys vegetation, or endangers public health may attract legal sanctions under environmental protection laws.

Environmental experts warn that mercury contamination can persist in soil and water for decades. Once released into rivers, wetlands, and agricultural land, the toxic metal can accumulate in fish, livestock, and crops, posing long-term health risks to communities. Exposure to mercury has been linked to neurological disorders, kidney damage, developmental complications in children, and reproductive health challenges among women.

The concerns are particularly significant for the West Nile sub-region, which hosts some of Uganda’s most environmentally sensitive and densely populated refugee-hosting districts. Uganda currently hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees, with a large proportion residing in West Nile districts including Koboko, Adjumani, Yumbe, Arua, Madi Okollo, and Obongi. The growing population has increased pressure on land, water resources, forests, and public services, making environmental conservation a critical priority for local governments and development partners.

Development experts caution that illegal mining activities can undermine ongoing efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and environmental restoration in the region. In Koboko and neighbouring districts, agriculture remains the primary source of income for the majority of households. Any contamination of farmland or water sources could directly affect food security, household incomes, and public health.

Stakeholders are therefore calling for an urgent geological assessment of the site, environmental impact investigations, and enforcement of existing mining and environmental laws to safeguard communities and protect the natural resources upon which the people of West Nile depend.

As questions surrounding the alleged mercury mining activities in Abuku Sub-county remain unanswered, residents and leaders alike are calling for urgent investigations to establish the facts, protect communities, and safeguard the environment from potentially irreversible harm.

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By Dramadri Federick

The West Nile Compensation Advocacy Network (WE-CAN) has threatened legal action against Meridian Tobacco Company Limited, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Arua District Local Government over alleged environmental pollution linked to the company’s operations in Ajia Sub-county, Arua District.

The planned lawsuit follows two unanswered petitions submitted by the advocacy group raised concerns about environmental compliance, public health risks, and what the organization describes as continued silence from both the company and regulators.

In its initial petition dated March 23, 2026, addressed to the Managing Director of Meridian Tobacco Company, WE-CAN demanded the release of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) audit reports, as well as evidence of compliance with environmental and constitutional obligations. The organization issued a seven-day deadline, but says no response was received.

A second petition, dated April 13, 2026, was addressed to the Executive Director of NEMA and copied to Arua District Local Government and other relevant authorities, including the tobacco company itself. In this communication, WE-CAN issued a 14-day ultimatum to both the company and the regulator to provide proof of compliance with environmental and public health protection laws.The deadline expired on April 29, 2026, without any formal response.

According to WE-CAN, the lack of engagement has left residents living near the factory increasingly concerned about their health and safety. Communities within a five-kilometer radius have reportedly complained of a persistent tobacco odor, which they believe could pose serious health risks.

Richard Andama, the Managing Director of WE-CAN, says the organization has made repeated attempts to engage both the company and the authorities but has been met with silence, prompting the decision to pursue legal action.

“We have been engaging them on issues of discharge and pollution specifically the environmental issues, aware the community has been bitterly complaining of the toxic smell and you remember a child drawn in the unprotected sewerage facility and died. At first we wrote to the Managing Director of Meridian Tobacco Company Limited, they never responded, we went ahead to NEMA we didn’t receive any response and we are not stopping there,” Andama stated.

He adds that WE-CAN has now instructed its lawyers to issue a formal notice of intention to sue all three entities, citing their respective roles in the matter.

Victor Ajuma, the Technical Director of WE-CAN, also emphasized that legal action is now inevitable, arguing that responsibility must be assigned to all parties involved. He says Meridian Tobacco Company should be held liable as the alleged polluter, while NEMA should be held accountable for its regulatory mandate. He further faults Arua District Local Government for permitting the establishment of the factory in a densely populated area.

“The next thing is to drug these entities to court because we cannot allow our people to die like that. The first party is Meridian Tobacco Company Limited who is the polluter and who will be put to strict liability, to compensate any damage to environment, ecosystem and human health, the second party is NEMA who is the regulator and the third party is Arua district local government who permitted the company to establish tobacco factory amid heavy population,” Ajuma said.

Beyond the immediate dispute, the situation in Ajia reflects broader national concerns about the health and environmental impact of tobacco production and exposure. Data from NEMA indicates that tobacco use and air pollution contribute to more than 30,000 deaths annually in Uganda, translating to an estimated 204 deaths each week figures that surpass the combined deaths from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Tobacco is also a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for approximately 25 percent of all deaths in the country, with an estimated economic burden of 126 million US dollars annually.

At the local level, concerns have also been raised about enforcement and follow-up by district authorities. In March, the Arua District Chief Administrative Officer, Wamburu Soita Emmanuel, pledged to dispatch a team of technical officers to investigate the allegations. However, no findings from that exercise have been made public.

Efforts to obtain official responses from both NEMA and Meridian Tobacco Company Limited have so far been unsuccessful, with calls to their known contacts reportedly going unanswered.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s broader regulatory environment is also under scrutiny. The 2025 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index ranks the country 10th out of 100 countries, with a score of 41, indicating increased tobacco industry influence on public health policy. This marks a decline from Uganda’s 7th position in 2023 and highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and oversight in industry-government interactions.

For WE-CAN and affected residents, the next step now appears to lie in the courts, as pressure mounts on both corporate and public institutions to account for their actions and address the environmental and public health concerns raised by the community.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

The Muslim community in Adjumani District and the entire residents have been urged to embrace forgiveness, love, and unity as they celebrate Eid Day, while also remaining vigilant against the threat of Ebola and the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in the district.

Speaking during the Eid celebrations, the Adjumani District Khadi, Baiga Rhamandan, emphasized that forgiveness is a compulsory teaching in Islam and should be extended to all people regardless of religion.

“As we celebrate Idi, it is compulsory in Islam to forgive. Not that you can forgive only Muslim, but you should forgive even a non-Muslim. Because our beloved Prophet Muhammad Salalah said that forgive, have mercy on each and everybody who is on earth so that the one which is in the heaven will have mercy on you,” Baiga Rhamandan said.

Sheik Musa Khemis, also called upon the Muslim faithful and the community to use Eid celebrations as a moment to rebuild relationships and strengthen humanity, peace, and love among people.

“The day of Eid is for sacrifice. If we see how people stay these days at home, in society, in the community, people don’t forgive themselves”.

But we emphasize about forgiveness so that it should build the bridge, the bond, and should create the humanity, peace and love in most special day like this. Remember people are going to move in different homes of different people. So, once you have forgiven yourselves, Allah also accept you all the deeds that you have been doing today.

But if you refuse to ask forgiveness, you refuse to give your brother, your sister, your friend, your neighbours, definitely what you are doing, you are just wasting your time,” Khemis noted.

Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, Toko Swaib, warned residents against ignoring public health guidelines at a time when the country is facing the threat of Ebola and increasing HIV/AIDS infections, especially among young people.

“The country is faced with the threat of Ebola. I therefore want to call upon all our people to observe the SOPs,” Toko Swaib said.

He further expressed concern over risky behaviour during celebrations, saying government efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS infections are being undermined by irresponsible actions among the youth.

“I want to particularly question the youth. Government has a program of making HIV not to be a major public health threat by 2030. But we are witnessing increasing cases of new cases, especially among the young persons. Usually, we take such big days we say we are celebrating the big days and we celebrate them in a wrong way”.

As I speak now, some people might have read a plan, somebody daughter, you have planned somebody’s wife, and in the course, you also have higher risk of a contracting HIV AIDS. The cases are increasing. Why? The government wants us to abstain, and you must test your blood at will. Just go and test,” he added.

The leaders called upon residents to celebrate responsibly, uphold forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, and prioritize their health and safety during the Eid festivities.

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T

By Anzoo Evaline.

The Ebola District Task Force in Adjumani has urged the general public to remain vigilant and strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures to avoid infection as the country continues to register new Ebola cases.

Speaking during the district task force meeting, the Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, Toko Swaib, said government and the Ministry of Health are continuing with efforts to contain the outbreak.

“We have continued to receive threat of Ebola and ministry is doing everything possible to contain it. We have received instructions about the public gatherings. Dear task force committee let’s do our part?” Toko said.

He added that initially the arrangements focused on districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo but noted that the threat has now spread across the country.

“Initially the arrangement started with the border districts especially those borders in DRC Congo. But we it’s now everywhere and the task force is supposed to be formed as we are formed here and we also have these meetings,” he added.

The District Surveillance Focal Person, Olanya Paul, revealed that Uganda continues to receive periodic outbreak reports with new cases already confirmed among health workers.

“Periodically we get special reports for the outbreaks. the last special report was on Tuesday 26th. Two new cases were reported, and the two were Ugandan health workers who attended to a DRC national. The first case that died was attended by these health workers. And we will see surely in the report the disease is going to hit most health workers,” Olanya explained.

He further said the outbreak is no longer limited to imported infections.

“So, the total cases currently in the outbreak are seven with three imported cases meaning the other four are the Ugandans. So locally the disease has started spreading and that is where the problem is,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Acen Caroline working with the Office of the Prime Minister said measures have already been strengthened at the refugee reception centers to reduce overcrowding and improve coordination.

“We operationalized our settlement task force meeting on Friday at the reception center specifically. So, these were the key action points from our last meeting from the reception center. We plan for a weekly coordination meeting just like this one which will be on every Tuesday because it will feed into this meeting,” Acen said.

She noted that crowd control remains a major concern especially during food distribution and registration of refugees.

“Then we noted that there were crowd control issues at the reception center during when these POCs are getting their food. So, we also had an action point on that to see how the team can walk around to see That’s these refugees do not get coming numbers to get this food and during registration as well,” she added.

The District Police Commander of Adjumani, Masembe Harbert, called for engagement with religious institutions even before any government directive on public gatherings is issued.

“The government has not pronounced itself on public gathering. For example, churches attract a lot of people and even mosques for prayers. Before that position is taken, we need also to engage them either by someone in home through their leaders and we tell them what they should put in place. Then for us we monitor see that it is enforced,” Masembe said.

Representing the LC5 Chairperson, the Secretary for Social Works, Mali Kenndy, emphasized that the fight against Ebola requires collective effort from all stakeholders and implementing partners.

“It’s a fight for all of us. As a district, we cannot handle, but when we you chip in as implementing partners and all the stakeholders, we shall be in position to do the needful. Uh, we have been here talking about uh resources mobilization, but we here are the resources. Okay? We need to be very vigilant as we fight Ebola,” Mali said.

The task force members concluded by calling upon communities to remain alert, avoid unnecessary contact, observe hygiene measures, report suspected cases early, and cooperate with health authorities as the district intensifies efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.

END.