By Onzima Allan

Two journalists, Okudi Martin of NBS Television and Sida Alfred of Radio Amani 89.1 FM, were reportedly arrested at around 2:00 p.m. on today Monday October 26^th while covering a protest at the Adjumani Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office over a longstanding land dispute in Ukusijoni Sub-county.

The journalists are currently being detained at Adjumani Central Police Station, according to information shared by the journalists.

Colleagues have alleged that the arrests were carried out on the orders of the office of the Adjumani RDC, Mr. Toko Swaib. However, the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the specific grounds for the journalists’ detention have not yet been independently established.

The RDC had not commented on the allegations by the time of publication.

The reported arrests come a day after the journalists covered the destruction of approximately 300 bags of charcoal in connection with enforcement of a previously contested ban on charcoal trade in the country.

It remains unclear whether their coverage of the charcoal incident was connected to their arrest. Media for All, Uganda had not independently established whether formal charges had been preferred against the journalists.

Renewed concerns over press freedom

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of journalists reporting on public protests, land disputes and government enforcement actions in the Madi sub-region.

In 2020, journalists from Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi reportedly petitioned the office of the Adjumani RDC over alleged violations of journalists’ rights during the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions and the electoral period.

The latest incident has renewed questions about the environment in which journalists operate, particularly when covering sensitive public-interest issues involving government authorities and community grievances.

Article 29(1) (a) of Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the press and other media. This protection underpins the media’s role in informing the public, documenting events and promoting accountability.

Media for All, Uganda calls for clarification

Media for All, Uganda condemns any unlawful intimidation, harassment or obstruction of journalists carrying out their professional duties.

The organization calls on the relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrests, communicate the legal grounds for the journalists’ detention and ensure that their rights and safety are protected.

It further urges the authorities to handle the matter through lawful and transparent procedures and to ensure that the journalists have access to legal assistance.

Media for All emphasizes that journalists must be able to cover public protests and other matters of public interest without fear of retaliation for their reporting. Any concerns about journalistic conduct should be addressed through established legal procedures rather than intimidation or unlawful restrictions.

The organization will continue to follow the matter and seek clarification from the relevant authorities as more verified information becomes available.

ENDS.

By Bazio Doreen

Adjumani District Local Government has begun stakeholder consultations on the proposed Atiak irrigation canal project, which is expected to extend across seven sub-counties in Adjumani as part of a wider irrigation initiative involving neighboring Amuru District.

The consultations are aimed at gathering views from local leaders, technical officers and other stakeholders to guide the proposed canal’s boundary demarcation, alignment and design ahead of implementation.

On October 20^th, 2026, the district leadership, in collaboration with Ingeniosite Engineering Consult Ltd, held a consultative meeting at the district headquarters attended by members of the District Executive Committee, district councilors, sub-county chairpersons, Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officers and technical staff from the Production and Natural Resources departments.

The proposed project, initiated by Atiak Sugar Factory, is expected to cover approximately 109 kilometers across Ciforo, Ofua, Arinyapi, Pakele, Adropi, Dzaipi and Ukusijoni sub-counties.

The project will draw water from the River Nile to support irrigation and agricultural production. It also includes plans for greenhouse establishment and the development of selected agricultural enterprises in the participating sub-counties.

Consultations to guide project planning

Edema Richard, the Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, clarified that the meeting was a consultative exercise and not the commencement of construction works.

He explained that the engagement was intended to obtain views from local leaders and technical stakeholders to inform the planning process.

Edema also emphasized the importance of preserving the names of streams along the proposed canal route, noting that local geographical features and their names should be recognized during the planning and boundary demarcation exercise.

He further explained that the proposed project falls under a public-private partnership arrangement involving Atiak Sugar Factory, in which the Government of Uganda has a 40 per cent stake through the Uganda Development Corporation.

Irrigation infrastructure to support agricultural production

Eng. Joseph Kyagulanyi, the project team leader, said the proposed canal was initiated to address the factory’s need for a reliable water supply to support its operations and agricultural activities.

He explained that the proposed design would include fencing, on-site water storage and escape structures to manage excess water and help reduce flooding risks.

The use of water from the River Nile is central to the proposed irrigation scheme, which is intended to improve water availability for agricultural production. The technical planning process will guide the canal’s alignment and the infrastructure required along its route.

Greenhouse farming and new agricultural opportunities

Mesiku Harriet, Adjumani District Senior Land Management Officer, informed the meeting that the proposal includes: the establishment of greenhouses and support for agricultural enterprises in the selected sub-counties.

She explained that the district is expected to provide 10 acres of land for greenhouse establishment and each sub county is expected to select an enterprise from nine proposed options, of: coffee, rice, sun flower, macadamia, Hass Avocado, Cashew nuts, lemon, cotton and cocoa.

She also outlined plans to irrigate 80,000 acres along the canal and support eligible beneficiaries to obtain customary land titles adding that people affected by the project will also be compensated for their land.

The proposed activities are intended to expand agricultural opportunities in the participating communities by supporting greenhouse farming, crop diversification and access to irrigation. The selection of enterprises will help guide agricultural planning within the respective sub-counties.

District leadership calls for coordinated planning

Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo, Adjumani District Chairperson, informed stakeholders that a feasibility study had been conducted and that further consultations would be organized with relevant line ministries, local leaders, Horyal Investment Holding Company Limited and the intended beneficiaries.

He said a memorandum of understanding would be signed with Horyal Investment Holding Company Limited after the final project design had been presented and approved by the district authorities.

The district leadership emphasized the importance of involving local leaders, technical departments and communities throughout the planning process to ensure that their views inform decisions on the proposed canal route and associated agricultural activities.

Environmental protection and support for local farmers

Lagu Charles, the District Agricultural Officer, called for the project to support sugarcane out-growers in Adjumani while creating opportunities for agricultural development across the participating sub-counties.

He recommended that a specific agricultural enterprise be selected for each sub-county and urged the project team to ensure that environmental protection is incorporated into the project planning process.

His recommendations highlighted the importance of coordinating agricultural development with environmental conservation and the interests of local farmers.

Agreed actions to guide the next phase

During the meeting, stakeholders agreed on several actions to support further consultations and project planning.

These include:

• Organizing an exchange visit for district councilors, Community Development Officers, Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officers, sub-county chairpersons and district technical staff to learn from comparable initiatives.
• Holding consultations with Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, Local Council I chairpersons and other stakeholders in the selected villages.
• Undertaking boundary demarcation along the proposed canal corridor.
• Conducting community sensitization meetings for residents living along the proposed route.
• Organizing radio talk shows to raise awareness and provide opportunities for public engagement.
• Convening a joint meeting involving leaders from Adjumani and Amuru districts and technical representatives from relevant line ministries.
• Ensuring that Horyal Investment Holding Company Limited is represented in all planned engagements.
• Fast-tracking the final project design for presentation and consideration by the district authorities.

The agreed actions will guide continued engagement between the two districts, the project proponents and local communities as the project design is developed.

Background

Atiak Sugar Factory is a major agro-industrial investment in Amuru District involving Horyal Investment Holding Company Limited and the Uganda Development Corporation. The factory was established to support sugar production, promote sugarcane growing and create economic opportunities in northern Uganda.

The proposed irrigation canal forms part of efforts to strengthen water availability for agricultural production. By linking irrigation infrastructure with greenhouse establishment and selected agricultural enterprises, the initiative is expected to support agricultural development in the participating sub-counties.

For Adjumani District, the current consultations provide an opportunity for local leaders and technical officers to contribute to the planning process, coordinate with neighboring Amuru District and ensure that community views are considered in the proposed project’s design.

Adjumani District Local Government will continue engaging relevant stakeholders as consultations, boundary demarcation and technical planning progress. Construction and implementation arrangements will follow the completion and approval of the final project design and the necessary agreements.

END.

By Onzima Allan.

As the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations enter their second week, Senior Four candidates at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, say early syllabus coverage, consistent revision and support from their teachers have strengthened their confidence in the national examinations.

The candidates say they are optimistic about achieving good grades, attributing their preparedness to the guidance they have received from teachers and the time dedicated to revision ahead of the examinations.

Ajok Debra, a Senior Four candidate who also serves as a leader in the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), said completing the syllabus early and receiving guidance from teachers had boosted her confidence.

“We are confident that we shall perform well in our UCE examinations,” Debra said, adding that early preparation had helped candidates approach the examinations with greater confidence.

For international learners from South Sudan, Sacred Heart Secondary School has also provided an opportunity to pursue their education in a supportive learning environment.

Achol Garage D, a South Sudanese candidate, expressed satisfaction with her experience at the school since joining it. Her remarks highlighted the importance of a welcoming school environment for learners pursuing their academic goals away from their home country.

Beyond classroom learning, the school is also embracing digital education as technology increasingly shapes teaching and learning.

Charles Chan, the teacher in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said learners had shown interest in the subject, reflecting the growing role of digital skills in education. Further details on the school’s ICT programmes and how they support learners would help demonstrate the impact of this approach.

Meanwhile, the school’s head teacher, Sister Helen Lamunu, thanked parents for entrusting the institution with their children’s education.

“We thank the parents for trusting in Sacred Heart. As a school, we are neutral and we welcome everyone,” Lamunu said.

Her remarks underscored the school’s commitment to welcoming learners from different backgrounds and providing an inclusive learning environment.

A total of 250 candidates are sitting for the 2026 UCE examinations at Sacred Heart Secondary School. The school is optimistic that the candidates will maintain its record of academic performance as they complete this important stage of their education.

As the examinations continue, the candidates’ confidence reflects their preparation and the support they say they have received from their teachers. Their eventual results will show how well that preparation translates into academic achievement.

END

By Bazio Doreen

For a woman selling charcoal in a market in West Nile, a bag of charcoal can mean the difference between putting food on the table and going to bed worried about what her family will eat. For another, it is the only affordable fuel she can use to prepare a meal for her children.

Now, as Uganda tightens its efforts to protect forests, women who depend on charcoal for their livelihoods or household cooking face an uncertain future. The question is not whether Uganda should conserve its forests, but how it can do so without pushing already struggling families deeper into hardship.

The debate over Uganda’s charcoal restrictions is about more than trees and environmental protection. It is also about women’s economic security, the cost of cooking a meal and whether those most affected by environmental policies have realistic alternatives.

On October 14th, 2026, Parliament directed a suspension of enforcement of the existing charcoal trade restrictions pending a government statement on the availability of alternative energy sources. The restrictions, introduced under the 2023 Presidential Executive Order No. 3, have affected northern Uganda, including West Nile.

The environmental concerns behind these measures are significant. Uganda loses an estimated 72,000 hectares of forest annually, according to figures cited in the country’s Energy Transition Plan. Charcoal production contributes to pressure on forest resources, making sustainable alternatives increasingly urgent.

But while forests need protection, the women whose incomes depend on charcoal cannot simply abandon their businesses overnight. Nor can households switch to cleaner cooking fuels if those fuels remain beyond their means.

When a bag of charcoal becomes a financial loss.

The economic consequences of the restrictions became clear in October 2026, when traders operating around the Uganda–South Sudan border reported that more than 172 dealers had over 90,000 bags of charcoal, valued at UGX 2.4 billion, stranded amid enforcement.

Behind these figures are traders who may have borrowed money to purchase stock, families that depend on daily sales and small businesses struggling to recover their investments.

For women operating on limited capital, losing access to a market can have consequences far beyond the immediate value of unsold charcoal. Income may disappear, debts may remain unpaid, and money set aside for school fees, food or rent may have to be redirected.

The same uncertainty affects households that rely on charcoal for cooking. When supplies become harder to access or prices rise, families with limited incomes have few options. Some may spend a larger share of their earnings on fuel, leaving less for other necessities.

These are the realities that must be considered alongside the environmental benefits of restricting charcoal production and trade.

A policy designed to protect forests should also consider what happens to the people whose livelihoods depend on the activities being restricted.

Refugee women face an additional burden.

For refugee women in West Nile, the challenge is even more complicated. Many already struggle to access affordable cooking fuel, and restrictions on charcoal can add to the pressure of finding alternatives in an environment where firewood is also becoming harder to obtain.

A December 2025 study in Rhino and Imvepi refugee settlements found that 59 per cent of refugee households used charcoal, compared with 40 per cent of host-community households. Firewood remained the dominant cooking fuel, used by 97 per cent of refugee households. The study also found that refugee women and children faced greater difficulties collecting firewood.

These figures reveal a difficult reality: even where charcoal is widely used, many refugee households continue to depend on firewood, placing additional demands on women and children responsible for collecting it.

For a refugee mother in Adjumani, finding enough fuel to prepare the family’s next meal may mean travelling farther from home, spending hours searching for firewood or using money that was meant for food and other essentials.

Longer journeys to collect firewood can also expose women and girls to protection risks, including sexual and gender-based violence. The pressure extends beyond individual households, as competition over scarce wood resources can strain relationships between refugees and neighbouring host communities.

Without affordable and accessible alternatives, charcoal restrictions could deepen these existing challenges.

Government, the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR and humanitarian partners therefore need to ensure that clean-cooking initiatives reach both refugee and host-community households. Women should not be left to bear the cost of environmental protection simply because they have fewer resources to adapt.

Protecting forests and protecting vulnerable communities are not competing goals. With the right support, both can be achieved.

The question is what replaces charcoal.

The challenge extends beyond West Nile. Research highlighted by Uganda’s Economic Policy Research Centre in April 2026 found that 48.6 per cent of urban households relied on charcoal as their main cooking fuel, rising to 70.6 per cent in Kampala.

Although these figures relate to urban households nationally rather than West Nile specifically, they illustrate the wider dependence on charcoal and the scale of the transition required.

For women in West Nile, however, the issue is immediate and practical: if charcoal becomes unavailable or unaffordable, what will they use instead?

Cleaner cooking options, including improved cook stoves, electricity, biogas and other sustainable fuels, may offer alternatives. But their usefulness depends on whether households can afford them, whether supplies are reliable and whether the technologies suit local cooking practices.

An alternative that exists on paper but remains too expensive for an ordinary household does little to solve the problem.

The same applies to women traders. Encouraging them to abandon charcoal sales without helping them establish alternative businesses risks transferring the cost of conservation to people who may have contributed little to the decisions shaping the transition.

Support could include affordable access to cleaner cooking technologies, practical training, start-up financing and assistance to women who want to diversify into other income-generating activities. Such measures would help make the transition a realistic economic opportunity rather than an additional burden.

Women must have a voice in the transition.

A fair transition requires more than announcing restrictions and expecting communities to adjust. Women who sell charcoal, prepare meals using traditional fuels and collect firewood should be involved in decisions about how the policy is implemented.

Their experiences can help authorities identify which alternatives are affordable, which communities are most affected and what support is needed to prevent households from falling further into hardship.

Social accountability also demands clear answers from the responsible authorities.

What affordable cooking alternatives are currently reaching women in West Nile? What assistance is available to traders whose businesses have been affected by the restrictions? How are refugee and host-community households being supported to access sustainable cooking fuels? And what evidence is available to show that the measures are reducing forest loss?

Authorities should also publish clear information on implementation, available support and the environmental results achieved. Transparent reporting would help communities understand the policy, assess its impact and hold responsible institutions accountable for their commitments.

These questions are not an argument against forest conservation. They are a call to ensure that environmental policies are practical, transparent and responsive to the people expected to live with their consequences.

Conservation should not come at the cost of survival

Uganda faces a genuine challenge: protecting its forests while meeting the energy needs of a growing population. There is no simple solution, and continuing dependence on unsustainable charcoal production carries environmental costs that cannot be ignored.

But the transition must recognize that women are not merely beneficiaries of environmental policy. They are traders, entrepreneurs, caregivers and household decision-makers whose livelihoods and daily responsibilities are directly affected by changes in the energy sector.

For a woman whose charcoal business pays her children’s school fees, conservation must come with a credible path to another source of income. For a refugee mother who struggles to find enough fuel to cook, it must mean access to an affordable and reliable alternative.

Uganda can protect its forests while safeguarding women’s economic security, but achieving both requires more than restrictions. It requires investment in clean cooking, support for affected traders, meaningful community participation and accountability for results.

Women should not have to choose between protecting the environment and feeding their families. A fair transition is one in which forests are protected, livelihoods are strengthened and no woman is left to carry the burden alone.

END.

By Esther Gune

Adjumani District leaders have called for the eviction of illegal occupants from Zoka Central Forest Reserve and clear demarcation of its boundaries, as concerns grow over the protection of the forest and land disputes affecting surrounding communities.

The calls follow President Yoweri Museveni’s concerns about the state of the forest after observing the area from a helicopter during his visit to Adjumani on September 15, 2026.

Akuku Charles Anzo, the NRM chairperson for Adjumani District, appealed to the President to intervene in the land disputes around Zoka, saying clear demarcation was necessary to establish the limits of the protected reserve.

Anzo called for the forest boundaries to be clearly marked to distinguish protected land from neighboring community and private land.

He said: “We need clear demarcation of the forest boundaries so that people can know where the forest ends and the neighboring land begins.”

Anzo said government intervention was necessary to address the disputes and strengthen the protection of the reserve.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Okware, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, described the encroachment as an organized form of land grabbing rather than ordinary invasion of the forest.

“What is happening is not just ordinary encroachment. It appears to be an organized way of grabbing land,” Okware said.

He called on the relevant authorities to take decisive action to prevent further encroachment and destruction of the protected area.

Asara Janet, the District Local Councilor representing Itirikwa Sub-county, urged district leaders to officially announce plans to evict people occupying the forest illegally.

Janet said: “The district leadership should come out clearly and announce the eviction of those occupying the forest illegally so that the responsible authorities can take the necessary action.”

She said a clear announcement will provide direction for enforcement and help the authorities move forward with the proposed eviction.

However, the Vice Chairperson of Adjumani District, Hon. Obulejo Geoffrey, called for fairness in enforcing the law against forest encroachment.

He said: “If the law is to be implemented against people encroaching on the forest, it should be applied equally to everyone without discrimination.”

The leaders’ demands point to two challenges facing authorities: protecting the forest from illegal occupation and resolving disputes over the boundaries separating the reserve from neighboring land.

Zoka Central Forest Reserve is an important natural resource in the West Nile sub-region. Protecting it requires coordinated action by the district leadership, the National Forestry Authority and other relevant government agencies.

However, the leaders’ calls have not established the scale of encroachment, the number of people affected or whether an official eviction date has been set.

The National Forestry Authority and district leadership need to clarify the legal boundaries of the reserve, the evidence of encroachment and the steps planned to address the disputes.

They also need to explain how any eviction will be conducted and how the law will be applied fairly to all affected occupants.

President Museveni’s concerns have renewed attention on Zoka Forest, but the lasting impact of the renewed attention will depend on whether government agencies translate the calls into clear boundaries, transparent enforcement and effective protection of the reserve.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

A road bearing his name and a proposed resource centre may soon become lasting reminders of a leader whose public service journey stretched from primary school classrooms to the highest political office in Adjumani District.

The late Hon. John Boyi Opio, remembered as the first District Chairperson of Adjumani, was honored during a special Adjumani District Council sitting on 16th October 2026, with leaders resolving to recognize his contribution to education, politics, community cohesion and environmental conservation.

The council resolved to rename the Administration Road that connects Gulu – Adjumani highway to Paridi Stadium; as JB Opio Road. Members also proposed naming a planned Resource Centre under the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP II) after the late leader.

The decisions raise a broader question about how local governments preserve the histories of pioneering leaders and pass their values on to younger generations.

A legacy beyond political office.

Opio’s public life was not confined to politics. He served as Head Teacher at Cesia and Onigo Primary Schools before becoming the first District Chairperson and later a Chairperson of the District Service Commission during the tenure of former District Chairperson Hon. Owole Nixon.

His career placed him at the intersection of education, public administration and political leadership.

Adjumani District Chairperson, Hon. Ambayo John Anyanzo, described him as a mentor and political father whose influence extended to many leaders serving today.

According to Anyanzo, Opio’s willingness to sacrifice for the community helped him earn public trust.

The district chairperson said Opio’s photograph would be included in the Hall of Fame being developed at the new district council hall, creating another avenue to preserve the memory of leaders who shaped the district.

However, the proposed road renaming and resource centre will need to progress from council resolutions and plans to implementation before they can serve as permanent public memorials.

A call to preserve the values of public service

Adjumani Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Obumai Simon Peter, described Opio as a selfless, peace-loving patriot who devoted a substantial part of his life to serving the community.

He urged current leaders to learn from the late leader’s example, particularly his commitment to environmental conservation.

Thomas Lagu, representing the Lajopi Clan, similarly remembered Opio as a humble, unifying leader who valued teamwork.

Beyond public office, Opio was a prince in the Lajopi Clan and a farmer known for growing mangoes, a dimension of his life that reflected his connection to community traditions and agriculture.

Remembered at home as well as in public life

For his family, Opio’s legacy extended beyond leadership titles and public recognition.

His daughter, Glofa Opio, described him as cheerful, hardworking and responsible, recalling a father who cared deeply for his children.

The late Opio who died at Adjumani Hospital on 9th October 2026 after a short illness was survived by a large family, including 6 wives, 22 children and 76 grandchildren, according to information shared during the meeting.

Looking towards the next generation

The tribute also touched on the future of leadership and regional identity.

Anyanzo said a Ma’di Sub-region Convention planned for December 2027 is expected to establish a Ma’di Elders Forum, which could provide a platform for elders to contribute to regional discussions and community affairs.

He also called on the District Service Commission to consider qualified children of former leaders for available employment opportunities, subject to the applicable recruitment procedures and merit requirements.

The special council meeting had initially been intended as a joint gathering of Ma’di Sub-region councils. However, the chairpersons of Moyo and Obongi districts were reportedly away on official duty in Kampala.

For Adjumani, the proposed memorials offer an opportunity to connect public spaces with the district’s history. Whether the resolutions translate into completed projects, and how the planned elders’ forum takes shape, will determine how far the tribute extends beyond the council chamber.

For now, the remembrance of JB Opio brings together two aspects of his life: the public servant who helped shape local leadership and the family man remembered for his care, hard work and commitment to others.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

“I joined service in December 2024 but I have never received my salary arrears.”

For Ambayo Godfrey, an Education Assistant at Elegu Primary School, those words describe nearly two years of working without the financial benefit expected from a government job.

He made the statement on 7^th October 2026 at an Inspectorate of Government (IGG) Ombudsman Clinic in Adjumani Town Council, where current and former public servants brought complaints about unpaid salaries, pension calculations, payroll records and employment procedures.

His was not the only grievance.

Another teacher said she could not access a loan because her employment details remained on an old payroll system. A former senior government officer questioned his retirement benefits. A former town council speaker complained about unexplained deductions from councilors’ allowances.

Taken together, the cases reveal how administrative problems can become personal financial problems for public servants.

A national problem playing out locally.

The Adjumani clinic was organized as a pre-activity ahead of International Ombuds Day on 8^th October 2026.

This year’s theme is “Ombuds: Office of Options”, with the campaign slogan #TalkToTheOmbudsman. The IGG says its Ombudsman mandate covers maladministration, delays in service delivery, workplace victimization and other administrative injustices.

National statistics show why these complaints matter. In FY 2025/2026, Ombudsman matters accounted for 37 percent of all complaints investigated and concluded by the IGG.

The Inspectorate says it resolved 1,011 Ombudsman cases during the year and recommended Shs 2.353 billion for payment to people whose employment benefits had been denied or delayed.

The complaints most frequently received nationally include delayed salaries, pensions and gratuities, payroll access, delays in obtaining documents and workplace malpractice.

In Adjumani, those national statistics have names and faces. Ambayo’s complaint was perhaps the most direct. He joined public service in December 2024 but says he has not received a salary.

However, Igama Nobert, the District Principal Human Resources Officer, told the clinic that payroll problems can arise from mismatches between NIRA and payroll records.

He explained: “When you miss salary in June, you automatically miss the one for the next financial year, especially July.”

He said it can take up to four months to regain access to the payroll after harmonization and gazettement.

But Adjumani has experienced salary problems before.

In 2023, district officials reported that 447 employees had not received salaries for February and March, amounting to Shs 592 million, while the district reported a Shs 5.1 billion wage shortfall.

The history suggests that payroll and wage management deserve sustained attention rather than being treated solely as isolated individual cases.

For teacher Madraa Gloria Koma, the problem is different but the consequences are similar.

She told the clinic that her details had remained on Payroll-Based System (PBS) since 2024, even as other staff were migrated to Human Capital Management system (HCM).

The consequence, she said, is that: “I can’t get a loan.”

Igama confirmed that 17 staff members were still being paid through PBS because they had failed to migrate their details in time.

The district says staff with mismatches between PBS and NIRA records can request a waiver where they cannot harmonize their details.

For Opeli Steven, a former Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and pensioner, the problem emerged at the end of his public-service career.

Opeli said his service was irregularly terminated in 2021 and that he retired in 2023 at the age of 47.

He told the clinic: “The pension and gratuity I received was inadequate and wrongly computed.”

Other former public servants raised complaints concerning underpayment of pension and gratuity and alleged irregularities surrounding the retirement of SACAOs and Parish Chiefs.

District officials said some pension cases are affected by missing documentation.

Igama explained that some former employees lack minutes confirming their appointment or confirmation of service, which are required when processing retirement benefits.

The staffing problem behind the complaints.

The administrative complaints are occurring within a wider staffing challenge.

In March 2026, Adjumani resumed recruitment for 59 public-service positions after protests disrupted the recruitment exercise. The district had an allocated Shs 810 million wage bill for the positions. Only 64 percent of the district’s human-resource positions were filled.

This is important because the effect of staffing shortages is not confined to government employees. When positions remain vacant, citizens can experience longer waiting times, fewer frontline workers and weaker access to government services.

Adjumani’s staffing challenge is particularly significant because the district serves both host communities and a substantial refugee population. A teacher’s problem becomes a community problem. The impact of public-service employment problems can extend beyond individual workers.

In 2024, Adjumani Teachers’ SACCO reported that teachers had failed to repay Shs 85 million in loans, with some loans dating as far back as 2017. The SACCO said some teachers were difficult to trace.

While the SACCO problem is not itself an Ombudsman complaint, it illustrates the wider economic consequences that can arise when public servants experience unstable incomes or administrative disruptions.

A delayed salary can affect loan repayment. A payroll migration problem can affect access to credit. A disputed pension calculation can affect retirement planning. An identification mismatch can delay employment benefits. Administrative systems may look technical from an office desk. For the person affected, they are not.

Francis Were, Ma’di Sub-Region Inspectorate Officer, believes communication is part of the solution.

“People complain because of a communication gap that needs to be addressed. Information should be shared on all available information platforms,” Were observes.

The statement goes to the heart of several grievances raised in Adjumani.

If an employee understands why a salary has been delayed, what document is missing or which institution must correct a record, they are better positioned to pursue a solution. If they do not, the problem can become a cycle of visits to different offices without resolution.

Hon. Osman Yusuf Shaban, Former Town Council Speaker, raised concerns about deductions from councillors’ sitting allowances.

He said: “Allowances of councilors was being deducted without clear reason from the Town Council leaders.”

Eriku Patrick Keleture, Adjumani Town Clerk, offered a different explanation. He said the allowances are subject to a 40 percent tax deduction, which he described as secondary tax charged by URA. He explained that the deduction occurs at the bank before councilors withdraw the remaining money.

The exchange illustrates why clear communication of administrative decisions matters in public service. A deduction may be lawful, but where the affected person does not understand its basis, it can become a grievance.

Vundru Dominic, NIRA Registration Officer, told the clinic that harmonization of identification details is ongoing.

He said ordinary processing of a National ID can take about three months, while express processing costs Shs 300, 000 at NIRA headquarters in Kampala.

He also said changes to details intended to harmonize National ID information with academic records can take about one month and require approvals involving the courts, URSB and NIRA.

This matters to public servants because identity information increasingly links employment, payroll and access to financial services.

Emmanuel Okware, Deputy RDC, urged aggrieved staff and citizens to use the IGG’s complaint mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the national record suggests complaints can produce financial outcomes. The IGG says it resolved 1,011 Ombudsman cases in FY 2025/2026, with more than Shs 2.35 billion recommended for payment to people whose employment benefits had been denied or delayed.

Adjumani now has an opportunity to demonstrate the same principle locally. The district could track the complaints raised during the clinic, identify the responsible institution, publish progress and report how many have been resolved.

That would make accountability measurable. For Ambayo, Madraa and Opeli, the Ombudsman Clinic was a chance to be heard. But their stories will only have a satisfying ending when the administrative systems they complained about actually respond.

The clinic opened the door for complaints. The real test of accountability is what happens after the door closes.

END.