By Vasco Gift.

Families of children who got injured after a grenade they were playing with in Koboko exploded; are calling on the government to come to their rescue with support for their livelihood.

While shading tears during an interview, Happy Yusuf Yassin a 13 year old survivor with many injuries explains that they were seven boys who went to bath then he saw the grenade looking new lying in the water where they used to bath.

So, he picked and six of his brothers gathered around and they started playing with it until smoke began to rise from it with some loud sound that forced them to run away like 7 to 10meters before it blasted. However, some were already trapped.

“Unfortunately, my brother Acidri Jamali who was busy bathing after hearing us running came out of the river running towards us for his safety without knowing what was happening got himself into the area where the grenade blasted when he just left the place few meters, cutting his throat where he died on spot. Also, I have many injuries on my body, I need the government to support my studies because am already disabled and it’s hard to do work or help my parents like other children. Though I can only beat the drum during independence days for the school but movement is still a big problem,” he narrated.

Similarly, Lucky Yasir, another victim is Primary Five Pupil and studies at Lurujo primary school which is located in Lobule Sub County in Koboko district. His dream is to become a teacher.

Lucky who has become disabled and battling with the injuries reveals that when he remembers the incident he gets traumatized and he doesn’t know if he can walk again. “Up to now, my legs start to pain when I move and go to school and even it is very hard for me to dig at home or help my parents and even participate in school co-curriculum activities like football and drama among others. These days wounds create themselves on my legs and pieces of broken bones come out very painful. I want government to take me for surgery. Am suffering, I can’t walk well now, my condition is worsening every day,” he notes.

Kasim Ramadan the father to four of the victims involved in the grenade blast noted that the incident occurred when he was in the village digging but when he was called on phone that three of his children got serious injuries, he had to rush to town (koboko) only to find his children at koboko hospital though they went up to the police to record statements, it had affected them already.

“I was not having money because everything needs money that forced me to borrow a loan of Ugx 4 million from Koboko United Sacco though I just completed paying in June 2025. I have 12 children and I am a Peasant Farmer but with the new conditions, one of my children called Raisi Mudasiri is suffering, he has compound fracture on his legs while for Lucky Yasir, his legs swell and pain a lot especially if he moves even a short distance and also has sleepless nights. Mostly, I use boda boda to carry him to school. I have one child in Primary Three; the one whose leg got broken is in primary four and the other one is in Primary Five.  I want the government to help me to do surgery and also sponsor those children to study because I am going to be busy digging and no one can support me with garden work and grazing of animals coupled with the burden of children going to boarding school, it is very hard to care for them with the conditions,” he cried out.

Yassin Dratibi a resident of Lipa cell, koboko municipality who doubles as a teacher at Nile Junior Nursery and primary school and the father to Acidri Jamali the deceased cites the need for the government to intervene in and support his children because the grenade belongs to the government.

Yassin said that the incident happened when he was in Lobule sub county (village) and immediately after phone call, he came direct to school though he was not informed of his first born Acidri Jamal’s death who was 10 years old, later he realized his son is dead .

The boy died on September 10^th, 2022 and buried on September 11^th, 2022. The deceased was taken to police and then later they went for postmortem at Koboko hospital and the body was taken home.

“I spent around Ugx 8 million that’s to say three bulls, 4bags of maize flour, 3 bags of sugar, and 1 carton of soap, among others. I heard Hon. James Baba the Member of Parliament for Koboko County sent some support but it didn’t reach me. Hon. Charles Ayume also gave me Ugx 100,000/= and they referred me to go and open case against the government of Uganda but as poor as I am, how will I sue the government, it’s impossible and it’s a way of also trying to disorganize me. Why doesn’t the government sympathize with me in all these? I then approached Honorable Aate Sharifah Taban the Woman Member Of Parliament for Koboko District for guidance and she told me that it’s under the security. What she is going to do is to help me on a humanitarian basis but up to now nothing is done and I’m in suspense,” he explained

Now, after many years of following the file from Koboko central police station, the police pulled out a General Reference last month indicating GF /11^th/9/ 2022 though the incident happened on 10^th September 2022 and they told him to sort it with the office of the Resident District Commissioner of Koboko.

Dominic Otyeno, the in charge, criminal investigation department noted, “That case started in 2022 and I came to koboko here in 2023. So, when I tried to check the case file it was not there, we only got the Reference it was registered as GF that’s general reference book file. However, I don’t know who told them because the person who brought the children said the policeman who was there told them that the children who survived will be paid after 5 years. So, there is no reality because all the officers have been transferred and it’s the government that pays the Police so no police officer will utter such kind of words maybe office of the Resident district commissioner can.”

However, the Resident District Commissioner of Koboko District, Emmy Mitala, says he is not aware of the information.

As a surprise, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Koboko, Haji Marjani Wailire, acknowledges the incident and says that the information has reached their office though they have advised the families to get letters from the LC1 Chairperson of the village, LC III Chairperson of the division and also a letter from the LC 5 Chairperson to prove acknowledgement.

“First of all, they have delayed to reach our office. Imagine since 2022 and now they are still following up in 2024, we only need those letters and we will sit to see the circumstance under which it happened and if it’s genuine then our office will forward it to the responsible office above us to be credited, they must be patient and wait because we are still investigating the situation,” he stated.

Hon. Mambo Ashrafu the LC5 Chairperson of Koboko District, said that if the Office of the Resident District Commissioner koboko is delaying the process, he will organize with the family and the office of District Police Commander, District Internal Security Office and the Deputy Resident District Commissioner to come up with a solution to address and find a way to settle the victims (family) as quick as possible because it has taken time since 2022.

The incident happened on 10^th of September 2022 around 2 to 3pm in Abele valley along Sinyani River. The victims were seven in number though one died on spot, others became disabled and some sustained terrible injuries.

The two families continue to call for justice to prevail for the deceased and the survivors of the grenade in Koboko as the future of the children remain uncertain as the process to justice is proving to be futile.

END.

By Vasco Gift

Teachers of Nyakaliso Seed Secondary School in Koboko District have threatened to demonstrate over 9 months’ unpaid salaries.

The teachers argue that they struggle to survive and sustain themselves and the learners at the school. As a result, many teachers share food with the learners and they eat once in a day as the condition worsens.  

Some teachers have also failed to pay fees for their children while others end up picking loans from financial institutions which is also a threat for the teachers who have failed to pay back the loans.

Addressing the press in Kuluba Sub County on Friday 27^th March 2026, Edson Mushabe, a teacher, revealed that this affects learners’ performance and concentration in class.  

“You see a teacher is starving and the student he is going to teach is also starving whereby learners don’t feed well because the little food they contribute is also shared by the teachers and you wonder how the learner is going to understand things in class, They eat food once in a day which is provided by the community,” Mushabe said.  

Mushabe also said, he has so far visited the office of the Chief Administrative Officer five times on the same issue but the only promise is that the school should give the district 2weeks. 

He added that this will now no longer work as teachers are not willing to give another 2 weeks lest they have agreed to organize and march to the district headquarters within 2 weeks in a peaceful demonstration.

Patrick Onema, the Director of Studies, observed that the staff motivation has gone down as they survive on borrowing money and if their cry is not listened to within 2 weeks, teaching of the students will be difficult.

Irene Aderu, an Education Officer, who has spent 23years in teaching profession also revealed that it has taken 9 months without receiving any wage though they keep teaching the students.

On her own experience, she said that her boy who is the first born in the the family didn’t join university since last year (2025) because she is unable to provide daily family needs

Aderu further laments that they share the little food community provides for the learners and even sometimes teachers forego without food as the condition is becoming unbearable as her hope has vanished because when she was working in other schools and organizations  her money is paid timely and it was easier to support her children in school. She appealed to the government to come to their rescue before the end of March.

Sara Agnes, the Head Mistress, expressed that they started teaching in July, 2025 unfortunately, they have not been paid though she made a lot of efforts like submission of their documents of employment so that they can be put on payroll but the Chief Administrative Officer of Koboko District said, there is a shortfall in the wage for secondary education.

Besides that, Sara also expressed her disappointment in the Chief Administrative Officer of Koboko for not signing the letter she wrote on the 3^rd of January 2026 and addressed through the district to the Permanent Secretary.

Sara further said that if the district will not respond to them within the 2 weeks, the school will have to bring in other arms of government like IGG to intervene in and find out what is happening.

In a response, Nicholas Ogwang, the Chief Administrative Officer of Koboko district, said official letters on behalf of the district needs to be written by a responsible officer from the district not any correspondent from any school can do that because it addresses key matters of the government and as a district, they are charged with the responsibility of managing and paying of staff salaries and also coordinating all the government programs in the district.

On the salary issue, Ogwang said there is a challenge with the budget to pay the wages of the teachers and as officers they have tried to push to the ministry to be effected and harmonized at the level of the Ministry. 

Ogwang also revealed that there was a harmonization exercise which was done by the Ministry to shift some funds from Primary sector to Secondary level to solve the issue though not harmonized yet, the staff should be disciplined and  patient because the salaries of affected staff will be paid in arrears.

Nyakaliso seed secondary school which was constructed by the government of Uganda through the Ministry Of Education has 28 teachers and the staff have given 2 weeks for the district to respond to their demand before they lay down their tools.

END.

By: Anzoo Evaline and Bazio Doreen.

The Ministry of Public Service has conducted a training for Heads of Departments, Head teachers of both Primary and Secondary schools, and institutional in-charges in Adjumani District on the use of the Balanced Score Card as a new approach to staff appraisal aimed at improving service delivery.

The training brought together key supervisors responsible for managing public servants, equipping them with skills to effectively monitor and evaluate staff performance using the newly introduced system.

While making his opening remarks at the training that took place on 25^th March 2026 at the district council hall, Edema Richard emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the initiative which was launched in 2024 replaced traditional appraisal and there is a need for all staff to adopt it.

“I implore you to adopt this initiative to improve the assessment and appraisal of the performance of the staff that you supervise,” Edema said.

Officials from the Ministry explained that the introduction of the Balance Score Card is part of broader government efforts to address concerns about performance in public service and digitize government systems.

On the other hand, Charles Matuma, the Principal Human Resources Officer, noted that the Ministry of Public Service had introduced the initiative in response to complaints from the public on the quality of service delivery offered to them.

“You are aware there are a lot of complaints in the public about the performance of public officers and therefore that’s the reason the government has come up with a number of strategies on how to improve performance. For this particular visit, we have come to sensitize you on the new appraisal tool,” Matuma said.

He added: “The Balanced Score Card is expected to not only digitize and automate human resource supervision but also make salary payment more efficient”.

On her part, Hon. Adrupio Irene Appi, the Secretary for Finance who represented the District Chairperson, called on participants to embrace the new system and apply the knowledge gained.

“Nowadays new things are coming every time. Those days we sit face to face. Discuss what you want with your supervisor. But now the government is coming to have us online where you think you can do whatever you want. So, I ask everybody in this room let us abide by what they have equipped us with,” Hon. Appi said.

The training marks a significant step in strengthening accountability and performance management in public institutions within Adjumani, with leaders expected to cascade the knowledge to their respective teams for improved service delivery.

The Balanced Score Card is in line with the National/District Development Plan IV; the District Clients Charter (2025 – 2030); Annual Work plans, schedule of duties; Performance management guidelines; and performance contracts.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

WaterAid Uganda has officially commissioned and handed over newly constructed sanitary facilities at two health facilities under the SHARE project to the district leadership in Adjumani District, marking a major milestone in improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in health facilities.

The SHARE project, a five-year consortium initiative implemented in both Adjumani and Buyende District and led by Right to Play, has focused on strengthening health systems and promoting safe deliveries through improved sanitation infrastructure.

Under this project, WaterAid constructed modern sanitary facilities at Maaji B HC III in Ukusijoni Sub County and at Ofua Health Center III in Ofua Sub County to address long-standing WASH challenges.

Speaking during the commissioning on Thursday 19^th March 2026, Tako Stephen, Senior Clinical Officer and In-Charge of Ofua Health Center III, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the transformation the facility has undergone.

“I’m so grateful for the team today that have come for the official commissioning of the projects that are being undertaken and supported by the SHARE project. We are very happy for the SHARE project because previously we had so many challenges in the facility. One is the issue of the sanitation,” Tako said.

Tako added that they previously had: a poor sanitary facility with an ordinary pit latrine which was full and not drainable; challenges with the hand hygiene; water shortage in the laboratory and the Labour suites.

“We were trained on issues of WASH. We received a great support from the SHARE project through WaterAid and that is why we are able to receive that facility that is the eight stands of a drainable latrine with the eight bathrooms behind. And I think that has improved our central facilities greatly,” Tako said.

Tako further added: “And I’m proud to say that we have increased from 16 to 30 health deliveries being done at the health facility. But it is not just a matter of having the deliveries, but also ensuring that mothers are delivering in a safe environment. In terms of improved hygiene and hygiene and prevention control standards.”

Representing the Country Director, Priscilla Nkwene Kimbugwe, Acting Director of Programmes at WaterAid Uganda, emphasized the importance of collaboration and the impact achieved through the project:

“Today, as we celebrate the journey that we have made, it has been a journey where we collaborated with the districts in carrying out assessments to ensure that we have the right beneficiary. And I’m glad that this decision and results that we got came in as a partnership aspect. And today we are here to celebrate the milestones that the project has registered. I want to take the opportunity to thank the health facility management team, the in charge of Ofua, who have worked tirelessly with us, with David, our project officer, and the other members in the consortium,” Pricilla said.

Priscilla added: “With all the efforts between Water Aid and the project and the health facilities, we are grateful that today we are here to celebrate and hand over these facilities. As one of our approaches as Water Aid, we believe in system strengthening. And we are proud to say we have strengthened the system of the district health team, but also the health facility team”.

District health officials also welcomed the development, noting improvements in infrastructure and infection prevention.

Lobe Wilson, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Environmental Health, said: “My sincere thanks to SHARE project in particularly WaterAid Adjumani. I’m very grateful WaterAid is constructing two blocks with the adequate hand washing facility. And when you also look at this maternity ward, the ceiling was severely crack. You may even fear to enter there. But through this support of WaterAid, today we have seen they have made at least same permanent one. I’m sure infection and prevention control is now in place. I will appeal to in charges to educate our clients about the use of that facility. It may be like that but if utilization is not proper it may become also infection centre.”

Representing the Refugee Desk Officer, the Office of the Prime Minister Pakele, Dranzoa Christine, highlighted the shared benefits between host communities and refugees:

“We are really very grateful. And on behalf of OPM, I must say we are very grateful. Though the intervention looks more on the host side, but you know the population of the refugees and the host is the same. We are all using the same facilities and also, we are using all government services together. So, it means we are all together and everything we shall be working together.”

Dranzoa added: “And to the health center management, make sure the operation and maintenance aspect has to be undertaken and we are also equally going to support in monitoring to see that everything runs smoothly.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okware commended partners for their collaboration and commitment:

“I thank the partners who have been involved in this intervention. I also thank the leadership who have been involved in helping us to identify the gaps and also commit in the collaboration. I want to thank WaterAid country director. I want to thank WaterAid program director with the entire team for the commitment that they have had in Adjumani and for the leadership that they have offered the other partners in this in this wash delivery of services. We expect the outcomes from these interventions now to save us from the other dangerous the infections the water borne diseases.”

The newly commissioned facilities are expected to significantly improve hygiene standards, reduce infections, and enhance safe delivery services in Adjumani, benefiting both host communities and refugees who depend on the same health services.

END

They produce. They sell. They survive. But without certification, women-led refugee businesses in Adjumani remain invisible beyond their communities—trapped between resilience and risk, where livelihoods grow but safety is never guaranteed.

By Bazio Doreen.

By sunrise, the smoke has already begun to rise from the cooking fires in many settlements across Adjumani District. Inside a small, makeshift shelter, Anzoa Susan, 32, a bee keeper based in Pagirinya Settlement, carefully wipes the rim of a reused container before pouring in thick, yellowish-brown honey. She works slowly, deliberately; not because she has time, but because she cannot afford mistakes.

After being trained by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), an NGO operating in the Adjumani, Anzoa started this informal honey business which feeds her children, pays for health care and also caters for the school fees of her two children whenever it can. And yet, beyond her residential village, it is almost invisible.

“We have been doing this honey business since 2021 using the few materials and equipment that were provided by LWF. I have heard about certification but we can’t afford it on our own because branding alone is expensive for us. However, even with no proper storage for the honey, we ensure to abide by the measurement standards in the market,” Anzoa explained.

In practice, “measurement standards” go beyond estimation or routine practice, they require calibrated tools, verified quantities, and consistent units. Without proper measurement systems, a litre of honey may not always be a litre, affecting not only pricing but also fairness in trade and consumer trust. This is where metrology, the science of measurement becomes critical, ensuring that every product sold meets accurate and verifiable standards.

The reality beneath the resilience.

In Adjumani District, stories like Anzoa’s are everywhere in Adjumani’s 19 refugees’ settlements. Women have turned loss into labor, and labor into livelihood. But behind that resilience is a harder truth. For most women here, business is not ambition but survival. This shift is driven by a need for self-reliance following reduced humanitarian aid and funding cuts from international agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR.

According to a report shared by United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) released in 2021 on employment statistics for refugees in Uganda, only 29% of refugees in Uganda are actively working versus 64% of host communities.

Interestingly, Adjumani has a total population of approximately 528,885 people with refugees making up nearly 43–45%, effectively creating a 1:1 ratio with the host community in many areas. According to UNHCR and OPM, about 85% of the refugee population in the 19 settlements are women and children.

Even after considering differences in age, gender and education, refugees are 35% points less likely than Ugandan nationals to be employed which leaves self-employment as the most immediate solution. Most refugees earn between Ugshs 150,000/= and Ugshs 250,000/= a month from these informal businesses which is just enough to live day-to-day, but never enough to grow.

Certification is more than a regulatory requirement, it is a gateway to formal markets. Products bearing a recognized quality mark signal compliance with national standards, enabling producers to access supermarkets, institutional buyers, and cross-border trade. Without this certification, even high-quality products remain confined to informal markets, where trust is personal and growth is limited.

Although Uganda’s refugee model, led by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has given such enterprising women the opportunity to build something consistent and valuable, product certification has become a wall they cannot see, but feel every day. Although, the mandate to ensure product safety and quality lies with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, here in the settlements, that system feels far away.

According to Antonio Ssemakalu, a Senior Metrologist at Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and Secretary of the Quality Assurance Association of Uganda, so far UNBS hasn’t directly worked with refugees and there is no product of refugees in Adjumani that has been certified yet but this can be changed with close partnership with authorities in charge of refugees.

“We usually do certification for small and medium enterprises and startups at a subsidized cost. I believe many refugee businesses fall in this category; so this can be considered if UNBS partners with OPM or UNHCR. Together with the UNBS Gulu regional office, we can conduct trainings and specialized outreaches in refugee settlments to create awareness on product certification;” Antonio suggested.  

However, he adds that UNBS is aware of authorities like the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) that are indirectly ensuring standards and safety by ensuring that the food given to refugees by the World Food Program and its partners is safe for consumption. 

In 2018, government started implementing mandatory certification with a distinctive mark (Q mark) for all products covered under compulsory standards. These products among others include: foods, drinks, electronics, cosmetics, steel products, cement, confectionaries, apiary, and mattresses.   

To implement this, UNBS has previously partners with other stakeholders to scale up sensitization and create awareness on the laws and regulations that support the mandate of the bureau. These include: Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA), and The National Apiculture Development Organization (TUNADO).

The Cost of Being Unseen.

For Akuol Deng Elizabeth, 34, the Vice Chairperson Refugee Welfare Council II Nyumanzi Settlement, the problem is not effort, it is trust. She says that although since 2014, she has been preaching self-reliance to women and acting as a role model to them through her liquid soap business, her main customers are only those who know her. Without certification, her prices stay low; the market stays small and growth stays out of reach. With certification, Akuol’s liquid soap could easily access supermarkets and be supplied to those who consume in bulk.

“Being able to only market our products to our refugees who are struggling financially just like us makes our businesses for just survival and limits the market. Although we hope to do better in the next 3 years if we get support, for now we only market through our friends; every member of our savings group does marketing,” Akuol Deng explained.

On the other hand, for Tamaria Scovia, 37, a Volunteer Reusable Sanitary Pads Mentor trained by Right to Play, an NGO operating in Adjumani; the stakes are even more personal. A team of 25 women entrepreneurs is not just selling a product but protecting dignity.

“We chose this product because it is cost effective for the girls, many of them have dropped out of school due to the shame that fails with maintain proper menstrual hygiene,” Tamaria noted.

While this is a noble cause, without quality assurance; materials vary, safety cannot be guaranteed and opportunities to supply schools, markets outside the settlement or NGOs disappear. Certified sanitary pads can be supplied to schools/NGOs and Tamaria’s group may be able to increase or multiply their current monthly income of between Ugshs 400,000/= and Ugshs 500,000/= after selling between at least 100 reusable pads a week.

“Due to limited access to materials, our materials are likely to be of a low quality. Also because of limited capital and low profits, we fail to produce in bulk, since we manufacture and store the products in our homes. We also sell piece by piece in polythene bags that are not even sealed during market days because we can’t afford packaging,” Tamaria revealed. 

The Quiet Risk in Everyday Products.

In many homes across Adjumani including those in the settlments: local honey is consumed without quality testing; liquid soap is used without standard formulation and sanitary products are trusted without certification. While nothing seems visibly wrong; neither is it officially safe.

Standards exist to close precisely this gap between perception and proof. Through testing, certification, and enforcement, they ensure that products meet minimum safety, hygiene, and quality requirements. In their absence, both producers and consumers operate in uncertainty, where risks are not always visible, but can have real consequences for health, safety, and livelihoods.

At Pagirinya II Market, Maritina Lawa, a refugee vendor who sells some of these locally made products said that although overtime manufacturers have made an effort to improve on cleanliness, and packaging, the storage of products is still poor and this affects their business.

“Some products have to be sold off as soon as possible because storage is poor and improvised while on the other hand many entrepreneurs not only have limited access to quality raw materials but can’t afford preservation,” Lawa observed. 

Indeed, consumers like Alice Bibiana Amadrio, observe that many local products are thought to be original and devoid of chemicals of harmful substances but product certification with a UNBS ‘Q mark’ would give the much needed confidence to protect consumers from products that may risk their health.

The solution within reach.

Experts point to simple, powerful interventions like: taking certification services into settlements; reducing costs for small producers; training women in quality standards; building direct links between OPM and UNBS programs; and also advocating for the co-opting of refugees in government wealth creation programs.  Government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and GROW which either target women or ring fence a certain percentage of the beneficiaries for women.

Dipio Agnes, the Adjumani District Commercial Officer, now says there is a need not only to advocate for more products in Adjumani to be certified especially in the settlements but there is a need to upscale the uptake of local manufacturing and local economic development.

“We have already set up one refugee cooperative in Mungula Settlement in Itirikwa Sub County. Business requires persistence, depending on grants from NGOs is not sustainable. Refugees can be supported to gain better from their enterprises through targeted outreaches and sensitization because the Ugandan economy is liberal and refugees can trade anywhere,” Dipio advised. 

Such interventions have the potential to do more than improve compliance, they can transform entire value chains. When producers are trained in standards, equipped with proper measurement tools, and supported through certification processes, their products become more competitive, consistent, and trusted. This not only increases incomes but also strengthens consumer confidence and integrates informal enterprises into the broader economy.

With the district authorities already walking this journey, women like Anzoa can be supported to not only make the best out of her honey business but also remain resilience in the face of budget cuts to NGOs and reduced food rations to refugees.

As evening falls, Anzoa ties a cloth over her bucket and sets it aside. Tomorrow, she will return to the market. She will sell what she can. She will earn what she must. And she will continue to build something that works; but is not yet recognized.

In Adjumani, women have already done the hardest part, they have built businesses out of survival. What remains is a system willing to see them, support them, and ensure that their products meet national standards, are accurately measured, and are safe for public consumption

According to data from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, most of Small and Medium Enterprises operate largely in the informal sector, generating about 80 percent of the country’s manufactured output and making a significant contribution to the economy. Additionally, in the 2024/2025 financial year, UNBS handled 30 civil cases, while 95 criminal cases were recorded related to breaches of standards and metrology laws.

This story was published in partnership with Ultimate Media Consult and Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Clan members of the Pabule clan in Robidire Village, Alere Parish, Pachara Sub County in Adjumani District have officially handed over 45.422 acres of land to a team from State House for the construction and establishment of a Presidential lodge in the Madi Sub-Region.

The State House delegation was led by Dr. Ochen Morris, who received the land on behalf of government following a follow-up letter written by Hon. Ababiku Jesca after a pledge by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Speaking during the handover on Monday 16^th March 2026 at the district headquarters, Hon. Ababiku Jesca said the development follows her letter dated February 19^th, 2026, written shortly after the general elections, emphasizing the need to secure land for State House development.

“This meeting is about the follow up letter that I wrote on 19th February 2026 after the general election on the need to give land to State House for development and I have been following this matter. Therefore, at this point, I want to appreciate the head of state. We are so grateful for fulfillment of pledges he has been making to people of Madi sub-region and Adjumani specifically,” she said.

Mzee Amoko Sisto, the clan leader of Pabule clan, stated that “I am here to tell you that the clan members of Pabule have offered the land for the president free of charge since 2019 and today, are here to hand it over to you and also to say that you can start using the land,” .

According to the Adjumani District Land Surveyor, Akuku Charles, the land was voluntarily offered by the Pabule clan and is located in Robidire Village, Alere Parish, Pachara Sub County, within Adjumani West Constituency.

“The land for the state lodge is donated by Pabule clan. It is situated in Robidire village, Alere Parish, Pachara Sub County, Adjumani West Constituency. Joint verification of the boundary of this land was conducted and it was given free of charge,” he noted.

Akuku further confirmed that the land measures approximately 45.422 acres and is free from any encumbrances.

While receiving the land, Dr. Ochen, said that the government is ready to take the next steps towards development.

“Today, we are in Adjumani to receive the land which was offered by the people of Adjumani, particularly the Pabule clan. They gave the land to the president to establish a state lodge. There has been follow-up especially from the Woman Member of Parliament. Today, we are here to receive the land, assess the suitability, and see how we can start the other engagements on the land,” he said.

He added that immediate plans include clearing and fencing the land, as well as establishing a presidential demonstration farm on part of the land.

“Now that we have received the land and found no encumbrance, we should clear the land, have it fenced, and then also put a presidential demonstration farm on part of that land,” he added.

The Lopirigo of the Madi Cultural Institution, HRH Opi Suru Simon Baru, applauded the community for supporting government programs and highlighted the benefits of their political choices.

“I want to thank the people of Madi for voting President Museveni. You have now immediately started seeing the advantages of your votes. I also want to assure the people from State House that we still have land in other sub counties of Adjumani. If you want more land for development, we are ready to give,” he said.

The establishment of the presidential lodge is expected to boost development and strengthen government presence in the Madi sub-region.

END

Arua City Health Authority seized 662,000 liters of illicitly produced alcohol early 2026 in Ayivu Division from Juas Enterprises Limited, Jack and Donatha Partners, unlicensed companies due to failure to follow laws.

By Dramadri Federick

Poor enforcement of laws and the increasing production and sale of substandard and counterfeit goods by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are undermining consumer rights in Uganda’s West Nile region.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Uganda has about 1.1 million MSMEs, accounting for nearly 90 percent of the private sector and employing more than 2.5 million people.

The ministry notes that, most of these MSMEs operate largely in the informal sector, generating about 80 percent of the country’s manufactured output and making a significant contribution to the economy.

However, the growing trade in illicit and substandard alcohol for export is undermining Uganda’s economic reputation among neighboring countries that consume some of these products.

Silas Anguzu, the Chairperson of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) Arua City Branch, said, several consumers of substandard products in West Nile have died due to weak enforcement and poor compliance with standards.

He added that some MSMEs are venturing into the export of goods to Democratic Republic of Congo or South Sudan without meeting required standards, putting the lives of consumers in the neighboring countries lives at risk.

“The best would have been for Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to come and establish offices here in Arua city for West Nile region but we have been crying for this in vain. It is very saddening to see a pick up vehicle coming here all the way from Gulu to arrest 10 weighing scales and they go back. This is opening the door to extortion and fraud other than helping our businesses to abide by the laws,” Anguzu explained.

In August 2022, 17 people died in Arua City and the neighboring Madi-Okollo District after consuming a locally produced gin known as “City 5,” manufactured by Luluwiri Fruit Wine Company. The drink was found to be contaminated with high levels of methanol.

Investigations by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) revealed that the gin had been adulterated with methanol, an industrial chemical sometimes used as a substitute for ethanol to increase the potency of alcoholic products.

Legal frameworks such as the UNBS Act (Cap 327), which promotes quality assurance, standardization of commodities, and enforcement of standards to protect public health and safety, and the Weights and Measures Act (Cap 84), which ensures fairness in trade by regulating the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment, are increasingly seen as ineffective due to weak enforcement.

Victoria Namutebi, Senior Communications Officer at UNBS, attributes the persistence of counterfeit and substandard goods on the market to low staffing levels, which continue to hinder effective enforcement across the country.

“We expected to develop 7,778 standards per year but currently we have only 4000 standards developed and this is due to low staffing, we need to decentralize our services further, we only have an office in Gulu and a laboratory for investigations in Lira for northern Uganda. Someone has to travel this long distance from West Nile to Gulu for the services that means we need a lab and office in Arua,” Namutebi suggested.

Despite registering 73.9 billion shillings in non-tax revenue, surpassing its target of 54.4 billion shillings, UNBS currently operates at only about 40 percent of its quality assurance capacity.

The bureau has 538 staff, far below the approved structure of 1,200 personnel, creating significant enforcement gaps. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the agency seized 1,264,896 kilograms of substandard products, a sharp decline from the 11,177,223 kilograms seized in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Praxeda Ndagire, Projects Focal Person at TradeMark Africa, said many counterfeit goods enter the country through porous border points.

However, she noted that the organization is working with partners to ensure that goods traded across borders meet the required standards.

“We have engagements with UNBS in terms of establishing labs where they want us to do so that whatever is produced and exported meets the standards,” Ndagire revealed.

Meanwhile, UNBS reports that, during the 2024/2025 financial year, the bureau handled 30 civil cases, while 95 criminal cases were recorded related to breaches of standards and metrology laws.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Tension unfolded in Adjumani District after a group of youth disrupted an ongoing recruitment exercise for Primary School teachers for government aided schools.

The incident occurred during interviews for the position of Education Assistant (Primary Teacher)where more than250 shortlisted candidates had gathered to compete for the 36 available teaching positions in the district. The recruitment exercise had been organized by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Public Service Commission.

However, the interviews failed to proceed after the youth stormed the venue and halted the process, claiming the district was currently in a political transition.

Education officials say if the recruitment does not take place in time, schools in Adjumani District may continue operating with inadequate teaching staff, which could negatively affect learning outcomes for hundreds of pupils in the area.

One of the demonstrators, Asienzo Marian Faith, said the group intentionally disrupted the exercise because they believed recruitment should not continue before the new leadership fully assumes office.

“I am one of the members who participated in the demonstration and the cancellation of the interview that was going on. We have hijacked the recruitment process because we are in transition. Currently, we cannot trust any recruitment process within Adjumani,” Asienzo said.

She questioned why the district leadership was rushing to conduct recruitment when the political leadership had just changed.

“Why is Adjumani so special? Even the President of the ruling government has not started making appointments yet. We feel recruitment should wait until the transition process is complete,” she added.

District authorities, however, described the disruption as unfortunate and warned that it could cost the district vital funding meant for paying newly recruited teachers.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, Ochen Andrew James, said the recruitment exercise had been organized in a transparent manner and involved professional institutions mandated to handle public service recruitment.

“It is a very unfortunate situation because we are trying to ensure that transparency is maintained by using the real professional bodies that conduct recruitment.  But the whole process for the teachers has been disrupted and we now stand high chances of losing the allocated wage bill,” Ochen explained.

According to the district administration, failure to complete the recruitment before June 30^th, 2026, when the financial year ends, could lead to the loss of funds allocated to pay the 36 teachers.

The Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, Toko Swaib, also condemned the disruption, saying the individuals involved were dissatisfied with the recruitment process but should not have interfered with a government exercise.

“The group who disrupted the recruitment process were dissatisfied with the exercise that was being conducted by a team from the Ministry of Education. I do not know why they were mobilized to interfere with the process,” the RDC said.

He warned that the consequences could be severe for the district’s education sector, which is already struggling with staffing gaps.

“The disruption of this interview is going to affect Adjumani because we already have a shortage of staff, especially after partners who were previously supporting the district scaled down their support,” Toko said.

The RDC explained that the recruitment was meant to address the shortage of teachers in government-aided primary schools across the district.

“This recruitment would have helped cover some of the staffing gaps. By not having it at all, it will have a big impact,” he added.

Despite the disruption, district leaders remain hopeful that the recruitment exercise can still be salvaged before the end of the financial year.

“I want to believe it is still not too late. The Public Service Commission can reorganize and conduct the interviews again,” the RDC noted.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Stakeholders in Adjumani District have reaffirmed their commitment to support and protect women and girls as the district joined the rest of the country to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The celebration was held under the theme “Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda,” bringing together district leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, and community members to reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s rights while addressing the challenges that remain.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Chandia Doris Vueni, the Chief Organizer of the Day and Female District Councilor representing Pakele Sub-county, praised women for their crucial role in community development and family welfare.

“As women, you are the backbone of our community, driving development and nurturing families,” she said. “Women of Adjumani are the driving force behind our social and economic growth. Your resilience and determination inspire everybody in the families,” Chandia said

Candia urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that empower women and girls, noting that while progress has been achieved, several challenges still hinder women from fully enjoying their rights and opportunities.

“As we mark this day, let us recognize the progress made and the challenges that remain. We must invest in women’s education, health, and economic empowerment,” she added.

The Secretary for Health for Adjumani District Local Government, Hon. Sabuni John, emphasized that women play a critical role in development and must continue to be prioritized in national and local policies.

“Other nations still do not recognize the importance of women. But for us in Uganda, we value women and indeed women are key in the development sector,” Sabuni said.

Representatives from development partners also echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to protect and empower women and girls.

Gelgla Tsega, the Head of Sub Office for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Adjumani, noted that the day is not only meant for celebration but also for reflection and renewed commitment to gender equality.

“This day offers an important opportunity to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women and girls in our communities. But it is also a day to remember the challenges that we all face and to reaffirm our commitment that every woman and girl enjoys equal rights of protection and equal rights in opportunities in Uganda and all over the world for advancing gender equality and sustainable development,” Tsega said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani District, Emmanuel Okware, highlighted the strides Uganda has made in promoting women’s representation in leadership and governance.

According to Okware, women currently hold 33 percent of seats in parliament, while 22 percent of elected positions in local governments are occupied by women.

“These statistics highlight areas where progress is being made,” he said. “The government of Uganda, through parliament, has adopted laws to protect women’s rights in areas such as domestic violence, property ownership, and employment,” Okware said.

He further urged all stakeholders to continue supporting policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s protection and empowerment.

“As we celebrate this day, we commit ourselves and urge all stakeholders to also commit themselves to ensuring that women and girls are protected and empowered,” Okware added.

Participants at the event also called for increased investment in programs that promote access to justice for women and girls, especially in rural communities where many cases of gender-based violence often go unreported.

Community leaders emphasized that empowering women economically and socially is key to reducing vulnerability and ensuring they can actively contribute to development.

The celebrations in Adjumani District were marked by cultural performances, speeches, and community engagements aimed at promoting gender equality and recognizing the role of women in building resilient communities.

Stakeholders concluded the event by pledging to continue working together to ensure that women and girls enjoy equal rights, protection, and opportunities in society.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Tension briefly mounted during the 4th council meeting of the Adjumani District Council after a motion seeking the reappointment of two members to the District Service Commission sparked a heated debate among councilors.

The motion was moved by the Leader of Government Business and also the Vice Chairperson, Kaijuka Richard Arthur, who argued that renewing the terms of the commissioners was necessary to ensure continuity in service delivery and avoid disruption in recruitment processes within the district.

Presenting the report of the District Executive Committee (DEC), Kaijuka explained that the district needed to act quickly because the wage bill allocated for recruiting technical staff could be exhausted by the end of the financial year if the Service Commission office does not function smoothly.

“The wage bill allocated to Adjumani District for recruitment of technical staff will be withdrawn by the end of the financial year. It is therefore important that we act in a timely and responsible manner to ensure continuity in the operation of the District Service Commission office,” he told the council.

Kaijuka then presented the names of two members whose terms were either expired or nearing expiry for renewal. They included Reverend Sister Maia Francis, whose term of office expired on 23rd February 2026, and Mr. Amoko Eugene Gudu, whose term is expected to end on 23rd May 2026.

However, the motion quickly drew criticism from some councilors who questioned the urgency of reappointing a member whose term had not yet expired.

The councilor representing Ciforo Sub-county, Anyanzo John Ambayo, challenged the move, saying council should follow the legal procedures governing the appointment of members to the District Service Commission.

“Mr. Speaker, it is indicated in the DEC meeting that the term of office that expired on 23rd February was for Mr. Amoko Eugene Gudu, and we are ready to approve his reappointment. But for the other member, the term is yet to expire in May. Why do we rush when the law says the process should begin after the expiration?” he asked.

The debate grew more intense when another councilor, Drichi Charles, representing Pakele Town Council, stood up to correct what he described as confusion in the names and terms of office presented in the motion.

“We have Reverend Sister Maria Francis whose term of office expired on 23rd February 2026, which is contrary to what he said. I also want to correct him because he said it is Amoko who can be reappointed. That was wrong. We need to amend that,” Drichi said.

He added that council should strictly act within the law and suggested that only the member whose term had already expired should be considered for approval.

“Maybe Mr. Speaker, if we are to act within the law, then we shall only approve one person,” he emphasized.

As the disagreement continued among councilors, the Speaker of the council, Oloya Jacob, intervened to calm the situation and guide the house on the way forward.

The Speaker directed the committee responsible for the matter to review the report and clarify the details before bringing it back for consideration.

“I want to urge the committee members to go back and review this matter and then present it to the District Executive Committee for further discussion. But for now, let us move to the next motion,” Oloya ruled.

The directive temporarily halted the debate and allowed the council to proceed with other business on the agenda, though the issue is expected to return for further deliberation once the committee completes its review.

The District Service Commission plays a key role in the recruitment and management of civil servants at the district level, making its composition a matter of significant interest to councilors and residents alike.

END.