By Vasco Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Koboko District leaders have also taken note of the allegations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal and Environmental Concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Dramadri Federick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

T

By Anzoo Evaline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Bazio Doreen

Adjumani District has entered a new chapter of leadership following the swearing-in of Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo as the District Chairperson (LCV) for the 2026–2031 term.

The swearing-in ceremony held on 22^nd May 2026 at the District Council, attended by political leaders, technical staff, cultural and religious leaders, development partners, and members of the public, marked a peaceful democratic transition and renewed commitment to transforming the lives of the people of Adjumani.

Hon. Anyanzo assumes office following his victory in the January 2026 Local Government Elections, where he secured 33,289 votes, earning the mandate to lead one of Uganda’s most unique and strategically important districts.

In his inaugural remarks, Hon. Anyanzo pledged to strengthen service delivery, promote accountability, and foster inclusive development that benefits both host communities and refugees living in the district.

Adjumani remains at the forefront of Uganda’s humanitarian response, hosting more than 230,000 refugees from South Sudan across 19 settlements while serving a growing national population. Current estimates place the district’s total population at over 528,000 people, creating significant pressure on public infrastructure and social services.

As the new administration begins its mandate, several critical development priorities require urgent attention.

Strengthening Healthcare Services

The district’s health system serves nearly half a million people, yet healthcare facilities continue to face staffing shortages and increasing demand for maternal health, child health, and emergency services. Recent reductions in humanitarian funding have exposed vulnerabilities within the health sector, highlighting the need for sustainable investment and stronger partnerships.

Improving Education Outcomes

Education remains a cornerstone of development. However, Adjumani continues to experience a shortage of teachers, particularly in integrated schools serving both refugee and host communities. District education authorities estimate a requirement of nearly 2,000 teachers, while the current staffing levels remain far below demand. This affects classroom learning, teacher-pupil ratios, and overall education quality.

Road Infrastructure and Market Access

The district’s vast geographical coverage and agricultural potential require improved road networks to facilitate trade, service delivery, and access to markets. Communities across the district continue to call for investments in road maintenance, bridges, and connectivity to support economic growth and ease movement of goods and services.

Youth Employment and Skills Development

With a rapidly growing youthful population, employment creation remains a key priority. Expanding vocational training, enterprise development, and access to productive resources will be critical in empowering young people and women to participate in the local economy. Recent skilling initiatives have demonstrated the potential of vocational training in improving household incomes and livelihoods.

Agricultural Transformation and Climate Resilience

Agriculture remains the backbone of the district’s economy. The new administration is expected to prioritize climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, value addition, and improved extension services to enhance productivity and household incomes while building resilience against climate-related shocks.

Strengthening Refugee-Host Community Integration

For more than a decade, Adjumani has exemplified Uganda’s progressive refugee-hosting model. Continued investment in shared infrastructure, social cohesion initiatives, livelihoods, and natural resource management will remain essential to sustaining peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.

As the district embarks on this new leadership journey, Adjumani District Local Government calls upon all stakeholders—including government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens—to work together in advancing the district’s development agenda.

The swearing-in of Hon. Anyanzo represents not only a transition in leadership but also a renewed opportunity to address pressing development challenges, harness local potential, and build a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Adjumani for all.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

Adjumani District has recorded a significant milestone in its governance journey following the successful and peaceful handover of office from the outgoing District Chairperson, Mr. Ben Anyama, to the newly elected District Chairperson, Mr. John Ambayo Anyanzo.

The handover ceremony, held at the District Council Hall on May 18, 2026, brought together political leaders, civil servants, religious and cultural leaders, security personnel, and members of the public to witness the formal transfer of leadership and reaffirm the district’s commitment to unity, peace, and development.

District leaders described the occasion as a landmark event in Adjumani’s political history, noting that it represents one of the first formal and peaceful leadership transitions conducted through an organized handover process. The event demonstrated the district’s commitment to democratic governance, accountability, and continuity in public service delivery.

The transition follows the conclusion of the 2026 electoral process and reflects the collective resolve of leaders and residents to foster reconciliation, strengthen social cohesion, and focus on the district’s development agenda.

During the ceremony, outgoing District Chairperson Mr. Ben Anyama expressed gratitude to the people of Adjumani for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting peace and progress in the district.

He thanked residents, district leaders, technical staff, and development partners for their cooperation throughout his tenure and encouraged continued collaboration to advance service delivery and socio-economic transformation.

Leaders who attended the ceremony emphasized the importance of working together beyond political differences to promote stability, effective governance, and inclusive development. They called upon residents to support the new leadership and actively participate in initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening public services.

The peaceful transition sends a strong message of unity and maturity in leadership and provides a solid foundation for the incoming administration to build on existing achievements and pursue the district’s development priorities.

Adjumani District Local Government remains committed to promoting good governance, accountability, peaceful coexistence, and improved service delivery for all residents as it embarks on a new chapter of leadership and development.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Residents and leaders in Adjumani District have joined the rest of the country in celebrating the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for the 2026–2031 term.

The celebrations brought together political leaders, boda boda riders, persons with disabilities, and supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who expressed optimism for continued peace, development, and service delivery under President Museveni’s leadership.

Speaking during the celebrations, Emmanuel Okware, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, said the renewed mandate given to President Museveni reflects the confidence Ugandans have in the achievements registered by the NRM government over the years.

“We all know achievements of the NRM the last 5 years. And it was based on this that he was given another mandate and not only by the people who are in Adjumani but by the whole nation. But we are proud as Adjumani to be able to join and to come together to mark this day to demonstrate our own happiness, our own celebration in Adjumani,” Okware said.

Representing persons living with disabilities, Dipio Beatrice described the swearing-in as a moment of joy and reassurance for many Ugandans who continue to value peace and stability in the country.

“I am so happy for the swearing in of our father who ruled this country for 40 years. We have got hospitality which is very good. We got all the necessities that we need for this country. Today, we are putting our NRM chairman, the president of Uganda, none other than Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the seat. I am so encouraged that the citizen of Uganda will continue living in peace and the peace will continue because we know who he is and how he ruled the country,” she said.

Adnani Savi, representing the boda boda association in Adjumani, said the transport sector has benefited from government infrastructure development, especially improved roads that have eased transport costs and movement.

“This means a lot to us, that we boda boda, we need to work hard due to his efforts that he has made for us. For example, one of the roads here is tarmac. So, we are very happy that the consumption of the fuel has been going high, but due to the tarmac we are able to minimize it although the price of the fuel has gone high,” Savi noted.

The celebrations in Adjumani were marked by excitement, music, and renewed calls for unity and hard work as residents expressed hope for continued development, improved infrastructure, and lasting peace during President Museveni’s new term in office.

END.

By Onzima Allan

The community of Elegu have shown unity to support the completion of Salam mosque by launching a fundraising drive.

The fundraising drive held at Elegu Islamic Nursery and Primary School on 12^th May, 2026 drew residents, leaders and well – wishers from across the region, their goal raise the finial funds needed to complete the mosque, a central peace of worship and community for Elegu.

Organizer Rwahim Musa Yondoson the director of Elegu Islamic school filled joy and said, this fundraising will enable us to put the mosque in completion, this mosque and school serve the same community the same future.

Sheik Ramadhan Baiga Daudi, the District Khadi of Adjumani district, said this mosque belongs to everyone and added that, they should put aside all differences and stand as one, because it is through unity that they will be able to complete the house of Allah.

Luka Benjamin, the Chairperson Elegu Business Community, urged the community to support the school when they invest in Elegu Islamic Nursery and primary school, they can invest in their children and said that is how community grows.

Sheik Kassim, the Chief Guest, call upon government to put this school on government program our children deserve support, a strong school builds a strong community around the mosque.

Hon Okot Kenneth, the L C III Chairperson Atiak Town Council, said this school is to develop transformation for all when support it we are transforming Atiak and entire Elegu.

With calls for unity, growth, government partnership and transformation, fundraiser pushes Salam Mosque closer to completion.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Adjumani Town Council SACCO has approved a budget of approximately Shs 3.9 billion for the 2026 financial year, marking another milestone in the institution’s steady rise from a small savings group into one of the most promising SACCOs in Uganda.

The budget approval comes at a time when the SACCO is celebrating its 17th Annual General Meeting highlighting significant achievements in membership growth, share capital accumulation, and loan portfolio expansion, achievements that leaders said reflect growing public confidence and commitment among members.

The Sacco’s annual meeting, attended by members, district officials, and representatives from the cooperative movement, highlighted how the institution has transformed over the years since its establishment in 2007. Leaders noted that the Sacco’s journey has been driven by trust, active membership participation, and disciplined financial management.

Speaking during the meeting, Board Chairman, Mangapi Lawrence, reflected on the humble beginnings of the SACCO and the remarkable progress it has made over nearly two decades.

“We started this circle in 2007. Over a time, we kept growing. From membership of 139, we are now talking of membership of 20,199 as of 31st December 2025. And so that triggers commitment of the people and the shareholders.”

Lawrence explained that the rapid growth in membership is not only a sign of confidence in the SACCO but also proof that communities are increasingly embracing cooperative savings and credit systems as a reliable path toward economic empowerment.

He further revealed that the institution’s financial standing has grown tremendously, with share capital now standing at Shs 1.1 billion and a loan portfolio reaching Shs 22 billion. According to him, the Sacco’s ability to sustain such growth demonstrates the commitment of members and the effectiveness of its leadership structures.

“We have now a shareholding that is a share capital of 1.1 billion of a loan portfolio of 22 billion.”

The newly approved budget for 2026 is expected to support operational activities, capital investments, and member services throughout the year. SACCO Treasurer Area Joyce explained that the budget was prepared in accordance with the Cooperative Act Cap 112, which requires cooperative societies to prepare annual financial plans to guide their operations. We have prepared a budget for financial year 2026 running from January to December for the circle. This is a requirement of the Cooperative Act Cap 112.”

She added that the budget covers both recurrent expenditures and capital investments aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening the Sacco’s operations.

“For this reason, Adjumani Town Council Sacco has prepared its budget both income and expenditure and also capital expenditure which is expected to be 3,961 1,070,326.”

Leaders at the meeting emphasized that the Sacco’s growth is particularly important at a time when many communities continue to struggle with limited access to affordable financial services. Through savings and accessible credit facilities, the SACCO has enabled many members to invest in businesses, educate their children, improve agriculture, and support household livelihoods.

Joseph Paul Ochatomi, representing the Registrar of Uganda Cooperative Societies, commended Adjumani Town Council SACCO for becoming one of the strongest SACCOs in the country in terms of financial growth and membership base.

“Given that level of 20 billion net worth, Adjumani town council Sacco can be among the first 100 SACCOS in Uganda.”

Ochatomi compared the Sacco’s achievements with some of Uganda’s most established cooperatives, saying the institution is steadily positioning itself among nationally recognized SACCOs.

“I want to tell you the best as I said is Wazalendo, the one of the soldiers. They have 1.3 trillion. Then when you come to most of the Western Ugandan SACCOS, they are hanging between 60 and 100 billion. So, we put Adjumani among first 100.”

His remarks were received with excitement from members, many of whom viewed the recognition as proof that the SACCO is on the right path toward becoming a major financial institution in the region.

Adjumani Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Wambi Richard, also praised the SACCO for its consistency and resilience over the years. He noted that many SACCOs collapse because of poor management, weak member participation, and mistrust, but Adjumani Town Council SACCO has remained strong because of the dedication of its members.

“I have lived to see very many SACCOS die, but I have also lived to see Adjumani Town council prosper year in and year out. It could not prosper if you are not active members of this circle.”

Wambi further applauded members for maintaining a low level of inactivity within the SACCO, describing it as a healthy indicator of member ownership and confidence in the institution.

“I’ve been looking at the documents. I have come to appreciate that the inactive members of this Sacco are about 3%. That is negligible.”

He encouraged members to continue supporting the SACCO by saving consistently, borrowing responsibly, and participating actively in its programs and governance structures.

“So, I want to thank you for being members of this Sacco owning this Sacco, being part of it, moving with it, and ensuring that it grows every time. This is wonderful, and please keep it up.”

The meeting ended with renewed optimism among members and leaders, who expressed confidence that the Sacco will continue expanding its services and strengthening the economic well-being of its members in the coming years.

With a growing membership of over 20,000 people, a loan portfolio of Shs 22 billion, and a newly approved multi-billion-shilling budget, Adjumani Town Council Sacco is increasingly emerging as a symbol of financial resilience and community-driven development in Northern Uganda. Leaders believe that if the current momentum is sustained, the Sacco could soon rank among the country’s leading cooperative financial institutions while continuing to transform the lives of ordinary members through savings and affordable credit services.

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By Anzoo Evaline

Stakeholders in Adjumani District have convened to review the Adjumani District Production and Marketing Ordinance of 2015 in a move aimed at addressing emerging environmental and agricultural challenges, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting inclusive development for sustainable environmental management.

The review process has been facilitated by the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI) together with consortium partners as part of efforts to improve environmental protection and agricultural productivity in the district.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement, the District Natural Resources Officer, Giyaya Charles, noted that the ordinance has been in force for nearly a decade and requires updating to respond to current realities.

“It is now almost 10 years since this ordinance was in place. It was realized that there’s need to review it so that it can capture emerging issues within these 10 years,” he said.

He explained that the district is currently facing numerous environmental concerns that must be addressed through the revised ordinance.

“So, we are able to highlight these environmental issues ranging from degradation, the poor practices of farmers that lead to deforestation, climate change that has caused the floods, drought, which is affecting production and livelihood So, our presentation on the state of the environment in Adjumani and we are also aware that production activities also affects environment like the poor practices of farming,” Giyaya added.

Mesiku Harriet, the Senior Land Management Officer in Adjumani District, emphasized that the ordinance was originally intended to strengthen food security and prevent famine in the district.

“The objective of this ordinance is to ensure food security in the district and to avoid famine. Now, these days our farmers are complaining that their agricultural officers should help them in acquiring right seeds and seed right cassava stalks because there are many farmers last year who lost cassava because of disease. How are we going to harmonize the improved seeds, and how they last?” she said.

She further highlighted concerns raised by farmers regarding the sustainability of improved seed varieties.

“Because they also said you can not plant the seeds for the second time,” she added.

Hon. Bishop Mau Kodili Gabriel, a District Local Councilor, stressed the importance of strengthening enforcement mechanisms within the ordinance to ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level.

“It is very important in this review to give responsibility to the production committee to enforce this production ordinances with the help of the LC1 and LC2 in the area. Parish chief by that time they were able to generate data. They are were able to enumerate what a farmer has and farmers were assessed according to whether the animal, whether crop you have,” he said.

He noted that proper data collection at community level would also help the district generate accurate information for planning and revenue assessment.

“So it can gives a clean data for assessing a farmer to pay revenue,” he explained.

Adrupio Irene Api, Secretary for Finance representing the LC5 Chairperson, welcomed the review process and encouraged stakeholders to ensure the ordinance benefits local farmers.

“As farmers today we are for the ordinance. The ones that we think that it will squeeze us, how are we going to give or add flesh on it so that it becomes useful to us?” she said.

She also applauded the land office for continuously empowering leaders and stakeholders with knowledge that can be passed on to communities.

“I want to thank land officer very much. I think this is the second time now we are for this ordinance. It’s empowering us so that when we go to the community, we normally talk with authority because we have the tools in us.

“So, I’m urging us who are getting the knowledge, let us get out Changed. Let us talk to our farmers out there,” she added.

The review of the ordinance is expected to strengthen climate-smart agricultural practices, improve environmental conservation, and enhance sustainable livelihoods for communities across Adjumani District.

END.