By Allan Onzima

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding constraints heighten the need for partnerships

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond the construction: Will young people benefit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revenue collections remain below expectations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revenue leakages and inadequate facilitation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leaders challenged to lead by example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will the recommendations translate into results?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Herbert Yiki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A call for collective responsibility.

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

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

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

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

Beyond care: Preparing children for the future.

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

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

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

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

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

Turning compassion into sustained support.

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Yiki Herbert.

For adolescent girls, managing menstruation should never come at the expense of their education, dignity or confidence. Yet, for many girls in underserved communities, including refugee settlements, access to menstrual hygiene products and appropriate support remains an important part of their everyday wellbeing.

At Alere Senior Secondary School in Alere Refugee Settlement, efforts to address this challenge received a boost following the distribution of hygiene pads by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Royal Danish Embassy in Uganda and AFRIpads, in partnership with Adjumani District Local Government.

The intervention was part of a follow-up engagement under the Women Uganda 2025+ campaign, aimed at highlighting the sustained impact of Danish support towards strengthening adolescent and youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) empowerment programmes.

Beyond the distribution of hygiene products, the visit focused on promoting gender equality, empowering young people and preventing teenage pregnancies through sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and male engagement.

For girls in refugee-hosting communities such as Adjumani, access to menstrual hygiene products is an important aspect of creating a supportive learning environment where menstruation does not become an additional barrier to their education and participation in school activities.

Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Makerere University and Male Champion, highlighted the components of the hygiene kits distributed to the learners, drawing attention to the importance of providing appropriate menstrual hygiene supplies.

Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal Health, said Adjumani faces additional demands on its public services because of its refugee-hosting responsibilities.

He noted that refugees account for approximately a quarter of the district’s population, making support from development partners important in addressing the needs of both refugee and host communities.

He appreciated the partners for their continued contribution, noting that Adjumani would continue to require additional support to ensure that the burden of serving the population is shared.

“Adjumani appreciates the efforts of development partners and will continue to need more support to ensure the population burden is shared,” he said, adding that the intervention would help bridge gaps in resource allocation.

At the school, Head teacher, Achai Rosalina, welcomed the intervention, thanking the visiting partners and describing the gesture as a symbol of strength in promoting gender equality and girl-child empowerment.

Apio Sharon, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, said menstrual hygiene was a priority for the Office of the President, describing it as a matter of security.

Her remarks highlighted the wider implications of menstrual health, particularly the need to protect girls’ dignity, wellbeing and participation in education and community life.

Beyond distributing hygiene pads.

While the distribution provides immediate support to learners, the broader campaign also emphasizes sustainable menstrual hygiene management and male engagement.

This is important because menstrual health should not be treated as an issue affecting girls alone. Boys, parents, teachers, community leaders and institutions also have a role in creating environments where menstruation is understood, stigma is challenged and girls receive the support they need.

Engaging boys and men in menstrual hygiene awareness can help break cultural barriers, reduce discrimination and encourage shared responsibility in supporting adolescent girls.

The involvement of government and development partners also highlights the importance of sustained investment in adolescent health and sexual and reproductive health education, particularly in communities facing additional social and economic pressures.

For the learners at Alere Senior Secondary School, the hygiene pad distribution is a welcome intervention. However, lasting change will depend on more than occasional donations. It requires consistent access to menstrual hygiene products, appropriate sanitation facilities, accurate information and supportive school environments.

As efforts to advance adolescent health and gender equality continue in Adjumani, the bigger question is how such interventions can be sustained and extended to reach more girls across refugee settlements and host communities.

Ultimately, no girl should have to choose between managing her period and pursuing her education. Ensuring that girls can attend school with dignity and confidence is not simply a menstrual health intervention; it is an investment in their education, equality and future.

END.

By Onzima Allan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renewed concerns over press freedom

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

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

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

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

Media for All, Uganda calls for clarification

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS.

By Bazio Doreen

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

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

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

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

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

Consultations to guide project planning

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

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

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

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

Irrigation infrastructure to support agricultural production

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

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

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

Greenhouse farming and new agricultural opportunities

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

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

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

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

District leadership calls for coordinated planning

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

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

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

Environmental protection and support for local farmers

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

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

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

Agreed actions to guide the next phase

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

These include:

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

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

Background

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

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

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

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

END.

By Onzima Allan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END

By Bazio Doreen

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

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

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

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

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

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

When a bag of charcoal becomes a financial loss.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refugee women face an additional burden.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The question is what replaces charcoal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women must have a voice in the transition.

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

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

Social accountability also demands clear answers from the responsible authorities.

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

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

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

Conservation should not come at the cost of survival

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Esther Gune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

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

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

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

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

A legacy beyond political office.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A call to preserve the values of public service

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

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

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

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

Remembered at home as well as in public life

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

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

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

Looking towards the next generation

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.