By Anzoo Evaline.

Police in Adjumani have rescued 9 foreign nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking who were being transported from Kenya through Uganda to Libya with promises of lucrative jobs.

According to Police, the victims – four from Kenya, three from Somalia, and two from Eritrea; were intercepted after Adjumani Police Station received information from Gloria indicating that a friend from Kenya, Olupot Joseph, had contacted her. He reported that his brother and several others were being detained at a guest house called IQM, located within Adjumani Town. The information raised suspicion.

Acting promptly, police officers, with the assistance of GPS technology, conducted a raid on the guest house. During the operation, nine individuals—one female adult and eight males—were found staying in two separate rooms.

During an interview, Fatima Mohamed, 16, an Eritrean, narrated her story, explaining that they had been trafficked by unknown persons who promised them job in Sudan and Libya.

“We were going to Juba to work. A young man called Sumani, he told me that he would get me a good job. This young man told me to throw away my phone and keep quiet, and then he would give me work there. We never saw their faces or their numbers. They just put us in a taxi. The taxi came from Uganda. They said they were taking us to collect bottles. I didn’t tell anyone everything. They told us, “Don’t tell anyone the name of the person; it’s a secret.” Now the Ugandan government has found out about these bad people and they have helped us I am so happy,” Fatima explained.

Abdu Rashid Ali, 24, Kenyan, also said that the person has used different drivers to transport them across from Nairobi to Kampala and later to Adjumani where they have been rescued by police in one of the hotels called IQM in Oudrueyi village.

“We are being travelled by different drivers from Nairobi to where we are. Thanks to the Adjumani police officers who are freed us, and then and they have given us good advices, helped us. And here we are doing well. The police have given us something to eat and a very good place to sleep. I don’t have more information about those people who are traveling us, but the journey was to begin from Nairobi up to Libya to Juba where they have promised us a good life, a good money, and I better job opportunities. It was just through phones and they were not even speaking to us,” said Abdu Ali.

He further added that “We were not allowed to communicate. We were not allowed to use our phones and especially our SIM cards like Safaricom and Airtel. They feared maybe one of our parents could track us or give the information to the police. Instructions were following the rules. No more questions. Just follow the rules you were given.”

Adjumani District Police Commander (DPC), SP Masembe Herbert, confirmed the incident, noting that the victims are currently under police protection as investigations continue to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind the trafficking network.

“I want to be categorically specific. These are victims. They are not suspects in police custody. They are here for safe custody as we process and link them with their relatives to be taken back home. Following our investigation, we so far have one person in custody who was in the process of trafficking them to Southern Sudan until when they were going to be trafficked up to Libya. So, as of now we have one suspect whom we are interrogating but we are also hunting for others who are in that racket. And we want to assure the public that we shall get there and we shall update the public. We are working hand in hand with immigration and then the commissioner in charge of human trafficking for the Uganda police force. To see that they are taken away from here but handed over to the right people who are their relatives and then they are taken back home,” said SP Masembe

The Deputy RDC Adjumani, Emmanuel Okware, warned the public, especially young people, against falling prey to human traffickers who lure victims with false promises of overseas employment.

“Human trafficking is against international law. We must ensure that people avoid getting involved in human trafficking. It’s against the rights of the people being trafficked, but they’re behind the scenes there are always people who are benefiting. So, we want to condemn this act. We want to condemn the financiers of this act, and we want to appeal to people to provide information to the institutions charged with responsibility of keeping law and order in the country. So, we want to appeal to the intelligence arm to continue doing a good job they are doing to provide to dig out some of these challenges we have,” Deputy RDC stated.

The Police PRO of North West Nile region, SP Asea Collins, in his report urged everyone to be vigilant and report any information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect involve in this trafficking incident.

“We urge anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect involved in this trafficking incident to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing,” said SP Asea police PRO.  

Meanwhile, the rescued victims are receiving psychosocial support and basic assistance from relevant authorities and humanitarian agencies as arrangements are being made to repatriate them to their respective countries.

The police have vowed to strengthen border surveillance and collaborate with neighbouring countries to combat the growing threat of human trafficking in the region.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Adjumani District has successfully enrolled 556 teenage mothers back to school following the government’s re-entry Policy, which aims to give adolescent mothers a second chance at education.

According to the Principal Education Officer, Mr. Akuku Kayakaya Phillip, the 556 teenage mothers include 287 in secondary schools and 269 in primary schools. This is out of the 4,700 girls who dropped out of school after becoming pregnant during the prolonged COVID-19 lockdown from 2020 to 2022.

Mr. Akuku revealed that the implementation of the Re-Entry Policy has been one of the key strategies to restore hope and transform the education landscape of the district. He noted that many of the affected girls had lost confidence and faced stigma from both peers and community members, but through continued sensitization and support from implementing partners, progress has been made.

“As a result of the lockdown of 2020 to 2021, Uganda had the longest lockdown for education. Thereafter, we got so many challenges. We have over 4,700 girls who drop out due to pregnancy or child marriage,” Akuku said.

Akuku added: “Because of those overwhelming number in the community, Ministry of Education and Sports came up with a policy guideline called re-entry giving second chance for dropouts including the child mother and the child father. So, we took it seriously. We started mobilizing community for the last three years we have been moving every January to March we mobilize our out of school adolescents, as I talk now, this year we have mobilized and through partners we were able to bring back 556 child mothers in the various schools. But we realize out of 556 they are 287 are from secondary, 269 are from primary meaning that more girls who are impregnated when then those who start P7 or after P7 because of the policy of re-entry guideline, now we have given the girls the second chance for them to really their school. We have three now in Adjumani Girls primary school they are all babysitting, but they are performing well. One of them even got first grade in mock exams”.

 He further urged parents and guardians to support the government’s efforts by allowing their daughters to return to school instead of forcing them into early marriages or domestic work.

“I want to thank the parents of these girls for allowing them to continue with their education, but we realize it is very minimal in private schools. They are don’t value on them so much. But in government schools, they are really valued so much and we want to thank government for that police issues”, he added.

 The district, with the help of non-governmental organizations and humanitarian partners, has been conducting community dialogues and awareness campaigns in both host and refugee communities to encourage positive attitudes toward girls returning to school.

Education stakeholders in Adjumani have commended the initiative, noting that the return of the teenage mothers to school is a sign of hope for gender equality and the empowerment of young women.

The District Secretary for Education, Kaijuka Arthur Richard, noted that a young girl conceiving doesn’t mean they are ready for marriage but rather it’s a mistake and he therefore urged the parents to give a second chance for their children to go to school.

“My daughter got pregnant and produced after two years, I had to enroll her back to school and right now, she’s in third year in Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She’s doing Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery the University. If I had to leave this daughter with that man, she’s not going to do that. I challenge you, my dear parents, after Corona, the government has come with a policy of re-entry. Those people who went and got pregnant, got pregnant because they were not a try, they don’t know what they give that person the next chance,” said Kaijuka.

Kiden Mary Michael, a South Sudanese refugee mother living in Mungula one Refugee settlement commended the government of Uganda for promoting gender equality that has given opportunity for girls to learn.

“In our country South Sudan, we used to educate boys only but reaching to Uganda, we were trained on issues related to gender that’s why we are now educating our girls and the partners told us when our daughters get pregnant, we should marry them off but rather enroll them back to school after producing and that’s what we are doing”, Kiden stated.

Monika Tila, a teenage mother, who conceived when in 2023 when she was in S.2 class narrated her story.

 “I got pregnant when I was in S.2 in 2023 but my parents have brought me back to school after the district leaders have talked to them and right now, I am in S.3 and I want to become a doctor”, Monika stated.  

As the district continues to champion inclusive education, the education department has pledged to strengthen follow-up and provide psychosocial support to ensure that the enrolled teenage mothers complete their studies successfully.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

ENABEL has facilitated a one-day school club convention at Mungula Secondary School, bringing together students, parents, and district stakeholders to promote Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and strengthen parental involvement in education.

The event, held under the theme: “Promoting Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Parental Involvement in the Education of Children,” attracted students from various secondary schools across Adjumani district where ENABEL, a Belgian Development Agency is implementing its education support programs.

Speaking during the convention, Edema Justine Thomas, the Head Teacher -Mungula SS, commended ENABEL for creating a platform that unites learners, parents, and local leaders to discuss issues affecting young people. He said the initiative helps bridge the gap between parents and children in addressing challenges related to adolescent health and education.

“Today we are hosting school clubs’ convention and the theme for this convention 2025 is promoting sexual reproductive health rights and involvement of parents in the education of their children. Partaking our location, the issue of reproductive health and the rights of children which is actually a hindering factor when a child is not handled well in the aspect of sexually productive health and their rights. It is a timely intervention that our children are going to be taken through so that they will know their rights, the rights of these children are been abused outside there, especially in the in the villages”, Edema said.

He added that “And it is a right time that ENABEL Uganda has brought this idea that today, our learners, the parents are going to be aware how they should take the reproductive health and their rights so that they remain on the right track and they remain in education sector so that they achieve their life dreams”.

ENABEL’s Head of Communication and Social Behavioral Change, William Yeka, noted that the school club convention is part of the agency’s broader effort to integrate life skills and SRHR education into the school curriculum while ensuring that parents understand and support these programs.

“Today we are having a school club convention. The objective of the event is to talk to parents about their role in the education of their children. So, as part of the event, school clubs that ENABEL has been supporting over the last 1 year are exhibiting some of the practical projects they have learnt. And we hope that through this exhibition, the parents will be inspired to actually be involved in the education of their children since they will really appreciate that their children are learning at school,” William stated.

During the event, students showcased creative performances, including speech, poems, and cultural dance, highlighting issues of climate change, circumcision. Parents and teachers also engaged in interactive sessions discussing how to improve communication between adults and young people on sensitive issues related to sexuality and reproductive health.

Mazira Gladys Desire, a Senior Three student of St. Mary Assumpta Girls SS highlighted the benefit of the school clubs for them as students.

Mr. Kaya kaya Phillip Akuku, the Principal Education Officer – Adjumani district, lauded ENABEL for the continued partnership with the district in improving education standards and empowering the youth.

“For this kind of convection, it is good that our parents must learn something. Today I’ve learned something through the communication from the learners, the issue of protecting environment. So, all this kind of activity if it can be done regularly or temporarily, it will have changed the attitude of our learners and the attitude of parents towards education,” said Akuku.

The Assistant RDC of Adjumani, Obumai Simon Peter, applauded ENABEL for their support and urged the parents to play their parental roles in the education of their children.

“I want to thank the government of Uganda for the open door policy, because of that many refugees from south Sudan and other countries have come to districts particularly in Adjumani that has enabled many partners to come and work with us that’s why ENABEL had to come and assist in what the government should have done, but because the hand of the government might not reach where we wanted and here we are today. And in that, we want to promote and talk about sexual reproductive health and right through the involvement of the schools that are gathered today here”, Obumai stated.

Parents who attended the convention expressed gratitude for being included in the discussion, pledging to support their children both at home and in school.

The convention concluded with a call to action for schools to strengthen student clubs and for parents to create open spaces for dialogue with their children to promote responsible behavior and academic excellence.

END.

By Dramadri Federick.

Cultural Chiefs within Lugbara Kari, a cultural organization that unites all Lugbara-speaking clans, have denounced His Royal Highness, Yuma Amuku Manase, the designated Cultural Leader commonly known as ‘Agofe’.

The move was led by the Chiefdom Prime Minister Ismael Tuku, his deputy Professor Ngaka Willy, and two other officials, including Rev. Dr. Christopher Yiki, the Speaker, and Jaffar Alekua, the Clerk to the Council.

These have accused the ‘Agofe’ of failing to unite with his clan members from Ayivu and swiftly declared Chief Alia Angello Pati as the clan head of Maracha and consequently as the new Agofe of Lugbara Kari.

However, Yuma has dismissed these claims, stating that he has already communicated with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and has served a notice to the President of Uganda to disregard the appointment of Alia Angello Pati as Agofe.

In the petition submitted to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Chief Yuma disregarded all documents earlier submitted by the Prime Minister and other Cabinet officials. An additional petition was also submitted to the President of Uganda, confirming Yuma Amuku Manase as the legitimate leader of Lugbara. Both letters were written on October 4th and officially received by the respective offices on October 7th, 2025.

Chief Yuma has further threatened to sue the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers over the alleged overthrow of his government. Through the cultural institution’s legal adviser, Izo and Co Advocates, Yuma has raised several grounds for his opposition, including illegal amendments to the 2011 Lugbara Constitution and its enforcement, unlawful appointment of Alia Angello Pati, and the overthrow of the Lugbara Paramount Chief.

Counsel Isaac Ayikobua, legal advisor to the Paramount Chief of Lugbara Kari, confirmed that all necessary documents have been prepared and served to the relevant authorities, demanding immediate action. “We want to demonstrate that any government can be overthrown at any time, which is very dangerous. These actions by the Cabinet members are criminal, and they should be arrested because you cannot form your own government when an existing one is in place,” Ayikobua stated.

On his part, Gasper Piriyo, a subject from the Ayivu chiefdom, criticized the actions of the Cabinet led by the Prime Minister, describing them as satanic and calling for condemnation from all Lugbara.

“Corruption and tribalism have infiltrated this mighty cultural organization of Lugbara Kari. We cannot allow this chieftaincy to disappear simply because of the actions of a few individuals,” Piriyo emphasized.

Meanwhile, according to the 2011 Lugbara Constitution, the election of the Paramount Chief is based on the decisions of the four clan chiefs, not the executive members or ministers. On the other hand, the conflict between the Agofe-elect and the Cabinet ministers of Lugbara Kari coincides with the ongoing struggle of the cultural institution to attain official gazettement by the government.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Mothers in the refugee settlements of Adjumani District have raised deep concern over persistent cultural practices that continue to negatively affect the education and moral upbringing of their children.

The practices, which include the early initiation of boys as young as 14 years into adulthood, are being blamed for promoting immoral behaviors and contributing to school dropouts among young boys.

Amer Dhieu Dau, a concerned mothers say that such traditional rituals, which were once valued as a rite of passage in their countries of origin, have now become harmful in the current context of life in the settlement. Many young boys reportedly lose interest in education soon after the initiation ceremonies, perceiving themselves as “men” who no longer need to attend school.

“We are worried as mothers because our boys are being forced into adulthood at a very young age. After initiation, they begin to disrespect us, we are really suffering in the hands of these boys, refuse to go to school, and start engaging in immoral activities like drinking and womanizing,” said Dhieu a mother of four living in Ayilo I Refugee Settlement.

According to teachers in several refugee settlement schools, the aftermath of these ceremonies is reflected in reduced school attendance and performance among the affected boys. Some students reportedly abandon school completely, claiming they are now “adults” and no longer subject to the authority of teachers or parents.

Mr. Aluma Ivuson Richard, the Head Teacher of St. Thereza nursery and primary school in Ayilo I Settlement, noted that cultural practices, though important, should evolve to fit the changing world.

“Culture should not destroy the future of our children. We are in an era where education and technology determine survival, not traditional initiation rituals,” he said.

The mothers have appealed to cultural leaders and elders to abandon these harmful practices and instead embrace modern values that promote education and positive behaviors among the youth. They emphasized the need for awareness campaigns and dialogue between elders, parents, and the young generation to harmonize culture with the demands of modern life.

“As mothers, we are not against culture, but we want our children to be prepared for a better future through education, not through outdated traditions. The world has changed, these days we don’t even need some of this culture thing and we must change with it,” said Mama Alulo, another refugee mother.

Alugbwi Albert, the Assistant Settlement Commandant – Ayilo, on his part pledged to engage cultural elders and community leaders to address the issue through community dialogues and sensitization sessions. They believe that combining respect for culture with education and technology will build a more progressive and morally upright generation.

“As partners, we are trying our level best to talk to this people about the importance of educating our children before bringing in culture and we shall continue to sensitize them”, said Alugbwi.

The initiation ceremonies, often conducted by community elders, involve teaching the boys traditional values and survival skills meant to prepare them for adulthood. However, mothers and education leaders argue that in the modern setting, these practices are outdated and detrimental to the social and academic development of the children.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

The long-serving Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Adjumani District, Taban Data Peter, has officially handed over office to Toko Swaib, the incoming RDC who previously served in Arua District. The handover ceremony took place at the Adjumani RDC’s office on Tuesday 07^th October 2025 in the presence of security heads, and community representatives.

During the ceremony, Taban Data expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Adjumani for their cooperation and support throughout his 8 year tenure, describing his service as a memorable journey marked by teamwork, challenges, and achievements.

“It was on the 4th of this month when I got a call that have been transferred to Arua. When I travelled on the 11th to pick my transfer letter, I found it was changed from Arua to Moyo. And when I returned from India, the transfer has also been cancelled from Moyo to Karenga. I want to thank first of all the people of Adjumani. I think I’ve been the longest serving RDC in the history of Adjumani and have worked in very good relationship with the public servants, the community leaders, the religious leaders, the cultural leaders, the LC’s, the media fraternity, the NGOs, there is no group that we have had problem in my tenure of office. Where I’ve touched you and you felt there is something I want you to forgive me”, said Data.

He highlighted the progress made in areas of peace and security, community mobilization, and government program implementation, noting that such successes were the result of collective efforts.

The outgoing RDC, who has been transferred to Karenga District in the Karamoja Sub-region, urged the people of Adjumani to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor, emphasizing that continuity of leadership depends on mutual respect and teamwork.

In his remarks, the incoming RDC Toko Swaib, commended his predecessor for his remarkable leadership and pledged to build on the foundation laid by Data.

“I’m coming from Arua district, having partially done a handover in accordance to the section FD of the government standing orders. I have come now to Adjumani. I want to tell the people of Adjumani, I have come to work with them, not working for them. And I want to pledge I’ll work with everybody. Whether you want to work with me or you don’t want to work with me, I’ll work with you because it’s a must”, Toko stated.

The handover marked the end of an era for Taban Data, whose leadership in Adjumani has been widely recognized for stability and strong coordination among security agencies and development partners.

District officials and security heads have praised Data for his dedication and wished him success in his new posting in Karenga District.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Financial stress has been identified as one of the leading causes of mental health challenges among both the refugee and host populations of Adjumani District. This is according to findings shared during a financial literacy and mental health awareness engagement held at Aragan Hotel on 1^st October 2025.

The event, was organized by Train a Girl Uganda (TAGU), in preparation for the upcoming suicide awareness performance event under the theme: “Creating safe spaces for mental health conservation.”

The 4 hour event brought together representatives from Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank, community leaders, and mental health advocates to address the growing link between financial hardship and psychological distress.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Langoya Manara, the Stanbic Bank Manager Adjumani, noted that a majority of families in the district continue to experience emotional strain due to poor financial management and rising economic pressures.

“One of the major contributing factors I have observed over time is even fellow colleagues failing to budget effectively and that tends to create a lot of stress. And then looking at different lifestyles. We all grew up in different communities whereby people come from different areas others have it at home and then you want to have the same thing. I have seen even in many years much as we are in the business of lending, the money business of giving out money. We try as much as possible to get people to borrow for projects that can generate income and not focus on borrowing for paying school fees”, Manara said.

Similarly, Mr. Denis Wokorach, the Manager of Centenary Bank Adjumani, emphasized the importance of developing strong financial principles and saving habits. He urged both refugees and host community members to seek guidance from financial institutions on how to better manage their finances.

“To manage financial stress. Of course, the first one is to investigate what is causing this financial stress. That is the basic role number one because if you know it, then you can manage it. So, the first thing is try to diagnose what is causing that financial stress. Is it overspending? Is it impulse buying? So, once you investigate what the cause is, then you can come up with ways to deal with it”, he said.

He added that “Of course, the other is to try and streamline your budget because you have the income, which are your incomes and the outputs. So, you need to know to see how to match them. And you don’t want to go and overspend. Save and say you know what? This month I’m going to save these shares. If you start from that side, you’ll find that you will be able to knock off some of the things that you don’t necessarily need”.

Mental health practitioners attending the event also raised concern over the increasing number of people showing symptoms of depression and anxiety due to financial struggles, family responsibilities, and unemployment.

Mr. Briani Asiimwe, a Mental Health advocate, who doubles as the Psychosocial Counsellor working with Tutapona, on his part urged the community to adopt the different ways of managing their stress without causing damage.

“For me, I view stress as something that is very normal. It depends on how it entered you. But if you are resilient enough, there are very many ways of coping which very many people don’t see, but like deep breathing, these people who commit suicide, the emotions are too much that even the thoughts are no longer there. All I want to do is jump this balcony, minus thinking about it”, Briani stated.

Participants who attended the engagement appreciated the discussion adding that it had helped them to gain knowledge on the importance of financial planning and saving culture.

Meanwhile, Dipio Francis, the Senior Probation and Social Welfare officer at Adjumani Local District Government, appealed to the Bank Managers to revise some of their harsh policies on loans/grants and other financial transactions that depress people who are seeking to gain access to government support.

 “There are many government programs which are targeting the communities but the conditions are really harsh for this people so please the two bank managers around let’s try to minimize some of these conditions so that our people can access it easily especially the youths”, said Dipio.

The dialogue concluded with a call from local leaders urging both financial institutions and humanitarian partners to continue supporting financial literacy trainings, especially for youth and women groups, to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce mental health burdens.

The event underscored the growing recognition that financial wellness is a crucial component of mental health, and that improving financial habits can significantly enhance the overall wellbeing of communities in Adjumani District.

END

By Anzoo Evaline.

As candidates across the country prepare for the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) exams, parents of pupils at St. Thereza Nursery and Primary School in Ayilo I Refugee Settlement, Adjumani District, have been called upon to give maximum support to their children during this crucial period.

This appeal was made by Rev. Fr. Atara Vital, the Parish Priest and Rector of Holy Cross Pilgrimage canter Indriani, during a special blessing ceremony for the Primary Seven candidates held at the school.

Fr. Vital emphasized that parents play a vital role in ensuring their children’s academic success by providing them with a peaceful home environment, encouragement, and moral guidance. He noted that while teachers work hard to prepare the pupils academically, parental involvement remains key in shaping disciplined and focused learners.

“As parents, you need to know that you play a vital role in shaping your children but I have seen most times parents have left their children moving like stray animals so please am advising you should program your children as a responsible father or mother”, said Fr. Vital.

He further urged the candidates to remain committed, disciplined, and prayerful as they approach their UNEB examinations, reminding them that success comes through hard work and trust in God.

“To the candidates, you must remain committed, disciplined and focus on your books in this remaining time so that you will pass your examinations”, He added.

The head teacher of St. Thereza Nursery and Primary School, Mr. Aluma Ivuson Richard, appreciated the efforts of both teachers and parents in preparing the pupils for the national exams despite the challenges faced in the refugee settlement, including low school fees payment by parents and immoral behaviours among the pupils.

“Our learners have shown great determination, and we believe they will make us proud. We thank the church for the spiritual guidance and the parents for their continued support,” Mr. Ladu remarked.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Aluma Marthin Oyat, the Chairperson – Parents Teacher Association, expressed gratitude to the school administration and the parish priest for their commitment to the children’s education. He also pledged that parents would continue to stand by their children until the end of the examination period.

Hon. Ebevura Maurice Acika, the DLC of Pakele Sub County, similarly cautioned both the teachers and parents to play their roles in order to ensure that the pupils pass with flying colours.

“I want to appeal to you teachers and parents, remember last time we came here to celebrate and you have promised for us that you are going to make us proud so please my need to keep the promise”, Ebevura said.

The ceremony, which was attended by teachers, parents, pupils, and community members, was marked by prayers, and a special blessing session for the 2025 P.7 candidates.

The event served as a reminder to the community that education remains a key tool for transformation and hope, especially for children living within refugee settlements.

END.

By Dramadri Federick

Arua City Education Office has threatened to take strict action against school head teachers who are computer illiterate and fail to be active online, alleging that their lack of engagement is tarnishing the image of the Public Service.

Addressing the head teachers during the announcement of the Arua City Academic Board (ACAB) 2025 mock results for primary schools, Raymond Ombere, the Principal Education Officer of Arua City, emphasized that many head teachers are absent from social media platforms and are not updated on current affairs—something he described as shameful for the public service.

Ombere cautioned that any teacher found without at least UGX 50,000 in their pocket, a fully charged smartphone, data bundles, and airtime would face disciplinary action.

He emphasizes the critical importance for head teachers to be consistently connected and equipped with resources, specifically highlighting that not being online due to lack of data should be addressed immediately.

He stresses that a head teacher, as a public officer, should always be financially prepared, suggesting that carrying at least UGX 50,000 is necessary to avoid being ineffective or unable to fulfill their duties effectively.

“This business of not being online because you lack data must end today. A head teacher should not be bankrupt; it is an offense to walk as a public officer without money. In fact, a head teacher must carry no less than UGX 50,000 at all times,” Ombere warned.

Some of the teachers interviewed expressed mixed opinions regarding this decision. They highlighted that teachers are poorly paid, with many lacking allowances, which often leaves them financially strained. They revealed that most teachers, especially arts teachers, are facing financial hardship due to unequal treatment and delayed salaries.

Elema Justus Oloto, the head teacher of Pokea Primary School in Ayivu Division, noted that salary disparities have lowered teachers’ morale, especially amid ongoing delays in salary payments. These delays significantly impact teachers’ finances.

“What teachers, including head teachers, receive cannot cover carrying UGX 50,000 daily. As I speak now, I don’t even have UGX 10,000 in my pocket. That’s why we are urging the government to increase our salaries so we can have some money regularly, either daily or weekly. Otherwise, it’s very difficult,” Oloto stated.

Victor Alioni, the head teacher of Ediofe Boys Primary School, welcomed the decision to hold teachers accountable for not using smartphones with internet access. However, he criticized the low funding from government capitation grants, which hampers efforts to procure data bundles.

“I personally agree with the move, but our main challenge is the limited funds from government aid. When the capitation grant runs out, it becomes difficult to load data onto our devices,” Alioni revealed.

Since the government initiated the Education Management Information System (EMIS)—an online platform for managing school data—the use of smartphones has become mandatory for teachers to access real-time information and research.

By Bazio Doreen.

Adjumani District Local Government in Partnership with Right to Play (RTP) have convened a leaders’ conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in Gulu City.

The conference took place from Thursday 18^th to Friday 19^th September 2025 by Right to Play (RTP) an NGO implementing the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project in the district.

The conference was convened to track progress, share challenges and make recommendations on the implementation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) interventions in the district.

In his welcome remarks, Titus Tumusiime, the Right to Play Country Director, thanked the district leadership for creating an enabling and conducive working environment for the SHARE partners to implement SRHR interventions in the last 4 years.

“Adjumani has been very exemplary and supportive to this project. We want to appreciate all the stakeholders who have collaborated with us to implement this project. We are now seeing more boys embracing SRHR,” Tumusiime said.

In response, Hon. Anyama Ben, the District Chairperson – Adjumani, while making his opening remarks, thanked the SHARE partners for choosing Adjumani and for the fruitful collaboration over the years before pledging that the district would consolidate the project’s achievements after 2026.

“I want to appreciate the consortium for helping the district in Health System strengthening. As a district, we pledge to sustain the positive change created when the project closes in 2026. I hear that some of the mentorship groups have been turned into VSLAs. Thank you for empowering our people,” Hon. Anyama said.

The conference was attended by the: Ma’di Paramount Chief, Adjumani East Member of Parliament, Country Director Right to Play, District Chairperson – Adjumani, Deputy RDC – Adjumani, CAO – Adjumani, DCAO –Adjumani, PACAO – Adjumani, Resident State Attorney, DHO – Adjumani, DCDO – Adjumani, ADHO – MCH – Adjumani, DPC – Adjumani, CFPU in charge – Adjumani, selected education and heath staff, selected LC IIIs, selected SACAOs, selected head teachers, mentors, religious leaders, Cultural leaders, CSOs, SRHR Partners, representatives from UCRNN, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sports, Parliamentary Forum and SHARE project staff from FAWE, WaterAid, FHI 360 and Right to Play.

The meeting agreed on many recommendations including: scaling up advocacy efforts through all community structures; fast tracking the approval of the Ma’di Traditional marriage by law; instituting an inter religious and inter cultural council; utilization of government hour for SRHR interventions; community policing targeting adolescents; intensify community sensitization; engaging potential groups of culprits in dialogues; and improved mapping and surveillance for child marriage and teenage pregnancies.

Sylvia Hope Masika, the Program Manager – Right to Play, said that she was excited and happy with the commitment of the local government and the various stakeholders towards resolving SRHR challenges.

She added that RTP is committed to continue supporting the young people and lobbying for more resources for additional interventions and consolidating what is being achieved.

So far, the SHARE project has: formed 65 school health clubs, trained 33 Social Behavioral Change mentors, trained 200 teachers, conducted 900 dialogues, trained 129 VHTs, supported 43 Health Centres, supported 08 secondary schools and formed 104 community groups that are now Village Loans and Savings group.

On his part, Ocen James Andrew, the Chief Administrative Officer, thanked RTP for committing resources to not only empower adolescents but also build the capacity of duty bearers that support SRHR interventions through the District Committee on Adolescent Health (DICAH).

“I want to appreciate the SHARE partners for working together with us and for convening this conference so as to enable us to reflect on our different mandates towards adolescents. I want to also thank Right to Play for supporting the DICAH,” Ocen said

In his closing remarks, Emmanuel Okware, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner – Adjumani, urged the duty bearers to ensure that the action discussed are implemented. He also noted that adolescents are future leaders and need to be supported to achieve just that.

“Let us turn these recommendations into tangible actions. We need to continue working together to create an environment that supports a good future for all adolescents in our communities,” Okware said.

BY 2026, with a focus on Ghana, Mozambique, and Uganda, the project will reach more than 325,000 adolescents and youth – 59% of which should be female. Active since 2022, the implementation is led by Right to Play in partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), and WaterAid, with technical support from FHI 360, and financial support from Global Affairs Canada.

Through the project, adolescents and young people between 10 – 24 years old can access mentorship groups that equip them with the skills and knowledge to advocate for their health-related rights, and promote gender equity within their personal lives and communities.

END.