By Anzoo Evaline.

Adjumani District has embarked on a comprehensive review of its Environment and Natural Resources Protection Ordinance, ten years after it was first developed in 2015.

The review follows increasing environmental challenges that have emerged over the years, prompting the district leadership and partners under the URRI project to update the law to better protect natural resources and respond to climate change.

According to Giyaya Charles, the District Natural Resources Officer (DNRO), the past decade has seen new pressures on the environment that were not adequately addressed in the old ordinance.

“Our previous environment protection ordinance has now taken 10 years. Meaning there are changes that have come in that we needed to address in this ordinance and that is the reason why we are doing this review,” he said.

He noted that wetland encroachment has become a major concern, driven by population growth and limited land especially in refugee-hosting areas.
Refugees, whose designated land is no longer sufficient, have increasingly moved into wetland areas. The district has also witnessed a sharp rise in sand mining, brick making, and other destructive activities, all contributing to environmental degradation.

Giyaya added that with support from partners, the district will popularize the ordinance up to the village level, ensuring that communities are aware of the regulations and their responsibilities.

“We now have local environment committees. We’re going to activate them. They’ll be the ones to support our limited staff to implement some of the provisions, monitor what is going on and report to us and then we act,” he said.

He further encouraged lower local governments to use the ordinance as a basis for creating their own bylaws, and for communities to make local rules aligned to the district ordinance.

Simon Opio, the URRI Project Officer based in Adjumani, explained that the review is being done in close partnership with the district, the Office of the Prime Minister, cultural institutions, and other stakeholders.

 “We collaborated with the district, OPM and other stakeholders including the cultural leader to review the district environment and natural resource ordinance to ensure we conserve our environment and also protect the existing ones and we plant more tree so that we guide and respond to climate change impact,” Opio said.

The initiative is funded by Danida under the URRI project and implemented in collaboration with World Vision, the lead partner, alongside Save the Children and YSAT.

Adjumani’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Wambi Richard, commended the partners and district heads of department for supporting the review process. He appealed to all stakeholders to ensure that the reviewed ordinance is implemented effectively to save the environment.

Similarly, Kaijuka Richard Arthur, District Vice Chairperson, emphasized the urgency of acting on environmental degradation, stressing that climate change has already caused severe impacts on livelihoods and health. He reflected on drastic changes in the local ecosystem:

“This environment that has affected us is now taken to even us to grow. Do we see these animals that we are now seeing? Those days we have bulls. My father used to have bulls which we cannot even see that side when we are here. But the bulls have reduced here,” he said.

Kaijuka warned that environmental pollution is affecting not only livestock but human health, including children.

“We are giving birth to children who are affected by the environment. And that is why even if forcing them to school is a problem. Because the mind is affected by the chemical,” he said.

He also appreciated the presentations from the technical and partner teams, reaffirming that the council is ready to adopt the revised ordinance.

The review of the 10-year district environment ordinance marks a renewed commitment by Adjumani District to combat climate change, protect wetlands, regulate natural resource use, and empower communities to safeguard their environment.

With strengthened partnerships and activated local environment committees, the district aims to ensure that environmental conservation becomes a shared responsibility from the district leadership down to the village level.

END.

By Esther Gune.

About 85 health workers across 43 health facilities in Adjumani District have been empowered by WaterAid to integrate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) services.

The revelation was made during a visit by a delegation including officials from Ghana, Mozambique, South Africa and Canada to Adjumani District Leadership hosted by WaterAid on Tuesday 2nd December 2025. The delegation also interacted with health workers, and patients while visiting Maaji B Health Centre II, where the organization constructed a VIP drainable pit latrine and rehabilitated other WASH facilities.

WaterAid is part of a consortium of organizations implementing the 5 year Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project in Uganda which ends in March 2026, with support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) plays a critical role in achieving Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for women and girls, especially as it relates to personal health.

Through SHARE, WaterAid has been partnering with the district to rehabilitate WASH systems in healthcare facilities including: installing hand washing units to prevent the spread of disease; restructuring sanitation facilities to ensure that toilets are inclusive and gender sensitive; training healthcare workers in healthcare facilities and in the community on WASH infection prevention and control; installing safe waste disposal systems; and training healthcare workers on proper waste management. 

While making a presentation on the impact of the SHARE project in Adjumani, Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal Child Health, said that the Project has strengthened medical waste management systems, increased family planning uptake, improved private safe water access points for adolescent girls and young women, and enhanced menstrual hygiene management.

“The project has significantly increased family planning uptake from 27.1% in Financial Year 2020/2021 to 48.8% in Financial Year 2024/2025, while teenage pregnancy has dropped to 15.7% in Adjumani compared to the national average of 24%,” Lulu said.

Lulu also observed that the project has addressed long-standing gaps in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, enabling health workers through WaterAid’s training to confidently provide counselling or guidance and engage girls who previously feared seeking family planning services.

In affirmation, Ovizio Rose, an enrolled nurse at Maaji B Health Centre II, appreciated WaterAid saying that the trainings had equipped health workers with knowledge on waste management, handling adolescent girls, and improving sanitation and hygiene, which has also boosted their confidence.

 “I appreciate WaterAid for the SHARE Project. This project has really impacted us with a lot of knowledge, especially through the training.  They have taught us how to manage waste, how to handle adolescent girls, and how to improve sanitation and hygiene. All this has built our confidence,” said Ovizio Rose.

According to Amaunzi Alex, the in-charge of Maaji Health Centre II, the facility provides a range of services, including general OPD consultations with a daily attendance of about 150 patients and an average of 65 deliveries per month.

Amaunzi explained that they work closely with community health workers, mainly VHTs, who monitor hygiene and sanitation in the community, assess how households use WASH facilities, and check whether they have latrines.

“After the Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) training conducted by WaterAid, our ability to manage infections and medical waste improved giving us the confidence needed to deliver services to a population of 17,288 people, including 14,288 refugees,” Amaunzi said.

Despite these achievements, Lulu however said, several challenges still hinder health service delivery, including limited local budgets for major repairs, high pressure on services due to the refugee population, and inadequate water flow in some facilities during peak hours.

The water coverage rate in Adjumani currently stands at 75%. As of May 30th 2025, according to the Uganda Water Supply Atlas, Adjumani has 1,113 domestic water points. 46 of them have been non-functional for the last 5 years and are considered abandoned.

According to records at the District Health Office as of June 2025, out of 50,373 households, 9,829 have no latrines, only 18,590 have improved latrines, 27,010 haven’t attained Open Defecation Free Status (ODF), and 4,665 still lack access to safe drinking water.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Adjumani District has today 1^st December 2025 marked the World AIDs Day 2025, with 3,300 people currently living with HIV/AIDS across both the refugee and host communities.

This is worrying as the district’s HIV prevalence rate now stands at 2.4%, slightly higher than the 2.3% average for the West Nile sub-region.

The day was celebrated under the theme: “Building a sustainable HIV response to end Aids as a public health threat.”

According to District Health Officer Adjumani, Dr. Drametu Dominic, HIV remains one of the diseases targeted for eradication by 2030 alongside teenage pregnancy and violence against women.

He noted that between July 2024 and June 2025, the district registered 110 new HIV infections, adding that the actual number may be higher due to people who have not tested or those unaware of their status.

“Nationally, the HIV prevalence of 2022 UDH stands at 5.1%. The one of West Nile is at 2.3%. The one of Adjumani is 2.4%. You can see our prevalence is higher than the average of West Nile,” Dr. Drametu stated, urging communities to take testing, treatment, and prevention seriously.

Health officials and stakeholders attributed the rising numbers to several factors including: drug abuse, gender-based violence, poverty, alcoholism, poor parental guidance, insecurity, and increased inter marriage between different tribes especially in areas like Zoka and Apaa. Leaders also noted that many young people no longer fear HIV because they rarely see people dying due to HIV-related illnesses.

Sabina Vukoni, the Vice Chairperson of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Adjumani, said that non-adherence to treatment among the youth, drug abuse, and child marriage continue to fuel new infections.

“There are many issues that are leading to the rise… most of the youths don’t want to take this medicine daily as instructed,” she said.

Emuch David, TB/HIV officer with IDI, reported that “out of the district’s 3,300 individuals in care, about 2,700 are adhering well to treatment, translating to an 84% viral suppression rate. The district aims to reach the global target of 95% suppression as part of the 2030 HIV epidemic control goals. He emphasized that most treatment challenges are among children and adolescents, highlighting the need for more tailored interventions”.

Leaders also linked HIV infections to rising teenage pregnancies and the influence of social media. FAWE Uganda Head of Program, Joseph Adiama, noted that

 “Platforms like TikTok have contributed to intimate relationships among adolescents, leading to both teenage pregnancy and increased HIV risk. I therefore want to appeal for stronger collaboration with political and community leaders in the fight against HIV and gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism,” Joseph said.

Mariko Otake, UNHCR Associate Protection Officer, reminded the public that HIV and gender-based violence are closely connected, noting that abuse and rape significantly contribute to HIV transmission. She also reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to awareness creation and prosecution of perpetrators of GBV.

Hon. Anyama Ben, the District Chairperson, expressed concern over the population influx in locations like Zoka C and Apaa, estimating that the areas host over 30,000 people, many of whom are untested.

 “These people are marrying our daughters of Madi and us also marrying them. So, that could be one of the biggest challenges,” he said, calling for strengthened security and testing efforts.

The CAO Adjumani, Ochen Andrew James, emphasized the district’s commitment to achieving the 95-95-95 strategy, praising national leadership for progress.

“I would request that the war is still on and until we achieve 100%. That is the target. That’s when we’ll be celebrating that yes, we have made it. Although we are in the journey towards it,” CAO commended.

Meanwhile, the story of Komaa Christine, a teenage mother from Maaji III Refugee settlement, highlighted the importance of continued support for adolescent girls. After facing early pregnancy and abandonment, she received counselling and encouragement from FAWE, enabling her to return to school. Christine recently sat for her PLE and now awaits results to join secondary school in 2026, saying she is grateful for the support that helped her rebuild her future.

As Adjumani joins the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day during the 16 Days of Activism, district leaders and health partners called on communities to prioritize prevention, testing, and treatment, and to address the social drivers that continue fuelling new infections. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that by 2030, HIV becomes “history” in Adjumani and Uganda at large.

The celebration was supported by the different implementing partners in the district, Adjumani district local government, FAWE Uganda the lead partner, Media for All Uganda, Reach a Hand Uganda, OPM, UNHCR, IDI, Naguru teenage center, Medical Team International, Global Aim, Right to play, and Peace Hospice.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline

The CEO of Afrika Mashriki, Dr. Tendo Kisembo, has appealed to the residents of Adjumani District to continue supporting the education of their children and to encourage them to take Kiswahili seriously, noting that it is “a pillar of every success in the country and Africa at large.”

Dr. Kisembo made the remarks on 29^th November 2025, during the 14^th end of year party at Mother Thereza Nursery and Primary School, an event that also saw the graduating of 53 nursery pupils to Primary One, alongside the launch of a new storage house construction project.

The school proprietor, Asiku Justine, extended appreciation to all the invited guests for gracing the occasion.

“Let me extend our heartfelt gratitude to you all the invited guests, especially the guests of honour for sparing your precious time to be with us in this occasion. Today We are commissioning 53 pupils to P1. And the guest of honour is also going to commission the construction of our storage house,” Asiku Justine.

Speaking during the celebrations, Edwin Nyachwara, UBC TV Head of Kiswahili Desk and Principal of UMCAT School of Journalism, praised the school’s progress and encouraged the community to keep supporting it.

“Today is not my day. Today, I’m just greeting you and thank you all for the efforts that you are putting to make sure that Mother Teresa moves forward every day. I want to tell the people of this community; this school is for high heights and very soon Mother Tereza will be something to look around in the whole country and in Africa,” Edwin said.

The Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, Toko Swaib, highlighted the central role of education in the country’s development agenda.

“Education is one of our principal pillars as government for development. When we are talking about vision 2040, when we are talking about sustainable development goals, when we are talking about all other government programs where we have set a target, we are relying on you, teachers, the educationists. So, I want to thank all the parents for supporting their children to come to this school,” Toko Said.

The headteacher of the nursery section, Kide Joyce, celebrated the milestone achieved by the learners and reflected on the journey of the school since its founding.

“The school is celebrating its 14th end of year party since it is started in 2011. The children that we have passed today have acquired the five learning areas. My kids, my queens of these schools. So, it is time. Today we are ending the year. Next year we are beginning. Let’s work hard.”

In his keynote message, Dr. Kisembo emphasized the need for parents to guide their children with commitment and open-mindedness, especially in adopting Kiswahili now a unifying regional language. He stated that empowering children through both quality education and language skills would position Adjumani and Uganda for greater opportunities in the East African Community and across the continent.

The colorful celebration left parents, learners, and invited guests hopeful for the school’s continued growth. Mother Thereza Nursery and Primary School, now marking 14 years of nurturing young learners, was praised as a rising institution set for regional, National and International recognition.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

The two-horse Local Council Five (LCV) race in Adjumani has been infiltrated by violent gangs purported to be on each side.

This is however now taking a nasty turn of events during the ongoing campaigns for the 2026 elections.

On 23^rd November 2025, Nyanda Ivan, a political assistant to Hon. Anyama Ben, who is the incumbent, was attacked by supporters who are said to be belonging to his opponent Hon. Anyanzo John, the current District Local Councilor representing Hon. Anyanzo John.

Nyanda is said to have been injured on the head with what is feared to have been a sharp object.

According to the Dr. Ambaku Michael, the Medical Superintendent at Adjumani Hospital where Nyanda is currently admitted, the cut wound was deep enough to expose the skull bone, although the CT scan report from Gulu Regional Referral Hospital confirmed that there was no internal brain damage.

“It was a deep cut wound that led to exposure of the skull bone. The skull bone was open. However, the investigation of CT scan, shows that there was no internal damage in the brain,” Dr. Ambaku confirmed.

While accounting the events of that fateful day, Nyanda said that while driving home, he noticed a vehicle was following him and later identified several occupants believed to be supporters of Hon. Anyanzo.

“I want to categorically deny the clip that Anyanzo John Ambayo made concerning the incident that happened on me on Sunday. I was driving home to go and bathe. I saw a Probox following me. When I gave way for them to pass, the driver decided to stop adjacent to me, I identified the driver was Tabi. At the co-driver seat, there was a lady and then the LC I chairperson of Pakondo village who is called Obumai. And then at the back seat. The person I identified very well was the Taban,” he explained.

He added that upon stepping out of his vehicle, he was confronted and attacked.

“As I was disembarking from the vehicle, one of them called Chiriga putting on a yellow T-shirt with a yellow cap held in my hand my left hand. Then we started now struggling with him. As we kept on struggling with him, the rest of the people were beating me with a stick. Then one called Siraji came on my left side. Where he said, ‘This one must be killed.’ Then I felt something hit my head. Then I felt something flowing very hot. So, I knew that was blood,” Nyanda recounted.

Similarly, Hon. Anyama says that his political assistant, was attacked while going home.

“They followed him. After the guy realizing people are following him with a vehicle number UBF 956S. Then he turned came back to town. The process they followed and blocked him with their vehicle attacked him later on cut his head with a panga. After cutting him, he cried for help and was taken to hospital and later in the morning was referred to Gulu referral for CT scan,” he narrated.

On the same day, it is also alleged that supporters of Hon. Anyanzo attacked the premises of Aulogo FM in an attempt to injure Hon. Anyama who was conducting a radio talk show.

However, on his part, during a press briefing on 24th November 2025, Hon. Anyanzo, who is also the LCV NRM flag bearer for Adjumani, strongly denied allegations that the victim had been cut with a panga.

“Yesterday’s incident, we have got it here. This person has not been cut. This person was taking off he was running and he fell and it was on this other road that was made by Rock Trust. Not really, I don’t want to call it tarmac. He fell and knocked his head. This is a report from the police. So, the allegations that this person has been cut with a panga is just a lie and a malicious allegation. Just to incite violence. This person has not been cut,” he said.

Meanwhile, the incident has intensified political tensions in Adjumani as the two rival camps continue to dispute the events of that night. Authorities are yet to issue a final investigation report.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Vendors in Yumbe Town Council, Yumbe District, have raised alarm over the deteriorating health and sanitation conditions around the town market, blaming the situation on persistent poor garbage management by the responsible authorities.

Oleru Nusura, one of the market vendors said that, for months now, heaps of uncollected waste have continued to pile up around the market stalls, producing a foul smell and attracting flies and rodents. Traders say the situation has not only scared away customers but also put their health and that of the entire community at serious risk.

“We are suffering. The garbage stays here for days without being collected,” said Oleru Nusura, a vegetable vendor. “The smell is terrible, and most customers fear to buy food from a place that looks this dirty. We fear diseases may break out anytime,” Nusura said.

Other vendors expressed similar concerns, noting that the blocked drainage channels around the market have worsened the situation, especially after rains. Pools of stagnant water have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising fears of malaria and other hygiene-related illnesses.

Amba Swali Annet, a concerned citizen living near the market said that value for money is not seen yet the vendors are paying market dues daily.

“There’s no value for money yet these vendors are paying market dues every but the town council authorities are sleeping on top of the money,” said Amba Swali.

Residents also accuse the town council of failing to enforce proper waste disposal practices among businesses and households surrounding the market.

In response, the LC III of Yumbe Town Council, Odonga Ratib Sahaban, acknowledged the sanitation challenges and attributed the delays in garbage collection to limited operational trucks and budget constraints.

He, however, assured the public that the council is working on a plan to improve waste management and restore cleanliness in the affected areas.

“We are having plans to collect the garbage but what’s delaying us is the Town don’t have its own garbage Truck I want to urge the community to be calm, we are coming to collect the rubbish,” said the LC III Chairman.

The vendors are now urging the authorities to act urgently before the situation escalates into a public health crisis. They say restoring cleanliness in the market will not only protect lives but also boost business activity and restore the town’s image.

As the rainy season continues, the community remains hopeful that swift action will be taken to address the mounting crisis and ensure a safer, cleaner marketplace for all.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Olia Presidential Industrial Hub has held its first ever Cultural Gala to showcase Ma’di rich culture identity and different vocational skills learned.

During the Cultural Gala that took place on 14^th November 2025, students were strongly encouraged to transition into job creators after completing their six-month skills training course.

According to the Hub Manager, Christopher Ijjo, said that while the day was organized to showcase culture, students are also given an opportunity to show off their different skills and interact with different stakeholders on job creation.

Ijjo also added that the day also aims at demonstrating that the Presidential Skilling Program is yielding real results.

“We want to show to the people that also our children have attended something which they can show the world. I also want to show to the people that the President did not bring a ghost project. The project the President brought is real, it is working, and it is making change,” Ijjo said.

On his part, the LC3 Chairperson of Pakele Sub County, Hon. Kenny Wellborn, applauded the discipline and parade skills of the trainees.

“I’m impressed with the skills you are getting particularly the parade… the parade your practice is not very far from the UPDF and the prison orders who have stayed over 10 years in the system,” Hon. Kenyi said.

He added that if national service is approved, many young Ugandans would easily fit into military roles.

“When you are for the parade somebody recommended you are now left with only the gun to make you a soldier. In developed countries everybody is a soldier.” Hon. Kenyi said.

Representing the Uganda Prisons Service, ASP Paul Angois, the Deputy Officer in Charge at Olia Prison Farm, commended the diversity and unity reflected in the event.

“This is a cultural gala and it shows that the Madi sub region Presidential Hub at least embraces cultural diversity. We are a multicultural environment but having people from different parts of life,” ASP Angois said.

ASP Angois also noted that the hub’s work is transformative and will have a positive impact in the community.

“I’ve seen there is really something that can transform our community into something that is really impressive ahead. There is a lot of development which is going to happen,” ASP Angois said.

On his part, Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, also urged the trainees to embrace entrepreneurship as they exit the hub.

“Once you have finished your course here, you are expected to borrow Hub’s SACCO to buy raw materials to start your own workshop. I don’t want you to leave this hub once again as job seekers, you must now leave this hub as job creators,” Toko urged.

He also emphasized financial discipline and responsible behavior.

“Borrow that money, have financial discipline, plan it very well. I don’t expect you to go out there and begin to behave recklessly. You drink yourself off. You get involved in the drug abuse; you are chewing Mairungi. That one should not be there with you,” Toko said.

The Cultural Gala showcased traditional dances, skilling products, and the unity of various tribes within the Madi Sub Region, reinforcing the hub’s dual role in preserving culture and building a productive, employable youth generation.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Ciforo Police Post has launched a new community outreach initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and residents through community policing at the parish level.

In a move described as the first of its kind in the area, the community members will be educated on their roles and responsibilities as well as those of the police.

According to the Officer in Charge (OC) of Ciforo Police Post, Inspector Barigo Charles, the idea of moving parish by parish is intended to strengthen coordination and communication between community leaders and the police.

“We want to bring the community closer to us. The Community can help us to identify offenses within communities before they escalate into serious crimes. Many issues arise simply because of ignorance among community members,” Barigo said.

Residents of Okangali Parish where the launch took place on 12^th November 2025 expressed gratitude towards the approach, saying it was the first time a police officer in the sub county had taken the initiative to personally reach out and educate them on matters of law and order. During the dialogue organized by the police, the residents widely hailed the move as a positive and much-needed step towards improving community safety and cooperation.

Abio Jane, a resident of Forukwe Village, appreciated the OC and noted that most times women experience suffering because they are ignorant about the law and their rights.

Community leaders noted that the awareness sessions have helped them better understand how to report cases, cooperate with the police, and prevent minor disputes from turning into major conflicts.

Meanwhile, the LC II of Okangali parish, Irama Luke, applauded the OC and appealed for more engagement with police and other stakeholders.

The OC reaffirmed his commitment to continue the outreach program across all parishes in Ciforo Sub County, stressing that proactive engagement between the police and the public is key to maintaining peace and security in the area.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Residents of Forukwa Village in Okangali Parish, Ciforo Sub County have raised serious concerns over the continuous and unexplained deaths occurring along the River Nile banks at Esia Stream. These observe that several people have drowned under unclear circumstances over the past four years.

According Eberu Francis, these incidents described as the ‘unnecessary disappearance of innocent souls in the name of death’ have caused intense fear and panic among families. Many of the drowning victims reportedly died while bathing at the river, a situation that locals say has become too frequent to be considered normal.

“We have issues of witch craft in our village here and the current one they are using is different from the previous one. Our sons are drowning in the river and event some times you hit yourself on a stone like this, reaching in the evening you are gone which is really a bad situation for us parents”, Eberu stated.

Some residents also expressed suspicion towards one of the village youths whom they believe may be connected to the repeated occurrences. They claim the pattern of the deaths raises questions that need urgent intervention from authorities.

Komaa Susan, whose daughter was touched by one the boys who calmed that he has touched her with a love portion expressed frustration over the future of her daughter.

“It’s really very bad for us mothers because even right now my daughter is a victim of this and I don’t know what there is for her”, Komaa said.

Echoing similar concern, the LC1 Chairman, Drani Bosco noted, for past four years the occurrence of mysterious deaths of there was too much. He further stressed that last week one of the youth travelled to Dufile Sub County and came back with another mysterious behaviour which they suspecting him to have come back poison.

“It has now taken four years, we are losing youths, elderly people strangely some times they will enter the river themselves and the next hour you see their dead body that’s the reason why we called this village meeting today so that we can vote out those people but accidentally the suspects are still at church for some counselling”, said the LC1 chairman.

The community has now appealed to the Sub County stakeholders to intervene and investigate the matter thoroughly before more lives are lost.

Responding to the residents’ concerns, the OC Ciforo Police Post, Barigo Charles, urged the community to remain calm and follow the right procedures in handling the matter.

“For us as police, we rely on evidence. So, if such an allegation is there, I am appealing to the community to come and report to police so that we bring this person in and investigate,” he stated.

He added that rushing to conclusions without facts can cause harm and may lead to wrongful accusations:

“Sometimes people talk based on rumours, and even issues like poison or witchcraft may not be factual. At times people allege such things because of personal misunderstandings. So, I appeal to the community not to take the law into their own hands,” he added.

The OC encouraged residents to share any credible information with the police to support proper investigations, emphasizing that only through lawful channels can the truth be established and lasting safety restored in Forukwe Village.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline

Adjumani District Local Government has allocated a budget worth Ugx 46,786,015,144/= for the Financial Year 2026/2027.

This reflects a 35.59% significant reduction compared to the Ugx 72,644,601,862/= approved in the running financial year.

During the budget conference that took place at the district council hall on 10^th November 2025, district leaders attributed the decline to several factors, including the completion of major donor-funded projects such as USMID-AF, DRDIP, PRELNOR, and NUSAF, whose conclusion has left noticeable funding gaps.

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Leku Samuel, acknowledged that the budget trend has shifted over time.

“Where are we heading? This is the first five years before history. As you can see here, the trend is coming down. For the last five years, we were doing well. It started from 25 billion to 72 billion during COVID time. Then you can see the trend has been the positive one. Now we have moved to 46 billion. Today we are gathered here for 46 billion,” he said.

Other leaders also warned that this reduction may affect service delivery, especially amid the rising population of both nationals and refugees in the district. Currently, Adjumani hosts 528,885 people, including 300,590 nationals and 228,295 refugees.

Speaking on the issue of the budget reduction, District Vice Chairperson, Hon. Kaijuka Richard Arthur, noted that the decline is not unique to Adjumani.

“I think everyone is aware that it’s not only in Adjumani but the whole nation is affected. But specifically, for Adjumani, most of the government projects have ended. I want to request our partners that though most donors have withdrawn, let’s continue supporting with the little we are having because the population of refugees in Adjumani is almost the same with the host community,” Kaijuka appealed.

Meanwhile, the effect of the reduction is already being felt. According to the Senior Finance Officer, Mr. Samson Yuma, the district’s annual budget performance for FY 2025/2026 showed mixed results.

“We have so far realized Ugx 21.6 billion out of the current budget of 49.7 billion representing 43.53%. While local revenue performance stands at Ugx 219.77 million out of the Ugx 2.6 billion budgeted, representing 8.3%,” Yuma said.

“Central government transfers were Ugx 20.4 billion out of the total budget of Ugx 42.8 billion, which is 47.7%. Donors’ funds or donors’ support, we have so far received UGX 1.008 billion out of the total of 4.3 billion representing 23.6%. That is the current financial year performance up to 31st October 2025,” he explained.

To improve revenue performance, Yuma highlighted several strategies drawn from the District Development Plan (DDP4), including: Electronic evaluation, assessment, and collection through the Revenue and Social System; enforcement of local revenue mobilization and collection by both political and technical teams; strengthening internal control systems using electronic receipting; regular tax coding, consultations, and reviews; reviewing reserve prices for all revenue sources and enhancing supervision and enforcement at all local government levels.

Hon. Kaijuka Richard Arthur, also highlighted the importance of transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture to stimulate income growth.

“Uganda’s economy and most of our people are employed in agriculture. But we must move away from subsistence farming to commercial so that money comes in our pocket,” he said.

Despite the funding cuts and donor withdrawal, district leaders expressed commitment to strengthening local revenue mobilization, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring that the limited resources are optimally utilized to meet the growing demands of both the host and refugee communities.

The annual budget preparation process was conducted in accordance with the Public Finance and Management Regulations (2026). The budget conferences at all levels are convened in accordance with section 7 subsection 1 and 2 (b) of the Public Finance and Management Regulations 2026. The District priorities are done based on submissions from the lower local governments.

END.