By Anzoo Evaline.

Aspiring candidates for both the Parliamentary and District Chairperson seats in Adjumani have appealed to the District Returning Officer (RO) and the District Security Committee to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal treatment of all contestants during the upcoming 2026 general election campaign rallies scheduled to start on 10th Nov. 2025 during the harmonization of the campaign roadmap.

The appeal was made during a consultative meeting held on Monday 27^th October 2025 convened by the Adjumani District Returning Officer to harmonize the campaign roadmap at Lavic Resort Hotel, where candidates, electoral officials, and security representatives gathered to discuss the coordination of campaign activities ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Several aspirants expressed concern over past experiences in which some candidates were allegedly favored with more convenient campaign schedules and security deployment, creating tension among contenders and their supporters. They emphasized that this time, all candidates should be given equal access to venues, security escorts, and campaign dates to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, Hon. Tandrupasi Patrick called for transparency and fairness in the entire electoral process.

 “You talk of being non-partisan, let this communication be true and should be exercised. Because in most cases, we realize in the field when we are now campaigning, most of the candidates on opposition side will be treated not equally. We have a lot of examples. And here you talk of not campaigning in the institutions, you have left out prisons. There are people who will be barred out actually out to go and campaign that side and there are people who will be accepted to go and campaign in the prisons. Let it be equal to everybody”, Tandrupasi said.

Hon. Kaijuka Arthur Richard, who represented Hon. Anyama Ben, who is contesting on the independent ticket for the District Chairperson seat, also urged the security team, particularly the police, to treat every candidate equally regardless of their political party.

“You might have known from history what Adjumani is when it comes to election. They labelled it to be a hotspot. And it’s being hotspot is normally created by the players. One of the players is your office RO, for which we want to say first of all, thank you for calling this meeting meaning that you are now trying to arrange what is supposed to be done transparently. But let it be so. Thank God that the person who came to represent the DPC is here and the DISO. Incidentally, the DISO is not there and the DPC is not there”, Hon. Kaijuka narrated.

He added that “Madam R.O. and the members here, in some years back, the same DISO who is right now here was used to rig election. And he’s here. We lost human beings, candidates. Houses were burned. And it was because of election malpractices. We pray. You play your role. Each and every person here plays his or her role. Because we don’t want to lose lives. In elections all animals are equal and we must guide. You talked of yourself OC station. You talked by yourself. Let us do what we are saying”.

Hon. Draga Gasper, one of the candidates for the Adjumani West Constituency Member of Parliament seat, appealed to the security team and electoral officials to remain neutral and professional throughout the campaign period.

“Many people talked have about Adjumani being a hot spot. There is a say that history normally repeat itself. But it can at times be dodged. The security people talked very well. I believe they will really go by that. Indeed, this is a hot spot. There has been a lot of allegations. Some of us never contested during primary election. But we have been hearing what has been going on the radio and I’m requesting you, the stakeholders, to manage this election very perfectly. So that we can end up with a united Adjumani than dividing us”, Draga said.

In response, the District Returning Officer, Akao Eunice Christine, assured the candidates that her office would not support or Favor any candidate regardless of their political affiliation.

“When you look at the last general elections, there were coded forms. They came from the field and when you put the information into the system, it would either accept or reject. So, I believe the same method will be used during the last general election is going to be the same. But also, we have an opportunity at every polling station. The declaration forms are left at every polling station. Every aspiring candidate is allowed to have two agents at a polling station”, said Akao.

Odong Raymond, the Officer in Charge of Adjumani Central Police Station who represented the DPC, also pledged full cooperation, promising fairness for all candidates during their campaign rallies and urging them to follow the established procedures.

 “You talk of mistreatment of opposition by security forces. Ideally, I don’t think whether you are mistreated or not. I think this is the 30^th general elections I’m policing since I joined police. I pray for the best that everyone should be treated equally. And for you to be treated equally also, you also must listen to the guidelines”, Odong said.

The meeting concluded with an agreement that the harmonized campaign roadmap for each candidate would be shared publicly once finalized, marking a significant step toward a peaceful and orderly election season in Adjumani District.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

A delegation of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) partners and associates led by the Danish Ambassador have extended the Women Uganda 2025+ campaign to Adjumani.

The extension was incorporated into a high-level field monitoring visit to the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Project that took place on Friday 24^th October 2025.

The Women Uganda 2025+ campaign is a collaboration launched by female Heads of Missions from Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, UN Women, and UNFPA. The campaign aims to transform policy and practice through the active involvement of progressive men acting as male change makers.

The joint monitoring visit demonstrated a unified commitment to the Women Uganda 2025+ campaign by emphasizing the crucial role of male engagement in advancing gender equality and addressing issues such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence (GBV).

The high level delegation included: Her Excellency Signe Winding Albjerg – the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda; Ms. Kristine Blokhus – the UNFPA Country Representative; the Royal Danish Embassy’s Male Change Maker, Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo – academic, acclaimed cartoonist, and Human Rights Activist, as well as the UNFPA Male Champion, Don Zan Muwanguzi, a Mental Health Activist and Founder of Awesome Mind Speaks.

During his opening remark, the District Chairman, Hon. Anyama Ben, appreciated the government of Denmark for always having Uganda at heart more so Adjumani district and also applauded the Ambassador for always loving Adjumani in particular.

He further urged the donors to continue supporting the district in different ways since its one the biggest refugees hosting district with nineteen settlements of about over 230,600 refugees.

“I want thank the government of Denmark for loving Uganda, and especially the Ambassador H.E. Singe for always coming in person when there’s activity taking place in Adjumani and also my sister Kristine for UNFPA. The Danish Embassy has helped us the people of Adjumani a lot especially during this period where UNHCR is withdrawing its support for the refugees and we all know that these people don’t have land for cultivating since the land given for them is very small so thank you very much Ambassador”, said Anyama.

While highlighting the success of the SAY project in the different sectors in the district, the Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, Mr. Edema Richard, said, “In the area of sexual reproductive health rights that is affecting adolescent, youth, and women. And therefore, we are trying to push this together for both the host community and the refugee population. But the fact is, we want to thank the people of Denmark for contributing their own taxpayer’s money to address the challenge facing at Adjumani District Local Government”.

“And particularly, the population for both the host and the refugees and targeting women, youth, adolescent in areas of addressing challenges like teenage pregnancy which is high in Adjumani district. High level of GBV in Adjumani district local government. So, we are trying to address this together to make sure that we reduce this”, Edema added.

He added that “underway project or program we have tried to address these challenges during the time of the entry of the refugee population in 2013 up to 2024. We use that resources appropriately. We tried our level best to reduce some of these cases, but allow me put it here. We still have high level of teenage pregnancies. We have high level of GBV cases still existing. And therefore, we are here to make sure that we use these resources under the say program to address some of these challenges still remaining through the youth clubs, through the school clubs, health clubs to make sure that we address some of these challenges facing us”.

H.E. Ambassador Albjerg highlighted the Royal Danish Embassy’s commitment through its partnership with Dr. Spire Ssentongo, who will use his expertise to create positive messages promoting gender equality, focusing on women in leadership, teenage pregnancy, and women’s rights.

“We do work with a lot of partners, but whatever we do, we need the commitment of the local government and the communities in which we work. Otherwise, all the efforts will be in vain. And I’m always happy to come to Adjumani to experience the very strong commitment from the Adjumani district local government at all levels to this course.  And I also can never come to Adjumani without commending the local government and the communities for being very generous and hosting of refugees”, Amb. Albjerg said.

“We know that you have close to more than 230,637 refugees more than the host communities here. And that is in no way something that can be taken for granted that you continue to host the refugees in such a generous a respectful manner. We know that you are under immense pressure at the moment, financially and with increasing inflows”, she added.

On the campaign, H.E. Singe further stressed that “We are here as part of a campaign. We call it Women Uganda 2025+. You may wonder what that means. But it is an attempt to put an emphasis on the rights and opportunities of women in Uganda, but to try to do it from a slightly different angle. We realized that we were mainly talking to women, and were almost creating a situation where women became the enemies of men.  Young women became the enemies of young men in terms of power struggle and attention. And we don’t see that is a very productive way of going forward,”

Meanwhile, the SAY Programme plays a vital role in increasing access to and utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) services for young people aged 10–24, including those in refugee settlements and host communities.

The Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Programme is a vital initiative focused on increasing access to and utilization of SRHR and SGBV services for young people, including those in refugee settlements, across five districts in Uganda.

Ms. Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Country Representative, emphasized the strategic alignment of the initiative.

“The SAY Programme is a model for integrated development and humanitarian support. The inclusion of our male champions alongside the Ambassador ensures that we are actively engaging men and boys as allies to accelerate progress toward ending GBV and achieving zero preventable maternal deaths and zero unmet need for family planning,” Blokhus said.

Romney Blessing, a member of Alere Secondary School Health club, said that “When I heard about the school Health club. I joined it, and the club really impacted me a lot. It gave me the right. I have the right to speak in front of people to express my feeling, to speak in public, and take good decision for myself and for the school and for everybody in the school,”

Mawut Thon Mawut, one of the role model boys, highlighted the impact of the project on the youths within the settlements and the host communities.

“Actually, in our community men for them they just to stay at home. They don’t do anything. While women, they are the one doing house work like cooking. For us men in our tribe we don’t cook. You just wait for the food. You come and eat. And if there’s no food, you’ll end up beating the wife. At least now there’s change in our community,” said Mawut.

Mawut also explained that “previously people used to fight every day and night. But nowadays there’s a reduction of violence. Boys they are seriously helping their sisters. Seeing the culture where we came from, boys are not supposed to do house works. But since this program came in, at least 50% of the population are now understanding,”.

Kabange Eva, 25, a mother of three children and refugee from Alere settlement narrated her experience before and after the project.

“My husband used to beat me almost every day but when the role model men went to advise him, we are now having peace at home. Previously, our men are not helping us even you are sick or pregnant because they say after all I have paid fifty cows for your bride price and you must work because there is a culture of parents marrying off their young girls to get more cattle but now it’s not too much and at least our men are also accompanying us to the health centers for antenatal and even when we are sick they take us for treatment and also do house work sometimes”, Eva narrated.

Droma William, a member of role model men, who is a Ugandan and a beneficiary of the SAY project said that “Before this project came, we don’t interact with the refuges like today, we don’t associate So, I thank the government of Denmark support and for bringing this project to us. Because you can see really there are changes amount from before this project came, we used to fight with our brothers and wives and now the fighting level instability between us dropped from 80% to now 30%.  So, thank you very much, especially the implementing partner. I wish you continue to support us so that there will be total co-existing between the host communities and the refugees,”.

The interactions with the Ambassador, the UNFPA Representative, and the acclaimed activists were intended to inspire and challenge young boys and girls to become agents of change. The visit enhanced visibility for the Women Uganda 2025+ campaign and generated compelling content to strengthen advocacy efforts, aligning with the focus on girls’ leadership and the role of male champions in communities.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer for Adjumani West Constituency, Hon. Tandrupasi Patrick, has been duly nominated to participate in the race.

Hon. Tandrupasi Patrick, however expressed deep disappointment over what he termed as the militarization of his nomination procession by security forces.

Tandrupasi who is a member of the National Executive Committee Member and Deputy Secretary In charge of Transport and Communication is set to contest against Rt.Hon. General Moses Ali, the four-star general and long-serving Adjumani West Member of Parliament.

Speaking shortly after being nominated by the Adjumani District Electoral Commission, Tandrupasi described the heavy security deployment during his nomination as “an act of injustice and segregation”, saying it undermines the spirit of free and fair elections.

He also said that his supporters were intimidated and dispersed by police and army personnel who heavily surrounded the nomination grounds and major routes leading to the town.

“The presence of armed soldiers at a democratic exercise sends a wrong signal to the voters. This is not war, it is an election where every candidate should be treated equally and fairly,” Tandrupasi lamented.

He further accused the government of using security forces to instil fear among the electorate, warning that such actions could discourage citizen participation in the electoral process.

Despite the alleged intimidation, Tandrupasi vowed to continue his campaign peacefully and uphold the values of democracy, urging his supporters to remain calm and committed to change through the ballot.

 “We shall not be intimidated. Our struggle is for justice, equality, and freedom of choice for the people of Adjumani West,” he emphasized.

The contest between Tandrupasi Patrick and Rt. Hon. General Moses Ali marks the second time the two rivals will face off for the Adjumani West Parliamentary seat, setting the stage for a highly anticipated political showdown in the upcoming 2026 elections. The duo first faced off in the 2021 elections.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

The incumbent Member of Parliament for Adjumani East Constituency, Hon. Mamawi James, has been duly nominated as an independent candidate to contest in the forthcoming general elections.

Mamawi, aged 38, decided to run independently after losing the NRM party primaries to Hon. Angel Dulu Mark, a development that surprised many of his supporters across the constituency.

Speaking to the press shortly after his nomination at the Adjumani District Electoral Commission office, Hon. Mamawi said his decision to return to the race was in response to the overwhelming call from his constituents, who urged him not to give up on the projects he had initiated during his first term in Parliament.

“My coming back is not for personal gain, but because the people of Adjumani East requested me to continue. One term was not enough to finish what I started, especially in the areas of education, health, and infrastructure,” Mamawi stated confidently.

He further appealed to the people to trust him once again, pledging to build on the foundation he has already laid and to deliver more tangible development if re-elected.

“I believe in service, not politics of division. I call upon all my supporters to remain peaceful and united as we focus on the future of our constituency,” he added.

Hon. Mamawi’s independent candidature has set the stage for a tight and competitive race in Adjumani East race, with observers predicting a fierce contest between him and the NRM flag bearer, Hon. Angel Dulu Mark.

The nomination exercise attracted hundreds of his supporters, who escorted him through the streets of Adjumani Town, chanting slogans of unity and continuity.

Mama Periana Dralanyi on behalf of his supporters has pledged their total support for Mamawi describing him a young, energetic and dedicated leader who has brought a lot of change during his time of office.

“We are going to vote for him because he still have a lot to for us the people of Adjumani east”, Perina noted. 

END.

By Anzoo Evaline

The 2^nd Deputy Prime Minister and long-serving Member of Parliament for Adjumani West Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. General Moses Ali, has been successfully nominated to contest in the forthcoming general elections.

The veteran politician, who is also a four-star general, arrived at the Adjumani District Electoral Commission offices amidst cheers from hundreds of his supporters, who thronged the streets of Adjumani Town to witness the event.

Dressed in his signature yellow National Resistance Movement (NRM) attire, General Ali was accompanied by party officials, elders, and youth leaders who praised his decades of leadership and contribution to the development of the district and the country at large.

Speaking shortly after his nomination, General Ali’s Personal Assistant, Michael Bwesigye, expressed gratitude to the residents of Adjumani for their continued trust and confidence in his leadership, pledging to continue championing development, unity, and peace in Adjumani West.

“I thank the people of Adjumani for the unwavering support they have shown to the General over the years. Together, we have achieved much, but there is still more to be done and General has pledge to serve his with dedication and integrity,” Michael said.

His nomination has drawn excitement among residents, with many describing him as a pillar of stability and experience in both local and national politics.

The nomination event also marked the beginning of what observers expect to be a highly competitive race for the Adjumani West parliamentary seat, as General Ali faces renewed challenge from opposition candidates, including FDC’s Hon. Tandrupasi Patrick.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

Government loses about shs 3 billion daily in fuel taxes across the country, according to a 2023 report by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), with a significant portion of the illegal trade attributed to the West Nile region.

The illegal trade persists due to the region’s proximity to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan (SS), despite government efforts to curb it.

Since the 1990s, fuel smuggling has been a lucrative, though an illicit venture in West Nile’s 13 districts, blurring the lines between legality and survival. Some view it as a coping mechanism for a region that feels marginalized. The practice originated with Ugandan exiles in DRC, the “Opec Boys,” following former President Idi Amin Dada’s ouster in 1979, establishing trade networks that lasted until the late 2000s.

When Idi Amin, a West Niler was ousted from power, the residents of West Nile feared revenge and fled to eastern Congo and southern Sudan (former Sudan). After initiation by the “Opec Boys”, upon return from exile, smuggling then constituted an important livelihood for many during the returnee period, and laid the basis for contemporary trading networks and practices that we see today.

In a region with a history of rebel groups, smuggling is seen as an important stabilizing factor, allowing for the voicing of discontent through trading activities rather than illegality. However, beyond the illegal trade, smuggling is now having an impact on education, security, road safety, and crime/violence in most West Nile districts, especially Yumbe, Arua, Adjumani, and Koboko. Similarly, the trade is now also a livelihood and fall back business for many young refugees in settlements next to the Ugandan border.

The Risk.

In May 2025, Adjumani town was plunged into chaos as a joint enforcement operation led by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) turned violent, clashing with suspected fuel smugglers in a dramatic confrontation with live bullets that left parts of the town deserted. Later, in June 2025, a notorious smuggler said to be a Ma’di by tribe but based in Elegu (border Town with South Sudan) was allegedly knocked dead by a URA vehicle in Amuru during a chase.

In 2021, Kassim Ayo, a 13-year-old boy in Koboko died attempting to salvage smuggled fuel from a burning house. Later in February 2022, riots erupted in the same town as URA was pursuing a smuggler who was reportedly carrying 320 litres of fuel in sixteen 20-litre jerry cans from the DRC. Protestors set the authority’s offices on fire after tax collectors allegedly hit and injured a suspected fuel smuggler. During the riots, one person was shot dead and several others wounded.

Similarly, in September 2021, the community in Arivu Sub County in Arua District blocked the Arua – Nebbi highway after UPDF officers attached to Uganda Revenue Authority shot dead a salon operator and shuttered the arm of a lady. The deceased identified as Bosco Jurua, a salon operator at Arivu trading center was shot using a machine gun by an officer attached to URA during an operation to impound numberless motorcycles.

The Business Model.

While the obvious key players in the illegal trade are the fuel smugglers, there are other critical players – the middlemen/brokers who are charged with transportation or linkage, and the scouts commonly known as “surveyors” who are charged with coordination or surveillance at a cost of shs 20,000/= per trip. However, fuel is not the only commodity that is usually smuggled; many of the smugglers also deal in cigarettes, biscuits, and cooking oil. The average capital for starting the business is shs 500,000/= to shs 700,000/= and thereafter a profit of between shs 1,500,000/= and shs 2,000,000/= per month. 

Notably, in areas where smugglers meet brokers, strangers are not allowed unless introduced by a trusted member, ensuring that spies from URA or local authorities do not infiltrate their operations. This insight into the business model was gained through interviews with contacts within the smuggling network.

In Arua which has since achieved a city status, fuel is smuggled from petrol stations in Aru and Ariwara Towns in DRC where it is sold from as low as shs 3,500/= compared to Uganda price which keeps fluctuating slightly below or above shs 5,000/=. The smuggling is mostly done by the youth who work for established business people before some moving on to start their own. The fuel is transported by road through porous points or canoes on Lake Albert through Mahagi and Paidha routes.

On the other hand, in Adjumani and Koboko Districts, the fuel is smuggled from South Sudan towns of Nimule and Kaya respectively. Just like in Arua, it is done by both road and the boats. In Adjumani, the 2 boats operate once a day and twice a week. Orders are taken at 6:00am and 10:00am and goods are delivered at 12:00pm and 4:00pm respectively.

According to Onzima Siraj (not real names), 22, a fuel smuggler  based in Nyumanzi Settlement, Dzaipi Sub County – Adjumani, each boat carries about 50 – 100 jerry cans of petrol depending on the orders. Each smuggler pays a clearance fee of shs 3,000/= and a transport fee of shs 2,000/= per jerry can when they arrive the designated landing sites.

Siraj added: “Most smugglers order between 10 – 30 jerry cans per day. The jerry cans of petrol are bought for shs 71,000/= from South Sudan and sold at shs 85,000/= to retailers”.

With profits from a business requiring no formal education or training, many smugglers have acquired land, built homes, and purchased other assets. Interestingly, despite the illegality, social groups, including surveyors, smugglers, and retailers, have formed and meet regularly to share ideas for improving their business.

What Is at Stake?

Previously, the known risks have been the poor road terrain which poses accidents to both the smugglers and pedestrians due to over speeding and reckless driving; dodging and bribing responsible authorities; and fire accidents when the fuel explodes – coupled with the huge revenue loses made by the government.

But now, there is a worrying concern on the toil of the business as many petrol stations are being pushed out of business while at the same time many students are dropping out or missing school.

We spoke to a 19 year old fuel smuggler based in Koboko, who noted that although it is a risky business, at least it allows him to provide for his siblings.

“Sometimes the road is not okay and even the forces can attack you, beat you and sometimes they can collect all the jerry cans of fuel, take the motorcycle, and demand for shs 1.2 million. I have been attacked twice and they collected all my items. But I have to continue because I have to take care of my brothers since my parents divorced. I left school when I was in Senior Two. We also use part of the money for farming. I started by selling someone’s fuel by the road side but with time I got my own motorcycle after saving some money for capital. At least I now get shs 12,000/= as profit from each trip,” he revealed.

However, the authorities have warned against this move of young children joining the business arguing that they not only miss out on school but risk their lives. They have since warned that any child found on the streets selling fuel will be arrested and their parents would as well be picked to answer. But it is not only the education sector crumbling, the energy sector has also received its own share of the negative impacts of the illegal business.

This illicit activity not only undermines revenue collection but also disrupts the operations of petrol stations. High fuel taxes in Uganda force petrol stations to raise prices, making smuggled fuel, which is often cheaper and of better quality, a more attractive option. For instance, in Koboko, two petrol stations have already closed, and many managers have reduced employee salaries or laid off staff due to declining sales and tax difficulties.

Florence Adiru, the Acting Manager – Hass Petrol station based in Koboko says they have drastically lost customers and workers which impacts the business.

‘’The issue of smuggling is really affecting the business, even you can see, we are just here staying, there are no customers. By then we used sell thousands of liters and the least we could get was shs 700,000/=, per day but now days it is even hard to get shs 400,000/=,” Adiru explained.

Who Is Aiding the Trade?

But perhaps communities too are contributing to this unemployment. Emmy Mitala, the Chief Whip of Resident District Commissioners in West Nile, says that the illegal fuel trade is facilitated by the communities that protect smugglers and yet they expect government to collect enough taxes to provide quality social services for them.

“We protect smugglers who make government lose billions each day but we are the same people demanding for better services. People want salary enhancement, social services, health care, good roads, teachers have laid down their tools but if government fights smugglers, we gang up against it,” Mitala said.

Similarly, Michael Masereka, the District Police Commander – Koboko, says that the smuggling business is done with a lot of impunity especially by influential business men.

“They do the smuggling openly and enforcing it becomes difficult because some of the local leaders grew in this area and some of the wealthy people in the area are as result of smuggling so, enforcing it is hard. You see young boys selling this fuel but it is not theirs,” Masereka said.

However, it is also worth noting that bribery and corruption by authorities is very prominent and crucial in aiding the trade. Some of the officers are poorly remunerated and thus use the illegalities as a survival mechanism.

“When I was caught in April this year, I pleaded with the Policeman to release me and he did so only after I paid shs 20,000/=. It was my first time to be caught. When you run away, you lose your commodities and incur loses,” Siraj a fuel smuggler based in Adjumani said.

Meanwhile, Hon. Alfred Okuonzi, the District Chairperson – Arua, notes the need for innovation in enforcement by URA and authorities in place.

“URA should change to a friendly approach to educate smugglers and engage them in tax education and its benefit other than harsh means which causes more destruction,” Hon. Okuonzi advised.

What Can Be Done?

But, Godson Mwesigye, the Assistant Commissioner in the Customs Department, says that URA alone can’t manage the tax education. There is a need for all leaders at all levels to get involved in sensitization and ensure that the converted now join genuine businesses. Mwesigye also says that due to smuggling, a number of lives have been lost both from the communities and enforcement officers. This risk he notes is criminal and punishable before the law.

Meanwhile, Mwesigye also observed that URA has increased enforcement to impound smuggled fuel which has in turn boosted business for genuine petrol station owners in the West Nile region generating direct revenue to the government.

On his part, Asiku Abdulmutwalib, the Yumbe District Chairperson, has also tasked the government to close the illegal and porous border routes to curb the illegal entry of fuel and increase custom points. He wants more access routes to South Sudan and Congo.

Similarly, Ladu Peter, a refugee leader in Adjumani’s Pagirinya Settlement, has urged the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), to conduct regular tax education for the refugees since the illegal trade is facilitated by the porous border points. Ladu says with the reduced food ration by World Food Program and decline in funding for refugee response/development, fuel smuggling is now on the increase in the settlements.

Meanwhile, in 2023, Uganda and South Sudan customs authorities signed agreements to strengthen the fight against the smuggling of fuel and cigarettes through the porous border, but this has continued. In 2024, West Nile districts were also urged to formulate ordinances and bylaws, but there is no evidence that this has been done by any district.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (March 2024), Uganda has about 4,942 retail fuel selling points and consumes 6 million liters of fuel daily but this has since declined by 10% (20 million liters) monthly. The Petroleum Supply Act of 2003 provides for the supervision and monitoring of the importation, exportation, transportation, processing, supply, storage, distribution, and, marketing of petroleum products in the country. The act further prohibits the sale of fuel in Jerry cans.

However, the illicit fuel trade has not only continued but authorities seem to have lost the fight. Meanwhile, on one hand, enforcement has been left to the authorities, while on another we are aiding the smuggling when we consume this roadside illicit fuel and protect the smugglers – all this while expecting the government to collect enough taxes for quality access to social services.

Therefore, it is imperative that all stakeholders in West Nile embrace the role they play collectively to complement government efforts as the communities give more priority to fighting the risks involved than the benefits of a cheaper offer. 

This story was published in partnership and with support from African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME).

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to the people of Adjumani that the government will work on crucial roads that connect the district to its neighbors but are in a poor condition.

While speaking to thousands of supporters who had gathered at Paridi Stadium on Monday 20^th October 2025, President Museveni who is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, particularly cited the poor road condition of Pakele – Pabo and Adjumani – Obongi security routes and promised that they would be worked on.

 “When the NRM came, the tarmac was stopping in Gulu. But we repaired the Gulu to Adjumani Road many times and eventually extended it to Atiak and to Adjumani, Moyo, Yumbe and now Koboko. But I am told that the security roads to Obongi and Pabo are not in good condition. I have told the Ministry of Works that I don’t want to hear about unmaintained murram roads,” Museveni said as he ended his campaign tour in the West Nile region.

Anyanzo John Ambayo, the NRM LCV flag bearer for Adjumani, observed that this promise was in line with what the people of Adjumani expected.

“People were very happy to hear that the two roads will be worked on and are part of the 2026 – 2031 NRM Manifesto. Last time we gave the President 75% of the vote. I think this time he will get a better percentage,” Anyanzo observed.

Earlier, Akuku Charles Anzo, the NRM District Chairperson – Adjumani, had presented a memo where he cited that although the district had improved the road network from 940 kilometers to 1,181 kilometers, many inter district roads remained in poor condition and transportation over River Nile remains a challenge.

In the memo, Adjumani leaders requested the President for: construction of new referral hospital for Madi Sub Region to serve a population of 536,731; complete construction of Paridi Stadium; establish a University; Construction of bridge over River Nile to connect to Obongi and Moyo districts; tarmacking of Adjumani – Sinyanya road connecting to Obongi and South Sudan; access to stable electricity; upgrade Adjumani to Municipality status; and construction of State Lodge In Pachara Sub County.

Meanwhile, although the memo had also tabled a key demand of decisively resolving the long standing Apaa Land Conflict and residents had hoped to hear about the issue of war claims and compensation for properties lost during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency; the President didn’t hint about them but emphasized Peace, development and wealth creation in his campaign message and shared success stories to illustrate.  In his campaign message, Museveni also decried theft of government drugs and emphasized free education for the youth through skilling programmes.

On his part, Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, said “In President Museveni, we vote for hope, we vote for stability in our homes, for the future of our children, for good health and for progress”.

Museveni was accompanied by some Ministers and Members of Parliament from West Nile as well senior NRM party officials who commended Museveni for his leadership, and described him as a symbol of stability and continuity under their campaign slogan of ‘Protecting the Gains’.

However, Akuku told the President that Adjumani was unique to this and requested for his intervention to fight corruption.

“Your Excellency, our slogan is protecting the gains but when I assumed office a few months ago I realized that for some of us here, we are robbing the gains. As young people, for us we want to fight corruption. I request that I share with you a report at a later time,” Akuku said. 

Elections for the President and Members of Parliament will take place on 15^th January 2026. 

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has pledged to tarmac the Adjumani–Pabo and Adjumani–Sinyanya roads with immediate effect, in a move aimed at improving transport and security in the region.

The President made the announcement during his rally held in Adjumani District, on October 20^th, 2025 where thousands of residents turned up to welcome him. His pledge came in response to a memorandum presented by the Adjumani District NRM District Chairperson, Mr. Akuku Charles Anzo and the District Chairperson Hon. Anyama Ben, who highlighted key infrastructural and social concerns affecting the district.

In his remarks, Mr. Anzo appealed to the President to consider the construction of bridges at the Obongi ferry Landing Site and Laropi Ferry Crossing, noting that they are critical for easing transportation and promoting trade between Adjumani and neighboring districts.

“Your excellency the president of the republic of Uganda, on behave of the people of Adjumani and on my own behave, we the people of Adjumani are appreciating for various services that we have been receiving under your leadership and we therefore want to request you to at least construct bridge on Laropi and Siyaya ferry crossing to ease transport and trade with our neighboring districts”, Anzo said.

Though not met, the District Chairperson, Hon. Anyama Ben, had also requested the President to intervene in the long-standing Apaa land conflict between the Madi and Acholi communities to restore total peace and harmony.

“I want to request the president to resolve the Apaa land issue because that area is vast for economic activities and we want live in peace with our brothers from Amuru district”, said Anyama.

President Museveni assured the people of Adjumani that his government remains committed to infrastructure development and peaceful coexistence across all regions.

Museveni further promised to engage the ministry of works to work on the two security roads with immediate effect instead of increasing the salary of the teachers to ease movement of people and also to promote trade in order to curb poverty among the people.

“You are been hearing that the teachers are striking, that they want more salary. But is it correct to pay public servants more money when the services are not enough for the people. Because you cannot demand high salary from our mother, Uganda, when we know that the mother had no money. What sort of a child are you when you come to your mother must give you money. You know your mother doesn’t have enough money. So, the situation from Adjumani to Pabo is in a bad condition. It must be done. The road from Adjumani to Siyaya is also in a bad condition. So, therefore I’ve told the ministry of works that I don’t want to hear about this issue again”, said president.

Residents applauded the President’s pledges, saying improved road connectivity and peace would boost economic activities, access to services, and regional stability.

END

By Anzoo Evaline

Adjumani District has registered a remarkable improvement in family planning uptake, rising from 27.1% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2025, according to the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Child and Maternal Health.

The achievement has been largely attributed to the SHARE Consortium Project, a five-year initiative implemented in Adjumani and Buyende districts aimed at improving access to quality reproductive health services and promoting behavioral change among communities.

Speaking during the SHARE GAC award for journalists held in Kampala on 16^th October 2025, the Assistant District Health Officer Dr. Lulu Henry Leku, noted that the success has positioned Adjumani among the top-performing districts in West Nile sub region in terms of increasing access to and utilization of family planning services.

“We adopted a multi-sectoral approach which is partner supported district to late but more importantly the community only program. So, we mobilized the community through all the structures that are represented in this forum. We moved our family planning service uptake from 27.1% to 48.8%. As we talk probably, we are amongst the top districts in the Western Nile region in terms of increasing access to and utilization of family planning services at the facility and as well as at the community level. The other previous speakers have talked about the activities, the outputs that we have done. Since we are sharing success, I really want us to look at the results itself,” said Dr. Lulu.

Lulu also explained that the project has strengthened community awareness, supported health facilities with family planning commodities, and trained health workers to provide youth-friendly services.

“Through SHARE, we have been able to reach even the hard-to-reach areas with correct information and services, enabling women and couples to make informed choices and when you do family planning better, ladies and gentlemen, you are moving Uganda towards to the income status. Because you will have quality population that can contribute to the socio-economic transformation of this country. And when you do it better, you also achieve in prevention of teenage pregnancy,” he said.

Community mobilization efforts by village health teams, religious leaders, and peer educators have also played a key role in breaking myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning.

Official from the ministry of health applauded the continued collaboration between the districts and implementing partners, emphasizing that sustained investment in reproductive health will help reduce teenage pregnancies, maternal deaths, and unplanned births across districts.

END.

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.