By Anzoo Evaline.

The Adjumani District Electoral Commission (EC) office has received a total of 236 black ballot boxes containing election materials ahead of the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for the 15^th January 2026.

Speaking at the EC offices on Sunday 11^th January 2026, Ms. Akao Eunice, the Adjumani Electoral Commission Registrar, confirmed the delivery, noting that the consignment also included three boxes containing ink pots to be used during the polling process.

“We have received 236 black boxes. We have also received three boxes containing ink pots,” Akao said.

However, the reception of the materials was met with concern from some political leaders and candidates after irregularities were noted in a few of the ballot boxes.

Mr. Mamawi James, the Member of Parliament for Adjumani East Constituency, expressed appreciation to the EC for the timely delivery but raised concerns over two polling station boxes.

“These include Ofua Central Primary School polling station box and Pereci Ward polling station box, which appear to have complications because they seem to have been opened,” Mamawi said.

He cautioned the Electoral Commission to ensure the organization of a free and fair election to maintain public confidence in the process.

Adding to the concerns, Mr. Tandrupasi Patrick, an MP candidate for Adjumani West Constituency, said candidates engaged the EC over the issue and were allowed to observe the boxes without touching the contents.

“We battled with the EC and go-ahead was given to open but not touch anything, only to observe. According to our observation, the black cavern inside was already opened,” Tandrupasi said.

 He urged voters and polling agents to remain alert, noting that there is growing suspicion around the arrangement of the election materials.

“My advice to polling agents and voters in Adjumani is to be vigilant on polling day,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Adjumani, Mr. Emmanuel Okware, reassured the public that the election process is under proper management at the district level.

“We want to thank the Electoral Commission for ensuring this process is properly done. The materials are now in our hands as a district, and we are waiting for D-day,” Okware said.

He further called upon all participating candidates and residents of Adjumani to prepare for the elections and to cast their votes peacefully when polling opens.

The Electoral Commission and district authorities have reiterated their commitment to transparency as stakeholders await the polling day amid heightened calls for vigilance and peaceful participation.

END

By Onzima Allan.

Residents of Pakondo village, located in the Adjumani town council, are facing an acute shortage of clean and reliable water—a situation that is affecting daily life, health, and economic wellbeing in this rural community. 

A GROWING WATER CRISIS:

In recent months, water scarcity in Pakondo has become more severe, with many households struggling to access sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. The scarcity is largely due to prolonged dry spells, insufficient water infrastructure, and the depletion of traditional water sources that once sustained the village. 

Villagers describe the challenge of waking up before dawn to fetch water from distant and diminishing sources. Many report walking several kilometers to reach boreholes or seasonal streams—journeys that are both physically demanding and time-consuming, especially for women and children who bear the primary responsibility for water collection. 

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES:

The lack of clean water is not only an inconvenience—locals warn it is a public health risk. With limited access to safe water, some residents are forced to use contaminated sources that increase vulnerability to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. This has placed additional strain on families and local health services.

Children’s education is also being impacted. Many are arriving late to class—or missing school entirely—because they must help their families secure water. The burden on school attendance has community leaders deeply concerned about long-term educational outcomes. 

CALL FOR GOVERNMENT AND NGO SUPPORT:

Community members are appealing to government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and development partners for urgent assistance. They are requesting: installation of reliable boreholes and water wells; water purification systems and facilities; and sustainable water infrastructure planning to prevent future shortages.

Local leaders emphasize that without immediate support, the water crisis in Pakondo will continue to undermine health, livelihoods, and the socio-economic prospects of the entire village. 

LOOKING AHEAD:

Efforts by residents to adapt—such as digging shallow wells and sharing limited water resources—illustrate the resilience of the community. However, sustainable change hinges on strategic investment and collaborative action.

It is hoped that this situation will attract the attention of stakeholders who can help transform the water landscape in Pakondo, ensuring that every household has access to safe and sufficient water.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

Adjumani District has appointed two new members to the District Service Commission.

The District Chairperson appointed Mr. Amajuru Simon Madraru as the Chairperson of the Commission while Ms. Vudra Margaret Dia was appointed as a member.

Mr. Amajuru replaces Mr. Kibrai Moses who resigned on 30^th May 2025 after serving two terms to join elective politics during the 2025 NRM primaries for the Adjumani West Member of Parliament.

While congratulating the members at the swearing in event at the District Council Hall on 5^th January 2026, Hon. Anyama Ben, the District Chairperson observed that with this move, the commission is now fully functional and there would be no further delays in recruitments, appointments and promotions.

Hon. Anyama, tasked the Mr. Amajuru to ensure that the commission gives equal distribution of jobs across the district’s 11 sub counties.

Hon. Anyama also rallied the new Chairperson to decisively use a corruption free approach to work on disciplinary issues that have been long overdue by some staff.

“This thing I have been hearing, so and so is giving money for the commission, you will be exposed this time round. I don’t want to hear anything like eating government money. I control a lot of resources but you have never heard that I have eaten any public funds,” Hon. Anyama said.

Earlier, while being sworn in by the Chief Magistrate, His Lordship, Ojok Tony Obonyo, Mr. Amajuru pledged to work closely with all stakeholders, improve credibility of the commission and ensure that people get appointments on merit and in a corruption freeway.

“I didn’t lobby for this position. I am taking over this office on merit. I don’t want any lobbying in my office. For those who have been saying that you permanent and pensionable, just like you are being recruited, you can be disappointed in public interest,” Mr. Amajuru said.

The Chief Administrative Officer was represented by Edema Richard Draciri, who pledged cooperation, support and smooth takeover of the office.

Other members of the commission include: Rev. Sr. Maia Frances, Mr. Amoko Eugene Gudu, and Hon. Anyama Saul.   Each member of the commission serves for 4 years.

END.