By Bazio Doreen

What started off as lyrics/rumors in campaign songs has finally made its way into boardroom discussions and can now have a full Permanent Secretary brave an 8 hours’ drive on a murram dusty potholed road to find out facts. The masked rot and impunity at Adjumani’s Amelo Technical Institution is one that speaks for itself when one visits the institution. However, for one to understand why almost seven years later, the institution is only a shadow of other 11 counterparts countrywide, unearthing the truth goes beyond speaking to people that have access to the facility.

When Amelo Technical Institute was started in 2015 under the umbrella of Business Technical Vocational Education and Training Institution (BTVET) Strategic Plan of skilling Ugandans, many parents had hope that vocational education had been brought closer and would perhaps be cost effective. Located in Pakele Sub County, Adjumani District, West Nile Region, the institute is being hosted by the District Farm Institute along Adjumani – Gulu highway. However, its cardinal location (original buildings) is in Amelo Village, Adjumani Central Parish, Adjumani Town Council.

Many dreams of students in courses like: National Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics, National Certificate in Electrical Installation, National Certificate in Building Construction Planning, National Certificate in Tailoring and Garment Design, National Certificate in Welding and Metal Fabrication; now lie in uncertainty. The school had its first and last graduates in 2019 under a program sponsored by one of its then partners, ENABEL. We like to blame COVID-19 for everything that has gone wrong in the past few years but is Amelo’s case the same?

How trouble started

The Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, was disappointed in 2015 when she visited the district to commission the institute after she found out that the work done was substandard. She tasked the Principal to vacate the premises and that is how the school ended up setting a base at the District farm institute.

“The building was not handed over. There is no boys’ dormitory. Plumbing and land scaping had not yet been done. We had occupied but she asked us to vacate.” Principal Ben Charles Kamba explains what happened.

Although some technocrats argue that the Minister had only come to inspect works carried out by her Ministry; why would someone inspect works when a building has already been occupied. However, in the space of about 5 years, 3 contractors abandoned the site until the District Leadership wrote a protest letter to the Minister that saw a Chinese firm finish the pending works. But the works stalled again after the last contractor lost the battle to COVID-19.

This was probably one of the reasons why the District Chairperson then (2016), Mr. Leku James Pili, and the Member of Parliament, Adjumani West Constituency, Gen. Moses Ali, got involved in the stewardship of the institution as part of the Board of Directors. They served alongside the current District Vice Chairperson, Mr. Kaijuka Richard Arthur; and current LCIII Chairperson – Pakelle Sub County, Mr. Kenyi Welborne.

Observers say this move brought more harm than good and cost the District Chairperson his seat in the just concluded elections because all the ill and impunity that took place was attributed to them as God fathers. However, Mr. Leku denies all these accusations.

“We only wanted to build a strong board with political influence. When we realized the institution had picked up, we quit in observance of the law.” Mr. Leku argues

After they had barely left, the Principal wrote a letter to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports on 5^th August 2016 indicating that Mr. Okot Bala Nelson, an instructor had abandoned duty for some months. Consequently, the then CAO, Mawejje Andrew, instituted a 3-member team on 26^th October 2016 consisting of the officers from the Internal Audit Unit, Human Resource and the Education department to carry out an audit of the utilization of grants as well as verify the allegations. The institution then replied requesting the CAO to give them some time since the Principal had just got an accident and was still under medication which seemed ironical since they were the first to write to the Ministry about the abandonment of duty by the instructor.

“…. after the consultation and communication with the Principal …who everybody heard and witnessed of his unexpected accident and still under medication has authorised me to write that your coming is welcomed but needs his presence” the reply letter from the Deputy Principal read in part

Audit findings

The audit was later done on 20^th December 2016 and it was verified from the attendance book that indeed Mr. Okot had abandoned duty. It was also discovered that all accounting records and non- accounting records were locked in the Principal’s office who at the time of the audit was still absent.

The audit team were told that the keys were kept in Kampala with the Principal’s brother who would turn up with them as and when need arises. The bursar also confessed that he had no cash book for the government grants.

Another audit done on 5^th November 2020 though obstructed also found that no proper learning and teaching was ongoing. Indeed, CAO Jack Byaruhanga later wrote to the Permanent Secretary on 2^nd June 2021 about poor governance at the school after the partners like FAWE, NRC, ENABEL, GIZ sponsoring students there withdrew their support and further tasked her to institute a fact finding mission.

The Permanent Secretary only bowed to pressure on 29^th April 2022 when she claimed to be a fact finding mission but in reality she was left with no choice after a council resolution under minute:31/OCM/11/03/2022 to transfer the Principal elsewhere and protest letters written by both the District Chairperson, Mr. Anyama Ben, on 28^th March 2022 and his political rival Gen. Moses Ali on 4^th April 2022 who wrote to the Minister of Local Government and Minister of Education respectively.

Situation

The District Chairperson in his letter among other things further cited: loss, disappearance and under utilisation of assets (solar panels, portable generator, pick up vehicle, beds); loss of Friesian cows, 8 out of 60 goats; exodus of 12/23 staff; non-functionality of the Board of directors; only 43 out of 150 students available; withdrawal of funding by NGOs; stalled projects and denial of stakeholders to access the institute for audit and inspection.

“There are only 6 courses and 2 classrooms. The factual enrollment on ground is different from the one portrayed. The school management has a poor relationship with the community around” reveals Mr. Dralada Kennedy, the LC1 Chairperson Amelo Village.

The District Council in its 11^th March 2022 sitting tasked the CAO to institute and audit into the allegations – which was indeed later done on 18^th April 2022 and thereafter sat again on 30^th March 2022 where it recommended the suspension of the Principal based on the reasons of: Abuse of office, Mal-Administration, Incompetence of the Principal and lack of accountability and transparency.

“We want the Principal to step aside and allow for proper investigations to be carried out on all the accusations raised” the Secretary for Education, Kaijuka Richard Arthur advised.

The first District Council sitting followed a petition from the Student’s Guild as well as a meeting with the school staff and students chaired by the Woman Member of Parliament, Adjumani, Ms. Ababiku Jesca. On the other hand, during the 5th ordinary council meeting held on March 30, 2022, Kaijuka, informed the council that Gen. Moses Ali had dragged his feet in the earlier council resolution.

In a petition dated 1^st March 2022 signed by the 12-member Student Guild and addressed to the District Education Officer, they accuse the Principal of abseentism and poor management. They further state that under his leadership they paid for certain things and never received them, received their uniforms on the day for sitting examinations and engineering students sat for an engineering paper but studied technical drawing.

“We need a change from hell to paradise. The Principal has over stayed his welcome. We have seen all the bad things physically; we are not imagining” the Vice Guild President, Mr. Alule Stephen cries out

“He scares us with suspension and expulsions such that we don’t express ourselves anywhere. We have suffered enough with him. We thought things would change but they keep worsening. We can’t continue with him” the Guild Speaker, Ms Ajio Olivia laments

In another protest letter, dated 4^th April 2022, the Board of Governors, also accuse the Principal of blocking them from executing their duties and holding meetings as mandated. They also informed the CAO how this makes them unable to guide and advise on the next course of action after the Principal had been assaulted on 30^th March 2022 at the school premises at around 3pm by a group of about 20 young men. However, the Secretary for Social Services and DLC Arinyapi Sub County, Sabuni John, thinks it might be a pay back from some disgruntled staff of workers.

“I think he was beaten by boys who did some work for him and he refused to pay them or some of the staff that keep leaving.” Sabuni argues

One such staff could be the School Bursar who has since resumed work and disowned a resignation letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary on 25^th April 2022, the same day that the Ministry said it would send a team to the district in the next 3 days on a fact finding mission. Mr. Tugumisirize Augustine, had clearly stated poor working environment as one of the reasons for his departure before he made a U-turn and refuses to discuss the issue.

Accusations

Observers say his change of mind could be that he was compromised by the pending visit of the Ministry’s Fact finding mission and the break-in into his office a day after he wrote the resignation letter. According to another letter dated 27^th April 2022, about the incident, Augustine says he was informed that the Principal ordered for the break in and changed the locks.

However, according to the CAO, the Principal has already sent him a WhatsApp message saying that the Ministry was equally auditing him and thus all the books of account were in Kampala. In the same message, the Principal had also said that he had been beaten by thugs and was receiving treatment in Kampala 2 days after the break in.

Although, he was present to attend to the fact finding team from the Ministry, he had a cloth wrapped around his neck and was using a walking stick. The CAO also further reveals that the Ministry of Local Government called him and tasked him to explain why he meddling in the affairs of the institute and thus from then, he decided to just watch on and do nothing much since the council had already made a resolution and gone ahead to make an effort to implement it.

The 2^nd Deputy Prime Minister had written to the Minister for Local Government, Mr. Raphael Magyezi, accusing the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Adjumani, Mr. Grandfield Omonda, of interference in the management affairs of the institute.

“My attention has been drawn to a letter Ref. CR/252/01 dated March 17, 2022 wherein the CAO Adjumani district local government directed head of internal audit, Adjumani district to conduct a special audit into the operations of Amelo technical Institute” Gen said.

Gen Ali said, Amelo technical institute is established in accordance with the provisions of the business, technical, vocational education and training act, 2008 which is directly supervised by the Ministry of Education and Sports adding that the letter by the CAO is in contravention of section 15(1) of the National Audit Act 2008 which mandates the Auditor General to audit Central Government.

“The purpose of this letter is therefore, to bring this matter to your attention so that you can prevail on the CAO Adjumani to desist from interfering in the management of Amelo technical Institute” Ali added.

Such coincidental acts of the Principal always being sick whenever an audit arises has made some people indeed believe in his threats that he has people or persons in high places protecting him.

“He told us that we won’t be able to finish this war because he has a rock in the Ministry of Education. He then gave me and the Guild Speaker 300,000/= each and promised to take us to watch the AFCON final if we stopped pursuing the petition.” Alule narrates

“The only thing that can explain how this rot has been going on for years is that he is conniving with people in the Ministry. He keeps saying he is leaning against a hard rock” Sabuni argues

“Gen. Moses Ali should have guided the district chairman if there were gaps in the council resolution, because any antagonism amid Gen. Moses Ali and the district council will have adverse consequences on the development progress of the district.” the Former Secretary for Education and District Vice Chairperson, Anyanzo John Ambayo advises.

“We should give the Ministry a benefit of doubt but expect a decisive solution to this matter. There is overwhelming tension about this matter and there is no more room for a god father.” Deputy Resident District Commisioner, Mr. Angupale Swadiq observes.

Concerns

This is not the first time a similar audit or move is done against the principal. The only difference is that this time, the District Chairperson and the only Minister in the district are not friends and thus have to work separately to resolve the issue. While it appears that it is a war of egos and political authority or power over the matter, one has a tainted name regarding the matter that he has to rebuild while the other has a campaign pledge to fulfil. While the students, parents and staff are hoping that whoever wins sincerely has them at heart and will indeed sort out the mess and give them hope again. But what do the technical people in this matter say.

The District Education Officer, Mr. Dima Robert, says that the Ministry should come clear on what the district can or can’t do because it seems like the law is applied selectively.

“I want the Ministry to make it categorically clear whether my office can inspect the institute because on many occasions the District Inspector of Schools is turned away by the Principal.” The DEO reveals

The District Internal Auditor, Mr. Akuba Denis, also observes that it is time wasting to always set up audits whose findings are never implemented.

“This is not the first time we are attempting to resolve such issues. In 2016, we tried it and failed and have since failed since then because the Principal seems untouchable.” Akuba observes

Defense

The Principal however insists that he represents government and thus should be providing services to the people. He also describes all the accusations as false allegations and power struggles and is optimistic that the fact finding report will vindicate him.

Recommendation

When the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ketty Lamaro, visited the district on the fact finding mission, she left many people talking in whispers. She met the staff and the principal in closed door meetings and no one seems to know what was discussed. In the meeting with district leaders and technical staff, she also failed to pronounce herself on the mandate of the district on whether or not they can do audits and inspection. While she toured the original site, she said she didn’t see any major reasons why the Minister had ordered for the institute to vacate. She also said she believed the issues raised could easily be solved in a stakeholders’ meeting. She however, promised to inform the district leadership on what their final decision as regards to their resolution and recommendation.

Future

With the visible dilapidated structures, rusted equipment, management crisis, exodus of students, staff and implementing partners and the never ending battles between the Principal and stakeholders; one could argue that the god father, whoever they may be, has reduced an institute from classrooms to buildings and what they may now only be interested in is ensuring that their name is never mentioned because there is clearly nothing much to benefit from anymore. Amelo Technical Institute could become a castle built on sand if the Ministry continues to drag its feet in solving the mess

END.

By Bazio Doreen. 

Adjumani District leaders have given Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation (Emyooga) Program SACCO leaders a condition to recover at least 25% of the loans given out and remit it back to the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) before they can access additional seed capital.

The additional seed capital of shs 20 million is already in the SACCO bank accounts, but they need to fulfill this condition before they can access it. Only 14 SACCOs out of 36 have so far received a total additional seed capital of shs 280 million.

The resolution was made during a review meeting convened by MSC to improve recovery of funds under the Emyooga program. With support from MSC, the 36 SACCOs so far have only recovered shs 894,149,004 out of the shs 1,568,220,000 loans disbursed to 338 associations.

During the meeting held on 9th April 2025 in the Adjumani District Council Hall, Nsubuga Francis, the Regional Manager for Northern Uganda, told the SACCO leaders that each SACCO had missed out on about shs 60 million in the past 3 years because of failing to refund the money in time.

He also observed that groups were failing to pay back the money because they thought the government was using it as bait to make them vote for the ruling party and President Museveni.

“Some groups were formed to purposely embezzle this money. It is now time to change that mindset and recruit better members. Many people thought the President was using it to encourage them to vote for him and NRM.” Nsubuga revealed.

On her part, Dipio Agnes, the Acting District Commercial Officer, told the SACCO leaders that they need to reorganize their groups, restructure the leadership through holding Annual General Meetings (AGM) by 9th May 2025, and conduct a financial audit for 2024 by 25th April 2025.

“No one is above the law. We don’t want anything to happen to you. I was almost arrested for recommending groups that have serial defaulters. The government is ready to provide technical support where possible.” Dipio said.

On the other hand, Obumai Simon Peter, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, also warned that the government is aware that many people misused the first disbursement of the funds and is ready to take action. He added that the government has already started by setting conditions for accessing additional funds. He also advised them to put money in enterprises of their groups and utilize it to a tune that is commensurate to the loan received.

“Some of you have failed to update your files because you put money in other things apart from your enterprises. The first phase was such a mess. I am glad that the government has now set a condition to unlock additional disbursement. We don’t want to embarrass the President; we shall arrest those who continue to fail to comply,” Obumai warned.

According to records at the MSC as of March 2025, the government had disbursed shs 1,120,000,000/= as seed capital to 36 SACCOs and 361 groups in Adjumani. Additionally, 1,260 employment opportunities were created, and 1,903 individuals have so far benefitted.

The MSC has moved further to establish another sub-office in Moyo District to serve the communities of Yumbe, Adjumani, Moyo, and Obongi districts. Previously, SACCOs needed to move to Arua City to be able to access services.

Nsubuga said, “We now have a new office in Moyo District to serve you people. This will save time spent accessing services and promote smooth running of the program.”

The Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation (Emyooga) Program was launched in August 2019 as part of a government strategy targeting to transform 68% of homesteads from subsistence to market-oriented production with an overall objective of promoting job creation and improving household incomes, targeting 18 categories/enterprises.

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By Bazio Doreen.

The Government of Uganda, through the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U), has launched the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project—Government Network (UDAP-GovNet) to enhance internet connectivity for host and refugee communities in Adjumani District.

The UDAP-GovNet seeks, among other objectives, to promote digital inclusion of host communities and refugees through improving the availability of core digital infrastructure in 12 remote refugee host districts, addressing digital demand-side barriers including the affordability of mobile devices, and improving basic digital skills.

Under the two-year project that is funded by the World Bank/IDA up to the cost of US$ 200 million, 80 telecommunications masts and 24 telecenters will be established across the country. In Adjumani, a telecommunications mast for voice and data services will be set up in Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement, and telecenters will be established in Maaji and Pagirinya refugee settlements at public institutions to enable refugees to access free internet through Wi-Fi hot spots.  

While making opening remarks during the launch at the District Council Hall on April 23, 2025, the District Chairperson, Hon. Anyama Ben, thanked NITA-U and the government for choosing Adjumani district as one of the beneficiaries, observing that this is a great opportunity for the district because it hosts about 240,000 refugees who constitute half of the district population. 

“It is not easy to sit in Kampala and decide to choose people that you have never seen. I thank you for that. Adjumani District is unique because half of its population constitutes refugees. We have different cultures, but we are staying together,” Hon. Anyama observed.

The Chief Administrative Officer, Ocen James Andrew, also thanked the government for creating an enabling environment for technology advancement that is enabling local governments to promptly and timely deliver quality services to the people.

“At a certain point years ago, we didn’t have telephones; searching for someone was very difficult, but that is history now. This project is going to be a milestone for underserved and vulnerable communities. Technology has made it easy for rural districts like ours to easily do and receive payments,” Ocen explained.

On his part, Abdul Ramathan, who represented the Refugee Desk Officer—OPM Pakele, said that many refugees struggle to meet their basic needs, and thus some can’t afford to buy digital devices while others struggle to buy data bundles. He also observed that many refugees are illiterate and therefore lack basic digital skills, and thus the project will support them in not only accessing the internet but also gaining knowledge on digital safety and security.

“Some refugees have never held any phones/computers in their lives because they can’t afford them. There is a need for them to learn basic digital skills but also know how to overcome challenges in cyber and digital security,” Abdul said. 

According to Josephine Olivia, the UDAP-GovNet Project Manager, the overall goal of the project is indeed to bring digital services closer to the people. She added that the telecommunications masts will be supported by a backbone of fiber optic cables and complemented by Wi-Fi hot spots and shared digital services to ensure widespread connectivity.

Josephine also said that the project is in line with the National Development Plan III (FY 2020/2021–2024/2025) and the World Bank’s ‘Building Back Better’ initiative to strengthen economic resilience and digital governance.

The UDAP-GovNet is a government initiative focused on enhancing digital connectivity, expanding e-government services, and promoting digital inclusion across Uganda. The project aims to bridge digital gaps and accelerate economic growth through technology adoption. The project is led by the National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U) in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT&NG), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and private sector partners. Under the project, NITA-U and its partners will establish 80 telecommunications.  

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

President Yoweri Museveni is set to visit Adjumani District in the first week of May 2025 to interact with leaders from the Ma’di Subregion and deliberate on how to resolve the Apaa Land Conflict in the East Ma’di Wildlife Reserve.

The announcement was made by Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Adjumani district council hall convened by the West Nile Development Association (WENDA) on Thursday, 10th April 2025, over the recent killings in Ukusijoni Sub County that led to the death of 5 people, including a UPDF soldier, and ongoing atrocities and land grabbing in East Ma’di Wildlife Reserve. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from the Ma’di Subregion and the Area Members of Parliament, including the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Gen. Moses Ali.

The meeting followed a resolution by leaders and the community of the Ma’di Subregion to boycott the 23rd Peace celebrations held at Yumbe Boma Ground on 12th April 2025 and instead declare the day for mourning the sons of Ma’di who lost their lives in two separate incidents on 27th March 2025 and 3rd April 2025.

However, Gen. Moses Ali appealed to the leaders and community of the Ma’di Subregion to attend the peace day celebrations, as it would give them an opportunity to express their grievances and outcry to the President who would be presiding over the celebrations. He also said that the ceremony would launch a 26 billion compensation package for the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), who are mainly from the Ma’di Sub Region.

“I was informed that you plan to boycott the Yumbe function, but I am here to beg you to attend. The function will, among other things, focus on compensation for ex-combatants of the UNRF, which we started. I therefore request my daughter, Hon. Ababiku, and others to set aside bitterness and attend the event so that our message can reach the President,” Gen. Moses Ali pleaded.

While presiding over the 23rd Peace Day celebrations in Yumbe on Saturday, 12th April 2025, President Museveni confirmed that he had spoken to Hon. Ababiku Jesca, the Woman Member of Parliament for Adjumani, and Hon. Feta Geoffrey, the Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, over the matter.

The President further said that he indeed had plans to meet the Members of Parliament from both Acholi and West Nile over the long-standing Apaa land conflict between Amuru and Adjumani districts. He, however, added that the final decision that would guide government action would come from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established on 3rd April 2023, led by the former Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe.

“I will meet with Members of Parliament from both the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions, but let it be clear—the real resolution will come from the findings and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry,” the President said.

The President also warned leaders from both districts that individuals inciting violence over the Apaa issue will face the full force of the law, adding that he is already aware that some leaders were playing games and manipulating the conflict for personal gain.

 “I went to the satellite archives and retrieved detailed information from as far back as 1985 about that area. Let me warn you—if this issue is not handled properly, some people may end up in jail,” Museveni cautioned.

Meanwhile, according to Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, in a bid to restore calm, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the most recent killings, and the UPDF has put in place intense patrols and a curfew while they wait for actualization of the proposal to deploy more soldiers in East Ma’di Wildlife Reserve.

“We have arrested fifteen people for inciting violence and land grabbing in East Ma’di Wildlife Reserve, and we are hunting for more suspects,” Maj. Gen. Busizoori revealed.

Previously, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, chaired by the former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, was tasked with investigating the complex land dispute, including issues of ownership, boundary demarcation, casualties, and displacement. Other members include Joyce Gunze Hasasa, Dr. Fred Henry Bateganya, lead counsel George Omunyokol, and Secretary Imelda Adongo.

The failure of the commission to hold any known public hearings or meetings since April 2023 to date to sensitize the two communities on the six-month task given to them has continued to escalate the land conflict, with stakeholders raising questions on its effectiveness as a resolution mechanism and on whether the government is committed to decisively and conclusively resolving the conflict for over 14 years now.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

The government has earmarked shs 26 billion to compensate over 9,000 ex-combatants of the defunct Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) I, led by Gen. Moses Ali, the current 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, and UNRF II, led by Gen. Bamuze Ali, and the West Nile Bank Front (WNBF), who for the last 23 years have been waiting for their payment.

These surrendered their guns on 24th December 2002, after signing a peace agreement that promised them a resettlement package, 10 government positions, and retaining their ranks in the Uganda People’s Defense Forces.

While presiding over the 23rd Peace Celebrations in Yumbe District on Saturday, 12th April 2025, as a chief guest, President Yoweri Museveni launched a shs 1 billion compensation package in cash and said that the government will pay shs 13 billion in the next financial year and another shs 12 billion after West Nile votes for the NRM in the forthcoming 2026 elections.

“We would have paid the shs 26 billion at once, but we are working on the Nebbi – Arua road, which is in bad shape. It is not true that we had forgotten to pay the ex-combatants because their children have been studying and getting medical care in facilities constructed by the NRM since 1986,” the President explained. 

President Museveni also commended Gen. Moses Ali, the former WNBF commander, for accepting to cease fire and embrace reconciliation, a move that restored the region on a path of redevelopment.

According to the State Minister of Defense (Veteran Affairs), Huda Oleru Obason, some of the ex-combatants have been paid while others await verification. Particularly, the Aringa Obongi Peace Initiative Committee was formed during peace negotiations between the Ugandan government and the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II).

Hon. Oleru expressed her appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for honoring his commitment to provide a financial “handshake” by allocating Shs 1 billion to members. She added that this was the final installment for the group, asserting that it was the last assistance the government would provide to the Aringa group and similar organizations like the West Nile Bank Front and that no additional claims would be accepted.

Regarding the compensation for the UNRF II, Hon. Oleru noted that out of more than 3,000 outstanding claims, 364 had been confirmed and compensated, with funds already transferred to their accounts.

Meanwhile, President Museveni also unveiled a monument in memory of the peace agreement signatories.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

The Crown Prince of Dubai, His Royal Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid AI Maktoum, has pledged to build schools, a specialized hospital, provide tricycles, and promote solar-powered technologies to empower the women, men, and youth in Adjumani District.

The pledge was presented by Dr. Jjingo Robinson, a Financial Coordinator at the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by the UN Women Country Representative in Uganda, Ms. Paulina Chiwangu, and Hon. Rosaline Rose Birungi Kamuli, a representative from the Office of the Ugandan President, while meeting district leaders during a courtesy meeting at the district headquarters as part of a monitoring visit organized by UN Women.

Concerns raised.

Hon. Kaijuka Richard Arthur, the District Vice Chairperson, informed Dr. Jjingo that Adjumani Hospital is currently grappling with the lack of a gynecologist, and thus the district leaders welcome the idea of partnering to construct a specialized hospital and that they shall avail land for this noble cause.

Mr. Taban Peter Data, the Resident District Commissioner, thanked UN Women for supporting and empowering women in Adjumani. He also observed that while building schools, especially a university, would be the most appropriate move, it is worth noting that in many schools across the district, there are inadequate teachers and facilities for pupils and students. He also observed that procuring tractors for refugee women groups would encourage many more to embrace commercial agriculture amidst the ever-dwindling food rations.

Mr. Abdul Ramathan, who represented the Refugee Desk Officer OPM-Pakele, noted that UN Women has supported women to embrace leadership, adding that 10 out of 19 Refugee Welfare Officer Chairpersons are women. He said that helping women improve their self-esteem and confidence has increased women’s participation in refugees’ political elections from 45% in 2016 to 63% in 2023. He, however, noted that these women still face the challenge of transport due to the long distances.

Response.

In response, Dr. Jjingo tasked the district to come up with a detailed proposal and concept paper on the ideas discussed within a week so that the United Arab Emirates can consolidate the long-term partnership through UN Women. In the meantime, Dr. Jjingo promised that the UAE is willing to provide tricycles and tractors to support farmer groups and motorcycles to ease mobilization by women leaders. He also said skilling refugee youth on solar-powered technologies would create employment opportunities and make them self-reliant.

About the project.

The trio was in the district to specially monitor the Leadership Empowerment Access and Protection (LEAP) Project that is being implemented by Overcomers Women Activists/Co-Act, Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, and Refugee Law Project. The LEAP project has been supporting women in the thematic areas of: leadership skills, women’s rights, psychosocial support, peacebuilding, child protection, teenage pregnancies, agriculture, adult education, and GBV. 

The LEAP project has so far reached out to 23,493 beneficiaries, mainly women in Ayilo and Nyumanzi Refugee Settlements. The LEAP project has been running since December 2021 and ends in 2025. The UN Women has been operating in Uganda since 2012, mainly focusing on reducing gender inequality.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

The Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Major (Rtd) Alupo Jessica, is set to visit Adjumani District in March 2025. Her Excellency will be visiting the district on the invitation of Miss Jewel Michaels, the 2024 Miss Teen Pearl of Africa, to launch the Jewel Michaels Foundation for Education in Adjumani.

During the visit, the VP will interact with pupils at Pakele Girls and Ofua Central Primary School and patients at Ofua HC III. The VP is also expected to meet with technical and political leaders from the West Nile region.

According to Queen Jewel, the main objective of setting up the foundation is to prevent teenage pregnancies and other factors that hinder mainly girls from going to, staying, and completing school. In Adjumani, teenage pregnancy stands at 15.7%. Between 2020 and 2024, Adjumani District reported 1,785 cases of teenage pregnancy and child marriage. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), in the last decade, over 1.2 million children dropped out of school. In Adjumani, the school completion rate is only 48%.

Queen Jewel also says her foundation shall, among other causes: create a running scholarship scheme for underprivileged children to go, stay, and complete school; support small-scale household projects of chicken and goat rearing; as well as undertake cross-country study tours for children to learn from Uganda’s development site. 

Miss Jewel also represented Uganda at the Miss Teen Universe 2024 pageant in Delhi, India, where she was the second runner-up. Miss Jewel, 14, is the daughter of Major General (Rtd) Michael Ondoga and Lucy Batcher, a sister to VP Alupo. She is also a vocalist, guitarist, and sportswoman.

END.

By Bazio Doreen

Adjumani District has received 200 ICT devices from the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) and Ministry of ICT under the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF), now known as the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) pilot project.

The devices were given to households and stakeholders in Aliababa Village, Subbe Parish, and Ofua Sub County, which the District Executive Committee chose following a request from UCC to select one village for the project. 

According to Mr. Matsiko Emmanuel, the UCC Gulu Regional Manager, the UCUSAF was majorly set up to contribute to the realization of universality in access and use of communications services in Uganda through the establishment of communications projects in areas that are left unserved or underserved by the market operations.

UCUSAF has since evolved to have a broader mission of achieving digital inclusivity beyond rural and urban demographics. UCUSAF is currently implementing its 4th strategic cycle under the strategy to achieve “Digital Inclusivity through Sustainable Interventions and Impactful Collaborations.” The gadget comes with two solar panels, one behind the device and another small one that can be erected in the compound of the beneficiary.

While flagging off the exercise, Mr. Taban Peter Data, the Resident District Commissioner, appreciated UCC for considering Adjumani among the 38 districts under phase IV of the project. He, however, rallied the beneficiaries to jealously guard the devices against thieves.

Mr. Emmanuel, however, told beneficiaries that UCC had already locked the device to prevent it from being stolen. He, however, said that the commission shall frequently visit the households to check the progress of usage. He added that the main objective of the pilot project is to enhance the usage of digital devices and services.

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By Bazio Doreen.

Adjumani District leadership has convened a meeting with all health facilities in charges in the district to strategize how to maintain service delivery amidst the halting of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This follows an executive order by H.E. Donald Trump, President of the United States, directing that all funding through USAID should be halted.

Hon. Anyama Ben, the District Chairperson, says the need to re-strategize is critical to evade the collapse of the health system set in place, avoidable deaths, and bridging the funding gap. While providing a temporary solution, Chairman Anyama offered fuel for six months for the transportation of samples to Kampala.

Impact in Adjumani.

According to Mane Dolorence, the HIV focal person, immediate re-alignment of programming is key because the withdrawal of the funding support will affect: 28 staff at Adjumani Hospital, Mungula HC IV, Pakele HCIII, and Dzaipi HCIII; operation of the ART Clinic, male circumcision, and outreaches; delivery of ARVs, condoms, and lubricants in isolated critical areas; HIV prevalence among young people (2 new infections per day); data compilation on HIV/AIDS, Leprosy, and Tuberculosis (TB); monitoring of viral load for HIV patients; delays in TB diagnosis and transportation of 83 TB drug-resistant drugs to Arua for monthly review.

Recommendations.

Dr. Drametu Dominic, the District Health Officer, says that the Ministry of Health has already met with all his counterparts countrywide, and it was agreed that the withdrawn services should be integrated into routine government programming and encourage the affected staff to mentor government workers on the skills required for continuity of service delivery during the 3 months the United States will be reviewing their support to developing countries under the USAID. 

The meeting also suggested other interventions like: fast-track the recommendation/resolution passed by the Uganda AIDs Commission directing local governments to allocate 0.5% of their total budgets to finance interventions towards HIV/AIDS prevention; lobbying support from other donors; allocating funds to maintain one hub rider (transporting samples); encouraging patients of the affected interventions to contribute towards continuity of the services; encouraging health facilities to commit/contribute resources in a pool (District Health Office) for continuity of critical services; and encouraging health facilities to redistribute resources according to emerging priorities.

General challenge.

In the health sector, USAID funding has been instrumental in combating infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health, and strengthening health systems. Programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) to thousands of HIV-positive individuals. The withdrawal of funding will lead to interruptions in treatment, putting patients at risk of drug resistance and increased mortality. There are currently more than 1,416,800 people on ARV treatment across 2,051 health facilities. The suspension of services will mean immediate disruptions in care for thousands of individuals dependent on consistent medication.

Among the most affected are pregnant women living with HIV, who rely on PEPFAR for treatment to protect their health and prevent mother-to-child transmission. In Uganda alone, 41 newborns are estimated to contract HIV every day during the stoppage. Over 90 days, this could lead to more than 3,690 babies being born with HIV, many of whom will also go undiagnosed due to the suspension of infant HIV testing services. These infants face a significantly higher risk of mortality if they do not receive immediate treatment.

Beyond direct beneficiaries, Uganda’s healthcare workforce is also severely impacted. The country has 20,809 PEPFAR-supported healthcare providers, including 923 doctors, 1,622 nurses and midwives, 756 laboratory staff, and 12,551 community health workers. With stop-work orders in effect, many facilities will be left understaffed, making it difficult to provide even basic medical care. This will not only affect HIV services but also disrupt the broader healthcare system, straining already limited resources

USAID has supported immunization, malaria, and TB campaigns. Rural clinics will likely face shortages of vaccines, essential medicines, and health care staffing, resulting in a resurgence of preventable diseases. Maternal and child health services also face disruptions, potentially increasing maternal mortality rates.

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By Bazio Doreen.

By Bazio Doreen.

At least 4 out of 10 households in Uganda are moderate or severely food insecure, according to Uganda’s 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NHPC) report. Uganda also currently sits at 95th position out of 125 countries according to the 2023 Global Hunger Index. In West Nile, 48% of households are severely food insecure according to the NHPC report. In a region that is already prone to drought, the situation is further worsened by the hospitality of hosting the largest number of refugees in the country. With many households now receiving only 30% of food rations mainly cooking oil and grain; refugees in West Nile are now embracing agriculture as a resilience and coping mechanism – with solar irrigation offering a much-needed helping hand.

Testimonies.

In Terego District, Joseph Nakuni, 38, farmer and a resident of Alivu Village, Ndapi Parish, Omugo Sub County – an extension of Rhino Refugee Camp, says with a co-funding of shs 580,000/= for irrigation kits that cost shs 2.8 million in total, their Group started growing bio fresh potatoes after intervention from Danish Church Aid (DCA), an NGO. Building on the inspiration of the group earning shs 18 million in the first year of harvest, Nakuni also started his own 1.5 acre garden from which earns at least shs 3 million every season with the help of solar irrigation equipment which he got under UGiFT after paying shs 2 million as part of a co-fund.

“DCA was initially looking for farmer groups to grow bio-fresh potato which is nutritious for malnourished people and can be used to make potato flour for making porridge, chapati, and cakes. Seeing the opportunity in solar irrigation, I also started my farm. Last season, I got shs. 1 million from selling tomatoes, shs. 700,000 from selling cabbages, shs. 500,000 from selling watermelons and shs. 800,000 from sweet potatoes,” Nakuni explains.

Another farmer and refugee in Morobi Refugee Camp, Obongi District, Edward Lubang, 52, says embracing solar irrigation and establishing his garden, has enabled him to not only effortlessly fulfill his family’s basic needs but they are now healthier. Unlike 3 years ago, Lubang invested a capital of shs 300,000/= but now earns at least shs 15 million from growing vegetables which by affordability have a ready market thanks to a solar water pump received under the government’s Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program (UGiFT) which has a 25% co-funding requirement depending on the nature of farm and equipment required.

“I started when the plot of land I had was less than a quarter acre but right now I can hire more than two acres to grow vegetables. Feeding at home is no longer a problem, my children eat better, and I bought a tricycle and cattle. My target now is to raise shs 20 million in the next dry season,” Lubang says.

Similarly, in the nearby Maaji 1 Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District, Alumai Michael, 38, a refugee, and beneficiary of Ayuda En Accion says with improved access to water, they have been able to prioritize growing tomatoes and cabbages which earns them between shs 3 and 4 million each season. According to Alumai, who is the Chairperson of Atetapkwe Itego Youth Group which started in 2021, the group currently has 10 members, with 4 of them refugees. They got a solar water pump of shs 4,140,000/= from Sun Culture at a cost of shs 1,656,000/= as part of a co-fund with Ayuda en Accion.

“Initially, the women in the group used to fetch water from the nearby stream for us to water which made us get losses in cassava growing because it wasn’t sustainable. With the solar pump now available, we have since transitioned to vegetable growing which is more profitable and promising,” Alumai revealed.

When Palm Corps intervened in Madi Okollo district to uplift the lives of refugees through smart agriculture, by giving out solar water pumps to refugees in the camp, YK Duku, a resident of Odubu Zone, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, took advantage of this donation and ventured into vegetable farming and was fortunate enough to supply tomatoes to Arua Main Market. He says he used the proceeds from the sale to acquire a motorcycle which has not only solved the challenge of transporting his produce but is a source of additional income. 

“When Palm Corps intervened, we were 50 who showed interest but later, others lost it. However, a few of us continued to get knowledge which has transformed our lives now. World Food Program only provides us with Posho, beans, and cooking oil which is insufficient amidst other basic needs,” Duku observed.

Women are also starting to appreciate the benefits of solar irrigation. For Zumura Viko, a resident of Rakatura Village, Kululu Sub County, Yumbe District; her fortune was struck by luck.  Among the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)’s 30 members, she benefitted from a motorized borehole established for Umaruku Farmer Field School by Welthugerhilfe, an organization working in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. While they started farming in 2021, their efforts were frustrated by a lack of ready access to water due to the unreliable rainfall patterns. The group now earns at least shs 6.5 million from vegetable sales each season.

“To get clean water, you would have to walk about 10km away from the village so we looked at watering crops as a waste of water. Apart from growing cassava and simsim as a group, I tried to plant some tomatoes and onions around my home twice but because of the unreliable rainfall patterns, they all dried up and I got nothing because I couldn’t water them due to the challenges of getting water,” Zumura revealed.

Background of interventions.

In 2022, Uganda launched the Sustainable Energy Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities 2022-2025 (SERP) to enable all host and refugee communities to attain universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for socio-economic transformation in an environmentally sustainable manner.

In efforts to implement the SERP, several NGOs have embraced Solar Irrigation Interventions since 2022 to create for the refugees hope away from home. The different partners implementing Productive Use of Sustainable Energy/Productive Use of Energy projects in West Nile include Mercy Corps, JICA, Welthugerhilfe, Palm Corps, Fermi Nature, Food and Agricultural Organization, Lutheran World Federation, GIZ, Self Help Africa, Action Against Hunger, and Food for the Hungry.

Besides the SERP, the government has drafted and developed the Uganda Solar Water Pumping Report (July 2019); National Irrigation Policy (November 2017); District Development Plans;  and National Road Map on Scaling Up Productive Use of Solar Energy and Revised Energy Policy for Uganda (2023). The government has also further implemented programs like the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Irrigation Development and Climate Resilience Project (IDCRP), and the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program Project for Uganda (UGiFT). Though with unique challenges on either side, the government and NGOs haven’t been able to achieve the anticipated level of uptake.

 Challenges.

The journey hasn’t been rosy. According to Andama Alexander, Project Manager, Palm Corps – Adjumani District, during the time they made interventions, they realized that many refugees prefer fully funded solar water pumping kits. Many refugee households also have low, irregular, or seasonal incomes, which affects their ability to pay for off-grid solutions. On average, 60% of their monthly income is spent on food expenditures, followed by other necessities. This makes most refugee households unable or unwilling to pay for energy products in one lump sum with service providers wary of extending credit due to the risk of consumer default. This is not unique to them alone.

Laze Dennis, Sales Manager – Sun Culture, Adjumani, testifies that out of the 28 solar water pumps so far given out since July 2024, 21 were taken on credit adding that refugees only picked interest because of the subsidization based on their previous 2 years’ experience in Uganda. Previously, between January and June 2024, there were no refugees interested until NGOs came in with a subsidy.

Government programs aren’t spared either. According to Francis Abiriga, the Madi Okollo District Agricultural Officer, and also the Focal Person for the UGiFT Micro Scale Irrigation project, says that the usage of solar irrigation by small-scale farmers still stands at 1% due to the high cost of co-funding under interventions for both NGOs and government.   Under UGiFT for example, the program is conditioned by a 25% high co-funding rate which some farmers cannot afford. The government pays between 25% – 75% of the total cost of the equipment depending on the acreage and nature of the farm with a maximum cost of shs 7.2 million. This means that a farmer may pay between shs 2 million and shs 8 million. Abiriga also believes that the provision of tractors and subsidies to the community would increase production and peaceful co-existence between the refugees and the host community.

However, even with the subsidies in place, some projects were futile. Annet Lekuru, the Executive Director – of Fermi Nature Uganda, Ma’di Okollo District, says some projects haven’t been sustained due to:  vandalism, poor attitude of refugees towards farming, the conflict between the landlords and refugees, and lack of skills among the farmers to operate the solar pumps. Scalability has also been a challenge as some service providers and NGOs lack the capital to expand to other refugee settlements, which requires policymakers to intervene.

Enhancing uptake.

According to Paddy Bakengana, the Program Manager – Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA), the institution intends to run a solar energy uptake campaign in all refugee settlements starting in November 2024. With support from GIZ, which will be paying up to 60% of the cost of technologies for beneficiaries, the institution intends to demonstrate the way how solar technologies work to improve uptake. This is key for sectors like Agriculture where Paddy estimates that only 5% of small-scale farmers have access to solar technologies/equipment.  

Currently, the USEA is also advocating for the introduction of incentives to solar energy beneficiaries by January 2025 – something similar to carbon credits. This move, Paddy believes will not only increase uptake but counteract myths that solar technologies are facilitating climate change by polluting the environment. But this is not enough, there is a need for innovation and creativity to scale up awareness and build credibility in the sector.

In agreement, Erasto Kivumbi Muwanga, Livelihood Officer, UNHCR Sub Office, Pakele–Adjumani, observes that refugees are used to handouts from UNHCR, OPM, and other partners and thus dialogue is needed for mindset change. Sensitization on the available projects should be taken to settlements instead of relying on radio talk shows alone.

About SERP.

The SERP has pillars of Standalone solar-powered off-grid solutions; Energy-efficient appliances for the grid and off-grid use; Smart financing, subsidies, and supplier incentives; Solar kiosks and solar power hubs/centers; and Solar thermal systems (e.g. for cooling or drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs).

The SERP is linked to the Final Water and Environment Sector Refugee Response Plan by contributing to the achievement of this plan’s objectives to reduce the overexploitation of resources, improve access to sustainable energy, and improve the sustainable management of water supply in refugee settlements. The SERP also overlaps with the Jobs and Livelihoods Integrated Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities by supporting an increase in affordable on-grid and off-grid energy solutions to increase business competitiveness in refugee settlements and host communities.

West Nile has 314,624 refugees according to the 2024 Uganda National Population and Housing Census report. 79.1% of households are involved in agriculture. 3.5% of households practice irrigation. About 40% of the world’s food production is currently facilitated by irrigation. In a world that is warming up quickly, irrigated agriculture is becoming more and more crucial for both food security and climate resilience.

In Uganda, 33% of the population is unable to meet their basic needs due to the absence of sufficient access to energy. Until recently, access to energy was not prioritized in interventions with displaced populations, as securing food and shelter was a more pressing need. However, increasing access to energy for productive use is now considered a key part of achieving long-term resilience and self-reliance within the refugee and host populations, which is one of the main pillars of Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).

This story was produced with the support of the African Media Excellence (ACME) in Partnership with the Charles Steward Mott Foundation.

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