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.

By Anzoo Evaline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Dramadri Federick.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.