By Anzoo Evaline

Stakeholders in Adjumani District have convened to review the Adjumani District Production and Marketing Ordinance of 2015 in a move aimed at addressing emerging environmental and agricultural challenges, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting inclusive development for sustainable environmental management.

The review process has been facilitated by the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI) together with consortium partners as part of efforts to improve environmental protection and agricultural productivity in the district.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement, the District Natural Resources Officer, Giyaya Charles, noted that the ordinance has been in force for nearly a decade and requires updating to respond to current realities.

“It is now almost 10 years since this ordinance was in place. It was realized that there’s need to review it so that it can capture emerging issues within these 10 years,” he said.

He explained that the district is currently facing numerous environmental concerns that must be addressed through the revised ordinance.

“So, we are able to highlight these environmental issues ranging from degradation, the poor practices of farmers that lead to deforestation, climate change that has caused the floods, drought, which is affecting production and livelihood So, our presentation on the state of the environment in Adjumani and we are also aware that production activities also affects environment like the poor practices of farming,” Giyaya added.

Mesiku Harriet, the Senior Land Management Officer in Adjumani District, emphasized that the ordinance was originally intended to strengthen food security and prevent famine in the district.

“The objective of this ordinance is to ensure food security in the district and to avoid famine. Now, these days our farmers are complaining that their agricultural officers should help them in acquiring right seeds and seed right cassava stalks because there are many farmers last year who lost cassava because of disease. How are we going to harmonize the improved seeds, and how they last?” she said.

She further highlighted concerns raised by farmers regarding the sustainability of improved seed varieties.

“Because they also said you can not plant the seeds for the second time,” she added.

Hon. Bishop Mau Kodili Gabriel, a District Local Councilor, stressed the importance of strengthening enforcement mechanisms within the ordinance to ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level.

“It is very important in this review to give responsibility to the production committee to enforce this production ordinances with the help of the LC1 and LC2 in the area. Parish chief by that time they were able to generate data. They are were able to enumerate what a farmer has and farmers were assessed according to whether the animal, whether crop you have,” he said.

He noted that proper data collection at community level would also help the district generate accurate information for planning and revenue assessment.

“So it can gives a clean data for assessing a farmer to pay revenue,” he explained.

Adrupio Irene Api, Secretary for Finance representing the LC5 Chairperson, welcomed the review process and encouraged stakeholders to ensure the ordinance benefits local farmers.

“As farmers today we are for the ordinance. The ones that we think that it will squeeze us, how are we going to give or add flesh on it so that it becomes useful to us?” she said.

She also applauded the land office for continuously empowering leaders and stakeholders with knowledge that can be passed on to communities.

“I want to thank land officer very much. I think this is the second time now we are for this ordinance. It’s empowering us so that when we go to the community, we normally talk with authority because we have the tools in us.

“So, I’m urging us who are getting the knowledge, let us get out Changed. Let us talk to our farmers out there,” she added.

The review of the ordinance is expected to strengthen climate-smart agricultural practices, improve environmental conservation, and enhance sustainable livelihoods for communities across Adjumani District.

END.

By Onzima Allan.

Official from the Adjumani District Natural Resources and Production department have cautioned farmers against the continued use of toxic agrochemicals, citing serious risk to the environment and public.

The warning was issued during the review of the 2015 district production and marketing ordinance held on 7^th May 2026 in the Natural Resources Department Boardroom.

Lagu Charles Vini, the District Agricultural Officer, said with guidance from the 2007 Agrochemicals Act, necessary measures would be taken to secure the environment before it was too late.

He also stressed that enforcement of existing laws would be prioritized to curb the circulation of banned and counterfeit products in local markets.

Senior CDO, Stalin Solomon Mawadri, also noted the deteriorating condition of local water bodies and rising levels of contamination affecting surrounding communities.

On his part, Katongole Derrick, the UNHCR focal point person for Livelihood and Environment, argued that exploitation of refuges on land access in on the rise and urged the district to address further calling for improved market preservatives.

’’I am told tomatoes are preserved using mortuary preservatives, equally meat, which is contrary to the law’’.

Okuonzi Peter, the District Fisheries Officer, said law defaulters pertaining to exploitation of aquaculture shall be penalized with a minimum jail term of 8yrs and a fine in Ugandan shillings of twenty currency.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline                                    

Adjumani District Council has approved a budget of Shs 55,528,569,000 for the Financial Year 2026/2027 during its last council meeting held at the district council hall.

According to the summary of the financial resource envelope for FY 2026/2027, the budget is expected to be financed through locally raised revenue, central government transfers, external financing, and other transfers.

The summary indicates that locally raised revenue remains at Shs 2,637,558,000, while Government Transfers-CG increased from Shs 37,955,120,000 in the approved FY 2025/2026 budget to Shs 42,120,886,000 in the draft budget for FY 2026/2027. Government Transfers-UCG also rose from Shs 3,958,787,000 to Shs 5,260,363,000. External financing stands at Shs 2,298,114,000, while other transfers increased to Shs 3,211,647,000.

Presenting the committee report to council, Adrupio Irene Api, Secretary for Finance Adjumani District Local Government, said:

“Mr. Speaker, I move to this House to consider and approve the budget of 55,528569,000 with the full committee recommendation. I also say this honourable House to consider and approval of the revenue and expenditure plan for financial year 2026/2027.”

Speaking after the approval, Kaijuka Arthur Richard, Vice LC5 and Secretary for Education, said the education sector received the biggest share of the budget due to salary commitments and government priorities.

“Today, we have approved a budget of uh over 55 billion. Out of that, the highest percentage is on education sector followed by health. Education sector took the biggest chunk of the budget because of salary. And it is the government priority to see development. And in any development, you must have human resource. And human resource cannot go minus education.”

Hon. Drichi Charles, DLC for Pakele Town Council, noted that the budget had increased from the earlier figure due to recruitment and salary enhancement for staff.

“We have exercised our mandate of budget approval. Previously, when we received the budget, it was 49 billion, but now it has increased to 55 billion as a result of increment of salary for U1 and U2 staffs in the district. The new recruitment that is ongoing has resulted to increase in the current budget.”

He further urged incoming district councillors to prioritize monitoring and implementation of council resolutions.

“I want to appeal to the incoming district counsellors to take up the issue of budget implementation seriously because it is one of the core mandates of the council to approve and also monitor activities when it comes to implementation.”

Meanwhile, District Speaker, Oloya Jackson, called on councilors to closely follow the approved budget during implementation.

“All of the activities of the council for the financial year 2026-2027 is in the budget. So, honourable councilors, you need to attach yourself with the budget so that you don’t mess up budget and select.”

The approved budget is expected to guide service delivery and development priorities across Adjumani District in the next financial year, with education and health taking the largest share of allocations. Leaders expressed optimism that proper implementation, supervision, and accountability will help improve public services and address the growing needs of the population.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

In the Madi Sub-Region of Northern Uganda, land is more than property it is identity, heritage, and survival. For generations, cultural norms have dictated who owns and controls this vital resource, often placing women at the margins of inheritance and decision-making. Yet today, a quiet but determined shift is taking root, as families, elders, and leaders begin to re-examine traditions in ways that could reshape the future of land ownership without eroding cultural identity.

Voices from within the community reveal both the depth of the challenge and the seeds of transformation.

Kentembwe Mary Guma, an opinion leader, reflects on the enduring grip of tradition and her personal experience navigating it.

“From the previous culture, they denied us women chances of getting the land, getting those rights. And up to now, some of us women still follow that. By the way, I fall a victim somewhere. I really participated a lot in the registration of this customary land. And my husband was there. He is the head of the family. He was on top and I was the second. And in case someone was trying to do that kind of registration. I was not going to be the second. I might have been around the fifth, the second could have come as the first born of the man. But I made sure I put myself as the second. But if there could be women outside there who can think and reason like me, there will be positive change. The unfortunate part of it, why I’m saying I fall a victim? I’m one of the women who is not married in that kind of the ways. Either customary, religious, or civil. I don’t belong to any, but I’m still cohabiting up to now. Even now when I’m a widow, I’m still cohabiting with air with water, I don’t know. But the good part and the fortunate part of it is that I’m alone,” Mary said.

Her story highlights the subtle resistance emerging within cultural systems women asserting space where none was traditionally granted.

For others, the consequences of exclusion are more severe.

Dipio Beatrice, recounts a painful experience of dispossession despite her investment and effort.

“It happened to me. I build a house. After finishing the whole house, my uncle said, ‘You are just a girl.’ Your land is where you are married. So, I didn’t tell you because I wanted you to construct the house so that your brothers will enter. As I talk right now, the brother they said will be inside the house. They are in the house. And let me come to these politicians here. These people who have their certificates on the trees. They don’t support us women. You go to the office where you know very well you are going to get help. Reaching there you get shame. You get embarrassment. They are torturing us inwards. I know where I am going to tackle that button to get my house back,” Dipio said.

Her testimony underscores not only cultural barriers but also systemic gaps that continue to frustrate women seeking justice. Activists argue that part of the challenge lies within the community itself.

Ajio Edina, a Woman Human Rights Defender and an advocate, points to the need for awareness and internal empowerment.

“As a woman who knows her rights can defend herself but what about the ones who doesn’t even know where the tarmac ends, so, we really to go down to those women who are suffering because in the villages because they don’t know their rights to land ownership, and also sensitize them,” said Ajio.

Dipio Francis, the acting probation officer for gender noted that, “We have come across many challenges women faced in the community especially cases related to women being abused by men over land ownership, you will find a woman has bought a plot of land or planted tree but when she wanted to use her asset, the husband will say, who gave you the authority don’t you know that you are a woman so, sometimes I feel like there’s a lot that needs to be done concerning this matter.”

Despite these challenges, Uganda’s legal framework provides a strong foundation for change.

Mesiku Harriet, the Senior Land Officer in Adjumani District, emphasizes that the law is clear on women’s rights.

“The legal framework that allows women to access, own, use land or natural resources. Is the constitution, you realize that the constitution has so many provisions that talk about the rights of women and other rights of all the citizens of Uganda. This means that if there is any law that you want to come up with, it should never be inconsistent with the constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” Mesiku said.

“But in the national land policy, you will find out the rights of women in regard to access, use, and ownership of land is clearly written out or laid out,” Mesiku added.

Yet, bridging the gap between law and practice remains the central challenge one that requires both institutional enforcement and cultural dialogue.

Cultural leaders themselves acknowledge that traditions are not static.

 Amacha Goli, the Prime Minister of the Madi Cultural Institution, offers a perspective that opens the door for reform from within.

“On matters of land, women were not largely disadvantaged. Those days we had polygamous families. When a woman marries a man, a man gives land for the wife. And after that land remains yours and for your children. And this practice has been on and on. Now, things are changing so fast also. Now, the madi culture pertaining land has been so fair. But now, land now has become hot cake. Land has got a lot of market. Therefore, I call upon us to start seriously engaging on this cultural practice,” Amacha said.

His remarks reflect a critical reality: as land gains economic value, long-standing practices are being tested, sometimes at the expense of women.

The unfolding story in Madi sub-region is not one of culture versus rights, but of culture in transition. It is about communities asking difficult questions how to preserve identity while ensuring fairness, how to respect tradition while embracing equality.

For policymakers, cultural leaders, and development partners, the message is clear: meaningful change will require collaboration, awareness, and deliberate action. Strengthening enforcement of existing laws, investing in community sensitization, and amplifying women’s voices are no longer optional they are necessary steps toward inclusive development.

As more women like Kentembwe and Beatrice speak out, and as leaders begin to listen, the possibility of coexistence between culture and women’s land rights is no longer distant. It is becoming a reality one decision, one household, and one community at a time.

END

By Anzoo Evaline.

A total of 24 young adolescent persons living with HIV/AIDS and teenage mothers in Adjumani District have graduated after months of intensive skills training under a UNICEF-funded initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable youth with practical livelihood skills.

Iranya Ronald, the District Mentor, explained the background of the program.

“The YAPS program started in Adjumani in 2019. By then UNICEF was funding through AVSI. For you to qualify as YAPS, you must be virally suppressed and there must be consistency in taking your medication. And then you also have to be HIV positive and below the age of 22 years,” Iranya said.

He further revealed the financial support behind the initiative.

“UNICEF gave Adjumani District Local Government an amount of 91 million for skilling of the Yaps Today we graduate the 24 of them. At their graduation, they are given a start-up kit of 400,000 Universal and they get a stipend of a 3 months per month. They are given 140,000. So, at the end they will go home with Ugx 840,000/=,” Iranya added.

The beneficiaries were encouraged to make good use of the funds.

“They were encouraged to put this money into use to invest in their various uh projects. We will appeal that UNICEF continues uh supporting these young people because there are a lot of young positives outside there,” Iranya said.

For many of the graduates, the journey has been marked by stigma and hardship.

Atim Teddy Gloria shared her experience.

“When I was tested HIV positive that was 2017. From there, people most especially like the neighbors and some relatives of them, they were discriminating me and nicknaming me with various names like a walking stick, a standing coffin, and life was so hard. Just when I joined YAPS activity that was in 2000 At least from there I felt that I’m not left alone. So, I gain the fears were not there even the stigma wasn’t there,” Atim said.

Konyio Josephine Bakhita also narrated her story, “I was born in a family of 23 kids, and I happens to be the last born. I was tested positive when I was three, but then I don’t know what means by HIV. At times I will ask my mom, “Mom, why am I taking this medicine every day?” She tells me you are having a sickness that cannot be cured. In 2013, so they took us to the Hospital, but then they want to enroll us to ARV. That is when I knew I was HIV positive. I finished my senior for last year. Now, I chose the skill of art and craft. Right now, I can make a bag, a suit, a key holder, and I can sell. I really appreciate these people so much for this program.”

Leaders in the district used the occasion to call for greater responsibility among parents and communities.

Hon. Anyama Ben, LC5 Chairperson of Adjumani, said “UNICEF, as I said, as a long-term relationship with the district. I want to ask you, I’m very happy for the testimonies you gave before us here. If you pick these 10 months right, two things there. One, we, the parents, are abusing our responsibility. And we are abusing the rights of children because if you are forcing someone to marry, and you know this is a young girl that is abuse of children right. In that case, I want to say arising from these statements of these three girls here, we the leaders we must really put our parents to understand the situation on the ground because the future belong to the young generation.”

Resident District Commissioner Toko Swaib offered words of encouragement to the graduates, “Don’t give up. Life always has those rough paths. And the once you’re in that path, know that you are going to succeed. But when you give up, if only think things are not difficult, there are young persons like you who will now think perhaps I must commit suicide. Never give up. This was a language used by Churchill that never give up in life. Keep trying even when you meet challenges, try. One day you’ll succeed.”

The graduation marks not just the end of a training program, but the beginning of renewed hope for the young beneficiaries as they step forward to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

END

By Onzima Allan

Administrators of Elegu Islamic Nursery And Primary School in Amuru district, together with surrounding communities across Acholi and west Nile, have unveiled a proposed fundraising drive scheduled for 10^th may 2026 .the initiative is aimed at supporting the completion of Salam mosque which is expected to play a key role in nurturing spiritual values and moral development among learners and wider community.

According to Juma Mahad, CEO Fundraiser, the mosque will nurture morals among learners and community, urging community support and complete it together.

Yagu Denis, the Head Teacher Elegu Islamic Nursery and Primary School, argued all districts to support the May 10^th mosque fundraiser, saying it will benefit both school and wider community.

Maliamungu Yassin, said it’s important to see young people guided in Islamic faith and emphasized the need for well-developed, harmonious mosque’

Lulua Jesca, said the mosque once completed, will bring spiritual services closer to the people and benefit the community over time.

The mosque project is expected to strengthen faith and unite the community.

END.

By Esther Gune.

In the busy trading centres of Adjumani District, cheap sachets and bottled alcohol are easy to find and even easier to afford. But behind this growing trade lies a deepening crisis one that is quietly tearing families apart, leaving women to carry the burden of survival and children to grow up in neglect.

Every morning, long before businesses fully open, some residents can already be seen searching for alcohol instead of engaging in productive work. What may appear as a daily habit is increasingly becoming a serious social, economic, and public health concern.

Local authorities say the situation is alarming.

“The increase of cheap alcohol in the community is very alarming. Early in the morning, people are already looking for alcohol instead of engaging in productive activities,” Eriku Patrick Keleture, the Town Clerk of Adjumani Town Council said.

“We are receiving many complaints related to cheap alcohol. After consuming it, some people end up causing violence and crime in the community, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and theft,” Eriku added.

He warned that the impact is being felt across families and the wider community.

“Adjumani Town Council is made up of different categories of people, and as an urban setting, we cannot allow cheap alcohol to disorganize families, create criminal cases, and lead to child neglect as we are seeing. As urban authorities, we are committed to putting an end to the spread of cheap alcohol,” he emphasized.

Behind these statistics and warnings are real lives especially women struggling to hold families together.

For many women in Adjumani, survival now depends on their ability to endure neglect and provide for their children alone. In several households, men spend most of their income on alcohol, leaving little or nothing for basic needs such as food, school fees, and healthcare.

Asio Grace, a mother of four in one of the trading centres, says her husband’s drinking has changed everything.

“By the time he comes back home, he has spent everything on alcohol,” she says. “The children depend on me for everything.”

Community leaders say such stories are becoming common, with alcohol abuse increasingly linked to family breakdown and poverty.

According to Dipio Francis, the Probation Officer of Adjumani District, alcohol-related cases dominate the reports they receive.

“Domestic violence cases caused by alcohol consumption are referred to us every day, and it is the leading cause of violence and child neglect in families,” she said.

“Many of these cases involve men who spend most of their income on alcohol and fail to provide basic needs for their families, leaving women to struggle alone while children suffer.”

She warned that if the trend continues, more children will grow up in unstable environments, increasing the risk of long-term social problems.

Health experts are equally concerned about the rising impact of alcohol on the population. Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health, says alcohol remains one of the major public health challenges in Uganda.

“During the Risk Factor Behaviour Survey conducted in 2017, 17% of the population reported drinking alcohol, with 18.8% being male compared to 15.4% female. Alcohol use is also higher in urban areas than in rural areas,” he explained.

In Adjumani, the situation is worsening.

“Alcohol intake has increased to 26.8% in 2025, compared to 23.8% in 2023. The number of people consuming alcohol rose from 2,558 in 2023/2024 to 2,784 in 2024/2025,” he said.

He noted that the increase is more visible among men, partly because many interventions currently focus on women.

“The 26.8% we are seeing is higher than the 17% reported in 2017. This is largely driven by cheap bottled alcohol that people can easily afford, yet most of it is not regulated,” he emphasized.

The health consequences are already evident.

“Liver-related complications are among the top ten causes of morbidity in the district. Alcohol is also contributing to mental health problems and increasing cases of suicide in the Madi sub-region,” he added.

Despite the growing concern, cheap alcohol continues to dominate markets and trading centres, often with limited regulation. Vendors say they are meeting demand, but leaders argue that the social cost is too high.

Women and children remain the most affected—bearing the weight of neglect, poverty, and emotional distress. Many families are struggling silently, with little support.

As authorities promise to take action and communities begin to raise their voices, one reality remains clear: the cost of cheap alcohol in Adjumani is not measured by its price, but by the broken homes, lost opportunities, and uncertain futures it leaves behind.

End

By Onzima Allan.

The burial of Oyuwi Cultural Chief, Abuni Johnson Kibrai, was disrupted by the unexpected severe storm.

Chief Kibira who led the Oyuwi people for three decades, died on 1^st –May – 2026 in Adjumani district.

Addressing the mourners at Oyuwi primary school playground on 15^th – May -2026, Chandiga Ben, the chief of Ali Clan steps forward and said what you saw at the ground was not bad Luck when we are burying true cultural chiefs, it must rain.

Fr. Denis Munduni, Parish Priest Kureku Catholic Parish on preaching said, they have lost a pillar of this clan. Chief Abuni Johnson Kibira was a Man who held his people in truth and justice. For that we pray for his soul.

Mzee Abuni, an elder from Oyuwi clan, stated that when they lose a true cultural chief, the sky must cry during his burial, it has been since my father’s father the rain is the land said.

Owole Nickson, the former Resident District Commissioner of Pakwach District, who is also a son of Oyuwi, said they were not just burying a chief, but witnessing the growth of Ma’di culture again while gaining strength.

As the culture of Madi reclaims, its voice, Oyuwi buries its chief not in silence, but in rain, prayer and resolve. Chief Abuni Johnson Kibira left a widow with six children and he ruled 12 clans in Oyuwi.

END.

By Onzima Allan

Stakeholders and pupils of Mother Theresa Preparatory School in Adjumani district have today joined the rest of the country in a charity run to mark the 52^nd birthday anniversary of the Chief of Defense Forces and First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The event held under the theme: “Run For Hope, Run For Charity” attracted participants from different walks of life.

Akuku AP Richard, the Patriot League of Uganda (PLU) Leader Adjumani district, said the event exhibited unity among people.

Toko Swaib, the Resident District Commissioner, described the event as significant, noting that it should used as reconciliation tool to resolve the long standing political rivalry in Adjumani district.

Ocen James Andrew, the CAO Adjumani District, said physical fitness is encouraged under government policy noting that regular exercises improves health and work performance.

Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo, the Chief Mobiliser PLU Madi Sub Region, and the District Chairperson Elect Adjumani (2026 -2031), said the run was to portray patriotism and it’s essential for every wanaichi to be patriotic and committed to be supporting national unity and development.

Mr. Asiku James, an Educationist, said that in the spirit of patriotism, mother Theresa with decorum and respect has requested the office of the president for uplift.

The PLU run for hope and charity concluded with calls from leaders and stakeholders for citizens to embrace patriotism unity and collective responsibility.

END.

By Esther Gune.

Adjumani District has launched a €63,000 (approximately UGX 250 million) water and environmental protection initiative aimed at improving access to safe water, strengthening laboratory services, and promoting environmental conservation among both refugees and host communities.

The project, known as WaEPA (Actions for Water and Environmental Protection), is being implemented through a partnership led by the Municipality of Sinai in Italy, working alongside Anawim Africa, the University of Sassari, and Adjumani District Local Government.

The initiative focuses on improving public health and living conditions in line with global sustainable development goals on clean water, climate action, and environmental protection.

Speaking during the launch, Barbara Pusceddu, the Mayor of Sinai Municipality emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges affecting communities.

“It is important for all of us to work together for the wellbeing of the people of Uganda,” the mayor said before adding “I appreciate the local authorities for accepting this new project, which focuses on climate change and environmental protection. Waste management is a serious challenge not only here, but across the whole world, and it requires joint efforts to address it.”

A key component of the project is upgrading the water analysis laboratory in Adjumani to improve testing of water sources such as wells and springs. The upgrade will include the provision of modern equipment, consumables, and training of laboratory technicians to enhance efficiency and ensure safe water for communities.

Giyaya Charles, the Natural Resources Officer for Adjumani District, noted that previous interventions had already made a positive impact in the district.

“Our previous projects have greatly supported water quality monitoring and environmental conservation in the district,” he said. “This new project will help us strengthen and expand those efforts to benefit more people.”

In addition, the project will establish a psychopathological laboratory to monitor plant diseases and ensure that seedlings produced in nurseries are healthy. This is expected to support environmental restoration and sustainable forestry efforts in the district.

According to the project coordinator, Rev Father Charles Vura Obulejo, the initiative will also prioritize capacity building.

“We are going to train more people in sustainable management of natural resources, governance, domestic resource mobilisation, and planning,” he said.

The project will further promote environmental awareness through school and community programs, targeting young people with education on climate change, conservation, and sustainable development.

Local leaders say the initiative comes at a critical time when Adjumani continues to face challenges related to safe water access, environmental degradation, and waste management, particularly due to the growing population of refugees and host communities.

The WaEPA project aligns with Uganda’s national development priorities and international commitments on sustainable management of natural resources and improved service delivery, and is expected to significantly enhance the health and livelihoods of the people of Adjumani District.

END.