By Bazio Doreen

Adjumani District has entered a new chapter of leadership following the swearing-in of Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo as the District Chairperson (LCV) for the 2026–2031 term.

The swearing-in ceremony held on 22^nd May 2026 at the District Council, attended by political leaders, technical staff, cultural and religious leaders, development partners, and members of the public, marked a peaceful democratic transition and renewed commitment to transforming the lives of the people of Adjumani.

Hon. Anyanzo assumes office following his victory in the January 2026 Local Government Elections, where he secured 33,289 votes, earning the mandate to lead one of Uganda’s most unique and strategically important districts.

In his inaugural remarks, Hon. Anyanzo pledged to strengthen service delivery, promote accountability, and foster inclusive development that benefits both host communities and refugees living in the district.

Adjumani remains at the forefront of Uganda’s humanitarian response, hosting more than 230,000 refugees from South Sudan across 19 settlements while serving a growing national population. Current estimates place the district’s total population at over 528,000 people, creating significant pressure on public infrastructure and social services.

As the new administration begins its mandate, several critical development priorities require urgent attention.

Strengthening Healthcare Services

The district’s health system serves nearly half a million people, yet healthcare facilities continue to face staffing shortages and increasing demand for maternal health, child health, and emergency services. Recent reductions in humanitarian funding have exposed vulnerabilities within the health sector, highlighting the need for sustainable investment and stronger partnerships.

Improving Education Outcomes

Education remains a cornerstone of development. However, Adjumani continues to experience a shortage of teachers, particularly in integrated schools serving both refugee and host communities. District education authorities estimate a requirement of nearly 2,000 teachers, while the current staffing levels remain far below demand. This affects classroom learning, teacher-pupil ratios, and overall education quality.

Road Infrastructure and Market Access

The district’s vast geographical coverage and agricultural potential require improved road networks to facilitate trade, service delivery, and access to markets. Communities across the district continue to call for investments in road maintenance, bridges, and connectivity to support economic growth and ease movement of goods and services.

Youth Employment and Skills Development

With a rapidly growing youthful population, employment creation remains a key priority. Expanding vocational training, enterprise development, and access to productive resources will be critical in empowering young people and women to participate in the local economy. Recent skilling initiatives have demonstrated the potential of vocational training in improving household incomes and livelihoods.

Agricultural Transformation and Climate Resilience

Agriculture remains the backbone of the district’s economy. The new administration is expected to prioritize climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, value addition, and improved extension services to enhance productivity and household incomes while building resilience against climate-related shocks.

Strengthening Refugee-Host Community Integration

For more than a decade, Adjumani has exemplified Uganda’s progressive refugee-hosting model. Continued investment in shared infrastructure, social cohesion initiatives, livelihoods, and natural resource management will remain essential to sustaining peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.

As the district embarks on this new leadership journey, Adjumani District Local Government calls upon all stakeholders—including government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens—to work together in advancing the district’s development agenda.

The swearing-in of Hon. Anyanzo represents not only a transition in leadership but also a renewed opportunity to address pressing development challenges, harness local potential, and build a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Adjumani for all.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

Adjumani District has recorded a significant milestone in its governance journey following the successful and peaceful handover of office from the outgoing District Chairperson, Mr. Ben Anyama, to the newly elected District Chairperson, Mr. John Ambayo Anyanzo.

The handover ceremony, held at the District Council Hall on May 18, 2026, brought together political leaders, civil servants, religious and cultural leaders, security personnel, and members of the public to witness the formal transfer of leadership and reaffirm the district’s commitment to unity, peace, and development.

District leaders described the occasion as a landmark event in Adjumani’s political history, noting that it represents one of the first formal and peaceful leadership transitions conducted through an organized handover process. The event demonstrated the district’s commitment to democratic governance, accountability, and continuity in public service delivery.

The transition follows the conclusion of the 2026 electoral process and reflects the collective resolve of leaders and residents to foster reconciliation, strengthen social cohesion, and focus on the district’s development agenda.

During the ceremony, outgoing District Chairperson Mr. Ben Anyama expressed gratitude to the people of Adjumani for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting peace and progress in the district.

He thanked residents, district leaders, technical staff, and development partners for their cooperation throughout his tenure and encouraged continued collaboration to advance service delivery and socio-economic transformation.

Leaders who attended the ceremony emphasized the importance of working together beyond political differences to promote stability, effective governance, and inclusive development. They called upon residents to support the new leadership and actively participate in initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening public services.

The peaceful transition sends a strong message of unity and maturity in leadership and provides a solid foundation for the incoming administration to build on existing achievements and pursue the district’s development priorities.

Adjumani District Local Government remains committed to promoting good governance, accountability, peaceful coexistence, and improved service delivery for all residents as it embarks on a new chapter of leadership and development.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Residents and leaders in Adjumani District have joined the rest of the country in celebrating the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for the 2026–2031 term.

The celebrations brought together political leaders, boda boda riders, persons with disabilities, and supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who expressed optimism for continued peace, development, and service delivery under President Museveni’s leadership.

Speaking during the celebrations, Emmanuel Okware, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, said the renewed mandate given to President Museveni reflects the confidence Ugandans have in the achievements registered by the NRM government over the years.

“We all know achievements of the NRM the last 5 years. And it was based on this that he was given another mandate and not only by the people who are in Adjumani but by the whole nation. But we are proud as Adjumani to be able to join and to come together to mark this day to demonstrate our own happiness, our own celebration in Adjumani,” Okware said.

Representing persons living with disabilities, Dipio Beatrice described the swearing-in as a moment of joy and reassurance for many Ugandans who continue to value peace and stability in the country.

“I am so happy for the swearing in of our father who ruled this country for 40 years. We have got hospitality which is very good. We got all the necessities that we need for this country. Today, we are putting our NRM chairman, the president of Uganda, none other than Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the seat. I am so encouraged that the citizen of Uganda will continue living in peace and the peace will continue because we know who he is and how he ruled the country,” she said.

Adnani Savi, representing the boda boda association in Adjumani, said the transport sector has benefited from government infrastructure development, especially improved roads that have eased transport costs and movement.

“This means a lot to us, that we boda boda, we need to work hard due to his efforts that he has made for us. For example, one of the roads here is tarmac. So, we are very happy that the consumption of the fuel has been going high, but due to the tarmac we are able to minimize it although the price of the fuel has gone high,” Savi noted.

The celebrations in Adjumani were marked by excitement, music, and renewed calls for unity and hard work as residents expressed hope for continued development, improved infrastructure, and lasting peace during President Museveni’s new term in office.

END.

By Onzima Allan

The community of Elegu have shown unity to support the completion of Salam mosque by launching a fundraising drive.

The fundraising drive held at Elegu Islamic Nursery and Primary School on 12^th May, 2026 drew residents, leaders and well – wishers from across the region, their goal raise the finial funds needed to complete the mosque, a central peace of worship and community for Elegu.

Organizer Rwahim Musa Yondoson the director of Elegu Islamic school filled joy and said, this fundraising will enable us to put the mosque in completion, this mosque and school serve the same community the same future.

Sheik Ramadhan Baiga Daudi, the District Khadi of Adjumani district, said this mosque belongs to everyone and added that, they should put aside all differences and stand as one, because it is through unity that they will be able to complete the house of Allah.

Luka Benjamin, the Chairperson Elegu Business Community, urged the community to support the school when they invest in Elegu Islamic Nursery and primary school, they can invest in their children and said that is how community grows.

Sheik Kassim, the Chief Guest, call upon government to put this school on government program our children deserve support, a strong school builds a strong community around the mosque.

Hon Okot Kenneth, the L C III Chairperson Atiak Town Council, said this school is to develop transformation for all when support it we are transforming Atiak and entire Elegu.

With calls for unity, growth, government partnership and transformation, fundraiser pushes Salam Mosque closer to completion.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

Adjumani Town Council SACCO has approved a budget of approximately Shs 3.9 billion for the 2026 financial year, marking another milestone in the institution’s steady rise from a small savings group into one of the most promising SACCOs in Uganda.

The budget approval comes at a time when the SACCO is celebrating its 17th Annual General Meeting highlighting significant achievements in membership growth, share capital accumulation, and loan portfolio expansion, achievements that leaders said reflect growing public confidence and commitment among members.

The Sacco’s annual meeting, attended by members, district officials, and representatives from the cooperative movement, highlighted how the institution has transformed over the years since its establishment in 2007. Leaders noted that the Sacco’s journey has been driven by trust, active membership participation, and disciplined financial management.

Speaking during the meeting, Board Chairman, Mangapi Lawrence, reflected on the humble beginnings of the SACCO and the remarkable progress it has made over nearly two decades.

“We started this circle in 2007. Over a time, we kept growing. From membership of 139, we are now talking of membership of 20,199 as of 31st December 2025. And so that triggers commitment of the people and the shareholders.”

Lawrence explained that the rapid growth in membership is not only a sign of confidence in the SACCO but also proof that communities are increasingly embracing cooperative savings and credit systems as a reliable path toward economic empowerment.

He further revealed that the institution’s financial standing has grown tremendously, with share capital now standing at Shs 1.1 billion and a loan portfolio reaching Shs 22 billion. According to him, the Sacco’s ability to sustain such growth demonstrates the commitment of members and the effectiveness of its leadership structures.

“We have now a shareholding that is a share capital of 1.1 billion of a loan portfolio of 22 billion.”

The newly approved budget for 2026 is expected to support operational activities, capital investments, and member services throughout the year. SACCO Treasurer Area Joyce explained that the budget was prepared in accordance with the Cooperative Act Cap 112, which requires cooperative societies to prepare annual financial plans to guide their operations. We have prepared a budget for financial year 2026 running from January to December for the circle. This is a requirement of the Cooperative Act Cap 112.”

She added that the budget covers both recurrent expenditures and capital investments aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening the Sacco’s operations.

“For this reason, Adjumani Town Council Sacco has prepared its budget both income and expenditure and also capital expenditure which is expected to be 3,961 1,070,326.”

Leaders at the meeting emphasized that the Sacco’s growth is particularly important at a time when many communities continue to struggle with limited access to affordable financial services. Through savings and accessible credit facilities, the SACCO has enabled many members to invest in businesses, educate their children, improve agriculture, and support household livelihoods.

Joseph Paul Ochatomi, representing the Registrar of Uganda Cooperative Societies, commended Adjumani Town Council SACCO for becoming one of the strongest SACCOs in the country in terms of financial growth and membership base.

“Given that level of 20 billion net worth, Adjumani town council Sacco can be among the first 100 SACCOS in Uganda.”

Ochatomi compared the Sacco’s achievements with some of Uganda’s most established cooperatives, saying the institution is steadily positioning itself among nationally recognized SACCOs.

“I want to tell you the best as I said is Wazalendo, the one of the soldiers. They have 1.3 trillion. Then when you come to most of the Western Ugandan SACCOS, they are hanging between 60 and 100 billion. So, we put Adjumani among first 100.”

His remarks were received with excitement from members, many of whom viewed the recognition as proof that the SACCO is on the right path toward becoming a major financial institution in the region.

Adjumani Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Wambi Richard, also praised the SACCO for its consistency and resilience over the years. He noted that many SACCOs collapse because of poor management, weak member participation, and mistrust, but Adjumani Town Council SACCO has remained strong because of the dedication of its members.

“I have lived to see very many SACCOS die, but I have also lived to see Adjumani Town council prosper year in and year out. It could not prosper if you are not active members of this circle.”

Wambi further applauded members for maintaining a low level of inactivity within the SACCO, describing it as a healthy indicator of member ownership and confidence in the institution.

“I’ve been looking at the documents. I have come to appreciate that the inactive members of this Sacco are about 3%. That is negligible.”

He encouraged members to continue supporting the SACCO by saving consistently, borrowing responsibly, and participating actively in its programs and governance structures.

“So, I want to thank you for being members of this Sacco owning this Sacco, being part of it, moving with it, and ensuring that it grows every time. This is wonderful, and please keep it up.”

The meeting ended with renewed optimism among members and leaders, who expressed confidence that the Sacco will continue expanding its services and strengthening the economic well-being of its members in the coming years.

With a growing membership of over 20,000 people, a loan portfolio of Shs 22 billion, and a newly approved multi-billion-shilling budget, Adjumani Town Council Sacco is increasingly emerging as a symbol of financial resilience and community-driven development in Northern Uganda. Leaders believe that if the current momentum is sustained, the Sacco could soon rank among the country’s leading cooperative financial institutions while continuing to transform the lives of ordinary members through savings and affordable credit services.

END

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