By Anzoo Evaline.

Youths in Adjumani District are beginning to transform their lives through skills, training, and financial opportunities provided under the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI) project, a multi-partner program aimed at strengthening livelihoods among both refugees and host communities.

Noel Alabi, Program Manager of World Vision overseeing Adjumani and Lamwo districts, highlighted the organization’s role in driving sustainable change.

“As World Vision, we bring expertise and lead the implementation of the climate smart agriculture component together with the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources. Those two components we deliver together with YSAT. So, we have so far delivered one year of this program,” Alabi said.

Alabi added: “After finalizing the first year, we see positive signs of transformation already starting to happen with the participants, especially in the areas of financial inclusion, sustainable climate smart agriculture where the farmers are starting to replicate the climate smart practices, but also in the areas of gender, especially joint planning and decision making at family and group level.”

For many young beneficiaries, the project has been life-changing.

Brenda Pasi, a participant from Ofua Sub County, shared her journey.

“Through the support I got from Royal Embassy. When I joined group through URRI, they gave us many trainings. This made me to set up my own garden where I plant vegetables like egg plants, tomatoes. I sold them and when I sold them, I use the money to pay my school fees and buying scholastic materials. And I even bought goat last year from the money I made from vegetable. I got 500,000 and this year I’m having 600.000 in my account. And the money that I got from vegetables, I’m able to buy an oven where I bake different kind of breads like queen cakes, kababs, and other type of breads,” Pasi said.

Another beneficiary, Maridio Oliver, emphasized the importance of financial access in improving livelihoods.

“I got a loan. And we want to thank the government of Denmark embassy who are supporting us and we want more support from them so that the young ones who cannot access money can also help themselves,” Maridio said.

However, leaders note that challenges remain, particularly in balancing support between refugees and host communities.

Abdul Ramadan, the Settlement Commandant in Adjumani District, explained.

“The issue of refugees is getting 35% the host communities are getting 65% but when you look at the population of the refugees and the host communities, we almost going past the number of the host communities as refugees. So, to me the intervention should be 50-50 so that we shall have no issues on ground the peaceful existence will be spread out,” Abdul said.

Abdul added: “Then issue of food reduction for the refugees. Has impacted greatly in the lives of the refugees. Good number of them, they are not getting food assistance. They struggle for their own food, their own livelihood. But sometimes they are limited with the resources. They cannot be able to get land, to hire land, no money for hiring the land. They want to do business; the market is not there. You know, it’s a lot of issues down there that we need to really help all our refugees. If they are empowered, they will be standing on their own and support themselves.”

Government representatives have also called for continued collaboration to close existing gaps.

Obumai Simon Peter, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, said: “If there are other opportunities, because the gaps have been identified and you are no longer now friends but brothers continue to support your brothers. It’s not that the government is doing nothing. We are doing what we can. But because of the open little policy which also has its challenges, more refugees are still coming. The NURI and the Uri project are addressing some of those gaps. We are receiving new arrivals. So, some of these things are to address people who have just come, the ones who missed the NURI and now they are benefiting from.”

Despite the challenges, the URRI project continues to offer hope, equipping young people in Adjumani with practical skills, financial knowledge, and opportunities to become self-reliant. As more youths embrace climate-smart agriculture and entrepreneurship, the district is witnessing the early signs of a more resilient and empowered generation.

END.

By; Anzoo Evaline.

Health service delivery in Adjumani District is slowly regaining ground following the recruitment of 154 staff by Medical Teams International (MTI) with funding support from UNOCHA, after a crippling funding gap forced the layoff of over 288 health workers earlier this year.

The staffing crisis, which unfolded at the beginning of January 2026, left health facilities severely understaffed, disrupting critical services, particularly in maternal health care.

According to Dr. Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal Health Care in Adjumani, the sudden loss of workers pushed the district into a near-emergency situation.

“When we woke up on the 1st of January that all the 288 staff were going home, we were heading into crisis and indeed had a challenge losing 288 staff just like that affects hand service delivery. And I love one that used to serve the second highest number of persons in the district had only three staff. One of them was an Askari and then two are the only technical officers. So, you can see that that was a big problem,” Lulu said.

The impact was immediate and far-reaching. Facilities that once handled high patient volumes were reduced to skeleton teams, forcing some to scale down operations while others shut down completely. Maternal and child health services were among the hardest hit, with fewer skilled health workers available to attend to deliveries and emergencies.

Despite the setback, district health leadership chose resilience over despair.

“We never gave up. We never went into lamentation mode. We ensured that we reorganized ourselves. And we waited. We were patient. We were knocking at doors. And today we are beginning to see that positive progress. So, I will say 154 is a progress in the right direction. 14 midwives from UNFPA. This is progress in the right direction,” Lulu added.

The newly recruited staff are expected to ease the burden across facilities, although officials admit the numbers are still insufficient to fully restore services to previous levels. Meanwhile, there is cautious optimism that more former health workers may return to service.

“The health workers who were working under these various partners have been called for validation of their papers by the Ministry of Health, and we hope many of them will be absorbed into the system. So, we’re still optimistic that we shall navigate and overcome some of the challenges,” Lulu said.

At facility level, the crisis was deeply felt.

Iceta Michael, facility in charge of Ayilo Health Centre III, described the overwhelming pressure faced by the few remaining staff.

“We serve a population of 25,963. Our daily OPD attendance is 120 to 150 daily. Our monthly delivery is 80 to 100. By then we had a 38 staff before. Their contract ended in then. They were laid out, but as per now, we are only eight who are on ground. From first to six, the facility was closed not until the LC5 had organized meeting with the IP, UNHCR, and OPM were part of that,” Iceta said.

The temporary closure of the facility highlighted the severity of the staffing gap and its direct consequences on community access to care.

“On 6th January, we received two midwives. After some days, we received uh a clinical officer and a nutritionist. But as per now, we are only eight who are on ground,” Iceta added.

For frontline health workers like Judith Akello, a midwife employed by MTI and posted at Ayilo Health Centre III, the additional support has made a noticeable difference, though challenges remain.

“I really wanted to thank the medical team international because at the beginning of the year there were only three steps. The medical team brought in more two midwives to support. Gradually, the increases the translator and clinical officer which as least made the workload to keep on reducing. So, we keep on requesting them to continue supporting us because we had a great number of populations like 25, 963,” Akello said.

District leaders say the funding shortfall exposed systemic vulnerabilities in the humanitarian health response, particularly in refugee-hosting districts like Adjumani.

Abina Polly Irene, the Resident District Officer from the Office of the Prime Minister, acknowledged the visible gaps and their consequences.

“There are lot of gaps. And these are very evident. When you look at the issue of health, drastically MTI had to reduce their staffing to be able to meet the funding gap that they were able to raise. And I want to say that we saw issues. We saw increase in death, mortalities in in the communities, drastically scaling of service delivery in the health facility. Some of them had to work half day, others completely were closed down,” Abina said.

However, she noted that renewed efforts by humanitarian agencies are beginning to stabilize the situation.

“And we’ve seen different agencies like UNOCHA, also coming on board to do something. They’ve announced the funding of about six months that is going to support different partners. So, we are looking at this all coming slowly, but of course it’s still not to the scale that we would wish to meet the demand in terms of the needs on ground,” Abina said.

Adjumani remains one of Uganda’s largest refugee-hosting districts, placing immense pressure on already limited health resources.

According to Gelila Tsega, Head of Sub Office at UNHCR Adjumani, the context is both complex and long-term.

“Adjumani is a very particular context. It’s a very large settlement, 19 settlements very large, 234,000, and it’s also a protracted context. Displacement in this area is not just temporary, it’s generational. Poverty that we collectively have to address. so, as UNHCR, we will continue to support with the little that we always get,” Tsega said.

While the recruitment of 154 staff marks a critical step toward recovery, stakeholders agree that sustained funding and long-term planning are essential to prevent future disruptions. For now, health workers and leaders in Adjumani continue to rebuild, piece by piece, hopeful that the fragile gains will hold and expand to meet the growing needs of both refugees and host communities.

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By Dramadri Federick

In Bongova Village, on the outskirts of Arua, mornings do not begin with birdsong or the chatter of children heading to school. Instead, for many families, the day starts with a question that has quietly taken hold of their lives: what exactly are we breathing in?

For Enzama John, a 76-year-old resident of Ewaa Parish, that question has lingered for years. He speaks slowly, his voice carrying both fatigue and quiet fear. Just a few kilometers from his home stands the Meridian Tobacco Company factory an industrial giant that once symbolized opportunity for the region, but now represents something far more uncertain.

“We are now living in fear,” he says. “Waiting for what may happen to us. We have been told that this smell is dangerous to our health, and it leaves us feeling helpless about our future.”

That “smell,” as residents describe it, travels far. Community members estimate that emissions from the tobacco processing plant affect villages within a five-kilometer radius, settling into homes, schools, and everyday life. For over three years, they say, it has persisted unseen but deeply felt.

Amaniyo Gloria, a breastfeeding mother, does not speak in statistics. She speaks in worry. Her concern is not abstract it is immediate, centered on her child and the invisible risks that may come with every breath. In homes like hers, the crisis is measured not just in discomfort, but in uncertainty about what long-term exposure could mean for the next generation.

Gasi Rose, another resident of Bongova, describes a pattern that has become routine.

“The smell makes my throat itch. I don’t smoke, but I cough whenever I am at home,” she says. “This has been happening repeatedly for more than three years, especially when they are processing the tobacco.”

These testimonies are no longer isolated voices. They have coalesced into collective action.

Through the West Nile Compensation Advocacy Network, residents are now threatening legal proceedings against Meridian Tobacco Company Limited. On March 24, 2026, the network formally wrote to the company’s Managing Director, demanding the release of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment audit reports, along with proof of compliance with Uganda’s environmental and constitutional obligations. The company was given seven days to respond or face court action.

Richard Andama, the network’s Executive Director, frames the move as a necessary escalation after years of unanswered complaints. His colleague, Technical Director Victor Ajuma himself a resident exposed to the emissions insists the matter has reached a tipping point.

“This situation requires urgent intervention from all stakeholders,” Ajuma says, emphasizing that the issue is no longer just environmental, but a public health concern.

Across Uganda, tobacco-related exposure carries a heavy toll. National figures show that tobacco contributes to more than 13,000 deaths annually an average of 204 Ugandans every week. That number surpasses deaths from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. It is also a leading driver of Non-Communicable Diseases, which account for 25% of all deaths in the country.

The economic cost is equally stark. Each year, Uganda loses an estimated 126 million US dollarsto tobacco-related health impacts resources drained from households, health systems, and national development.

Arua District Chairperson, Alfred Okuonzi, has attributed the unchecked air pollution affecting communities in Ajia Sub-county to weak enforcement of environmental laws and policies by regulatory agencies and local government officials.

According to Okuonzi, although the district receives more than 100 million shillings in taxes from the company every month, compliance with environmental and social risk assessment requirements remains inadequate.

“Many times people blame but you see that factory pays 150 million shillings per month during peak hours as revenue, what is central government doing to help them not to affect the communities”. Okuonzi Noted

The LC5 Chairperson has, however, faulted technical officers and the National Environment Management Authority for failing to take action against Meridian Tobacco Company, whose alleged non-adherence to environmental standards continues to pose a public health threat.

“When we sent a team of officers last year we found that they (Meridian Tobacco Company) had no done environmental compliance Audit for four years and we tasked them to carryout. I think the biggest issue is some people are not doing their work like NEMA who is supposed to monitor compliance with the environmental laws requirement, I think we have a bigger problem in this country about entities failing people but they are seated to eat money and enjoy salaries freely.” The district chairman added

Air Injustice Verses Tax Profiteers.

For economists, this presents a troubling contradiction.

Tobacco has long been a pillar of West Nile’s economy. At its peak, the region produced between 12 and 13 million kilograms annually, supporting livelihoods across farming communities. Meridian Tobacco Company itself has played a central role in this ecosystem. Operating a facility valued between 20 and 25 million US dollars, the company contracted nearly 10,000 farmers as of 2017, generating approximately 7.5 million US dollars in annual earnings for associated growers.

Its factory complex in Ajia Sub-county worth 75 billion Ugandan shillings was established in 2013, with full-scale production beginning in 2014. For many, it represented industrial progress creating jobs, markets, and a pathway out of poverty.

But more than a decade later, that narrative is being challenged.

Economists like Julius Mukunda of Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group CSBAG point to what they call “externalized costs” where the financial benefits of industry are offset by hidden burdens placed on communities. In Ajia, those costs may be unfolding in real time, as residents report health symptoms while the economic gains remain unevenly distributed.

“You cannot say, that you want to stop tobacco when you are licensing the companies, taxing them and again fail to protect the citizens.”

At the same time, the region itself is changing. Tobacco production is declining, driven by falling prices, environmental concerns, and a shift toward alternative crops such as horticulture and rice farming. What was once a dominant economic activity is slowly losing ground.

Yet the influence of the tobacco industry persists.

According to the 2025 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index, Uganda ranks 10th out of 100 countries, with a score of 41 a drop from its 7th position in 2023. The report highlights growing industry influence on public health policy, weak transparency, and concerns about corporate engagement through social responsibility initiatives.

In Ajia, these national and global dynamics converge into a single, unresolved question: who is responsible for protecting communities?

Uganda’s legal framework appears clear. The National Environment Act of 2019, alongside the Environmental and Social Assessment Regulations of 2020 and the Factories Act (Cap 220), mandates strict environmental compliance and requires a safe distance between industrial operations and residential areas. These laws are designed to prevent exactly the kind of scenario now unfolding in Bongova Village.

But enforcement remains uncertain.

The situation has already escalated into demands for compliance documentation and the possibility of legal proceedings. At the center of this looming confrontation is not just Meridian Tobacco Company, but also the institutions tasked with oversight including the National Environment Management Authority.

Meanwhile, Arua District Chief Administrative Officer, Wamburu Soita Emmanuel, who said he was not aware of the pollution allegations at the factory, has revealed plans to dispatch a team of officers to assess the situation on the ground.

“I’m directing my team led by the Natural Resources Officer to go and monitor what is really happening at Meridian Tobacco to ensure that they fulfill their obligations in that respect.” Wamburu noted

Meridian Tobacco Company Responds

When contacted, the company, through its spokesperson Ronald Toorac, acknowledged the concerns and proposed relocation as the only viable solution to protect affected communities. However, that proposal has met resistance from some local leaders in Arua District, exposing deeper tensions around land, compensation, and accountability.

Beyond the legal arguments lies a more fundamental issue, there is no publicly available air quality measurements specific to the affected communities. No independent health studies assessing long-term exposure of the Ajia Community, no accessible compliance reports detailing emissions or mitigation efforts.

In an era defined by data-driven decision-making, this silence is striking.

It leaves residents to rely on lived experience on the smell in the air, the irritation in their throats, and the fear that something is wrong.

Uganda’s Worsening Air Quality.

Current data shows that the country’s PM2.5 levels average around 50 micrograms per cubic meter, five times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 10 micrograms. This not only poses serious health risks but also undermines Uganda’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly targets 3.9.1and 11.6.2, which aim to reduce deaths from air pollution and minimize environmental impact in cities.

Globally, the scale is even more alarming. The World Bank’s 2025 report, “Accelerating Access to Clean Air for a Livable Planet,” estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 5.7 million premature deaths each year, costing the global economy nearly 5% of GDP. It further reveals that 99% of the world’s population is exposed to unsafe air.

Ajia is not isolated from this reality, it is part of it. What is unfolding in this small corner of West Nile reflects a broader global challenge how to pursue economic growth without compromising human health. This question stretches beyond Uganda, beyond tobacco, and speaks to the very model of development shaping much of the modern world.

For the residents of Bongova Village, however, the issue is far from theoretical. It is present in the air they breathe each day, in the persistent coughs that refuse to go away, and in the uncertainty surrounding their children’s future. Ajia now stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made here could redefine not only the relationship between one company and one community, but also the wider standards of industrial accountability in Uganda.

END.

From degraded landscapes to emerging green corridors, a government-led, community-driven restoration effort is rebuilding ecosystems, strengthening livelihoods, and advancing Uganda’s climate resilience agenda in Adjumani District.

By Bazio Doreen

Across six sub-counties in Adjumani District, a quiet transformation is taking root—one that reflects Uganda’s broader commitment to environmental restoration and climate resilience.

What were once stretches of bare, exhausted land are now dotted with young tree seedlings, carefully planted and nurtured by communities working in partnership with government and implementing agencies.

Launched in 2025, the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate Smart Development (IFPA-CD) project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment through Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Eco Trust.

The initiative forms part of a coordinated national response to environmental degradation, translating policy commitments into practical, community-level action.

A Landscape under Pressure

Adjumani District continues to face significant environmental stress driven by population growth, increased demand for wood fuel, and land pressure associated with its role as a major refugee-hosting district.

Uganda’s forest cover has declined sharply over the past three decades—from about 24 percent in 1990 to approximately 11.8 percent today—according to national and international forestry data. The country continues to lose an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 hectares of forest annually, largely due to unsustainable harvesting for firewood and charcoal.

This is particularly critical given that over 88 percent of Uganda’s energy needs are still met through biomass, placing immense pressure on forest resources, especially in northern districts such as Adjumani.

In refugee-hosting regions, the challenge is even more pronounced. Uganda hosts more than 1.6 million refugees, and districts like Adjumani experience significantly increased demand for land and wood fuel. In northern Uganda alone, over 70 percent of households rely on biomass energy, further accelerating environmental degradation.

At the local level, these pressures have translated into declining soil fertility, erratic rainfall patterns, and reduced agricultural productivity—conditions that directly threaten household resilience and food security.

A Targeted Government Response

In response, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water and Environment and its partners, is implementing targeted interventions aimed at restoring degraded landscapes while strengthening community livelihoods.

According to Ojja Francis, the District Forest Officer, the IFPA-CD project is structured to deliver measurable outcomes.

“The project targets 1,635 households and will cover 327 hectares by June 2026 across six sub-counties of Ofua, Ukusijoni and Arinyapi for small-scale woodlot establishment, and Pachara, Ciforo and Adropi for agroforestry,” Ojja explained.

While addressing farmers during a tree planting demonstration in Tianyu Central Village in Ofua Sub-county on April 9, 2026, he emphasized the importance of community ownership.

“I want you people to take this project very serious. These trees take a short time to grow. In 3–4 years from now, you will be supplying firewood or timber and this could be your breakthrough in farming,” he said.

The project currently targets 1,635 households and aims to restore 327 hectares of land by mid-2026, contributing to national restoration targets and climate commitments.

Beyond Tree Planting: Restoring Systems and Livelihoods

The IFPA-CD initiative is designed not only to plant trees but to promote sustainable land use systems that integrate environmental restoration with economic benefits.

Through Eco Trust, communities are supported with seedlings, technical training, and continuous extension services. The approach aligns with global evidence showing that agroforestry systems can increase farm productivity by up to 30 percent while improving soil fertility, moisture retention, and resilience to climate variability.

Major (Rtd) Baru Stone, a farmer in Ofua Sub-county, says the initiative is already influencing community attitudes.

“I want to utilize these two acres of the woodlot to showcase to other farmers that it is possible. I want other people in my community to be like me and take tree planting as both a source of income and for fighting climate change,” Baru said

By integrating trees into farming systems, households are able to diversify income sources through timber, firewood, and other tree-based products while reducing dependence on natural forests.

Strengthening Farmer Capacity and Environmental Compliance

Implementation partners emphasize that the long-term success of the project depends on proper management practices and adherence to environmental safety standards.

Joan Amuge, a Project Officer at Eco Trust, confirmed that more than 31,000 seedlings have already been distributed across participating sub-counties.

“So far, we have supplied 31,000 seedlings to the three sub-counties under the woodlot component. In Ofua alone, about 5,000 seedlings have been supplied, with at least 10 farmers receiving 460 seedlings each,” Amuge said.

She noted that the next phase is critical.

“The survival of these trees will depend on how well farmers take care of them,” Amuge emphasized correct application techniques.

Amuge added: “When you apply the fertilizers, ensure that the chemicals touch all the walls of the hole where you have poured the mixture.”

Field-based technical guidance is further reinforced by forest assistants.

Francis Vukereda, a Forest Assistant at Eco Trust, stressed the importance of precision and safety in agrochemical use.

“For two acres, you use 12.5cc and mix it with eight litres of water. When applying, ensure you consider the central point of the farm size,” Vukereda said.

He also warned of health and environmental risks associated with improper handling:

“These chemicals can be highly dangerous. You must wear protective gear like gloves, eye glasses and face masks. Do not reuse fertilizer containers for other purposes,” Vukereda said.

In line with national environmental guidelines, he also cautioned against improper waste disposal:

“Do not throw polythene materials from seedlings in the garden after planting because this affects environmental conservation,” he added.

Such guidance reflects broader national standards, which highlight that improper agrochemical use can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and health risks, underscoring the importance of safe and sustainable practices.

Early Results and Emerging Impact

Across the six sub-counties, early results indicate positive progress.

Seedling survival rates are improving due to consistent monitoring and farmer engagement. Communities are increasingly adopting sustainable land management practices, while reliance on natural forests for fuel is gradually reducing.

Demonstration plots are also serving as practical learning centres, enabling knowledge sharing and strengthening community ownership of restoration efforts.

Advancing Uganda’s Climate Agenda

The IFPA-CD project represents a strategic shift in environmental management—moving from short-term interventions to long-term, community-driven restoration models.

By integrating ecological restoration with livelihood improvement, the initiative contributes directly to national priorities, including climate change adaptation, forest landscape restoration, sustainable energy use, and resilience building in vulnerable communities.

Conclusion: A Scalable Model for Climate Resilience

As trees take root across Adjumani, they symbolize more than environmental recovery—they represent a working model of inclusive, government-led climate action.

In a district facing increasing environmental pressure, the IFPA-CD project demonstrates that restoration efforts can deliver both ecological and economic benefits when communities are placed at the centre.

With continued implementation and community commitment, the initiative offers a scalable pathway for addressing deforestation and climate vulnerability across Uganda.

The future of Adjumani’s landscapes—and livelihoods—is steadily growing, one tree at a time.

END.

By Esther Gune

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has intensified its campaign in Adjumani District, urging public officials to comply with the Leadership Code by declaring their assets, income, and liabilities before the set deadline.

During a recent engagement with civil servants, officials from the Inspectorate emphasized that asset declaration is not optional but a legal requirement aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.

The Director of Leadership Code at the Inspectorate of Government, Joram Magezi, warned that any public officer who has not registered with the declaration system will not be able to declare their assets. He noted that failure to comply attracts penalties as stipulated in the law. With only a few days remaining to the deadline, he urged all concerned officers to act swiftly to avoid sanctions.

“Any public officer who has not registered will not be able to declare their assets, and failure to comply will attract penalties as provided by the law. We urge all civil servants to act before the deadline,” said Joram Magezi, Director of Leadership Code at the Inspectorate of Government.

According to district records, out of 1,363 public servants expected to declare their assets, only 416 had completed the process, raising concern among authorities about the low level of compliance.

The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Achan Okiria, stressed that asset declaration is a mandatory obligation for all public officers. She emphasized the importance of honesty in the process, noting that officers must provide accurate and truthful information about their wealth, income sources, and liabilities.

“Public officers must declare truthfully and fully. This process is meant to build public trust and ensure accountability,” she said.

Local leaders also echoed the call for integrity. The Adjumani District Secretary for Finance, Adrupio Irene Appi, urged civil servants to be honest not only for compliance purposes but also as a commitment to ethical leadership and good governance.

Meanwhile, the Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, Edema Richard, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting the exercise and ensuring that all staff comply within the stipulated timeframe.

The Inspectorate reiterated that asset declaration plays a critical role in fighting corruption, detecting illicit enrichment, and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

As the deadline approaches, civil servants in Adjumani are being encouraged to finalize their declarations, with authorities warning that non-compliance will not be tolerated.

END

By Esther Gune

Service delivery in Apaa, a disputed area located within the Adjumani East Game Reserve, remains severely affected as ongoing border conflicts between Amuru and Adjumani districts continue to create insecurity and administrative confusion.

Local leaders and officials say the prolonged dispute has created a hostile environment, limiting access to essential government services such as healthcare, and disease surveillance for residents living in the area.

Okello Justin, the SACAO of Itirikwa Sub-county, said the growing population in Apaa is struggling to receive basic services due to the conflict.

“The population here is very high, but many people are not being served because of the border conflict,” Okello said.

He explained that the tensions have made it difficult for technical staff to operate effectively, leaving communities without adequate government support.

Health authorities have also linked the situation to public health challenges in the area. Olony Paul, the District Surveillance Focal Person, said disease outbreaks have been worsened by disruptions caused by the dispute.

“The major reason for the outbreak is the border disputes, which have affected our surveillance and response activities,” Olony said.

He added that limited access to some communities has slowed monitoring and intervention efforts, increasing health risks among residents.

Meanwhile, Sabuni John, the Secretary for Health, said leaders are still grappling with the Apaa question as divisions among residents continue to complicate administrative arrangements. He noted that some residents identify with Adjumani District while others do not.

“We are still battling with the issue of Apaa. Some people are willing to stay under Adjumani District, while others are not,” Sabuni said.

According to district officials, the uncertainty over jurisdiction has made planning and implementation of development programs difficult, as service providers face resistance and security concerns.

Leaders are now urging the central government to fast-track a lasting solution to the border dispute to restore stability and enable effective service delivery.

They warn that unless the conflict is resolved, residents of Apaa will continue to face limited access to essential services, undermining health, development, and overall community wellbeing.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline; 13th. April 2026

Security leaders from Adjumani and Amuru districts have intensified efforts to restore calm in the troubled Apaa area, following a joint security committee meeting held on Monday 13^th April 2026 with members of the Acholi community living in the disputed area.

The meeting, organized under the directive of the 4th Division Commander, comes in the wake of renewed attacks between the Madi and Acholi communities over a long-standing land dispute four people were killed and two others left with severe injuries.

According to Asea Collin, Police PRO for the North West Nile region,
the violence has unfolded in cycles of attack and retaliation, leaving communities living in fear and uncertainty.

Bakole Rashul, the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO) for the West Nile sub-region, narrated the unfortunate incident.

“On 8th, April, this year, two people from Acholi community, one was injured badly. There’s a child who was killed in the process. As a retaliation, the Acholi community on 10th, April this year also attacked the Madi people. They ended up killing three people and then others are injured. These are unbecoming cultures of civilization. If we are human beings, if we are northerners, if indeed we feel ourselves are useful, why do we kill ourselves? very unfortunate situation,” Rashul said.

Rashul also highlighted the complexity of the conflict, pointing to both boundary disputes and leadership challenges. He urged leaders to adopt a more informed and conflict-sensitive approach.

“There are two aspects in this land conflict. The issue of district boundary should be treated by leaders in a knowledgeable way using a comprehensive approach. I call for improved local governance, continuous engagement, and sensitization of communities to foster a shared understanding of common goals, while cautioning against retaliatory attacks,” he said.

Addressing stakeholders during the meeting, Col. Bainomugisha Nathan, the 501 Brigade Commander of Zoka and Apaa, also emphasized that the conflict reflects deeper underlying challenges that have evolved over time. He noted that factors such as population pressure, political manipulation, and government policies including the gazetting of Apaa as part of East Madi Wildlife Reserve have contributed to tensions.

“The Apaa conflict is a reminder that peace is not given to its fullest. Today, let us take another step towards building it together for the sake of our children and generations to come. The priority for security forces is to prevent further bloodshed, protect lives, and ensure disputes are resolved through dialogue rather than violence,” Nathan said.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, Toko Swaib, strongly denounced the killings.

“I want to condemn in the strongest terms of what happened last week in Ofua East where we have so lost four lives. It started on Tuesday when a baby was found dead, a baby of about 1 year. And then that now was followed with attack where a total of five people were attacked of which the three died. And of these three who died, one is a gentleman called Mamawi Christopher somebody from Moyo. The two ladies who died also one was taken to Obongi but the other one is in Adjumani. I want to appeal to the communities that revenge is not a solution. Leave it to the authorities to manage,” he said

He also questioned the continued violence over land said to belong to the government. He expressed concern over the loss of lives and suggested drastic measures to prevent further clashes.

“Why should the land that belongs to government now become an issue of tension, and people are killing themselves? If this land is for government, why are we allowing people to continue killing themselves there?” he asked.

He revealed that he had earlier proposed the evacuation of residents from the disputed area, pending guidance from higher authorities, emphasizing the need for a structured process.

On his part, Amuru Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Osborn Ochen, underscored the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding lives, noting that security operations transcend administrative boundaries.

“Security has no boundaries. We are trying to restrain because the issue is about protecting lives,” Ochen said.

He appealed for calm and urged the deployment of intelligence-led operations, including reinforcement of detachments, to deter external actors who may be fueling violence in the area.

Meanwhile, Col. Shem, the 4th Division Intelligence Officer, reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to act decisively in the face of escalating threats. He acknowledged the intersection of politics and security but maintained that protecting lives remains the top priority.

“It is very hard to separate security from politics, but where there is a condition causing insecurity, we stand firm and separate from politics,” he said.

He warned against the use of traditional weapons in the conflict, describing them as deadly and unacceptable.

“From today onwards, anybody with deadly weapons in the form of bows and arrows must be dealt with decisively,” he cautioned.

The joint meeting marks a renewed push by security agencies to de-escalate tensions in Apaa through dialogue, coordinated enforcement, and community engagement, as leaders on both sides seek lasting solutions to one of the region’s most persistent land conflicts. The meeting is part of the bigger meeting that will be held on Friday 17th April 2026.

Leaders across the West Nile sub-region are now calling for urgent interventions to restore peace and find a lasting solution to the Apaa dispute, warning that continued violence threatens not only lives but also the fragile coexistence between the neighboring communities.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

District stakeholders in Northern Uganda have appealed to implementing partners of the Eco Food Project to ensure effective utilization of funds aimed at transforming livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities.

The project, valued at Ugx 8.8 billion shillings, is funded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Italy through the Italian Agency for International Cooperation. It will be implemented by a consortium of five partners, including: CEFORD, NUDIPU, C&D, and AgriTalk, with Christian Blind Mission as the lead partner.

The project is geared towards supporting vulnerable people in Northern Uganda specifically targeting women and persons with disability. The core focus of the project is to ensure that the households that are food insecure and also income insecure are able to generate a food for the households’ consumption but also able to sell the supplies to generate income.

The project is looking at two approaches to ensure that the economic viability and also employment of the groups is ensured through one a promotion of indigenous crops in terms of the value addition looking at what has previously been done here. But also, true it’s looking at introducing new value chains that has already ready market in Italy through the cooperation with the private sectors in Italy.

And under the new value chains, the focus is on crops that are new to Uganda and we are looking at three new crops that is kwangwan, sirium and amarantas. Amarantas is already indigenous here so we are going to start with the production of amarantas and the market as I said is ready. We have Martino Rossi private sector in Italy.

Speaking during the project engagement, Mawa Alatawa, the Head of Programs at CEFORD, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the initiative and its intended beneficiaries.

“They are going to buy this produce in tonnes and it is in tonnes to ensure that the farmers get income but also to ensure that the right agronomic practices put in place with the right storage facilities to meet the international market standards,” Mawa said.

However, local leaders raised concerns about the technical capacity required to successfully implement some aspects of the project, particularly the introduction of new crops.

Dr. Mamawi Ambayo Godfrey, the District Production Officer Adjumani, noted the need for specialized training for agricultural officers.

“You know, kwangwan and sirium are new. And probably our agriculture officers or agronomists may not be confident with the agronomy of how to grow it. So, it will be also important for CEFORD or C and D to have experts contracted to train the agronomists on the value chain of these two enterprises. We know Amaranta’s very greed is not new here.
We have been hitting it for some time, that one is common, but the other two are new,” Dr Mamawi said.

The Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, Edema Richard, underscored the importance of sustainability and responsible resource use under the Eco Food concept.

“Eco food in another way is a sustainable eating and making sure that we conserve the environment as we eat. So, therefore the people gave their money for us to undertake this project. We would like to thank you for really supporting us. Mind his letter’s account for this money effectively by using it as it is required. We requested it for economic use of our food or eating food with a sustainable means. Therefore, these resources that we are getting from Italy must be used effectively for this. To change the minds of our people. In Adjumani particular, we are wasting food. So therefore, this project should be used to change the minds of our own people to make sure that we use food sustainably, not wasting it,” Edema said.

Meanwhile, Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, called for prudence and accountability in the use of the project funds, cautioning against misuse.

“We should not be talking about poverty now. If all the empowerment programs that government has initiated were implemented and people fully took up those programs. Some of these partners what they do, a project comes up with a big sum of money. Like we have here 8.8 billion. How I wish all this is invested in the areas that we’ve talked about. But you’ll see for some other partners what they’ll do, buy expensive land cruisers, buy jeeps. Almost half of the money that we read for the project goes for those expensive cars. So, my appeal here is much of this money should go for this inaugurated presentation of our made. Invest there. Then we’ll realize a little bit of change,” Toko said.

The Eco Food Project is set to be implemented in the districts of Adjumani, Lira, and Kole, with a strong focus on improving food security, boosting incomes, and empowering women and persons living with disabilities through sustainable agricultural practices and market-driven production.

Stakeholders remain optimistic that if properly implemented, the initiative could significantly transform livelihoods and contribute to long-term economic resilience in Northern Uganda.

END.