ADJUMANI DISTRICT

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ADJUMANI ASSESSES PREPAREDNESS FOR DRDIP II AS DISTRICT BUILDS ON FIRST-PHASE ACHIEVEMENTS

By Bazio DoreenAdjumani District has hosted a high-level delegation from the World Bank, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Ministry of Local Government and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to assess the district's preparedness for the implementation of the second phase of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP II).The assessment, held at the district headquarters on Friday, November 6th, 2026, brought together representatives from UNHCR Adjumani, OPM Adjumani, the Resident District Commissioner's office, the District Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer and other district technical officers.The engagement reviewed achievements and lessons from DRDIP I, assessed proposed investments under the new phase and identified measures to strengthen implementation, accountability and sustainability.DRDIP II is a five-year Government of Uganda programme implemented through OPM, with US$328 million in World Bank financing. The programme targets approximately three million people, including one million refugees, in refugee-hosting and transit communities across the country.Presenting Adjumani's performance under the first phase, District Desk Officer, Gulam Abubaker, reported that the district implemented 386 sub-projects from 2019 to 2023 valued at UGX 57,070,801,129, benefiting 139,263 people.The interventions delivered significant improvements in education, health, water, transport infrastructure, environmental conservation and livelihoods.In education, the project constructed 60 classrooms, improving the classroom-to-pupil ratio from 1:110 to 1:72. It also supplied 1,080 desks, reducing the desk-to-pupil ratio from 1:7 to 1:5, and constructed 264 latrine stances, improving the latrine-to-pupil ratio from 1:79 to 1:60.Other investments included two science laboratories, ten dormitories, three examination halls and 14 teachers' houses. At Alere Secondary School, the science laboratory intervention was followed by the school attaining fourth position in science performance among 22 secondary schools in the district.In the health sector, DRDIP I supported five outpatient departments, three general wards, one maternity ward, one drug store and an Intensive Care Unit. Adjumani Mission Health Centre reportedly registered an increase in admissions from 171 to 532 following the construction of a general ward.The project also constructed 144 kilometers of roads, one bridge and two markets, alongside 12 water taps, 4.3 kilometers of water pipelines and a 60,000-litre water tank.Environmental and livelihood interventions included: 1,043 acres of woodlots, 30 acres of ecosystem restoration, 35 acres of irrigation, 26 solar installations in institutions and 3,038 improved cook stoves.Under the livelihoods component, 47 Village Revolving Funds, 107 Common Interest Groups and four Special Interest Groups received support, collectively generating UGX 8.5 million in earnings, including UGX 4.7 million in profit.For DRDIP II, Adjumani commenced preparations on March 17th, 2026, identifying 98 proposed sub-projects under Component One. The district has also earmarked 4,400 acres for ecosystem restoration under Component Two.Proposed livelihood investments under component three include: poultry production targeting 30,000 chicks, 11,250 acres of soya and simsim, 1,800 acres of maize, 720 acres of coffee and 720 acres of cocoa. Other proposals include: supporting 50 business groups, 36 demonstration plots, 11 tractors, 11 value-addition groups and 11 micro-scale irrigation groups.During the engagement, stakeholders emphasized the need to strengthen community group management, financial literacy, procurement compliance, disability inclusion and coordination among implementing partners. They also called for the functionalization of previous investments and improved maintenance of completed infrastructure.Eng. Francis Okello, Civil Engineer for DRDIP II at OPM Kampala, said contracts for the new phase were expected to be awarded in February 2027.Okello also said five per cent of the funding allocated to each sub-project would be reserved for operation and maintenance to support the functionality and sustainability of completed investments. However, beneficiary groups would also undergo capacity-building before funds are disbursed.Okello further revealed that operational funding and Project Implementation Funding Frameworks were being worked on and would be shared with benefiting districts before the end of November 2026. He added that contractors who failed to deliver under DRDIP I had been blacklisted.Davina Roselyn Vusia, Forced Displacement Specialist at the World Bank, urged the district to prioritize peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities, strengthen data management, support refugee access to land and consider existing groups that remain operational.Koma Stephen, Commissioner for District Inspection at the Ministry of Local Government, called for clear stakeholder responsibilities, increased refugee participation in environmental restoration and greater utilization of community-based and refugee-led organizations.Francesco Rubino, FAO Project Coordinator, emphasized the importance of harmonizing DRDIP II with other government programmes, strengthening market access and engaging the private sector to ensure the sustainability of supported enterprises.The Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, called for the recovery of mismanaged funds in Maaji Settlement, reinforcing the need for accountability in the utilization of project resources.The Chief Administrative Officer was also tasked with writing to the Permanent Secretary, OPM, to seek support for fully equipping the Intensive Care Unit constructed under DRDIP I.The assessment marks an important step in strengthening Adjumani's readiness for DRDIP II, with the district expected to build on previous investments while addressing implementation gaps to ensure that the next phase delivers sustainable development benefits to refugees and host communities.END 

ADJUMANI DISTRICT LEADERS COMMIT TO ADDRESS SERVICE DELIVERY GAPS FOLLOWING UKUSIJONI COMMUNITY BARAZA

By Bazio DoreenAdjumani District leaders have committed to addressing key service delivery gaps in Ukusijoni Sub-county following a community Baraza held on Monday, November 2, 2026, to assess government programme implementation, review development progress and respond to concerns raised by residents.The engagement brought together district and sub-county political leaders, technical officers, security personnel and community members to review performance during the Financial Year 2025/2026 and identify priority interventions to improve public service delivery.The Baraza provided an opportunity for leaders to account for public resources, highlight development achievements and agree on practical measures to address outstanding challenges affecting communities.Reviewing service delivery and financial performanceUkusijoni Sub-county has a population of 66,655 people distributed across five parishes. Its service delivery infrastructure includes 77 water points, three primary schools, three Health Centre IIIs and two Health Centre IIs. The sub-county also has 500 beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model (PDM).During FY 2025/2026, the sub-county received UGX 125.6 million and utilized UGX 74.5 million, representing approximately 59.3 per cent expenditure.Local revenue collection stood at UGX 26.3 million against a target of UGX 76.3 million, highlighting the need to strengthen revenue mobilization to support local development priorities.Teenage pregnancy, currently estimated at 20 per cent in the sub-county, was also identified as an area requiring sustained attention through adolescent health interventions, sexual and reproductive health education and community sensitization.Progress across key development sectorsThe performance review highlighted interventions undertaken across infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water and sanitation, livestock development and social protection.Under road infrastructure, UGX 6.6 million was allocated towards maintenance of 23.8 kilometers of community roads covering five road sections: Gulinya–Itirikwa Bridge, Maasa–Maaji Landing Site, Gulinya–Odranga via Ukusijoni Health Centre III, Ayiri–Maasa and Eribaku–Ayiri Central.Payaru–Gbala Road was also rehabilitated to improve connectivity and movement within the community.In agriculture, UGX 380 million was disbursed to beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model to support household enterprise development, while UGX 120 million from the same allocation remained pending disbursement.Five farmer groups received support under the National Oilseeds Project, 15,000 coffee seedlings were distributed and a soya bean demonstration garden established. Additionally, three small-scale irrigation schemes were installed under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Programme to strengthen agricultural production and resilience to changing weather conditions.Livestock development interventions included training 740 farmers, profiling six groups for participation in the beef value chain under the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project and conducting 88 animal disease surveillance visits. The fisheries sector also registered support to 285 beneficiaries.In social protection, Amazara Disability Group, a goat-rearing enterprise in Bikeri Parish, received support through the disability grant, while 32 beneficiaries received payments under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment programme.The health sector registered improvements at Ukusijoni Health Centre III, where malaria cases reduced by four per cent and facility deliveries increased by 15 per cent. The facility conducted 349 deliveries and attended to 15,586 outpatients during the reporting period.These interventions complement the provision of portable point-of-care ultrasound machines to five health facilities in October 2026, including Ukusijoni Health Centre, to strengthen antenatal care, facilitate early detection of pregnancy complications and improve referrals.In education, 45 candidates sat for the Primary Leaving Examination, registering a pass rate of 76 per cent, while two boreholes were rehabilitated in Eribaku Village and at Gulinya Road Junction to improve access to safe water.District outlines actions to address community concernsBeyond reviewing achievements, the Baraza generated resolutions aimed at addressing service delivery challenges and strengthening accountability.The district committed to following up on the outstanding UGX 120 million under the PDM allocation to ensure eligible beneficiaries receive the pending funds.On health infrastructure, district leadership will engage the Ministry of Health regarding the proposed renovation of the Outpatient Department block at Ukusijoni Health Centre III. The district will also pursue the proposed renovation of the general ward and staff quarters at Maaji Health Centre II under the second phase of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project.Health authorities will further follow up on concerns regarding the availability and responsiveness of midwives during night duty to ensure expectant mothers receive timely attention.To strengthen accountability in education, a select committee comprising the Local Council III Chairperson, Secretary for Social Services and Gombolola Internal Security Officer will investigate allegations of resource mismanagement and abuse of office in the nursery section of Ukusijoni Primary School.The district also resolved to conduct a special audit within 14 days to establish the circumstances surrounding alleged mismanagement of funds intended for the construction of an Askari house, routine road maintenance and a latrine.Other resolutions include following up on the proposed electricity extension to the sub-county headquarters, strengthening local revenue collection through the Integrated Revenue Administration System and pursuing the assignment of a Parish Chief to Maaji.On community security, village, parish and sub-county security committees will be made functional, while sub-county leadership will lobby for land to establish a police post closer to residents.A stakeholders' meeting will also be convened to address outstanding administrative boundary disputes and promote peaceful resolution.Strengthening oversight of government programmesThe district further committed to strengthening oversight of government interventions through a district-level PDM review meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026.The meeting is expected to assess implementation progress, address outstanding concerns and strengthen accountability in the delivery of the programme.The Ukusijoni Baraza reaffirmed the importance of continuous engagement between government leaders and communities in identifying challenges, monitoring public investments and improving service delivery.Adjumani District Local Government will continue working with political leaders, technical departments and other stakeholders to follow up on the agreed resolutions and ensure that public resources and government programmes translate into tangible improvements in community livelihoods.END.

ADJUMANI DISTRICT MOVES TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL REVENUE MOBILISATION FOLLOWING LGFC TRAINING.

By Bazio Doreen.Adjumani District is stepping up efforts to improve its local revenue performance following a fiscal decentralization and Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) training organized by the Local Government Finance Commission (LGFC) at the district headquarters.The engagement brought together heads of departments, newly elected Local Council III chairpersons, Sub-County Assistant Chief Administrative Officers (SACAOs), Account Assistants and members of the District Executive Committee to strengthen their understanding of fiscal decentralization, local revenue administration and their respective oversight responsibilities.The training focused on sensitizing newly elected political leaders on the legal framework governing local revenue, building the capacity of leaders and revenue officers to effectively use IRAS for performance monitoring and accountability, and identifying operational challenges affecting the system's optimal utilization.Participants also reviewed the district's own-source revenue performance for FY 2023/2024, FY 2024/2025 and FY 2025/2026, alongside strategies for achieving future revenue targets and improving the use of IRAS dashboard reports.Speaking during the engagement, Unzia Martine, Chairperson of the Local Government Finance Commission, said Adjumani was included in the Commission's support supervision programme because of concerns about its relatively low revenue performance despite previous engagements aimed at improving collections.She observed that Adjumani should be performing better than districts with limited revenue bases, challenging the district to identify and fully exploit its available revenue opportunities.Martine also emphasized the importance of connecting revenue mobilization to service delivery, noting that taxpayers are more likely to fulfil their obligations when they can see the benefits of their contributions."Do taxpayers, especially in Town Council, feel value for the money they pay? Do they get adequate access to electricity? Is their garbage collected on time? These are things that can motivate people to pay taxes on time," she said.She further observed that political leaders establish a social contract with the public through their election manifestos and must therefore take responsibility for ensuring that community expectations are addressed.She revealed that political leaders would be incorporated into IRAS performance monitoring to reinforce their oversight role in local revenue administration.Fred Andema, Senior Manager for Revenue and Research at the LGFC, encouraged the district to broaden its revenue base, address collection leakages and strengthen the systems supporting revenue mobilization.He identified inadequate facilitation of Parish Chiefs as one of the factors affecting revenue collection, arguing that officers responsible for mobilization need sufficient resources and motivation to effectively perform their duties."We need to also motivate the people collecting this local revenue. Parish Chiefs should be facilitated and motivated. At least 10 per cent of revenues collected should be allocated for this purpose," Andema advised.He further urged the district to treat annual revenue enhancement plans as practical management tools rather than administrative formalities, calling for their implementation, regular monitoring and review.Andema also recommended the revival of property tax collection through the functionalization of the district's property valuation board, whose previous term expired in FY 2023/2024.The Commission highlighted key strategies for improving revenue performance, including: assessing revenue potential, broadening the tax base, reducing leakages, improving compliance, enforcing tax obligations fairly and developing realistic revenue forecasts.Improving the district's revenue performance.Figures presented during the training showed that Adjumani collected UGX 412 million against a target of UGX 2.04 billion in FY 2023/2024, representing 20 per cent performance.In FY 2024/2025, collections increased to UGX 1.018 billion against a target of UGX 2.07 billion, representing 49 per cent. In FY 2025/2026, the district collected UGX 1.082 billion against a target of UGX 2.64 billion, translating into 41 per cent performance.For FY 2026/2027, the district has set a revenue target of UGX 2.64 billion, with first-quarter collections standing at UGX 65.86 million.Leku Samuel, the Chief Finance Officer, appreciated the Commission for selecting Adjumani for the capacity-building engagement and providing guidance on strategies to strengthen local revenue performance.He revealed that government plans to establish a dedicated department for revenue collection, which is expected to further strengthen revenue administration.Leku also explained that delays in remitting revenue to lower local governments are partly caused by bureaucratic processes involving different stakeholders in the approval chain.He called upon all stakeholders to embrace technology, strengthen teamwork and support one another in improving the use of IRAS."We need to appreciate technology and help others to improve our IRAS performance. I urge those directly involved in revenue mobilization to use resourceful persons amongst us," he said.Ocen James Andrew, the Chief Administrative Officer, expressed optimism about improved revenue performance during the current financial year, noting that the district had received a new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer from Oyam District, which he said had been performing better than Adjumani.He challenged the technical and political leadership to translate the knowledge acquired during the training into practical improvements in revenue collection.Hon. AA Rokani Moses Simba, the District Speaker, also called for collective responsibility, fairness and a more practical approach to revenue mobilization, noting that declining central government funding makes it increasingly important for local governments to strengthen their own financial capacity.He cautioned revenue collectors against favoritism and selective enforcement, urging them to apply revenue laws equally, regardless of personal relationships."Do not say this is my brother and so I can't assess him for the local revenue payment. We need to work together to improve our district's financial capacity," Simba said.He further encouraged local leaders and revenue officers to spend more time on the ground identifying revenue opportunities and following up on collections instead of concentrating on meetings.From training to action.One of the key resolutions from the engagement was the establishment of a district task force to monitor local revenue performance, strengthen accountability and follow up on the implementation of revenue enhancement strategies.The task force is expected to promote coordination among stakeholders, identify operational gaps and support the effective use of IRAS reports in monitoring collections and guiding decision-making.The Local Government Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 194 of the Constitution of Uganda, mandated to advise government on matters relating to the financing of local governments.Adjumani District Local Government remains committed to strengthening its revenue administration systems, improving accountability and enhancing its capacity to finance local priorities through improved own-source revenue mobilization.END.