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GROWING RESILIENCE: HOW IFPA-CD PROJECT IS REBUILDING CLIMATE FUTURES ACROSS SIX SUB-COUNTIES IN ADJUMANI.

By Bazio DoreenAcross 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 PressureAdjumani 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 ResponseIn 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 LivelihoodsThe 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 saidBy 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 ComplianceImplementation 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 ImpactAcross 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 AgendaThe 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 ResilienceAs 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.

IGG ROLLS OUT INCOMES AND ASSETS DECLARATION CAMAPIGN TO ADJUMANI

By Bazio Doreen. The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has intensified enforcement of the Leadership Code in Adjumani District, calling on all public officers from the salary scale of U4 downwards to comply with the statutory requirement of declaring assets, income, and liabilities within the stipulated deadline.During an official engagement with civil servants, the Inspectorate emphasized that asset declaration is not optional but a legal obligation under the Leadership Code Act, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. This intervention forms part of the Government’s broader national anti-corruption strategy.The Director of Leadership Code, Joram Magezi, cautioned that only officers registered on the declaration system will be able to submit their returns, warning that non-compliance constitutes an offence under the law.“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,” he said.According to district administrative records, out of 1,363 public officers expected to declare their assets in Adjumani, only 416 had complied, representing a compliance rate of 30.5%. This falls significantly below national expectations, where the Inspectorate has consistently targeted higher compliance levels across Ministries, Departments, and Local Governments. The low turnout in Adjumani reflects broader national challenges in enforcement and compliance, particularly at local government level.While speaking to Civil servants in Adjumani at the district council hall on Thursday 16th April 2026, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Achan Okiria, reaffirmed that asset declaration is a mandatory requirement and must be undertaken with honesty and accuracy.“Public officers must declare truthfully and fully. This process is meant to build public trust and ensure accountability,” she said.Local leadership aligned with the national directive. The Adjumani District Secretary for Finance, Adrupio Irene Appi, urged civil servants to embrace integrity beyond compliance, while the Principal Chief Administrative Officer, Edema Richard, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to ensuring all staff meet the legal requirement within the prescribed timeframe.At the national level, the asset declaration exercise is a key tool in combating corruption, which remains a significant governance challenge in Uganda. According to Transparency International, Uganda scored 25 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking among the lower-performing countries globally, indicating persistent public sector corruption concerns .Further, national data indicates that Uganda loses an estimated UGX 9–10 trillion annually to corruption—equivalent to nearly 23% of the national budget and up to 44% of domestic revenue—highlighting the scale of the problem and its impact on service delivery .Public perception surveys also show growing concern, with about 66% of Ugandans reporting that corruption has increased, and a majority indicating widespread corruption among public institutions, including civil service structures . These trends underscore the importance of compliance mechanisms such as asset declaration in strengthening oversight and detecting illicit enrichment.Comparatively, while some central government institutions have registered improved enforcement outcomes—including prosecution of over 100 corruption cases and disciplinary action against public officials in recent years—compliance gaps at district level remain a concern . The situation in Adjumani therefore reflects a broader national pattern where local government entities often lag behind in meeting governance and accountability benchmarks.The Inspectorate reiterated that asset declaration is a critical preventive measure in the fight against corruption, enabling early detection of unexplained wealth and reinforcing public confidence in government institutions. As the deadline of 30th April 2026 approaches, all public officers in Adjumani District are urged to finalize their declarations, with authorities warning that enforcement measures will be applied to ensure full compliance.END   

MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONFIRMS MEASLES OUTBREAK IN ADJUMANI, ACTIVATES EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES.

By Bazio DoreenThe Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Adjumani District Local Government, has confirmed a measles outbreak in Apaa Parish, Itirikwa Sub County, Adjumani District, with 30 laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths reported to date.In line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework, the Ministry has activated the District Task Force to coordinate a multi-sectoral emergency response aimed at interrupting transmission and preventing further spread of the disease.The Resident District Commissioner, Tako Swaib, affirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through coordinated interventions.“Government has instituted immediate response measures, including intensified surveillance, case management, and mass immunization. We urge all parents and caregivers to ensure that children are fully immunized against measles,” he stated.Preliminary findings from district surveillance teams indicate that the outbreak is largely associated with sub-optimal routine immunization coverage. According to the District Surveillance Focal Person, Olony Paul, approximately 65% of the affected individuals had not received the measles vaccine.“This outbreak highlights persistent immunity gaps within communities. Strengthening routine immunization and outreach services remains critical to preventing future outbreaks,” he noted.The Ministry further notes that population movement and limited access to health services—partly attributed to ongoing border challenges—have disrupted routine vaccination activities in the affected areas.The Medical Superintendent, Ambaku Michael, emphasized the importance of cross-border and inter-district collaboration in managing public health risks.“Coordinated efforts between Adjumani and neighboring districts, including Amuru, are essential to ensure comprehensive surveillance and effective outbreak control,” he said.Response interventions currently being implemented include: Active case search and line listing; Community-based surveillance and risk communication; Targeted supplementary immunization activities (SIAs); and Case management in designated health facilitiesMeasles remains a highly contagious viral disease, with a basic reproduction number (R₀) ranging between 12 and 18, making rapid transmission likely in unvaccinated populations. However, it is preventable through safe and effective vaccination, with two doses of the measles-containing vaccine providing up to 97% protection.Uganda’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) recommends routine measles vaccination for all children, with periodic supplementary campaigns conducted to close immunity gaps and achieve herd immunity thresholds of at least 95%.The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the situation is under control and calls upon all communities to cooperate with health workers, adhere to vaccination schedules, and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.                                             END  MEASLES OUTBREAK HITS ADJUMANI, 30 CASES AND TWO DEATHS CONFIRMEDBy Esther GunePanic and concern have emerged in Adjumani District following a confirmed measles outbreak in Apaa Itirikwa Sub-county, where health authorities have recorded 30 laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths, prompting urgent discussions during the District Task Force meeting as officials warn of a possible rapid spread of the highly contagious disease if immediate containment measures are not strengthened.District leaders say the outbreak has created tension within the health department as teams intensify surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and community sensitization efforts to contain the disease, especially among vulnerable children in hard-to-reach areas.The Resident District Commissioner, Tako Swaib, confirmed the outbreak and urged residents to embrace immunization despite ongoing border disputes affecting the area.“We have confirmed a measles outbreak in Apaa Itirikwa Sub-county, and I encourage all residents to take their children for vaccination to protect the community. Despite the border disputes in the area, health services will continue to ensure the outbreak is contained,” Swaib said.Health officials attributed the outbreak mainly to low vaccination coverage in the affected communities. The District Surveillance Focal Person, Olony Paul, revealed that a significant number of those infected had not received routine immunization.“The major cause of this measles outbreak is low vaccination coverage. About 65% of the 32 affected individuals were not vaccinated, and the ongoing border disputes have also interfered with immunization activities and access to health services,” Olony explained.According to health authorities, population movements and limited access to health facilities due to insecurity linked to border disagreements have made it difficult for health workers to conduct routine vaccination outreach programs.The Medical Superintendent of Adjumani District, Ambaku Michael, said the situation highlights the need for joint intervention between neighbouring districts to effectively manage disease outbreaks in border communities.“All these results are largely due to the ongoing border disputes, which have affected health service delivery and vaccination efforts. There is a need for close collaboration between Adjumani District and Amuru District to effectively control and prevent further spread of the outbreak,” Ambaku said.District health teams have since heightened surveillance, community screening, and immunization campaigns while urging parents and guardians to ensure children receive measles vaccines to prevent further infections.Health authorities warn that measles remains highly contagious but preventable through vaccination, calling on communities to cooperate with health workers as response efforts continue across affected areas.                                            END