Ebong Michael

Lira, Uganda | The conference hall at Margarita Palace Hotel in Lira was filled to capacity on Day II of the ongoing training on Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), reflecting strong stakeholder engagement and growing momentum behind the Judiciary’s shift toward a more community-centred approach to justice. The training is jointly organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry. The training was officially opened by the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who in her remarks formally recognized the presence of cultural leadership and underscored their central role in the administration of justice. She welcomed the Won Nyaci me Lango, the leadership of Tekwaro Lango, the Council of Owitong, and all clan leaders present, emphasizing that the Judiciary regards them as true and equal partners in the administration of justice. She described the engagement as a critical step in formally recognizing and integrating indigenous justice systems into Uganda’s broader justice framework. Emphasizing that AJS builds on long-standing community practices, she clarified that the Judiciary’s role is not to replace these systems, but to strengthen and align them with constitutional standards. Highlighting the urgency of this approach, the Principal Judge presented statistics illustrating the justice gap within the formal system. She noted that while courts resolve less than 5% of disputes, over 85% of Ugandans seek justice through community-based mechanisms such as clans, elders, religious institutions, and Local Council courts. Justice Phillip Odoki and Lango Paramount Chief Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune. Focusing on the Lango sub-region, she shared that as of 24th March 2026, the Lira High Court had 2,240 active cases, including a backlog of 1,123. Criminal matters accounted for 984 cases, land disputes exceeded 500, and civil matters stood at over 600. She further noted that these figures represent only the High Court level, excluding the heavier caseload handled by magistrates’ courts across the ten districts and Lira City. She added that the sub-region, with an estimated population of 3.38 million people, is served by approximately 20 to 21 judicial officers—translating to roughly one judicial officer per 160,000 people. This imbalance, she emphasized, presents a significant access to justice challenge that the formal system alone cannot address, reinforcing the need for complementary mechanisms such as AJS. In her welcoming remarks, the Head of the Lira High Court Circuit, Lady Justice Margaret Apiny, commended the Judiciary for introducing the initiative in the region, describing the training as both timely and transformative. She noted that participants had been carefully selected as key actors capable of operationalizing AJS within their communities and urged them to actively engage with the training to maximize its impact. The Executive Director of JTI, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, reinforced this position with detailed statistics across the Lira High Court Circuit. He highlighted that at the High Court level alone, there are 685 commercial cases, 982 criminal cases, 516 land matters, and seven civil cases. At the Lira Chief Magistrate’s Court, there are 232 civil cases, 530 criminal cases, 62 land matters, and 117 family cases. Additional caseload pressures were noted in Aboke, Apac, Alebtong, and Dokolo. Drawing from these figures, Justice Khaukha emphasized that even if courts were to spend the next five to six years focusing solely on backlog clearance, the caseload would still persist due to continuous inflow and appeals. He stressed that these figures represent only a fraction, approximately 10%, of disputes in society, with the majority being resolved informally at the community level, further justifying the integration of AJS into the justice system. The presence of the Paramount Chief of Lango, Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, further underscored the centrality of cultural institutions in the implementation of AJS. In welcoming him, the Principal Judge reaffirmed that traditional justice systems grounded in reconciliation, restoration, and social harmony, remain essential in resolving disputes in ways that preserve relationships, unlike adversarial court processes which often leave parties divided. In his remarks, the Paramount Chief contextualized the importance of AJS within Lango’s post-conflict history, noting that decades of conflict have left deep-rooted disputes and trauma within communities. He emphasized that while formal justice is important, sustainable peace requires reconciliation and healing at the community level. He described traditional justice mechanisms as the community’s preferred system, highlighting their accessibility, cultural legitimacy, cost-effectiveness, and ability to produce lasting peace without creating winners and losers. He further noted that cultural structures from clan leaders to grassroots institutions already handle a significant proportion of disputes, often preventing escalation to formal courts. However, he cautioned that for AJS to be effective, these structures must be strengthened through training, clear guidelines, and safeguards to prevent abuse, corruption, and practices that conflict with constitutional principles. Following his remarks, Mr. George Ongom, in charge of the Won Nyaci me Lango protocol team, appreciated HW Vincent Muzeyi and Mr. Eton Rashid, Chairperson of Itogo for the Lango Cultural Institution, for their consistent hands-on commitment to advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) within cultural structures. He noted that their active involvement continues to strengthen collaboration between the Judiciary and traditional leadership in promoting accessible and community-based justice. Happening This Month in Gulu City! On behalf of the Paramount Chief, clan leaders also presented gifts of appreciation to Justice Richard Buteera, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Justice Phillip Odoki, Lady Justice Margaret Apiny, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, and Lady Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala, in recognition of their contribution to advancing Alternative Justice Systems and strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary and cultural institutions. The Chief further extended a special blessing to the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, in appreciation of her leadership and commitment to promoting people-centred justice. The Principal Judge, in her closing remarks, commended the Paramount Chief for his insightful contribution, noting that his perspectives aligned closely with the objectives of the training. She emphasized that AJS and ADR are constitutionally grounded and must operate on principles of complementarity rather than competition with the formal justice system. She outlined key implementation

Kampala, Uganda | Lira is among seven areas set to benefit from a fleet of modern fire trucks donated by the Government of Japan to strengthen emergency response under the Uganda Police Force (UPF). The seven fire trucks were handed over by Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Wandegeya, Kampala. The donation, made under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), is expected to enhance the capacity of the Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, particularly in Lira, Tororo, Mpigi, Kiryandongo, Bundibugyo, Iganga, and Luwero districts. Speaking at the event, Byakagaba said the addition of the fire trucks will significantly improve emergency response, helping to protect lives and property. “…This support will strengthen our operational capacity and improve response times in the beneficiary districts…,” he said. He described Japan as a reliable partner in Uganda’s efforts to promote safety and human security, and expressed appreciation for the continued support extended to the police force. The UPF has previously benefited from similar support under the GGP programme. In 2020, Japan donated four fire trucks, a rescue truck, and a command vehicle, while in March 2025, the force received five fire trucks and an ambulance, alongside ongoing capacity-building initiatives. Officials say the latest donation will further bridge gaps in firefighting infrastructure, especially in upcountry districts like Lira, where demand for emergency services continues to grow. Source

Lira, Uganda | The Judiciary has launched the Alternative Justice System (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programme in Lango Sub-region, in a major push aimed at decongesting courts, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening culturally grounded justice mechanisms alongside formal legal structures. Lango Paramount Chief HH Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune at the Centre and Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo on Red with Other Members of Judiciary in a Group Photo at Margaritha Palace Hotel. The rollout, held at Margaritha Palace Hotel on Tuesday, brought together judicial officers, cultural leaders, religious leaders, and civil society actors under a coordinated national sensitisation and training programme organised by the Judicial Training Institute in collaboration with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Registry. The training also included the dissemination of the newly issued Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules 2026, S.I No. 14/26, aimed at standardising mediation and strengthening court-annexed dispute resolution processes. Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo who represented Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija said the Judiciary is committed to building a justice system that is affordable, faster, culturally legitimate, restorative, and anchored in constitutional and human rights principles. She explained that land, family, and civil disputes should, where appropriate, first be handled at clan and community level before escalation to formal courts if unresolved. However, she emphasised that traditional justice mechanisms must remain consistent with the Constitution. Lady Justice Abodo welcomed clan and cultural leaders as equal partners in justice delivery, noting that the Judiciary will support them through capacity building, establishment of SGI registries, and improved record-keeping systems. She also urged judicial officers in the Lira High Court Circuit to actively identify cases suitable for community-based resolution and respect outcomes reached through traditional processes, where parties consent. Happening This Month in Gulu City! Senior Resident Judge for Gulu Circuit, Justice Phillip Odoki, explained that AJS is designed to revive Africa’s traditional justice systems that existed before colonial rule and emphasised reconciliation, social cohesion, and swift dispute resolution. He noted that the introduction of the English adversarial system under colonial administration led to delays, high costs, and strained relationships among disputants due to its rigid procedures and reliance on formal court processes. Justice Odoki clarified that AJS operates as a community-based and sometimes faith-based system distinct from formal Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration and may function either independently or through court referrals. He stressed that under Article 126 of the Constitution, courts are required to deliver justice in a manner that promotes reconciliation and reflects the aspirations of the people. Odoki added that cases referred to AJS must meet two key conditions—consent of parties and compliance with constitutional and human rights standards—warning against discrimination or cruel punishments. He further noted that while serious criminal cases may remain within formal courts, reconciliation achieved through AJS may be considered during sentencing. Paramount Chief of Lango, His Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune welcomed the Judiciary’s initiative, describing Lango as a post-conflict society still dealing with trauma and unresolved disputes arising from decades of instability. He said that despite the end of armed conflict, many communities continue to rely on cultural institutions for justice, with only a small percentage of disputes reaching formal courts. Okune explained that forgiveness and reconciliation remain central in Lango’s justice practices, with clan leaders handling land disputes, marriage conflicts, and even serious offences through traditional restorative processes. He, however, cautioned that AJS must not be abused through corruption, land grabbing, or human rights violations, stressing the need to align cultural practices with constitutional standards. Okune also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining peace in the region and urged continued government support for cultural justice systems. Bishop Emeritus of West Lango Diocese, Bishop Alfred Acur Okodi, called for a justice approach that prioritises healing, rehabilitation, and restoration rather than punishment alone. He noted that some offenders may require psychological, social, or moral intervention and urged the justice system to create space for transformation and reintegration. Former Solicitor General Emeritus Francis Atoke highlighted the growing shift towards forgiveness and mediation, noting that apology and reconciliation are increasingly central to dispute resolution in both religious and traditional contexts. He cautioned against anger-driven reactions during conflicts and emphasised the importance of preserving relationships through dialogue and forgiveness. Judiciary officials revealed that implementation of AJS will be coordinated through the Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar, and court leadership structures, with regional committees overseeing district-level rollout. They further noted that at least 175 clan heads in Lango are expected to undergo training and accreditation to strengthen their capacity in handling disputes in line with constitutional standards. The Judiciary added that pilot implementation in Acholi and Lango sub-regions will inform the national rollout of the AJS framework. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has unanimously resolved to support the Government’s harmonised position on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, ahead of Parliament’s expected consideration of the controversial legislation this afternoon. The resolution was reached during a special caucus meeting chaired by Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua at the Office of the President Conference Hall on Tuesday morning. NRM Caucus Resolution In the resolution signed by Obua, who also chairs the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, members recognized the need to safeguard Uganda’s sovereignty, national security, constitutional order and socio-economic stability amid what they described as an increasingly complex global and domestic environment. The caucus noted that members are guided by presentations and discussions led by the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General regarding the Government’s harmonised position on the Bill. The legislators subsequently resolved to support the government position on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, when it comes before Parliament. Background to the meeting shows that Obua had on May 4 issued an urgent notice summoning all NRM MPs and NRM-leaning independent legislators to a special caucus meeting ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s plenary sitting. In the notice, members were informed that the caucus would convene at the Office of the President at 9:30am before Parliament resumed at 2:00pm to handle business related to the Bill. We are at Your Door Step, Gulu City! Obua also urged all members to attend the meeting physically, underscoring the importance of the government attached to building consensus within the ruling party before the parliamentary debate. The caucus further appreciated the strategic guidance of President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairman, in shaping the Government’s position on the proposed legislation. The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 has already sparked intense public debate, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to shield Uganda from external interference and protect national interests, while critics have raised concerns over its possible implications on civil liberties and democratic space. With the ruling party caucus now adopting a common position, attention shifts to Parliament, where legislators are expected to engage in one of the most closely watched debates of the year. Source

Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District Local Government (DLG) has flagged off 45 children to represent the district in the National Kids Athletics Championship in Tororo. The team, which departed on May 4, 2025, comprises athletes in the Under-12 and Under-14 categories, with 24 and 21 participants respectively, including both able-bodied and special needs learners. This marks the largest representation from the Lango sub-region, underscoring Otuke’s growing commitment to talent development, inclusivity, and youth empowerment through sports. The athletes are accompanied by teachers and coaches tasked with ensuring their welfare, discipline, and preparedness throughout the competition. The District Sports Officer, James Obira, commended district leadership for the support extended to the team, expressing confidence in the athletes’ ability to compete favorably at the national level. “We are optimistic that this team will perform well and bring home trophies,” he said. The District Education Officer, Acheng Lucky, also appreciated the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for prudent management of resources, noting that all necessary arrangements have been made to guarantee the safety and well-being of the learners. In his remarks, CAO Lomongin Joseph applauded the Education Department for its initiative and dedication, emphasizing that adequate preparation would translate into strong performance. He urged coaches and officials to prioritize the health and supervision of the children and to promptly report any emergencies. Resident District Commissioner Erick Masiga described the young athletes as future leaders and highlighted the importance of sports as a pathway to opportunity. “Athletics can open doors beyond what many traditional careers offer,” he noted, pledging continued support for sports development in the district. The National Kids Athletics Championship brings together young talents from across the country, offering a platform for competition, exposure, and skill development. Source

Lira, Uganda | Housing Finance Bank and Union Transport Alliance Uganda have intensified efforts to deepen financial inclusion and expand electric mobility in the Lango sub-region through agent banking and financing of electric bikes. The initiatives were highlighted during an Agent Banking Forum held on Monday at Zegans Hotel in Lira City, bringing together existing and prospective banking agents from Lira City and the nine districts of Lango. Daniel Okello, Housing Finance Bank Lira Branch Manager, said the engagement was organised to strengthen agent banking services and extend financial services closer to communities, noting that over 65% of Ugandans remain unbanked. Okello explained that agent banking is helping mothers’ bank school fees, farmers safely save money, and traders conveniently send money for goods and merchandise without travelling long distances to banking halls. He noted that the bank is committed to supporting local businesses, improving livelihoods, and financing a sustainable future through agents whom he described as “fellow bankers.” Okello added that the bank aimed to ensure the entire Lango community accessed banking services by taking financial services closer to the people. He urged agents to reconcile transactions on time, keep accurate transaction records, remain vigilant against fraud and counterfeit money, and maintain secure workplaces amid increasing insecurity. Now Available on Kakebe Shop! Participants were also trained on identifying financial crimes such as fraud, tax evasion, corruption, theft, money laundering, and terrorism financing. The bank advised agents to report suspicious transactions, including unusual deposit patterns, split float purchases, forged documents, and transfers made to wrong numbers. Officials further highlighted services offered through agent banking, including cash deposits and withdrawals, float purchases, NSSF payments, bill payments, school fees payments, and forex services. Agents, however, raised concerns over delayed commissions, unsuccessful float purchases, failed transactions, machine breakdowns, network challenges, and charges incurred during cross-banking transactions. Meanwhile, Vijan Andrew, Regional Commercial Manager for Union Transport Alliance Uganda in the Northern Region, said the organisation had partnered with Housing Finance Bank to finance Spiro electric bikes for riders without requiring full cash payments upfront. Andrew noted that the arrangement also ensured riders obtained comprehensive insurance covering the motorcycle, passenger, and rider. He revealed that applicants seeking electric bikes were subjected to vetting and background checks to minimise loan defaults. Andrew described the partnership as important in promoting green energy and increasing the use of electric bikes across Uganda. He added that Lango remained one of the strongest markets for electric bikes in Northern Uganda. According to Andrew, riders are required to present two guarantors, an LC1 letter, guarantors’ photographs, and national identification documents before accessing the bikes. He noted that the bikes are digitalised and fitted with tracking devices capable of generating transaction IDs and security codes to enhance safety and monitoring. Andrew further disclosed that Union Transport Alliance had opened opportunities for investors interested in spare parts businesses, requiring only a minimum capital of Shs 1 million and a national ID for registration. He said plans are underway to expand battery swap stations across the sub-region, especially in districts such as Amolatar, Otuke, and Alebtong, which currently lack the facilities. Happening This Month in Gulu City! However, Andrew noted that expansion is being affected by inadequate access to three-phase electricity required for safe charging of EV batteries. Source

Lira, Uganda | Lameck Ongora, the Programs Manager and English news anchor at LBS Radio Dokolo, has been elected unopposed as the 6th Guild President of Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development (NTISD) for the 2026/2027 academic year. Ongora, who is also a first-year Public Administration student at the institute, was declared winner on Sunday by the Electoral Commission. The Commission Chairperson, Ocana Morris, said the absence of a challenger led to Ongora’s unopposed election. “We did not receive any nomination to contest against Ongora. He is therefore duly declared Guild President-elect,” Ocana said. Earlier, three aspirants—Ogwok George, Abonga Joseph and Olipa Tonny—had expressed interest in the position but later withdrew in favour of Ongora. Student sources said Ongora’s entry into the race quickly reshaped the political atmosphere at the institution, with growing consensus building around his candidature. Beyond campus leadership, Ongora serves as the Male Councillor-elect representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Dokolo District Council, a role that has further elevated his public profile. Speaking after his declaration, Ongora described his election as a responsibility anchored in service and unity. “This is not a personal victory but a mandate to serve. I am committed to humility, accountability, and ensuring every student voice is heard,” he said. He pledged to work closely with the administration and fellow students to promote dialogue and improve welfare at the institution. “I will prioritize teamwork and continuity while strengthening collaboration between students and management,” Ongora added. He also commended the outgoing Guild leadership for their service and urged continued cooperation in student governance. Ongora is expected to be sworn in on May 9 alongside other Guild Union leaders. Founded in 1953, Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development, located in Mpigi Town Council along Kkonge Road, is a government-supported institution specializing in training professionals in community and social development. Source

Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City West Division have arrested six suspects following a horrifying night attack in which a 20-year-old woman was assaulted by multiple assailants in two separate incidents within hours. The woman, a businesswoman from Aminyanga Cell in Amuca Ward, had been walking home with friends after a night out when their group was ambushed at around 1:00am in Owiti Cell by more than ten men. According to police, the attackers overpowered the group and dragged the woman into a nearby bush, where several of them allegedly raped her before fleeing the scene. In a shocking continuation of the ordeal, the victim was reportedly attacked again about an hour later in Olago Cell by two other men as she struggled to reach safety. Her companions, who managed to escape during the initial ambush, alerted police, triggering an intelligence-led operation that led to the swift arrest of six suspects, including two juveniles. North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with a manhunt underway for others still at large. The survivor has since received medical attention, while Scene of Crime Officers documented the scenes and collected forensic evidence to aid prosecution. The incident has sent shockwaves across Lira City, with residents raising concern over safety during late-night hours and calling for increased security patrols. In a separate operation the same day, police uncovered a suspected motorcycle theft and forgery racket in the same division. A 54-year-old businessman operating a second-hand motorcycle dealership in Ojwina ‘A’ Ward was arrested after investigators linked his premises to a motorcycle stolen from Kampala. The stolen motorcycle was first tracked to Gulu District, where a rider led police to the Lira-based dealer, claiming he had purchased it from there. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 12 motorcycles, more than 100 suspected forged logbooks, and assorted spare parts, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the business. Police say the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, while the recovered motorcycles are pending verification by the Uganda Revenue Authority. Members of the public who have lost motorcycles have been urged to report to police with proper documentation to assist in identification. Authorities say investigations into both cases are ongoing, with more arrests expected. Source

Lira, Uganda | The government has stepped up preparations for the AFCON 2027 with the official handover of key sports training facilities in Northern Uganda to the UPDF Engineering Brigade for redevelopment into international-standard training grounds. The Pece War Memorial Stadium, together with sports grounds at Gulu University and Lira University, were on Friday officially handed over by the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, marking another milestone in Uganda’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027 under the “Pamoja” bid. The exercise follows earlier handovers of Boma Ground in Hoima and King George Stadium in Masindi, as the government intensifies efforts to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country. Ogwang said the facilities are part of a nationwide programme targeting seven training grounds to be developed to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards within six months. He noted that the Lira University facility alone will cost Shs 13.2 billion and will serve both the tournament and long-term university sports development. Ogwang said that the investment was not only meant for AFCON but also for sustainable sports development and talent nurturing in Uganda. The training grounds will complement the ongoing works at the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, which is expected to be one of the main legacy stadiums for the tournament. The National Council of Sports (NCS), led by Board Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel called for increased private sector participation, especially in hospitality and transport. Officials warned that while stadium infrastructure is progressing well, gaps in accommodation could affect Uganda’s ability to fully host international delegations. Ogwang appealed to investors to establish modern hotels in Lira and surrounding areas, noting that the region would require over 2,000 high-quality rooms during the tournament period. The UPDF Engineering Brigade confirmed that it has already received full funding for the Lira University project and assured stakeholders that construction will be completed within six months. Lt. Col. Eng. Peter Sseku Kidemuka said the brigade will also engage local labour and materials to ensure community participation and cost efficiency. Leaders from Lango and Acholi sub-regions, including MPs, city authorities, and university officials, welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for youth talent development and regional visibility. Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, urged contractors to maintain quality and adhere strictly to timelines, while Lira University management pledged to integrate maintenance planning and sports training programmes into the project. Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Andrew Ojulong commended the government for prioritising sports infrastructure, saying it will strengthen both academic and community sports development. Officials emphasized that the facilities are intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond AFCON 2027, positioning Northern Uganda as a hub for sports excellence in the region. Construction work is expected to commence immediately, with all sites targeted for completion within six months. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | Alebtong District has embarked on an ambitious reafforestation programme aimed at restoring degraded forest reserves and strengthening environmental conservation efforts. Deputy RDC Mathias Lutwama Joins Community Members During the Launch of a District-wide Reafforestation Drive in Alebtong. The initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mathias Lutwama, was officially launched on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in collaboration with the office of the Chief Administrative Officer, the LCV Chairperson, and the district’s Natural Resources Department. The project commenced with the planting of 20,000 pine tree seedlings in Te-Ichonga Forest Reserve in Aloi Town Council, covering 32 acres and Te-Iponga Forest Reserve in Akura Sub-county, spanning 10 acres. District leaders said the exercise will gradually extend to the remaining five forest reserves, bringing the total to seven reserves targeted across all 14 administrative units, including sub-counties and town councils. Lutwama noted that the reafforestation campaign is intended to advance ecological conservation, enhance environmental security, and align with national efforts to protect natural resources. He revealed that the tree seedlings were procured by the district following council approval and in line with established procedures. He expressed concern over the widespread destruction of forest reserves in the district, attributing it to deforestation, encroachment, and unregulated construction activities. To deepen community involvement, part of the seedlings has been distributed to residents for planting at the household level. Lutwama said that the community had embraced the initiative after understanding the importance of environmental conservation, adding that public participation would be key to the project’s success. The development comes at a time when the government has intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has previously declared a “war” on the destruction of wetlands, forests, and water bodies, describing it as a threat to national security and long-term economic stability. Happening This Month in Gulu City! Under the 2025–2026 environmental directives, the government has moved to enforce restoration measures, including eviction of wetland encroachers, suspension of new permits for wetland activities, and protection of buffer zones along lakes and rivers. Despite these efforts, environmental experts have pointed to persistent challenges, including inconsistent enforcement and continued pressure on natural resources. District leaders in Alebtong, however, remain optimistic that sustained community engagement and government support will help reverse environmental degradation and restore forest cover in the area. Source