BALAAM’S ANTI-CORRUPTION MESSAGE RAISES HOPE IN ZOMBO

Farmers, youth and women call for greater accountability and transparency.


ZOMBO DISTRICT, WEST NILE — As Uganda’s fight against corruption continues to intensify, residents of Zombo District are expressing hope that the growing campaign for accountability will extend to the district.


Among those seeking greater scrutiny are Zombo’s tea farmers, who have raised concerns over the management of resources intended to support the local tea project.


The farmers allege that funds earmarked for the tea project were misappropriated by some influential individuals in government. They are calling for an independent and transparent investigation to establish how the funds were utilised and whether any public resources were lost.


The farmers have also raised questions about the whereabouts and current status of a tractor reportedly donated to Zombo by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to support agricultural activities.


This was confirmed by the former minister of state for Northern Uganda hon Kwiyocwiny Grace Freedom now Mp Ora County that the tractor was sold in Nwoya District,but the farmers say they deserve clear answers about the whereabout of the tractor,and also sources intended to benefit them and strengthen agricultural production in the district.


The concerns extend beyond the tea sector. Youth, women and other community members are also calling for greater transparency and accountability in government programmes, including the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and other publicly funded initiatives.

The calls come amid strong anti-corruption remarks attributed to Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister for Local Government, who has warned that leaving public office should not prevent authorities from pursuing accountability and recovering public resources where wrongdoing is established.

His message has resonated with many residents in Zombo, who say they would welcome closer scrutiny of concerns affecting farmers, youth, women and other beneficiaries of government programmes.


For Zombo, the message from the community is more especially the youths simple: they want transparency, accountability and answers.
“Hon. Dr. Balaam, Zombo is waiting for you.”

PLU Unveils New Central Executive Committee as Calls for Inclusive Regional Representation Emerge

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has officially unveiled its new Central Executive Committee (CEC), ushering in a leadership team expected to steer the organisation's strategic direction and strengthen its grassroots mobilisation across the country.


The newly constituted CEC is headed by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as National Chairman, with Michael Nuwagira (Toyota) serving as Vice Chairman and Rt. Hon. Twalla Fadil taking on the role of Secretary General.
The committee brings together a blend of experienced political leaders, public servants, legal professionals, entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders.


Among its members are Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Rt. Hon. Oboth Oboth, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Hon. Lillian Abor, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, Hon. Kwamwe Ruyondo, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Hon. Edwin Karugire, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Hon. Alan Kasujja, Hon. Hussein Kashillingi, Hon. David Kabanda, Hon. Michael Mawanda, Hon. Andrew Mwenda, and Hon. Henry Basaliza, alongside other additional members.


The appointments are widely seen as part of PLU's efforts to consolidate its national structures and strengthen the implementation of its agenda under the "Tuko Pamoja" banner. The leadership is expected to champion patriotism, national unity, civic responsibility, youth empowerment, and community engagement as the organisation continues expanding its footprint across Uganda.


While many supporters have welcomed the composition of the new leadership, some have called for broader regional inclusion in future appointments.
A supporter from the West Nile Sub-region congratulated the newly appointed CEC members but appealed to the party leadership to consider the region for representation on the organisation's highest decision-making body.


"We congratulate the new Central Executive Committee and wish them success in serving the Patriotic League of Uganda. As loyal supporters from West Nile, we remain committed to the PLU vision and respectfully appeal to the leadership to consider our region in future appointments to the Central Executive Committee.


West Nile has dedicated members and leaders whose representation at the highest level would further strengthen national unity and inclusive participation."
The appeal reflects the aspirations of some supporters who believe that broader regional representation would reinforce PLU's commitment to inclusivity while recognising the contributions of members from all parts of Uganda as the organisation continues to grow.

Hon. Atima Jackson Meets PLU General Secretary to Strengthen West Nile Structures

Hon. Atima Jackson Lee, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Regional Coordinator for West Nile, paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed PLU General Secretary, Hon. Twalla Fadhil, at the PLU Secretariat in Naguru.
The meeting focused on strengthening the PLU organizational structures across the West Nile region, enhancing youth participation, and ensuring the meaningful inclusion of the movement's foundational foot soldiers in coordination and decision-making processes.


Hon Atima Jackson Lee reaffirmed the region's commitment to building a strong, united, and well-coordinated PLU structure that empowers grassroots members and advances the League's mission.


The discussions underscored the importance of inclusive leadership, effective mobilization, and sustained engagement with supporters at all levels as PLU continues to expand its presence across the country.