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Amudat locals struggle to access health services

Amudat District, in the Karamoja region, is facing a serious health crisis. Many mothers and babies are dying from problems that can be prevented. Even though efforts have been made to improve healthcare, the situation is still bad.

Poor roads, lack of ambulances, faraway health centres, and harmful cultural practices make it hard for pregnant women to get the help they need. In the financial year 2024/2025, the district recorded four mothers who died during childbirth, and 34 babies died before or shortly after birth.

Out of more than 20,000 women who went for antenatal care, only about 4,000 gave birth in health facilities. Most mothers still rely on traditional birth attendants, who often don’t have the tools or training to handle emergencies. Mr Peter Lobot, a retired health worker, said the number of deaths is worrying.

‘Every month, mothers die during childbirth, and many babies don’t survive their first week. If we had more health centres and a district hospital, many of these lives could be saved,’ he said. Many pregnant women do not finish all the recommended antenatal visits. This means problems during pregnancy or childbirth are often discovered too late.

Mothers share their struggles

Ms Pauline Chelain, a 37-year-old mother from Kataboko, said it’s hard to decide where to give birth. ‘Sometimes we have to choose between giving birth at home with a traditional birth attendant or walking many kilometres to the nearest clinic. The roads are bad, there’s no transport, and we suffer a lot,’ she said.

She added that many health centres are far, and some women have to walk over 70 kilometres. By the time they arrive, they’re tired or already in serious condition. The district also has very few health facilities. Most parishes that are supposed to have health centre IIs do not have them, and the sub-counties that should have health centre IIIs also don’t possess them.

Similarly, constituencies that are meant to be served by health centre IVs have none, and the district does not even have a government hospital. Monitor has learnt that the only hospital in the district is owned by the Church of Uganda.

The locals made the remarks during a mobile health clinic organised on Tuesday by ActionAid Uganda with funding from the European Union at Ding-Dinga Village, Kataboko Sub-county in Amudat District. Some relief came through a mobile health clinic run by ActionAid Uganda with support from the European Union.

The clinic visited Ding-Dinga Village in Kataboko to offer health services and raise awareness against harmful practices like early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

The goal is to help communities protect young girls and support women’s health. But local health experts say more government help is needed. They are calling for more health centres, more trained staff, and regular health outreach programmes.

According to the District Health Office, Amudat has a population of over 203,000 people, but with only 11 small health centres, most of which lack enough equipment and staff.

Ms Juliet Chepar, who is six months pregnant, said: ‘The nearest hospital is over 100 kilometres away.

When labour starts, there’s no time. The roads are bad and there’s no transport.’ She explained that many women turn to traditional birth attendants. ‘They try their best, but they don’t have the skills or tools to help when there are problems,’ she said.

Health officials speak out

Ms Esther Acheng, the district official in charge of maternal and child health, said the poor state of health services is putting mothers and babies in danger.

‘People walk long distances to reach a health centre. Some child deaths are never reported,’ she said. Only 46 percent of women give birth in health facilities, and only 14 percent use family planning services in the district.

Ms Daisy Awilo Omech from ActionAid Uganda said they are working with the district to help women and girls in hard-to-reach areas. ‘We have shelters in Amudat for girls facing problems like early marriage or FGM. We provide first aid, legal help, and counselling,’ she said.

PenCom reintroduces gratuity for federal civil servants

The National Pension Commission has disclosed that it has deployed a framework to restore gratuity for Federal Civil Service under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday at a Stakeholders’ Conference on the Workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for Employees and Pensioners of Federal Government Treasury-Funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies

Represented by the acting commissioner, Technical at the commission, Hon. Hafiz Kawu Ibrahim, the DG said, ‘Working with the office of the Head of the Civil Service, a framework has been developed to restore gratuity benefits for federal workers under CPS, in line with Section 4(4) of the PRA 2014.’

The DG added that ‘PenCom has enhanced pensions for over 241,000 retirees, representing 80% of those under Programmed Withdrawal. Monthly pensions rose from N12.157 billion to N14.837 billion, effective June 2025.

‘Also, since July 2025, no retiree waits to access their pensions. Payments are now immediate, aligned with monthly salary releases from the Federal Ministry of Finance,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta said the Commission will partner PenCom to examine the current rate of retirement benefits and recommend appropriate mechanisms for periodic reviews of retirement benefits.

Defiant teachers scoff at government threats on strike

Labour Unions have joined the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) to reject the government’s seven-day ultimatum to end their strike, insisting that teachers will not return to classrooms until their demand for salary enhancement is addressed.

‘There is no amount of intimidation that will force teachers back to class without the government responding to our call. What we need are answers, not threats,’ Unatu General Secretary, Mr Filbert Baguma, said on September 30.

He accused the government of neglecting its promises for three years.

‘Government knows where the teachers are and therefore there is no reason for him to start intimidating and threatening us. The minister has been sleeping on the job,’ he added.

The standoff between the teachers and the government followed the Minister of Public Service, Mr Muruli Mukasa, yesterday issuing a stern warning, declaring the industrial action illegal and directing teachers to resume work within one week.

‘You are hereby enjoined to call off the industrial action, and for your members, especially those who are participating, to resume duty immediately and not beyond one week, or else you will be regarded as having abandoned duty and resigned accordingly,’ Mr Mukasa said while addressing the media.

The directive wasn’t taken in good faith, not only by teachers, but also by the local government labour union leaders, who dismissed the threats, saying intimidation cannot solve the salary dispute.

Mr Hassan Mudiba, the secretary general of the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union, said the government should instead open space for dialogue.

‘We know the law, and intimidation is itself illegal. What we need is an open time for negotiation on what can be done to solve the issue or a grace period for action, not authoritative comments reminding us of our jobs. Workers are frustrated and tired of being discriminated against,’ he said.

He added that unions have resolved to lay down their tools until the government demonstrates goodwill towards a fair solution.

‘Workers are calling for equal treatment and respect, because we all serve the same country. A lot of money is being utilised by corrupt officials, yet our payrolls are suffering, hence an interruption in public service delivery. We are putting our tools down until a positive course is taken, and it is under the law that local government workers have a right to withdraw or call a peaceful strike in case of any grievances,’ Mr Mudiba noted.

‘Unions are simply reminding the government of its long-standing unfulfilled promises and commitments. We are not walking away from our duties; we are demanding fairness. Government must recognise this reality and engage with us constructively,’ he stressed.

Salary enhancement journey

Mr Mukasa defended the government’s record, saying Shs2.5 trillion has been committed to salary enhancement since 2018/2019. Of the 368,291 public servants, he noted, at least 125,276 officers have benefited, with 60,077 now earning 77 percent of the approved long-term pay targets. Still, nearly two-thirds of civil servants have not received any increment since 2014/2015.

The minister acknowledged this but attributed the delay to competing national priorities. He further noted that the government plans a phased 25 percent salary increase for humanities teachers in the 2026/2027 Financial Year, pending approval by the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Mukasa also accused Unatu of breaking the law, saying no certificate of dispute had been issued by the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council before the strike began.

‘The commencement of industrial action when discussions had not even started is uncalled for and jeopardises the cordial relationship the government has enjoyed with the unions,’ he said.

Despite the threats, teachers have vowed to maintain their strike, leaving millions of learners idle across the country. Next week remains uncertain as 431,856 Senior Four candidates are to sit for the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) as learning continues to be paralysed across the country.

Teachers, mostly in secondary schools, have entered the third week of their strike, which started on September 15. According to section 7 of the Public Service (negotiating, consultative and disputes settlement machinery) Act, workers in the public service shall have the right to withdraw labour or call a strike in furtherance of a labour dispute, provided the negotiating machinery is exhausted.

Salary disparities

In July 2022, the government implemented a substantial pay rise for science teachers, increasing salaries by up to 300 percent. Under the adjustment, graduate science teachers’ pay rose from Shs1.1m to Shs4m, and Grade V science teachers’ pay from Shs796,000 to Shs2.5 million.

Currently, a graduate arts teacher earns a gross salary of Shs1,078,162 and takes home Shs841,931, while their science counterpart earns Shs4m gross and Shs2,858,000 million net.

Wike reaffirms Tinubu’s commitment to rural roads

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to connecting rural communities with road infrastructure.

Wike spoke in Abuja during the inauguration of a seven-kilometre access road bypassing the Airport Second Runway from Bill Clinton Drive to Tunga Madaki settlements.

He explained that the access road, which includes a four-span bridge, would connect nine communities and terminate at Zuba Road.

According to him, the project fulfils President Tinubu’s promise to the community for donating land towards the construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Wike assured residents that the project would be completed by mid-2026, to mark Tinubu’s third year in office.

Student drown, teachers beaten in Ogun school riot

One student has died and property was destroyed after violence erupted at Ilugun High School, Elega, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over an alleged illegal fee collection by teachers.

Daily Trust gathered that trouble began last Friday when the school’s management invited operatives of the Amotekun Corps to disperse students protesting against fees they considered illegal.

According to witnesses, the arrival of the local security operatives caused students to scatter in different directions to avoid being apprehended.

In the process, some reportedly jumped into a river near the school, which led to the death of one student, witnesses said.

Three students were said to have jumped into the river. Two were rescued, while one, identified as Babalola, drowned. His body was reportedly recovered a day later and buried at the riverbank on Saturday.

Angered by the incident, aggrieved students returned to the school on Monday and reportedly went on a rampage.

They allegedly attacked teachers and vandalised school property.

A viral video that surfaced online showed them destroying property in broad daylight.

The clip captured groups of students hurling stones at classroom windows until the glass shattered.

In some cases, they went further by removing entire aluminium window frames, leaving the classrooms badly damaged.

Illegal fee controversy

In September 2019, Governor Dapo Abiodun scrapped the payment of N3,700 levies in all public schools across Ogun State with immediate effect.

In recent weeks, however, Abiodun’s administration has faced heavy criticism over the levy issue. At a stakeholders’ forum themed ‘Repositioning Education for Outstanding Performance’, the governor clarified that his government did not introduce the fee but inherited it from the previous administration.

He explained that the levy originated as a proposal from the Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA), which was later adopted by the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

According to him, suspending the payment became necessary in line with his promise of free, universal, and qualitative education in public primary and secondary schools.

‘I have been criticised in the media about the N3,700 PTA fee. I did not introduce the fee. It was proposed by the PTA and accepted by the previous administration. The fee negates the free education policy of this administration. It is like payment through the back door.

‘I hereby suspend the payment in all our schools. We will also look into the issue of principals and headmaster generals,’ he assured.

Abiodun further said his education team would critically review the items on the list that prompted the introduction of the levy, while promising to restore running costs to support the daily financial needs of schools.

Daily Trust, however, gathered that the government has not been consistent in releasing funds for public schools’ running costs, which has led many schools to impose levies on students.

At Ilugun High School, for instance, teachers were reported to have charged each student N7,500. The inability of many students to pay the amount reportedly triggered the crisis.

Principals suspended

The Ogun State Government has confirmed the incident but said only one person died.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, stated that the deceased could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

‘However, our preliminary investigations have revealed a very disturbing twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a bona fide student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names – Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment,’ he explained.

Arigbabu also confirmed that teachers of the school had engaged in illegal fee collection, which triggered the protest.

He therefore announced the indefinite suspension of the school’s principals – Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi Alaba (junior school) and Mrs. Ladipo Olabisi Temitope (senior school).

According to him, the suspension was necessary following their roles in the incident.

He said findings showed that the principal of the junior school was directly involved in the collection of illegal fees, which sparked the students’ protest.

‘In light of these findings, the government has decided to place both the junior and senior principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate incident.

‘Also, to keep abreast of happenings in schools, a scheme called WhistleBlowers has been established by the government through the Teaching Service Commission to check illegalities, wrongdoings, and other misconduct,’ he added.

The commissioner restated Governor Abiodun’s commitment to providing free education for every school-age child in the state, regardless of residence, gender, economic status, religious belief, or political affiliation.

He further urged students to desist from destroying school property.

‘We all know that we are still battling with inadequate infrastructure in our schools. Destroying the little we have will only worsen the situation, not improve it,’ he cautioned.

The State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, also confirmed the incident, but noted that peace had been restored.

‘It’s a secondary school and the Ministry of Education is on top of the matter. They will tell us what they want us to do, but for now, our role is just to maintain peace in that school and ensure that no further damage is done to property,’ Ogunlowo told Daily Trust.

History of teachers’ assault by students

In 2021, some secondary school students in Ogun State launched serial assaults on their teachers – a development considered alien by many educationists – leaving teachers unsettled and fearful.

In November of that year alone, at least three cases were recorded in which students hired hoodlums to storm school premises and attack their teachers.

In some instances, the students themselves physically assaulted the teachers, sometimes in the company of their parents.

This disturbing trend was preceded by violent clashes among students from different schools.

In June 2021, for example, students of two public schools clashed after two of their colleagues reportedly died during a gambling competition.

Students from Baptist Boys’ High School, Saje, and Ilugun High School, Elega, engaged in a violent confrontation that lasted several hours.

Investigations across various secondary schools revealed that cultism, truancy, defiance of school authorities, and other acts of indiscipline had become rampant.

Teachers, in their bid to instil discipline, often incurred the wrath of unruly students – and, in some cases, their parents.

At Unity High School, Kajola Ibooro in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, three teachers, including a nursing mother, were attacked by miscreants allegedly hired by students.

Similarly, at Community High School, Ijoun in Yewa North Local Government, students reportedly hired hoodlums to attack and chase their teachers away.

In response, the state government introduced a measure compelling parents of students in public secondary schools to sign undertakings on behalf of their wards, in an effort to curb unruly behaviour and restore order in schools.

CDS lauds youths’ commitment at Unity basketball tourney in Lagos

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (OFR), has commended the competitive spirit of teams participating in the ongoing Chief of Defence Staff Unity Basketball Championship in Lagos.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Henry Tafida, Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, praised the passion and discipline on display.

‘From the games I have seen so far, I have witnessed a lot of commitment and enthusiasm among the players. To get to this level, you must have invested time, discipline, effort, and dedication. These are qualities Nigerian youths bring into any endeavour when they are determined to excel,’ Tafida said.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s youth, who make up the country’s largest demographic, continue to shape the nation’s story in transformative ways. According to him, their energy and creativity have fuelled some of Nigeria’s proudest global achievements, particularly in sports.

‘The CDS is a sportsman, so he understands the value of initiatives like this. The competition is already gaining traction, and I am confident that by its second edition, even youths not directly interested in basketball will begin to pay attention. In line with his vision of involving the whole of society in nation-building, this effort will provide great energy,’ he added.

Also lending his voice, Major General Martins Obiora Enendu (rtd.), former Deputy Commandant of NAFRC, hailed the tournament as a laudable initiative that nurtures character in young people.

‘This event is one of the avenues to keep our youths gainfully engaged and to instill in them virtues that will help society grow,’ Enendu stated.

The championship, which features 12 teams from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, alongside guest teams from Edo and Delta, continues Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Winners of the competition will receive ?2 million, while the first and second runners-up will take home ?1.5 million and ?1 million, respectively.

ACF hails Kebbi gov on security measures

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed satisfaction with the security measures put in place by Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, pledging to cooperate with his administration to further enhance peace and stability in the state.

ACF chairman, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Dalhatu Wazirin Dutse, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, as the forum marked its 25th anniversary celebration.

Alhaji Dutse commended the governor’s leadership style and security initiatives, noting that Kebbi State has witnessed significant improvements in safety and security under his watch.

‘We appreciate your efforts in ensuring the security of lives and property in Kebbi State. Your administration’s commitment to the welfare and safety of citizens is commendable,’ he said.

The ACF chairman also highlighted the forum’s commitment to protecting and promoting northern interests and values, emphasising the need for collective efforts to address security challenges in the region.

‘We will work closely with your administration to tackle security issues and promote development in Kebbi State,’ he added.

In response, Governor Nasir Idris assured the ACF of his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, promising to continue working closely with security agencies and stakeholders to address security challenges.

‘We will do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. We appreciate the ACF’s support and cooperation, and we look forward to working together to build a more secure and prosperous Kebbi State,’ he said.

Benue prepares policy to address food shortage

The Benue State government has a plan underway to launch a Climate Change Policy (CCP) aimed at tackling food shortages, as shifting rainfall patterns and other climate risks continue to threaten the state’s agricultural sector.

Mrs. Philomena Iwodi, Unit Head of Vulnerability and Adaptation at the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, disclosed this during the Second Biannual Workshop for the Domestication of the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) in Benue State, organised by the Elim Christian Vocational Training Center (Elim CVTC).

She explained that the policy, which Nigeria has adopted at the national level, serves as a roadmap for states to domesticate in tackling climate-related challenges.

Iwodi noted that Benue began work on the policy last year with technical and financial support from partners, especially Elim CVTC, even though the state government had yet to contribute resources.

She warned that changing rainfall patterns are already threatening the agricultural sector and raising fears of food shortages in the state, stressing the need for immediate implementation of the policy to mitigate the effects of bush burning, tree felling, deforestation, and other harmful human activities driving climate change.

Executive Director of Elim CVTC, Emmanuel Egbodo, said the workshop provided a platform to review progress on the domestication process and chart a way forward for effective implementation.

He noted that while climate change was once dismissed as a myth, its impacts are now evident across communities in Benue.

Egbodo further explained that the Enabling Resilience to Climate Change Related Risks project (ER2CC), funded by the European Union and Christian Blind Mission (CBM), is being implemented by Elim CVTC to strengthen local CSOs and build community resilience against climate-related hazards.

Representatives of civil society organisations also raised concerns about the misuse of chemicals in agriculture, with Iyoula Frederick of Angel Support Foundation, saying many of the foods consumed in Nigeria contain high chemical residues because farmers often apply inputs without adequate knowledge.

Nigeria, EU launch maiden trade, investment dialogue

Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have taken a major step toward strengthening their economic partnership with the launch of the inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and Investment Dialogue (TID) in Abuja.

The meeting, co-chaired by Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), and Ms Dora Correia, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), brought together senior government officials from both sides to discuss trade, investment, and future cooperation.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the dialogue underscored Nigeria’s determination to deepen its global trade footprint.

‘This initiative reflects the growing importance both sides attach to trade and investment as a cornerstone of the EU-Nigeria partnership,’ she said.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the dialogue as a platform to tackle challenges and expand opportunities.

‘The EU remains a committed partner to Nigeria. Through this dialogue, we are building stronger foundations for sustainable trade and investment ties that benefit both our economies,’ he noted.

The talks addressed a wide range of issues, including market access barriers, preferential trade arrangements, investment frameworks, regulatory cooperation, and collaboration within the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Both sides also agreed to identify areas for trade and investment-related development cooperation.

Officials confirmed that the next round of the dialogue will take place in Brussels in 2026, at a date to be jointly determined.

The Nigeria-EU partnership currently spans education, governance, renewable energy, and digital innovation, but officials say this dialogue will allow for a sharper focus on investment-led growth.

Residents protest destruction of Abuja green areas

Residents of Wuse Zone 6 in Abuja have raised an alarm over the rapid destruction of designated green areas in their neighbourhood, warning of severe environmental and infrastructural consequences if unchecked construction continues.

Speaking during a protest on Thursday, Chairman of the Wuse Zone 6 Neighbourhood Residents Association, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, said the green spaces were deliberately preserved in Abuja’s Master Plan to serve dual purposes, providing greenery and protecting underground utility corridors.

‘Already, residents of Wuse Zone 6 are facing the environmental menace of burst water pipes, blocked sewer lines, and contamination with sewer materials.

‘There is hardly any street in Wuse Zone 6 that does not have sewer lines bleeding onto the streets, making them very smelly and unsightly,’ Soaga said.

He warned that the outbreak of water-borne diseases was imminent, citing the built-up estate on the former Julius Berger Park as a major contributor to the crisis.

He added that experts say the consequences of building on these lands include water shortages, sewage leaks, flooding, and reduced air quality.

‘Green spaces are not empty land for sale. They are lifelines. Building on them puts the entire community in danger.’

The residents also expressed concern over the loss of recreational spaces and the strain on roads, drainage systems, and power supply due to overdevelopment.

Notable sites under construction, according to them, include Julius Berger Park, Gilmor Gardens on Rabat Street, and the garden at Tunis/Bissau junction.

‘These areas sit atop underground sewage and water pipelines. Building on them could be catastrophic,’ Soaga added.

The association urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Development Control authorities to enforce the Abuja Master Plan and halt further development on green zones to protect public health and infrastructure.