Tension gripped parts of Adjumani District this past week as security forces arrested over 60 individuals in a failed attempt to illegally enter and settle in Zoka Central Forest Reserve.

According to police, the group which reportedly numbered over 200 — was intercepted on Wednesday afternoon as they moved into the Acholi Bay section of the protected forest. The joint operation involved the Uganda Police Force, UPDF, and the Field Force Unit.

Authorities say the group was equipped with pangas, hoes, and other tools, suggesting they were prepared to clear land. Over 50 pangas, 10 hoes, and dozens of mobile phones were seized at the scene. Police believe the action was premeditated and organized.

SP Collins Asea, spokesperson for the North West Nile Region Police, confirmed that 10 individuals identified as ringleaders have been transferred to Adjumani Central Police Station for further investigation. “We are still hunting for others who managed to flee during the raid,” Asea told reporters.
While many of the suspects claimed they were reclaiming ancestral land, the area is legally designated as a Central Forest Reserve and is protected under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act. Under Sections 37 and 38 of the Act, illegal entry or settlement into a forest reserve is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to Shs4 million or a prison sentence of up to two years.

Local leaders have condemned the invasion attempt, warning that such actions risk further environmental degradation. “We understand land pressures, but forest reserves are not up for grabs,” one official noted, urging residents to seek lawful avenues for land claims.

Environmentalists have long raised concerns over the rapid depletion of Uganda’s forests, with an estimated 90,000 hectares lost annually due to human encroachment, charcoal burning, and illegal logging.

The case has been officially registered as SD Ref 42/22/11/2025 at Adjumani CPS. Investigations continue as authorities prepare to prosecute those involved.

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A very well calculated scheme by a section of South Sudanese individuals to orchestrate trade protocols across the border with Uganda has left many stakeholders in utter shock about the management of public revenue and regional economic integration.

This calls for the intervention of the two governments to investigate why some officials from the South Sudan Revenue Authority are usurping powers of the relevant ministries to push for measures that may result in non-tariff barriers. This has not only sparked debate about compliance with regional trade protocols, but it has also instilled fears about the motives of these individuals. It would be prudent for the respective finance ministries to intervene and restore order at the border before the situation gets out of hand.
 Following the letter dated November 21, 2025, and referenced RSS/SSRA/J/CG/OUT/2025/547, the SSRA CG notifies the URA Commissioner General about the unscheduled urgent meeting regarding the implementation and enforcement of the E-Permit system between the two administrations.

However, the URA Commissioner General has taken a lead in protecting both Ugandan and Sudanese traders by swiftly suspending the E=Permit enforcement for the destined goods to South Sudan due to predicted and detected adverse effects of the system.

Following the controversy, there is already suspicion, delays, and rising business costs that have continued to cast a long shadow over cross-border trade, fueling fears that private enrichment is taking precedence over public revenue and regional integration.

It should be noted that SSRA introduced the use of electronic import permits, a system they argue has been interpreted by some Ugandan enforcement teams as mandatory for goods entering South Sudan through Uganda whereas not.

Stakeholders claim that this has led to instances in which officials on the Ugandan side began enforcing requirements that are not yet harmonized under regional frameworks.

Business associations, traders and transporters contend that such actions could contradict regional trade agreements governing the free movement of goods and persons, including protocols under the East African Community (EAC) and related bilateral trade arrangements. They warn that additional layers of documentation may create delays, raise transport costs, and disrupt supply chains vital to both economies.

“We are concerned that these new procedures, which appear to be outside the agreed regional frameworks, are slowing down trade and causing uncertainty for businesses,” said one of the concerned traders. “We need clarity from both governments.”
Persistent confusion at the Uganda–South Sudan border points has intensified after traders, transporters, and civil society monitors alleged that a private company, working in connection with officials in South Sudan, is behind a controversial electronic import-permit system that many believe is driving unofficial fees and double taxation on goods bound for Juba.
According to multiple trader associations, the electronic import permit system appears to have been initiated through a private company whose role has not been publicly clarified. Transporters report that they are often told they cannot proceed without purchasing these electronic permits, even when they have already paid customs duties at designated points.
The way this system is designed, there are fears of double taxation as well as revenue leakage. Economic analysts monitoring the situation warn that if the allegations are verified, the scheme could be siphoning significant revenue away from official South Sudan government channels, leaving both traders and the state short-changed.

The innocent traders are subjected to paying normal customs duties, border processing fees and additional charges linked to the electronic permit system. This is unfair because the receipts issued allegedly lack clear government coding, and this may lead to funds being diverted to private accounts rather than the national treasury.

A regional trade expert said, “South Sudan’s economy is fragile; any unmonitored extractions, legal or otherwise, directly undermine public revenue and distort the cost of goods in the market.”
On the Ugandan side, enforcement officers appear to be acting on what traders describe as ambiguous directives. This has created a scenario in which Uganda may inadvertently be enforcing requirements not recognized under regional law, potentially placing the country in conflict with EAC commitments.
Prominent traders contend that neither the EAC nor the bilateral Uganda–South Sudan agreements provide for electronic import permits issued through private intermediaries.
The confusion has also strained the crucial Elegu–Nimule corridor through which a significant share of South Sudan’s essential imports pass. The transport delays and informal fees are already contributing to higher commodity prices in Juba and the surrounding counties.

Calls for policy clarity

Civil society groups, chambers of commerce, and logistics unions are now demanding a formal investigation into: the legal authority behind the electronic permit scheme, the identity and mandate of the private company involved, the transparency and accounting of fees collected and Uganda’s basis for enforcing a system not formally recognized regionally.

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The Ruparelia Foundation is set to bring festive joy to vulnerable communities across Uganda this December, as it launches its annual Christmas outreach in honour of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.

The Foundation, known for its philanthropic initiatives in education, health and community development is inviting Ugandans from all walks of life to join in giving back to those in need.

The celebrations will take place across multiple locations, targeting orphanages and community centers.

The Foundation believes that Rajiv Ruparelia’s laughter lives in every heart he touched. 

This Christmas, the Foundation wants to continue his legacy by spreading love, joy and hope to children and families who need it most.

The schedule of events includes: 5th December 2025, 3 PM – Ghetto Research Lab, Mulago Kamwokya, 6th December 2025, 10 AM – Chrystal Children’s Centre, Sebuliba Kitale, 12th December 2025, 10 AM – Ekikalu Community, Kyebando and 13th December 2025, 10 AM at King’s Ways Academy Junior School, Nansana Town Village

The Foundation is calling on well-wishers to support the cause by volunteering their time or donating items. Donations can be dropped off at the Kabira Country Club reception, with a reminder that only clean and usable items are accepted. For more information or to get involved, members of the public can contact +256 756 777 646.

This initiative reveals Ruparelia Foundation’s commitment to uplifting communities and ensuring that the spirit of Christmas reaches those who need it most.

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President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday, November 20, commissioned a Shs180.49 billion starch processing plant in Namasagali Sub-county, Kamuli District.

The new facility, developed by Dei Biopharma founder Dr Matthias Magoola will manufacture starch, glucose and maltose for the pharmaceutical and food sectors. The plant will rely heavily on cassava, requiring about 500 metric tonnes per day, and is designed to generate more than 100 product derivatives from cassava, maize and potatoes.

The starch plant is part of the $10 billion biotechnology vision that includes a 1,000-bed specialised hospital, a vaccine manufacturing centre and advanced pharmaceutical production facilities.

While commissioning the plant, President Museveni praised Magoola’s persistence and contribution to Uganda’s scientific growth.

“I commissioned the Dei Group Advanced Agro-Processing Park and the new starch plant here in Busambo, Namasagali,” he said.

He noted,“I congratulate Mr Magoola for his innovation and resilience. From his early work in Matuuga on malaria remedies rooted in our ancient knowledge, to the vibrant progress we see today, he continues to make a real contribution to Uganda’s wealth creation journey.”

The President also reflected on his longstanding support for the scientist.

“I met this young man through his uncle, and I helped him when he faced difficulties in India. I facilitated his legal processes, and today we appreciate his innovation. We should support people like him,” Museveni said.

He urged Ugandans to embrace rather than discourage innovators.

“I don’t know why Africans don’t like innovation,” the President remarked.

He added,“Many prefer sleeping and criticising. Magoola, forgive everyone disturbing you. Even when I began my struggle, people thought I was mad.”

Museveni emphasised the central role of industrialisation in job creation, noting that manufacturing employs more Ugandans than the public sector. He pledged to establish an industrial park in Namasagali once land is made available.

Dr Magoola said the new facility would significantly cut the cost of pharmaceuticals on the continent, since almost all starch and related ingredients used in tablet and capsule production are currently imported. He said the plant positions Dei Biopharma among the first African firms capable of producing its own pharmaceutical inputs.

According to him, the project will also create thousands of jobs and provide a reliable market for farmers across Busoga, Bukedi, Lango and Teso.

President Museveni commended international partners involved in the project.

“I thank the partners, including our friends from the United States, who are supporting these efforts,” he added.

The commissioning took place during the President’s re-election campaign tour of Kamuli District and was attended by First Lady Janet Museveni alongside local leaders and residents.

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