ALEBTONG, Uganda — Over 800 community members, leaders, and government officials gathered at Alebtong Town Council on Saturday, March 14, 2026, for a pivotal Community Baraza organized under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
The event, presided over on behalf of the Right Honorable Minister for General Duties, OPM, by Commissioner Rugumya Norman, provided a critical platform for dialogue on pressing socio-economic and governance issues affecting Alebtong District.
Commissioner Norman was accompanied by Joseph Muserero, the National Baraza Coordinator at OPM, as they joined district and local leaders in facilitating open discussions on livelihoods, education, water, natural resources, health, infrastructure, and land use.
The baraza, a hallmark of grassroots democratic engagement in Uganda, saw residents and leaders alike raise urgent concerns across multiple sectors. A major flashpoint emerged regarding the reforestation of the Alebtong Local Forest Reserve adjacent to the Town Council. Residents, led by community activist Tony Ogwal, urged the government to respect ancestral land ownership claims and consider potential displacement during reforestation efforts. “We support environmental conservation, but not at the expense of our ancestral land rights,” Ogwal emphasized.
Persistent drug stockouts at local health centers and the long-standing demand to upgrade Alebtong Health Centre IV to full hospital status were also highlighted by health workers and residents, who stressed that limited access to medicines and specialized care continues to threaten lives, particularly in emergencies.
The community further reiterated its call for the government to upgrade and tarmac the Lira–Alebtong road—a vital link that would boost trade, education access, and healthcare delivery. The poor state of the road has hampered economic growth and isolated several villages, especially during rainy seasons.
Another concern raised by locals was that several Alebtong civil servants reside in Lira City and commute daily, raising questions about responsiveness, accountability, and commitment to local service delivery.
In his address, Alebtong Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Okiswa Geoffrey acknowledged the concerns and promised to table them at the upcoming District Security Committee (DSC) meeting. He also pledged to convene an impromptu DSC session, inviting the Alebtong Urban Council III chairperson to address the contested forest reserve land issue.
“Under the NRM government, no problem is too big to solve,” RDC Okiswa declared. “We will ensure transparency and fairness in resolving the forest reserve issue.”
Alebtong LCV Chairperson, Odongo Dk, admitted he had only recently become aware of the forest reserve dispute and vowed to strengthen coordination between local councils and district authorities to prevent information gaps.
Commissioner Rugumya Norman, representing the Prime Minister’s Office, congratulated RDC Okiswa for the well-organized baraza and highlighted progress in local governance. “Our periodic assessments since 2021 show consistent improvement in service delivery across Alebtong District,” he said. “This baraza is evidence of a growing culture of citizen engagement.”
He further reassured the gathering that the Office of the Prime Minister would actively follow up on all issues raised, including road rehabilitation, clean water access, and health service improvements. “Every concern you’ve raised today will be documented and presented to the Right Honorable Minister for action and policy implementation,” he promised.
National Baraza Coordinator Joseph Muserero echoed the sentiment, urging community members to continue raising issues through formal channels without fear. “Your voice matters. This is democracy in action,” he said.
The baraza concluded with a consensus that while challenges remain, the open forum represented an important step toward transparent governance and inclusive development in Alebtong.
As residents of Alebtong Town Council dispersed, many expressed cautious optimism that their voices had finally been heard at the highest levels of government.
