Gulu leaders under pressure after damning youth report

23 June 2026, 3:11 pm

By Calnono Emmanuel Upson.

Thousands of residents in Gulu District could soon see improvements in health and education services after local leaders pledged swift action in response to a troubling youth-led assessment report.

The findings were presented during an interface dialogue held at the Awach Sub-county headquarters under the Youth Action for Transparency and Accountability Project. The initiative empowered trained youth groups to assess public health facilities and primary schools across Awach, Pukony, and Owalo sub-counties in May 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, FOWODE Programme Officer Alfred Oneki explained that the project was designed to provide leaders with an accurate, evidence-based picture of community realities through the eyes of young people.

Youth monitors highlighted several pressing challenges at Awach Health Centre IV, including chronic understaffing, shortages of essential medicines, overcrowding in the maternity ward, and the lack of a mortuary. They also noted instances of late reporting among some medical officers.

Linda Acan, one of the youth monitors, stated that the training gave young people the confidence and skills required to identify these service delivery gaps and constructively engage relevant authorities.

Despite the challenges, the youth team commended the health facility for significant improvements, noting the presence of a functional laboratory, a well-equipped operating theatre, and a dedicated youth-friendly corner.

At Gweng Diya Primary School, monitors initially found overcrowded classrooms, an acute shortage of desks, and insufficient teachers, particularly in lower primary classes. However, subsequent follow-up visits revealed immediate progress following community dialogues.

Gloria Rach Aromo, who participated in the school assessment, noted that classrooms previously lacking furniture have since been supplied with desks, and additional teachers have been recruited through Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) arrangements.

The youth report also noted improved water access at Gweng Diya after a broken borehole was repaired, alongside strengthened initiatives to distribute sanitary pads to schoolgirls.

Meanwhile, at Bur Coro Primary School, the report flagged a different set of obstacles, including inadequate staff housing, a lack of dedicated changing rooms for girls, an undersized playground, poor access roads, and high school absenteeism linked to poverty and peer influence.

Responding to the findings, Awach Sub-county councilor V Francis Nyeko praised FOWODE for fostering youth-led accountability and pledged to address the issues falling within the sub-county’s direct mandate.

Concurrently, the Office of the Gulu District LCV Chairperson, led by Hon. Justine Simpleman Obol, acknowledged the severe staffing shortages at Awach Health Centre IV. The district leadership promised swift intervention, prioritizing critical infrastructure and logistics, including the provision of an emergency ambulance.

District leaders concluded the meeting by pledging to table the entire youth monitoring report before the full district council. They committed to a coordinated response to rectify the challenges facing schools, health centres, and emergency transport services across Gulu.

The Youth Action for Transparency and Accountability Project continues to work toward strengthening civic participation, ensuring everyday citizens play a central role in driving public service improvements.