Youth monitoring report sparks action on service delivery in Gulu
She said the engagement process had already yielded positive results.
Gulu: Local leaders in Gulu District have pledged to address challenges affecting health and education services after receiving findings from a youth-led monitoring exercise supported by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE).
The findings were presented during an interface meeting held at Awach Sub-county headquarters under the Youth Action for Transparency and Accountability Project, an initiative that empowered trained youth groups to assess service delivery in public health facilities and primary schools across Awach, Pukony, and Owalo sub-counties in May 2026.
Speaking during the meeting on Tuesday, Oneki Alfred, a Programme Officer at FOWODE, said the project was intended to give leaders a clearer understanding of challenges affecting communities through evidence collected by young people.
“This project was designed to provide leaders with a clearer picture of what is happening in their communities through evidence gathered by young people. We believe youth can play a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability,” Alfred said.
The youth monitors reported a number of challenges at Awach Health Centre IV, including late reporting by some medical personnel, inadequate staffing, shortages of essential medicines, overcrowding in the maternity ward, and the absence of a mortuary.
Acan Linda, one of the youth monitors, said the initiative had empowered young people to actively participate in monitoring public services.
“The project has equipped us with the confidence and skills to identify service delivery gaps and report them to the relevant authorities. We now feel that our voices can contribute to positive change in our communities,” Linda said.
Despite the challenges, the youth team also acknowledged progress at the health facility, citing the establishment of a youth-friendly centre, a functional laboratory, and a well-equipped operating theatre.
At Gweng Diya Primary School, the monitors identified overcrowded classrooms, inadequate desks, and a shortage of teachers, particularly in lower primary classes. However, follow-up visits indicated notable improvements following community dialogue meetings.
Aromo Rach Gloria, who participated in the school monitoring exercise, said the engagement process had already yielded positive results.
“Classrooms that previously lacked desks have now been furnished, and additional teachers have been recruited through the Parent-Teacher Association arrangement. This shows that community engagement can lead to real change,” Gloria said.
The youth also reported improved access to clean water after one of the school’s boreholes was repaired. Efforts to support girls with sanitary pads were also strengthened.
At Bur Coro Primary School, monitors highlighted challenges including inadequate staff housing, the absence of changing rooms for girls, a small playground, poor road access, and school absenteeism linked to poverty and peer influence.
Responding to the findings, Nyeko Francis Papa, the Chairperson of Awach Sub-county, commended FOWODE for empowering young people to promote accountability and pledged action on issues within the sub-county’s mandate.
“I commend FOWODE for giving young people the opportunity to participate in monitoring public services. We shall work closely with relevant stakeholders to address the concerns that fall under our jurisdiction,” Nyeko said.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Office of the Gulu District LCV Chairperson, led by Hon. Obol Justine Simpleman, acknowledged staffing shortages at Awach Health Centre IV and promised urgent intervention.
“We have taken note of the staffing gaps and other concerns raised, including the lack of an ambulance. These are issues that require urgent attention, and we shall ensure they are brought before the relevant authorities,” district officials said.
District leaders further pledged to present the youth monitoring findings before the district council and work towards addressing challenges affecting schools, health facilities, and emergency transport services across the district.
The Youth Action for Transparency and Accountability Project is part of broader efforts by FOWODE to strengthen citizen participation, accountability, and improved service delivery through youth engagement in governance processes.
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