President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and opposition leaders from Acholi have agreed to set aside political differences and collaborate on tackling poverty and promoting socio-economic transformation in the region.
During a meeting at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni emphasized the importance of unity in achieving sustainable development. He traced Uganda’s history of political instability to 1961, attributing it to early divisions and tribal politics.
“The difference between Uganda and Tanzania is that Tanzania started its politics with unity, while Uganda’s politics began with division,” he said.
He dismissed claims that his past ties with Acholi fighters should have automatically led to the region’s development, explaining that sectarianism undermined progress. He cited the collapse of Idi Amin’s regime in 1979, which led to the targeting of West Nile communities, forcing over 500,000 people into exile.
“The focus should have been on reconciliation, not revenge,” he noted.
The opposition leaders, led by Okin Ojara, MP for Chua West County, pledged their commitment to working with the government.
“We may belong to different political parties, but our focus is on fighting poverty and driving socio-economic transformation in Acholi,” they stated.
Ojara revealed that 10 opposition MPs from Acholi have formed ‘Operation Harmony’, a platform aimed at prioritizing development over political rivalry.
“We asked ourselves: How long should we stay in opposition while Acholi remains one of the poorest regions? Are we leading our people to poverty or prosperity?” he said.
Development Priorities for Acholi
The leaders presented a memorandum highlighting key areas requiring government intervention.
1. Transitional Justice & Mental Health
They called for a Transitional Justice Framework to address psychological scars from past conflicts.
“The conflict disturbed the software of our people. A recent survey revealed high levels of mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder in Acholi,” Ojara said.
They proposed rehabilitating the mental health facility at Gulu Regional Hospital to support affected individuals.
2. War Compensation & Refugee Reintegration
The MPs demanded transparency in war compensation and a clear timeline for payments. They also urged the government to engage Acholi refugees in Zambia, DRC, and Kenya to encourage their return home.
3. Health & Infrastructure
The memorandum recommended:
- Upgrading Kitgum General Hospital to a Regional Referral Hospital.
- Establishing new hospitals in Omoro and Amuru districts.
- Rehabilitating key roads to improve access to services and markets.
4. Agriculture & Economic Empowerment
The MPs urged the government to increase funding under the Parish Development Model (PDM) for Acholi’s larger parishes, arguing that the current Shs 100 million per parish is insufficient.
Ojara proposed integrating ‘Musevenomics’, a strategy focusing on productivity, knowledge, and market access, with Acholi’s Four-Acre Model to boost commercial farming of coffee, cocoa, and fruits.
He also commended the Gulu Presidential Skilling Hub, urging the government to establish more centers across the region.
A Call for Unity
Hillary Onek, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, commended the leaders for prioritizing development over division.
“We recognize that some of Acholi’s setbacks stemmed from political differences. That’s why we have resolved to work together to support the government’s development agenda,” he said.
Betty Aol Ocan, MP for Gulu City, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that unity was critical in fighting poverty.
“As long as we put Acholi’s interests first, why shouldn’t we work together?” she asked.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Dr. Kenneth Omona, Gen. David Muhoozi, NRM Secretary-General Richard Todwong, and several MPs from Acholi.
The discussions marked a new chapter in the region’s politics, with leaders vowing to work together for Acholi’s progress.
