Acholi Leaders Unite with President Museveni for Regional Development

President Museveni met with Acholi opposition leaders, agreeing to unite for socio-economic development and address poverty. The discussion highlighted historical challenges, the importance of collaboration, and various development initiatives concerning education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Leaders emphasized the need for a unified approach, setting aside political differences to enhance the region’s welfare.

On March 13, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened a significant meeting with opposition leaders from the Acholi region. The discussions centered on setting aside political differences to collaboratively combat poverty and promote socio-economic development in Acholi. Members of Parliament (MPs) across varying political parties expressed their commitment to support government initiatives focused on improving the region’s welfare.

During the meeting at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni highlighted the historical challenges Uganda faced, arguing that a unified approach is essential for sustainable growth. He traced Uganda’s political instability to the early 1960s, particularly criticizing the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) for fostering tribal politics instead of advocating for a unified nation. He remarked, “The difference between Uganda and Tanzania is that Tanzania started its politics with unity, while Uganda’s politics began with division.”

He explained how past political divisions, particularly during and after the 1966 collapse of the UPC and the Kabaka Yekka alliance, led to long-lasting instability. The President noted that sectarianism hindered development efforts in Acholi, recalling his experiences training young Acholi fighters in Mozambique and the betrayal that followed during the capture of Kampala. He stated, “That’s how bad policies and sectarianism worked against national unity.”

Focusing on development initiatives, President Museveni discussed the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasizing the need for adequate funding for larger parishes to succeed. He suggested increasing resources for parishes based on their household size. The President also stressed the importance of creating accessible education by proposing the establishment of seed secondary schools in every sub-county, enabling children to attend school more easily.

In addressing healthcare, President Museveni advocated for preventive measures such as immunization and access to clean water to lower illness rates. He indicated that “if we focus on prevention through immunization, clean water, and lifestyle changes, we can eliminate 80% of illnesses.” Furthermore, he shared the army’s history of prioritizing national defense over soldier salaries, asserting that a strong national defense relies on sacrifice.

Opposition leader Hon. Okin Ojara reinforced the spirit of unity among Acholi leaders, presenting their collective commitment to overcoming poverty through a platform called ‘Operation Harmony.’ He stated, “We may belong to different political parties, but our focus is on fighting poverty and driving socio-economic transformation in Acholi.” The leaders collectively emphasized the importance of engaging with the government to foster Acholi’s development and prosperity.

They raised critical issues such as the mental health impacts of previous conflicts and stressed the need for a robust Transitional Justice Framework. Ojara highlighted the high levels of PTSD in Acholi and proposed the rehabilitation of the mental health facility at Gulu Regional Hospital. Additionally, they called for transparency in the war compensation efforts and proposed outreach for Acholi refugees still residing in neighboring countries.

The opposition also pushed for healthcare advancements, including upgrading Kitgum General Hospital and establishing new hospitals in Omoro and Amuru. Furthermore, they advocated for improved infrastructure to enhance service and market access. In terms of productivity, they analyzed how to practically apply ‘Musevenomics’ to support agricultural and commercial initiatives within the region.

Hon. Hillary Onek, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, echoed the sentiments for achieving unity for development, urging collaboration between leaders and government entities. He acknowledged Acholi’s long-standing problems and emphasized that working together could lead to tangible solutions. Hon. Betty Aol Ocan also underscored the pressing need for collective action to address poverty and proposed that political affiliations should not hinder efforts to uplift the Acholi community.

The meeting facilitated a rare convergence of leadership aimed at fostering development, emphasizing that together, they can create a brighter future for the Acholi population. It reflected a commitment to prioritize their constituents’ welfare while addressing challenges through honest collaboration and focused efforts.

In summary, the recent meeting between President Museveni and Acholi opposition leaders marks a pivotal turn toward unity and collaboration aimed at addressing poverty and driving socio-economic development. Both sides emphasized the importance of collective efforts to overcome political divisions and focus on the welfare of the Acholi people. The discussions highlighted significant topics, including health, education, infrastructure, and addressing the implications of past conflicts. Moving forward, a unified approach is vital for transforming Acholi into a prosperous region.

Original Source: www.mediacentre.go.ug