Collaboration for Prosperity: President Museveni and Acholi Leaders Unite

President Museveni met Acholi opposition leaders, agreeing to unite for development. They committed to addressing poverty, improving education, and enhancing healthcare. The discussions emphasized the importance of cooperation across political lines to promote socio-economic transformation in Acholi.

On March 13, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened a meeting with Acholi opposition leaders at State House, Entebbe, where both sides expressed a commitment to collaborate for the socio-economic development of the region. This gathering marked a significant moment as representatives from various political parties agreed to set aside their differences to tackle issues such as poverty and transformation efforts specifically targeting the Acholi sub-region.

During the meeting, President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s historical challenges, asserting that national unity is crucial for sustainable development. He traced Uganda’s political instability back to 1961, attributing early missteps to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and its divisive policies toward the Buganda Kingdom, which he believed had lasting negative impacts on national unity. He noted, “The difference between Uganda and Tanzania is that Tanzania started its politics with unity…”

The President highlighted that sectarianism had severely impeded development efforts in the Acholi region. He recalled instances of conflict within the Uganda People’s Congress and related instances that hindered the long-term objectives of unity. To this end, he emphasized the need for reconciliation over vengeance as the nation reflects on past grievances.

President Museveni also addressed poverty alleviation strategies being implemented through the Parish Development Model (PDM), noting the limitations of current funding models for large parishes. He advocated for establishing affordable seed secondary schools within each sub-county to foster accessible education for children.

Moreover, the discussion encompassed healthcare improvements, focusing on prevention as a means to reduce illness rates. President Museveni asserted, “Curative health is expensive. If we focus on prevention through immunization… we can eliminate 80% of illnesses.”

The opposition leaders, represented by Hon. Okin Ojara from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), stressed their commitment to cooperation across political lines to address the needs of their constituents. They proposed a platform named ‘Operation Harmony’ aimed at collective efforts to uplift the Acholi sub-region, asserting the need to engage the government for the betterment of their people.

Hon. Ojara articulated queries aimed at addressing the socioeconomic state of Acholi, declaring that political affiliations should not hinder their goal of prosperity for the region, prompting a direct engagement with the government. The leaders also emphasized the necessity for a robust Transnational Justice Framework to heal psychological scars from past conflicts, and proposed establishing a Mental Rehabilitation Center in Acholi.

In their memorandum, the opposition leaders requested improvements in healthcare infrastructure, including the upgrade of hospitals and the rehabilitation of roads to enhance connectivity and service delivery. They addressed the incorporation of modern agricultural strategies to improve productivity aligned with President Museveni’s economic strategies.

Hon. Hillary Onek, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, echoed sentiments of unity and collaboration, highlighting the significance of collective efforts to address chronic regional challenges. He spoke positively about the President’s goodwill towards Acholi and encouraged a joint vision focused on progress.

Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, a member of parliament for Gulu City, underscored the urgency of collective actions to combat poverty, defending unity despite differing political ideologies, thus encapsulating the overarching message of cooperation to uplift the Acholi sub-region. The meeting was attended by various key political figures, reflecting widespread commitment to this newfound collaborative spirit towards development.

In conclusion, the meeting between President Museveni and Acholi opposition leaders represents a pivotal step towards unity and cooperation for the socio-economic betterment of the Acholi sub-region. The emphasis on collaborative strategies to combat poverty, improve education, and enhance healthcare sets a promising agenda for sustainable development. As political affiliations are set aside, the focus now shifts to tangible actions, reaffirming the leaders’ commitment to work together for transformative change in the region.

Original Source: www.mediacentre.go.ug