On March 13, 2025, President Museveni met with Acholi opposition leaders to forge unity for regional development. Both parties acknowledged the historical context of Uganda’s challenges and emphasized collaboration to address poverty and promote socio-economic transformation. Key discussions included educational reform, healthcare improvements, and the need for a transitional justice framework. The meeting’s spirit of cooperation marks a pivotal moment for the Acholi region, aiming for shared prosperity and development.
On March 13, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened a meeting with opposition leaders from the Acholi region, fostering a collaborative spirit to combat poverty and enhance socio-economic development. This gathering at State House in Entebbe marked a significant shift, with attendees affirming their commitment to work alongside the government, transcending political divides for the betterment of Acholi.
During the discussions, President Museveni recounted Uganda’s historical challenges and advocated for unity and common objectives as vital components for sustainable progress. He traced Uganda’s political instability to decisions made as far back as 1961, criticizing the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) for perpetuating tribal divisions rather than promoting national cohesion.
The President further dismissed the notion that the Acholi region should have automatically thrived due to past military alliances, attributing struggles in development to sectarianism. He emphasized that unity is paramount, recalling the tragic legacy of the Idi Amin regime and the subsequent widespread suffering resulting from vengeful politics instead of reconciliation.
As part of the dialogue, he reiterated the government’s focus on reducing poverty through the Parish Development Model (PDM). Museveni acknowledged the challenges in funding larger parishes, promoting innovative solutions for the equitable distribution of resources. He advocated for educational reforms emphasizing the establishment of secondary schools conducive to accessibility and affordability.
The President also highlighted preventive healthcare measures, asserting that focusing on immunization and clean water could significantly reduce illness. He advocated for a mindset change among Acholi leaders, urging them to inspire youth through unity and hard work.
Leaders such as Hon. Okin Ojara, representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), expressed solidarity in addressing poverty despite differing political backgrounds. He introduced ‘Operation Harmony,’ an initiative uniting ten opposition MPs from Acholi, emphasizing their shared commitment to socio-economic advancement for the region.
Hon. Ojara articulated tough introspections regarding their political roles and the dire necessity for direct engagement with the government to improve living conditions. He stressed the need for transitional justice to address the psychological impacts of past conflicts, proposing the rehabilitation of mental health facilities in the region.
Additionally, the opposition MPs advocated for improvements to healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for upgraded hospitals to cater effectively to the population. They suggested practical applications of ‘Musevenomics’ in conjunction with commercial farming strategies to boost productivity.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Hillary Onek, supported the call for unity among Acholi leaders, recognizing shared ideological goals and the necessity of collective action to address the region’s pressing issues. He underscored the importance of moving beyond political affiliations to foster tangible solutions for development.
Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, representing Gulu City, further reinforced the call for collaboration to alleviate poverty while recognizing the need to prioritize the interests of the Acholi people over political rivalry. This meeting illustrated a pivotal moment in the Acholi region’s political landscape, as leaders unify for developmental progress, transcending past divisions.
In conclusion, President Museveni’s meeting with Acholi opposition leaders represents a significant and constructive step towards collaborative development in the region. Emphasizing unity and shared goals, both sides acknowledged the need to address historical grievances and work together to combat poverty and improve the quality of life for the Acholi people. Their concrete proposals on socio-economic transformation, health, and education hint at a transformative future driven by cooperative efforts that transcend political affiliations, highlighting the potential for positive change in Uganda’s socio-political landscape.
Original Source: www.mediacentre.go.ug
