President Yoweri Museveni met with Acholi opposition leaders to establish a united front for regional development. The discussion centered around addressing poverty, enhancing education and healthcare, and fostering unity. Key initiatives include the Parish Development Model and establishing supportive frameworks for transitional justice and mental health. By prioritizing collaboration beyond political divides, leaders aim for socio-economic progress in Acholi.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened with opposition leaders from Acholi to foster collaboration for the region’s development, emphasizing a united approach to combat poverty and enhance socio-economic transformation. Participants, across various political affiliations, reaffirmed their dedication to collaborate with the government. During the discussion at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni highlighted the historical context of Uganda’s political instability, linking past divisions to present challenges, and advocating for unity as a means to achieve sustainable development.
President Museveni recollected that Uganda’s political journey mimicked division rather than unity, contrasting it with Tanzania’s political framework which embraced unity from inception. He attributed significant political errors to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) for fostering tribalism instead of promoting national cohesive governance. He stated, “The difference between Uganda and Tanzania is that Tanzania started its politics with unity… In 1961, UPC misled Mengo…” reflecting on how these early missteps impeded national progress.
Discussing development initiatives, President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicate poverty via the Parish Development Model (PDM). However, he acknowledged challenges in adequately funding large parishes, suggesting a reevaluation of support mechanisms. Moving forward, he emphasized education accessibility and proposed establishing seed secondary schools in every sub-county to facilitate student attendance. He stated, “The only way to provide mass education is through day schools.”
Moreover, President Museveni stressed preventive healthcare measures, advocating for accessible immunization, clean water, and nutritional initiatives. He underscored the cost implications of curative healthcare, proposing that preventive strategies could significantly reduce health issues. He noted, “Curative health is expensive; if we focus on prevention… we can eliminate 80% of illnesses.”
The opposition leaders, led by Hon. Okin Ojara, voiced their commitment to overcoming political divides for the benefit of Acholi by forming a coalition known as ‘Operation Harmony,’ aiming for socio-economic progress. Hon. Ojara stated, “We may belong to different political parties, but our focus is on fighting poverty…” He described the initiative as a collective effort of ten opposition MPs addressing the serious developmental issues in Acholi.
Additionally, Hon. Ojara highlighted the need for a robust Transitional Justice Framework to heal psychological wounds from past conflicts, amidst rising mental health challenges in the region. The memo called for urgent rehabilitation of mental health facilities and transparency in war compensation processes, while also advocating mechanisms to assist Acholi refugees abroad to return home.
On healthcare and infrastructure needs, the MPs urged the upgrading of Kitgum General Hospital to a Regional Referral Hospital and improving road networks for better access. They expressed support for implementing Musevenomics strategies, focusing on agricultural productivity to combat poverty. Hon. Ojara elaborated on the vision to employ ‘Musevenomics’ in Acholi by enhancing commercial farming.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Museveni and Acholi opposition leaders represents a significant step toward regional collaboration aimed at development. By setting aside political differences, leaders emphasized a unified approach to tackle poverty, education, healthcare, and infrastructural challenges, thereby fostering socio-economic transformation in Acholi. The commitment to collective action and the implementation of developed frameworks signals hope for the region’s future advancement.
Original Source: www.mediacentre.go.ug
