In a bid to find lasting solutions to the long-standing challenges affecting the Acholi sub-region, leaders under the stewardship of the Member of Parliament for Chua West, Hon. Ojara Okin PP, alongside his colleagues Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi and Hon. Anthony Akol, organized a high-level consultative meeting with Acholi elders, religious leaders, and ministers. The meeting, held under the theme “Operation Harmony,” aimed to address numerous alleged issues that have hindered the sub-region’s growth and development.
The gathering brought together Members of Parliament, district political leaders, religious and cultural leaders, elders, and technocrats from all districts in the Acholi sub-region. Their goal was to collectively identify and present to the government the most pressing matters affecting Acholi, under the guiding theme: “Framework for Socio-Economic and Infrastructure Transformation of the Acholi Sub-Region.”
During the official opening, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Eng. Hilary Onek, expressed his joy, stating that in his entire career as a civil servant and politician, this was the first meeting genuinely aimed at unifying Acholi. He applauded the foresight of Hon. Ojara Okin PP, Hon. Mapenduzi, and Hon. Akol for taking the lead in seeking long-term solutions. He also thanked the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), led by Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama, for their continued efforts to ensure peace in Northern Uganda.
He further appreciated the contributions of ROCO PACCO Co-Chair Amb. Dr. Olara Otunnu and Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo for their attempts to revive and preserve Acholi’s cultural values. However, he lamented that the Acholi people have for long been scapegoated and caught in internal divisions, which have hindered progress and unity.
Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, one of the delegation members championing Operation Harmony, said that discussions began in August and September last year. Together with Hon. Okin and Hon. Akol, they examined the region’s critical challenges and devised strategies to ensure government accountability. On March 13, 2025, opposition political leaders from Acholi, under the chairmanship of Hon. Eng. Hilary Onek, met with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House. They presented a detailed document, read by Hon. Okin PP, outlining key issues. The President welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that some of the atrocities committed in Acholi were perpetrated by the 35th Brigade. He pledged that the government would work to correct past wrongs.
Hon. Mapenduzi criticized certain politicians for using the initiative to spread misinformation and gain cheap popularity. He urged them to abandon divisive politics and instead focus on uniting and serving the interests of Acholi.
In remarks delivered by Sheikh Musa Kilil, the Acholi District Muslim leader and representative of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), the delegation’s concerns were echoed. He highlighted issues such as:
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The Apa land conflict
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Disputes over Aswa Ranch
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Inequitable distribution of government projects
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Delayed cattle compensation
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Tree planting and environmental issues
He called on the Acholi people to support the initiative, have faith in the process, and contribute positively.
Prof. Onen, representing Wang OO, an elders’ forum, pledged full support for the MPs’ initiative and encouraged all Acholi to trust and actively engage in the process.
During their prayers, committee members urged Hon. Okin PP and the delegation to ensure that the working document reflects views from all parts of the Acholi sub-region before its final submission to the President.
Acholi remains one of the poorest regions in Uganda, with a poverty rate of 67.9%, according to the 2024 UBOS report. The region has been grappling with multiple challenges requiring urgent government intervention. Yet, no significant action has been taken, prompting the opposition MPs—led by Hon. Okin PP, Hon. Mapenduzi, and Hon. Akol—to develop a comprehensive document identifying core issues affecting Acholi, including:
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Land disputes (Apa land and Aswa Ranch)
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Presidential executive orders on Balalo and environmental protection
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Education reforms
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Unfulfilled or delayed government programs
On March 13, 2025, the opposition MPs from Acholi met again and presented a consolidated document outlining these challenges and committed to working with the government to implement solutions.
While the initiative was warmly received by President Museveni, it has sparked mixed reactions among the public, with some accusing the MPs of advancing selfish political agendas. Nonetheless, the delegation maintains that the process is inclusive, transparent, and focused on long-term transformation for the Acholi sub-region.
