The Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, and the Commander of the UPDF's 4th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, have pledged to collaborate in efforts to combat poverty in the Acholi sub-region.
This commitment was made during a recent meeting at the Paramount Chief’s palace in Gulu City, where the two leaders discussed strategies to uplift the region.
His Highness Rwot Onen Acana II expressed concern over the lingering effects of the two-decade-long insurgency, which displaced many communities into IDP camps. He noted, “The prolonged displacement has left our people dependent on handouts, and now we face the alarming trend of families selling their ancestral land—something unheard of in Acholi.”
He also called on the government to expedite land boundary demarcation, stating, “For our people to live harmoniously, it is crucial that the government addresses these land disputes swiftly.”
The Paramount Chief commended the UPDF's role in ending the insurgency and urged the military to take a leading role in poverty eradication. “The UPDF played a vital role in bringing peace to Northern Uganda. Now, we need them to lead a campaign to fight poverty in our region,” he said.
Brigadier General Felix Busizoori responded with a commitment to support these efforts. He emphasized the need for a change in mindset among the Acholi people, suggesting, “If people embrace new ideas like coffee farming on even a two-acre plot, they can significantly reduce poverty in the short term.”
He further highlighted the resources available through Operation Wealth Creation, saying, “With access to tractors and seedlings, our people can open up land for farming and increase cash crop production. Poverty is a mindset issue, and by adopting these new practices, we can uplift the region.”
The Division Commander also touched on the South Sudan border issue, assuring that the government is handling the matter diplomatically.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision of peace and prosperity for the Acholi sub-region, as both leaders emphasized the importance of unity between traditional and military leadership in achieving long-term development goals.