Inside the Cooperation Agreement Between Acholi MPs and Govt

While some have speculated that the talks are a strategic move for political favours, the MPs insist they are acting in the best interests of the Acholi people.

 

A section of opposition MPs from Acholi has been holding extensive discussions with the government, engaging Operation Wealth Creation’s national coordinator, Caleb Akandanwaho, aka Salim Saleh, and Internal Affairs State Minister David Muhoozi, over key demands they want addressed before the next elections.

While some have speculated that the talks are a strategic move for political favours, the MPs insist they are acting in the best interests of the Acholi people.

The discussions are based on a 28-page draft agreement in which opposition MPs propose working with the government on political, social, and economic issues affecting Acholi.

The document aims to foster dialogue and deepen understanding of the evolving dynamics in the sub-region, particularly regarding government development interventions and their interaction with the national political landscape.

Among the key proposals in the agreement are transitional justice and development, agricultural commercialisation and value addition, transparency in resource exploitation, and education and skilling.

Transitional Justice and Development

As Acholi moves from war to peace and development, the MPs stress the need for government and other transitional justice actors to address social injustices and structural violence that contributed to past conflicts.

The document calls for the expedited compensation of livestock losses, prioritising elderly beneficiaries, and ensuring fair restitution for landowners whose land was used for internally displaced persons’ settlements or military installations.

It also advocates for rehabilitating and expanding infrastructure, including upgrading Gulu Airport to international standards ahead of AFCON 2027 and establishing a mental health rehabilitation centre to address widespread psychological challenges in the region.

Agricultural Commercialisation and Value Addition

Despite multiple government interventions, poverty remains entrenched in Acholi, with 67.7% of the population living below the poverty line, far above the national average of 39%, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

Agriculture remains the region’s main economic activity, contributing 17% to national agricultural output, a figure that lags behind its proportion of the population.

The MPs argue for strategic investments to boost productivity, processing, and market access.

Transparency in Resource Exploitation

Acholi is home to significant natural resources, including an estimated one billion tonnes of inferred nickel in Kitgum, gold deposits in Kitgum and Amuru, and uranium in Namokora and Ogili.

The MPs are pushing for inclusive policies to ensure local communities benefit from the exploitation of these resources and that transparency is maintained in the oil and gas sector.

Education and Skilling

Acholi has some of the worst education indicators in the country, with low primary enrolment and completion rates and high pupil-to-classroom ratios.

The MPs cite widespread teacher and student absenteeism, weak school management, and inadequate learning materials as key challenges.

They are calling for increased investment in teacher recruitment, school infrastructure, and vocational training to equip young people with employable skills.

Led by Chua West MP Ojara Okin PP, the non-ruling party MPs advocating for this agreement include Kilak South MP Gilbert Oulanya, Kilak North MP Anthony Akol, Amuru Woman MP Lucy Akello, Torchi County MP Peter Okot, and Aruu North MP Santa Okot.

However, some political figures and elders have raised concerns about the timing and intent of the negotiations.

Former MP Lyandro Komakech argues that Parliament remains the appropriate forum for addressing compensation and transitional justice issues, questioning why the MPs are pursuing an external agreement.

Joyce Laker, a former councillor and elder in Acholi, believes the initiative is more about political survival than solving the region’s real problems.

As discussions continue, opposition MPs are working with the government through Gen. Muhoozi to determine whether this agreement will provide lasting solutions for Acholi.

Whether it is a genuine bid to advance the region’s interests or a political manoeuvre ahead of elections remains to be seen.