Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with opposition Members of Parliament from the Acholi sub-region.
He said the willingness of opposition MPs, including Okin PP Ojara, Gilbert Olanya, Peter Okot, Betty Aol Ocan, and Santa Okot, to engage with the government is a crucial step toward lifting Acholi communities out of poverty.
He also welcomed Anthony Akol of Kilak North and Martin Ojara Mapenduzi of Bardege-Layibi Division, who have already declared allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“We equally welcome the acceptance of opposition leaders from Acholi who recently met with the President and agreed to work with the government for the development of Northern Uganda under the NRM,” Obua said while addressing a gathering during Mary’s Day celebrations at Ajulu Primary School in Gulu District.
He emphasized that collaboration between opposition leaders and the government would benefit the people.
“This is the spirit. The NRM has been here, it is still here, and it is delivering. The people of Uganda continue to trust the NRM, so we welcome them to work with us. That is the first step toward bringing development to our people,” Obua said.
However, his remarks were met with resistance from Gulu Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan, who insisted that working with the government does not mean she has joined the ruling party.
“I am not happy because when they say we are working with the government, people mistake it to mean I have joined NRM. I have not joined NRM,” she said.
Reflecting on the Acholi MPs’ March 13, 2025, visit to President Museveni, Ocan clarified that they engaged the President in their capacity as opposition leaders.
“We have always worked with the government, but when we went to State House, we presented the interests of Acholi as opposition MPs. I am not NRM let that be clear to everyone,” she asserted.
Obua, who was in Gulu for the church-led Mary’s Day celebrations, used the occasion to rally support for NRM candidates, including Simon Wokorach and Sharon Balmoyi.
Wokorach, the Aswa County MP, urged Acholi leaders to abandon what he called a “rebellious character” and instead focus on development.
“I fully embrace and appreciate this initiative by Acholi opposition MPs. You can have a different ideology, but if you want your people to escape poverty and the painful experiences of the past, it is better to join hands and work with the government,” he said.
As the NRM prepares for the 2026 elections, Obua has pledged to traverse the region as he seeks election as the party’s National Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda.
