ARUA CITY | President Museveni is expected in Yumbe District this Saturday as the chief guest at the West Nile Peace Day Celebrations, a landmark event marking 23 years since the guns fell silent in the region.
The celebration, set for Yumbe Boma Grounds, will be held under the theme: "23 Years of Peace and Progress: Uniting West Nile for Socio-Economic Transformation."
It is anticipated to draw thousands, including leaders, ex-combatants, and residents eager to hear directly from the President on development and peace-building commitments.
Ambassador Philip Idro confirmed that President Museveni is expected to make a special financial pledge to former Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) fighters.
“We are heading to Yumbe to receive the President who will present good news for the UNRF ex-combatants,” Idro said.
Gen Moses Ali, the second deputy prime minister and Adjumani West MP, urged local leaders to attend, despite reports of planned boycotts over killings in Zoka Forest.
“The President is the Fountain of Honour who listens to our concerns. We must seize this chance to speak with one voice,” he said.
Meanwhile, West Nile Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson Geoffrey Feta revealed that legislators are finalizing a memorandum to present to the President.
“We are working on the document—it captures key demands from across the region,” Feta said.
While the region has enjoyed relative peace, West Nile still grapples with systemic challenges including poor roads, high youth unemployment, under-resourced health and education sectors, refugee strain on services, and persistent border insecurity.
Leaders hope that Saturday’s engagement will catalyze solutions for the region’s long-overdue transformation.
As Uganda looks toward Vision 2040 and the Parish Development Model, West Nile leaders insist they are not asking for charity—only a fair share of the national cake for a region that has long remained resilient, loyal, and full of potential.
