In a historic meeting at State House, Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and opposition leaders from the Acholi sub-region set aside their political differences to forge a united front aimed at tackling poverty and driving socio-economic transformation in the region. This gathering marked a significant step toward reconciliation and development, with leaders from various political affiliations committing to work together for the betterment of Acholi.

President Museveni opened the meeting by reflecting on Uganda’s tumultuous history, emphasizing the importance of unity and a shared vision for sustainable development. He traced the roots of the country’s political instability back to 1961, criticizing the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) for prioritizing tribal politics over national unity.

“The difference between Uganda and Tanzania is that Tanzania began its politics with unity, while Uganda’s politics started with division. In 1961, UPC misled Mengo by promising them federalism instead of advocating for a united Uganda,” President Museveni stated.

He highlighted how the collapse of the alliance between UPC and Kabaka Yekka in 1966 deepened divisions, weakened the army, and allowed instability to flourish. The President also dismissed claims that his past ties with Acholi fighters should have automatically led to the region’s development, attributing setbacks to sectarianism.

“In 1976, I trained young men, including some from Acholi, in Mozambique. But when we captured Kampala in 1979, some UPC supporters told them, ‘Why are you working with this Munyankore?’ and they abandoned us. That’s how detrimental policies and sectarianism worked against national unity,” he explained.

President Museveni stressed the importance of unity over revenge, recalling how the fall of Idi Amin’s regime in 1979 led to the unfair targeting of people from West Nile, forcing over half a million into exile. “The focus should therefore have been on reconciliation, not revenge,” he said.

Turning to development, President Museveni reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing poverty through the Parish Development Model (PDM) but acknowledged the challenge of funding larger parishes. “A parish with 20,000 households cannot be transformed with just Shs 100 million. We must rethink how we support these parishes according to their varying sizes,” he noted.

He emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible education, advocating for the establishment of seed secondary schools in every sub-county. “The only way to provide mass education is through day schools. If we focus on building a seed secondary school in each sub-county, we can reach more children,” he stated. Additionally, he highlighted the need for preventive healthcare measures, including immunization, proper nutrition, and access to clean water, to reduce the burden of curative health.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made to build a strong national defense, President Museveni noted that soldiers were paid very little or nothing during the struggle to secure the country. He urged Acholi leaders to guide the youth toward unity and hard work, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.

The opposition leaders, led by Hon. Okin Ojara, the Member of Parliament for Chua West County and a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), submitted a memorandum that expresses their commitment to setting aside political differences for the betterment of Acholi.

“We may belong to different political parties, but our focus is on fighting poverty and driving socio-economic transformation in Acholi,” the leaders stated.

Hon. Ojara revealed that ten opposition MPs from Acholi have formed a platform called ‘Operation Harmony’ to prioritize the region’s development. “We are ten leaders from various political backgrounds, but we have come together to think, brainstorm, and prioritize the pride and prosperity of our people,” Hon. Ojara said.

“We asked ourselves difficult questions: Why are we in opposition? Should we remain in opposition while our people continue to suffer? How long should we stay in opposition when Acholi is one of the poorest regions in the country? Are we leading our people to poverty or prosperity?” he wondered. He explained that these reflections led them to the realization that they needed to engage directly with the government.

“We decided to compile our ideas into this memorandum and present it to you, Your Excellency, because we want to collaborate with you on the socio-economic transformation of Acholi,” Hon. Ojara stated.

Regarding Transitional Justice and Mental Health, the leaders emphasized the need for a robust Transitional Justice Framework to address the psychological scars left by past conflicts. “The conflict disturbed the mental well-being of our people. A recent survey revealed high levels of mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorders in Acholi. Some children are even suffering from nodding disease,” Hon. Ojara noted.

They proposed establishing a Mental Rehabilitation Center in the region, suggesting that the dilapidated facility at Gulu Regional Hospital should be urgently renovated. The MPs also called for transparency in the ongoing war compensation process. “We need clarity on who has been compensated, how much has been spent, and how long this process will take. If necessary, a new framework should be introduced to ensure fair and timely compensation,” he said.

Additionally, they raised concerns about Acholi refugees still residing in Zambia, the DRC, and Kenya, even as the region hosts refugees from South Sudan. “We propose creating a mechanism to engage these refugees, inform them about the peace and stability we now have, and encourage their return home,” Hon. Ojara added.

The memorandum emphasized the need to upgrade Kitgum General Hospital to a Regional Referral Hospital and to establish new hospitals in the Omoro and Amuru districts. Additionally, it called for the rehabilitation of key roads to enhance access to services and markets.

The MPs stressed the importance of implementing “Musevenomics,” the President’s strategy aimed at boosting productivity by focusing on the factors of production, knowledge, and markets. Hon. Ojara elaborated, “We discussed how to apply ‘Musevenomics’ in Acholi, integrating it with the Four Acre Model to promote commercial farming. Our focus will be on perennial crops such as coffee, cocoa, and fruits.”

The leaders praised the work being done at the Gulu Presidential Skilling Hub but requested the establishment of more such centers across the region. “Those who have trained at the Gulu Skilling Hub are now role models for others. We need more centers to empower our youth,” he encouraged.

Hon. Ojara noted that Acholi contains over 600 parishes covering 28,000 square kilometers. However, each parish currently receives a uniform allocation of Shs 100 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM), regardless of size. “Given the vastness of our parishes, we are requesting a special arrangement to increase funding for Acholi’s larger parishes, so that PDM can have a more significant impact,” he urged.

Hon. Hillary Onek, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, echoed the call for unity among Acholi leaders, stressing the importance of collaborating with the government to address underdevelopment in the region. He commended the leaders for setting aside political differences for the common good.

“We come as true leaders, united by a shared ideological vision and a commitment to the welfare of our people. One thing we all agree on is the President’s goodwill towards Acholi and his love for Uganda. This has given us the platform to come together, share ideas, and find a way forward,” he said.

Hon. Onek acknowledged the region’s long-standing challenges, including poverty, poor infrastructure, and the scars of past conflicts, but emphasized that division has only deepened these issues. “We recognize that some of the setbacks in Acholi have stemmed from political differences. That’s why we have resolved to work together, regardless of party affiliation, to support the government’s development agenda,” he stated.

The Minister stressed that Acholi must chart a new path focused on unity and progress. “We want Acholi to be different, to move beyond past divisions and focus on tangible solutions for our people. Our goal is to support every effort aimed at transforming the region,” he added.

Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, Woman Member of Parliament for Gulu City and a member of FDC, also called for collective action to combat poverty in Acholi sub-region. Hon. Aol acknowledged the deep-rooted poverty in the region despite the presence of various government programs. She emphasized that political differences should not stand in the way of addressing the pressing issues affecting their people.

“As long as we all put the interests of the Acholi people first, why shouldn’t we work together? We must unite to find lasting solutions for poverty alleviation,” Hon. Aol added.

The meeting, attended by key government officials including Dr. Kenneth Omona, Gen. David Muhoozi, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, and Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja, among others, concluded with a renewed sense of hope and determination. The commitment to unity and collaboration between the government and opposition leaders signals a promising future for Acholi, as both sides work together to address the region’s challenges and drive sustainable development.

This historic agreement underscores the power of unity in overcoming division and paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the people of Acholi and Uganda as a whole.

Uganda’s financial landscape is a vibrant yet complex mix of fintech innovation, cautious monetary policy, and ambitious economic goals. From the bustling markets of Kampala to the rural fields in the north, the nation finds itself at a pivotal moment poised for growth while navigating challenges that test its resilience.

At the forefront of this financial evolution is the fintech sector, driven by the remarkable success of mobile money. Platforms like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money have transformed basic phones into powerful financial tools, reaching millions who were previously excluded from traditional banking services. By 2025, mobile money transactions have outpaced the formal economy, accounting for over 90% of GDP. This phenomenon extends beyond mere cash transfers; partnerships with banks have resulted in micro-loans and digital savings accounts, empowering individuals such as a boda boda driver in Kampala to repair his motorcycle or a savings group in Masaka to secure its funds. Additionally, new fintech players are emerging, offering asset financing and digital platforms for community savings, creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem. This boom, celebrated widely on March 6, reflects a surge in digital transactions fueled by expanding mobile networks and a push towards digitalization that is reshaping how Ugandans live and work.

However, this fintech flourish unfolds against a backdrop of stringent monetary policy. The Bank of Uganda has maintained its key lending rate at 10% since February 6, 2025, a decision made with caution in light of global uncertainties such as volatile oil prices and supply chain disruptions. The Uganda Economic Update report characterizes 2023/24 as a challenging year for businesses, with tight policy driving up borrowing costs and limiting access to credit. Core inflation, which reached 4.2% in January 2025 and is projected to remain between 4% and 5% this year, reinforces this cautious approach keeping prices in check but leaving businesses struggling with high loan costs. As of March 6, no changes to the interest rate have been reported, suggesting a continuation of this stability. While it offers predictability, it also provides little relief. Businesses ranging from small traders to manufacturers face a difficult choice: reduce operations or pass increased costs onto consumers, a trend evidenced by six consecutive months of rising output charges.

The Uganda Economic Update report provides a broader perspective on this landscape. It estimates that growth for FY23/24 will be 6%, up from 5.3%, driven by a rebound in agriculture, oil-related construction, and a services sector buoyed by telecommunications and trade. Industry and services lead the way, contributing 25% and 44% to GDP, respectively, while agriculture despite employing the majority of Ugandans continues to contend with climate-related challenges. Looking ahead, growth is projected at 6.2% for FY24/25, potentially reaching 7% as oil production begins later in the year. This aligns with an ambitious vision to achieve a $59.3 billion economy by June 2025, as targeted earlier this year. Yet, risks remain: high debt levels, weak domestic revenue, and poverty still affecting 40% of the population pose threats to this trajectory.

The financial system has shown resilience. A cybersecurity breach in February 2025 resulted in the theft of $21 million from the central bank, revealing vulnerabilities, yet fintech’s decentralized structure ensured that mobile money transactions continued uninterrupted. Currently, no major financial crises dominate the news cycle, although the repercussions of that breach may still be felt. At the same time, the private sector is showing signs of recovery, with improved business conditions reported on March 6, a potential nod to the buoyancy of fintech and the stability of monetary policy.

Uganda’s financial landscape in 2025 presents a study in contrasts. Mobile money and fintech innovations are rewriting the rules, driving financial inclusion and economic activity at an unprecedented pace. Nonetheless, tight monetary policy and structural challenges such as gaps in rural connectivity and high borrowing costs temper this progress, requiring resilience from both businesses and citizens. With oil production on the horizon and a youthful population eager for opportunities, the nation stands at a crossroads between promise and peril. As March 6 unfolds, Uganda is a country in motion, stable and growing, yet ever vigilant of the challenges that could tip the balance.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has responded to public concerns regarding the detention of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. He emphasized the importance of a swift trial to clarify the facts behind the allegations against Besigye. In a statement directed at Ugandans, particularly the youth (referred to as “Bazzukulu”), the President urged citizens to consider the reasons for Dr. Besigye’s arrest rather than merely questioning his continued detention.

Museveni pointed out that Besigye faces serious accusations and argued that a prompt trial would ensure the truth is uncovered, thereby safeguarding national security. He warned that advocating for unconditional release without understanding the charges could lead to insecurity, which poses a threat to the country’s stability.

Reflecting on Uganda’s history, Museveni noted that reconciliation and forgiveness have been central to the nation’s approach since the 1960s. However, he stressed the need for accountability, especially in cases involving harm to Ugandans. He connected this stance to Uganda’s history of overcoming oppressive regimes, such as Idi Amin’s, and stated that the peace and infrastructure development enjoyed today are the results of sacrifices made by freedom fighters.

The President clarified that the delay in Besigye’s trial was due to the judiciary’s decision to transfer his case from Military Courts to Civilian Courts, pointing out gaps in the military judicial system. He assured the public that efforts are underway to facilitate the transfer of case files and to address the legislative gaps identified by the courts. Museveni encouraged those claiming innocence to seek a speedy trial to prove their claims rather than demanding bail or forgiveness, which he argued should not be regarded as an entitlement in cases involving serious allegations.

In response to concerns about Besigye’s health, Museveni confirmed that prison medical facilities are available and that Besigye has access to his personal doctors and private clinics. He attributed Besigye’s apparent weakness to a hunger strike, criticizing it as a strategy to gain sympathy and secure bail rather than confronting the charges in court. He described this approach as “unprincipled blackmail” and reiterated the need for a fair trial to resolve the matter.

Museveni concluded by urging patience as the legal process unfolds, emphasizing that while the military court was ready to proceed, it will now await the outcome in the civilian court system.

Key Takeaways:

• President Museveni stressed the importance of a swift trial for Dr. Besigye to clarify the facts surrounding his alleged offenses.
• He connected national security to accountability and warned against advocating for unconditional release without understanding the charges.
• The trial delay was attributed to the transfer of the case from Military Courts to Civilian Courts, as mandated by the judiciary.
• Museveni challenged claims of persecution, suggesting that a quick trial would enable Besigye to demonstrate his innocence.
• He addressed concerns about Besigye’s health, attributing his condition to a hunger strike intended to gain sympathy and secure bail rather than confronting the charges in court.