By
Ojok James Onono
The Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) has renewed its commitment to championing issues affecting the Acholi people following a two-day consultative engagement held at Acholi Inn Hotel on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The meeting brought together Acholi Members of Parliament to deliberate on matters affecting the region that require legislative and government administrative attention.
The engagement comes after years of reported conflict and disharmony within the group. The election of Omoro Woman MP, Hon. Catherine Lamwaka as APG chairperson, with Agago MP Hon. Edward Otto Makmot as her deputy, has raised fresh hopes of unity within the group.
The two-day consultative meeting ended on a positive note on Sunday evening, with members reaffirming the need to work together in addressing issues affecting their constituents.
Under the leadership of Hon. Lamwaka, APG also invited a range of opinion leaders to participate in the consultations. These included traditional leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Police Commanders, District Internal Security Officers, and Local Council V chairpersons, among others.
As part of the engagement, the legislators and invited leaders conducted oversight visits to several projects and institutions in the region. These included the Uganda Cancer Institute facility in Koro, Gulu City, sports training facilities at Gulu University, Pece Stadium, and the Presidential Skilling Centre in Oding, among others.
The oversight activities highlighted the leaders’ monitoring and accountability responsibilities on behalf of the people. Among the issues raised was the uncertain future of plans to transform Gulu Airfield into an international-standard facility, as well as concerns surrounding the road connecting Bobi to Lira District, which is considered an important shortcut.
The meeting also addressed social challenges affecting the Acholi community. Religious and opinion leaders cautioned the MPs and the wider community against lifestyles such as impregnating young girls and engaging in extramarital relationships.
The Paramount Chief of Acholi, Rwot David Onen Acana II, spoke strongly about the need for leaders and members of the community to maintain responsible conduct, particularly when changes in social or political status create new pressures and opportunities.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, closed the two-day engagement on Sunday evening, describing the coming together of Acholi leaders as one of the meeting’s major achievements.
Mao expressed confidence in the leadership of Hon. Catherine Lamwaka and challenged Acholi leaders to remain united in championing issues affecting their people before the government, regardless of political party affiliation.
He also called for continued advocacy for the implementation of agreements and commitments made between the Government of Uganda and the Acholi people, citing the Pece Peace Accord and the Juba Peace Talks agreements among the matters requiring continued attention.
The consultative meeting ended with a renewed call for unity, collective advocacy and sustained oversight in addressing the social, economic and development challenges facing the Acholi sub-region.
Ends
