Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II and Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4 Infantry Division, have pledged to unite their efforts in combating poverty within the Acholi sub-region.
This commitment was announced today, during a courtesy visit by Brig Gen Busizoori to the Chief’s palace in Bardege Division, Gulu City.
The meeting, held in the Chief’s residence, underscored the pressing issue of poverty exacerbated by the two-decade insurgency that devastated Northern Uganda.
Chief Onen Acana highlighted the enduring impact of the conflict, noting how prolonged displacement in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and the abandonment land have led to significant socio-economic challenges, including increased land disputes and regional tensions.
“Youth referred to as ‘Agur’, who are causing insecurity in Gulu City, are a stark reminder of the fractured families created during the insurgency,” said Rwot Onen Acana. He added, “Poverty has driven people to sell their ancestral land, a practice previously unheard of in the Acholi sub-region.”
The Chief called on the government to expedite the demarcation of boundaries to foster communal harmony. He also praised the UPDF for its role in ending the insurgency and emphasised the need for a concerted campaign against poverty.
Brig Gen Busizoori responded with a commitment to collaborate closely with the Chiefdom. He suggested that adopting new agricultural practices, such as coffee cultivation, could significantly improve local livelihoods.
“The issue of poverty is fundamentally a matter of mindset. By introducing innovative practices like growing coffee on small plots, we can alleviate poverty in the short term. Other regions have seen success with such methods,” he said.
The Division Commander expressed eagerness to work together, urging Chief Onen Acana to leverage available resources to enhance the standard of living for local communities.
“With the conflict now over in Northern Uganda, our focus must shift to eradicating poverty to achieve peace and prosperity. If all institutions unite to educate and engage the populace, we can make poverty a thing of the past,” Brig Gen Busizoori stated.
Additionally, he noted that through Operation Wealth Creation, communities could access tractors, seedlings, and other essential farming inputs to support cash crop production.
On the topic of South Sudan’s territorial claims over Ugandan land, Brig Gen Busizoori assured that the government is addressing the matter through strategic diplomatic channels.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the 4 Infantry Division, underscoring the importance of this collaborative initiative.
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