Let’s champion perennial crops for economic recovery in Acholi, Otunnu urges new leaders
GULU, May 27, 2026 — Former Ugandan diplomat and statesman Amb. Olara Otunnu has challenged new leaders in Omoro district and across the Acholi Sub-region to champion perennial crop farming as a pathway to economic recovery, improved household incomes, and sustainable livelihoods for the elderly.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new leaders/councillors of Omoro District Council at the district headquarters recently, Otunnu described the Acholi sub-region as highly suitable for a commercial agricultural economy anchored on long-term investment in perennial cash crops such as coffee.
Historically known for seasonal food crop production and livestock keeping on the subsistence basis, Otunnu said the region now requires a deliberate economic transformation centred on perennial crops such as coffee, bananas and cocoa, to eliminate household poverty.
“You must mobilise all people to invest more in crops like coffee, bananas and cocoa, which grow better in this land. Our people need to pay school fees and hospital bills. Perennial crops will help them fight poverty,” Otunnu said.
He urged the newly sworn-in leaders to avoid abuse of office and misuse of public resources, emphasising the need for unity and legislation that improves the welfare of residents.
Otunnu further advised leaders to uphold values and character that would restore the dignity and identity of the Acholi people.
“We need to bring back the kind of people others trust and respect — leaders who inspire confidence. For a long time, we have lost that character,” he said.
“We must change our agenda by restoring our Luo values. This will make us great again and help us rise from where we are through hard work, determination and discipline.”
He also called on leaders to actively address poverty and improve education standards in the region.
“There is a season for everything. We had a season for campaigning and canvassing for votes. Now is the time for leadership and service delivery,” he noted.
Otunnu said political competition should now give way to collective responsibility in building schools, hospitals, communities and the local economy.
“That requires all of us to come together without divisions along party or political lines. Only then can something productive emerge from Omoro Local Government over the next five years,” he added.
He urged leaders to respect and support one another in implementing policies and distributing resources inclusively.
“No one should be left behind,” he said.
Peter Okot, Member of Parliament [MP] for Tochi County in Omoro district, praised the election of the district speaker, describing it as one of the most peaceful and organised in the district’s history.
“I am proud of this election. It is the first time the Speaker has been elected in the first round,” he said.
He called for teamwork among leaders and pledged support for orientation programmes for district councillors to strengthen governance and oversight.
“Fighting among ourselves will not help. Small caucuses will not help. Let us work together for the benefit of Omoro,” he said.
Okot also noted that the district had faced significant challenges over the past five years, including rising crime levels.
“At one time, we were ranked among the highest in crime, not only in the sub-region but in Uganda. Let us stop fighting among ourselves and unite to lift our people out of poverty,” he added.
Hon Catherine Lamwaka, Woman MP for Omoro district, said the occasion reminded her of the district’s establishment in 2016.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and even the longest journey can be completed successfully when we move together,” she said.
She emphasised commitment, teamwork and collective responsibility in transforming the lives of the people of Omoro.
“Together, we can do much more to transform the lives of our people. From today onwards, let us renew our energy and focus on the vision of the Omoro we want,” she said.
District Chairperson Andrew Okot Obibi, who defeated Douglas Peter Okello Okao in the 2026 elections, pledged to prioritise development, integrity and accountability in the district.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Paul Muzige urged the district leadership to execute its duties diligently in line with the Constitution, the Local Government Act and established procedures.
He also stressed the importance of implementing the already approved five-year district development plan to accelerate economic recovery in Acholi.
Emmanuel Okot, the Resident District Commissioner for Omoro, warned leaders against absenteeism, describing it as a form of corruption.
“Corruption is not only about stealing public resources. Failure to report to work daily is also corruption,” he warned.
He further urged leaders to strengthen oversight in the implementation of the Parish Development Model and the ongoing cattle restocking programme, citing reports of ineligible beneficiaries.
“We have reports of the wrong people benefiting from both the Parish Development Model [PDM] and the restocking programmes. That must stop so that the rightful beneficiaries can benefit,” he said.
Okot called on leaders to begin a new chapter of cooperation and commitment towards development in Omoro District.
“On behalf of the Office of the President, let us work together to achieve the goals of development in Omoro,” he said.
He also reminded technical staff and local council leaders to follow established guidelines in programme implementation for the benefit of the people.
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