By Aggrey Baba
There is an old Acholi saying that when the rain stops, a rainbow appears. But too often, people focus on the storm and forget to look for the colors in the sky.
On March 13, while political battles raged in the Kawempe by-election, a quieter yet extraordinary event was unfolding in Entebbe, one that could reshape Uganda’s political landscape.
In a rare and commendable move, opposition Members of Parliament from the Acholi sub-region met with President Yoweri Museveni, not to trade political barbs but to forge a path toward unity and development. These leaders, often seen as critics of the government, chose to put their people first, setting aside partisan differences in favor of a common goal, of lifting Acholi out of poverty.
This meeting was not just another political dialogue, but a moment of reckoning. The MPs acknowledged that while political competition has its place, progress cannot be built on endless opposition alone. They presented to the President their collective initiative, “Operation Harmony,” a commitment to prioritize the socio-economic transformation of their people above political rivalries.
One could almost visualize the harmony their words painted. The name itself, “Operation Harmony,” speaks volumes, as a pledge to work together for the greater good.
By collaborating with the government, these leaders have taken a bold step toward ensuring that their communities benefit from national programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Presidential Skilling Hubs, and other wealth-creation initiatives.
President Museveni, in his characteristic approach, welcomed the MPs with open arms, emphasizing that Uganda’s progress depends on national unity. He reminded them of past mistakes, of tribal politics, sectarianism, and federalism-driven divisions, that once tore the country apart. He urged all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to embrace a shared vision for development.
The Acholi region, scarred by years of conflict, knows too well the price of disunity. The war with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) left deep wounds, and poverty has remained an enduring challenge. But as the MPs reflected, they asked themselves tough questions.Are we leading our people to prosperity or trapping them in endless political struggles? Their answer was clear, that collaboration is the way forward.
Uganda has faced many battles, like HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, insurgencies, and has overcome them through unity. The war against poverty requires the same collective effort. If leaders from opposing sides can work together for the sake of their people, then the rest of the country must take note.
This moment marks a new chapter not only for Acholi but for Uganda as a whole. The success of “Operation Harmony” could serve as a model for other regions, proving that when leaders put their people before politics, real transformation begins.
Kudos to the Acholi MPs for their wisdom and to President Museveni for embracing them. The future belongs to those who build bridges, not those who burn them. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
