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Acholi MPs unite for development, call for action on government programmes

21 September 2026, 12:03 pm

Hon. Catherine Lamwaka, Chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), stands alongside Hon. Otto Edward Makmot, Deputy Chairperson of the APG, at the regional consultative meeting at Acholi Inn in Gulu City on 20 September 2026.

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The Acholi Parliamentary Group has called for greater unity among political, traditional, religious and community leaders as a two-day consultative meeting in Gulu focused on translating government policies and programmes into tangible development for the Acholi Sub-region.

The meeting, held at Acholi Inn from September 19 to 20, 2026, brought together MPs and other leaders to discuss youth empowerment, sports, infrastructure, tourism, investment, roads, Gulu Airport, preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the implementation of government programmes.

Under the theme of moving from policy to impact, leaders sought practical interventions to accelerate socio-economic transformation in the region.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao called for stronger cooperation among elected leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, professionals and the business community.

He urged leaders to move beyond the region’s history of conflict and poverty and focus on addressing current development challenges.

Hon Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and MP for Laroo-Pece Division, speaks about the region’s history of conflict and the need for leaders to address current development challenges.

Mao identified education, roads, agriculture and the economic benefits generated from the region’s resources as key areas requiring attention.

He also encouraged leaders from different political parties to cooperate on issues affecting their constituents and prioritise public benefit over political credit.

Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Laroo-Pece City Division MP, at the APG regional consultative meeting at Acholi Inn on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

Deputy Chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group and Agago County MP Otto Edward Makmot said the group’s legislative agenda was still being developed and that community consultations would inform its final priorities.

He said MPs first needed to listen to the people before determining the issues they would pursue through Parliament.

Hon. Otto Edward Makmot, Deputy Chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, speaks about the role of leaders in addressing development challenges in the Acholi Sub-region.

Infrastructure and AFCON 2027 also featured prominently, with discussions covering roads, sports facilities and Gulu Airport, as well as opportunities for tourism, investment and business.

The meeting is expected to shape the APG’s legislative and advocacy agenda, with leaders now facing the challenge of turning the consultations into coordinated action and measurable development benefits for communities across Acholi.

Hon. Catherine Lamwaka, Chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group and Omoro District Woman MP, at the APG regional consultative meeting at Acholi Inn on 20 September 2026.