Akori Pledges Poverty Eradication and Accelerated Development in Northern Uganda

11 June 2026, 11:45 am

By Isaac olweny

The newly appointed State Minister for Northern Uganda, Beatrice Akello Akori, has pledged to prioritize poverty eradication and the effective implementation of government programs aimed at transforming livelihoods across the region.

Akori, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Agago District, made the remarks on Wednesday as she officially handed over the office of State Minister for Economic Monitoring in the Office of the President and received the docket of Northern Uganda Affairs from her predecessor, Kenneth Omona.

Speaking shortly after the handover ceremony, Akori expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting her with the new responsibility and pledged to ensure that government programs directly benefit the people of Northern Uganda.

She urged residents to embrace commercial agriculture, particularly coffee growing, noting that the crop remains a profitable enterprise despite the challenges posed by climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. Akori said her vision is to see more households transition from subsistence farming to commercial production over the next five years.

The minister further called upon political, cultural, and local government leaders to actively mobilize communities to support government initiatives and comply with presidential directives. She specifically emphasized the need to enforce measures aimed at removing illegal Balaalo cattle keepers and implementing the ban on charcoal burning in Northern Uganda.

“There is no war in Northern Uganda anymore. The focus should now be on development, productivity, wealth creation, and improving household incomes,” Akori said.

She also identified alcoholism and substance abuse as major barriers to socio-economic transformation in the region, urging leaders and community stakeholders to work together to address the growing challenge and promote a productive population.

Akori was sworn in on June 8, 2026, as State Minister for Northern Uganda, replacing Dr. Kenneth Omona in the newly constituted Cabinet. She now takes on the task of spearheading government efforts aimed at fostering economic growth, stability, and sustainable development across Northern Uganda.