‘Unite for Development’ – Greater Nebbi elders tell newly elected leaders

Nebbi, Uganda: The Greater Nebbi Elders Council has rallied newly elected leaders across Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach districts to bury political differences, reconcile and unite behind a shared socio-economic development agenda ahead of their swearing-in in May 2026.

The consultative engagement, held on February 28 at Leosim Motel in Nebbi Municipality, brought together Members of Parliament-elect, LC V chairpersons and municipal leaders to forge consensus on priority projects and collective lobbying strategies.

The council, a legally registered company limited by guarantee established in 2024 with 35 members, coordinates community structures from district to parish levels.

‘Forgive and Build Together’

Canon Vasco Kura, Chairperson of the Greater Nebbi Elders Council, urged leaders to prioritise healing and cohesion.

“You should forgive those who could have hurt you and ensure that you make peace with everyone in your constituency,” Kura said, warning that longstanding divisions have slowed progress in the sub-region.

He called for structured partnerships with government institutions, religious and cultural leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to strengthen collective bargaining power.

Priority Development Projects

The elders outlined a raft of priority infrastructure and economic initiatives, including; upgrading key roads such as Nebbi–Goli and Goli–Paidha–Warr–Vuura, advancing the Kampala–Gulu–Pakwach railway line, improving intra-district roads and bridges, enhancing water supply systems and boosting industry and trade.

They also pushed for the establishment of Alwi-Mbaro Industrial Park, a border market at Goli, expansion of the Skilling Hub at Zeu and resolution of the longstanding Palango land dispute affecting communities in Pakwach and Nwoya.

Further proposals included revitalising Okoro Coffee Growers Cooperative Union and upgrading Nebbi General Hospital to regional referral status.

Community stakeholders described the initiative as unprecedented, arguing that unity among leaders will strengthen the sub-region’s case for equitable resource allocation and improved service delivery.

Leaders Welcome Initiative

Newly elected leaders welcomed the elders’ intervention and pledged support.

Topista Acamfua, Woman MP-elect for Zombo District, praised the council for setting a clear roadmap and proposed extending similar engagements to retired senior politicians to foster broader synergy.

Emmanuel Ongiertho, MP-elect for Nebbi Municipality, said the elders had “told us the right thing to do” and committed to collaborative leadership.

Nebbi District LC V Chairperson-elect George Othuba emphasised the value of unified voices for effective planning, while Zombo LC V Chairperson James Oyullu highlighted the need to address cultural differences to enhance cooperation.

Nebbi Municipality Mayor-elect Jackline Opar expressed optimism that forgiveness and elder guidance would steer the region toward progress.

Gabriel Okumu, MP-elect for Okoro County, described the forum as non-sectarian and said the council’s working document would guide collective action.

From civil society, Ronald Ofoyrwoth, Executive Director of Nebbi NGO Forum, urged leaders to prioritise education sector challenges in their development planning.

Call for Equitable Resource Sharing

The Greater Nebbi Elders Council also congratulated President Yoweri Museveni on his electoral performance in the sub-region and appealed to government to ensure fair distribution of national resources.

Vice Chairperson Kakura Emmy Kizito reiterated the need for synergy among leaders, while council member John Pascal Wapokwa called for practical implementation of agreed resolutions.

Observers say the meeting signals a renewed push for social cohesion, conflict resolution and coordinated advocacy to accelerate sustainable development in Greater Nebbi.