West Nile Leaders Push for Regional Development in Memorandum to Gen. Salim Saleh

By Mike Rwothomio 

ARUA, UGANDA: Leaders from the West Nile Sub-Region have presented a comprehensive memorandum to General Caleb Akandwanaho, widely known as Salim Saleh, Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), urging the Ugandan government to address critical development gaps in the region.

 Submitted on March 23, 2025, by the West Nile Development Association (WENDA) and private sector representatives, the document outlines a strategic vision for sustainable growth, regional empowerment, and socio-economic transformation.

The memorandum, emerging from a regional accountability meeting held at Muni University on December 11-12, 2024, acknowledges the government’s efforts in stabilizing West Nile through infrastructure projects like road networks, electrification via the national grid, and educational initiatives such as the Muni Public University.

 Programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga have also laid a foundation for economic progress. However, despite these interventions, the region remains one of Uganda’s poorest, prompting calls for targeted action.

Key Demands for Development

Addressing the Leadership Vacuum: The memorandum highlights a perceived decline in West Nile’s influence within national governance, citing the loss of a cabinet position previously held by Hon. Zoe Bakoko Bakoru. 

While appreciating the appointments of state ministers like Hon. Huda Oleru and Hon. Evelyn Anite, leaders argue that the region lacks sufficient representation in high-level roles such as permanent secretaries and ambassadors. They propose reinstating Hon. Bakoko Bakoru as a cabinet minister and establishing a Ministry of State for West Nile Affairs to amplify the region’s voice.

Granting Regional Status: With a population of 3.8 million and a unique cultural and geographic identity, West Nile seeks formal recognition as a distinct region.

 Leaders argue this status would unlock tailored benefits and resources, leveraging the sub-region’s proximity to markets in DR Congo and South Sudan for economic growth.

Affirmative Development Plan:

Inspired by successful regional plans in Rwenzori and Karamoja, the memorandum calls for a West Nile-specific development framework. Such a plan would align government investments with local realities, institutionalizing resource allocation to tackle poverty and underdevelopment.

Reforming the Regional Balance Development Fund: While commending the government’s allocation of 182.2 billion shillings in FY 2023/2024, leaders criticize the fund’s retention by central agencies. They advocate for decentralization, with allocation criteria reflecting population density, youth unemployment, and climate challenges.

Urban and Border Development: The creation of Arua City has spurred growth, but leaders request additional divisions within the city and new municipalities in Moyo, Paidha, and Yumbe to enhance service delivery. They also urge the development of border markets and export hubs in Zombo, Arua, Yumbe, Moyo, and Adjumani to boost trade with neighboring countries.

Science and Technology Investment: Alongside the Nebbi Industrial Park, a proposed Regional Science and Technology Park in Pakwach aims to drive innovation and youth employment through advanced infrastructure and digital networks.

A Call for Transformation

In their conclusion, the signatories praised General Saleh’s leadership in northern Uganda’s emancipation, emphasizing that these reforms could dismantle structural barriers to progress. Enhanced regional connectivity, market access, and digital infrastructure are seen as pathways to job creation and economic resilience.

Signed on March 23, 2025, the memorandum reflects a unified push by West Nile’s parliamentary caucus, local government, private sector, and civil society. As of today, March 28, General Saleh’s response remains pending, but the document signals a pivotal moment in the region’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.