By KT Reporter
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation, Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, has pledged to restore unity and strengthen collaboration among members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) if re-elected in the upcoming elections.
Speaking during a press conference at his home in Kitgum Municipality on Monday, Oryem said that internal divisions within the APG have slowed down the Acholi sub-region’s development and weakened its influence in national decision-making.
Oryem, who is contesting for the Chua East County parliamentary seat in Kitgum District, called for teamwork, humility, and tolerance among members of Parliament, emphasising that leadership should be about service, not competition.
“The main problem in APG is individual personalities and behaviour. Some members want to be seen as more powerful than others. But we are all equal, paid the same salary, and sent to Parliament by our people. We must learn to respect and accommodate one another,” Oryem said.
He likened the unity needed in the group to astronauts on a space mission, saying they must “live together in a small space, tolerate each other, and focus on their mission.” The minister pledged to serve as a unifying force in the next Parliament, working with both new and returning MPs to revive the strength and relevance of the APG.
Citing past successes, Oryem reminded residents that unity among Acholi MPs had previously yielded results, such as the Laroo Boarding School, built with Belgian government support to educate children affected by the LRA war, and the establishment of Gulu University, both outcomes of strong collective lobbying.
“These developments show the power of cooperation when we put our heads together. A united APG can achieve even more for our people,” he said. Residents in Kitgum welcomed Oryem’s call for unity, saying a revived APG could once again be a strong voice for northern Uganda.
Rose Ayaa, a fruit vendor in Kitgum Municipality, said harmony among Acholi MPs would restore public confidence in regional leadership. “We want to see our leaders working together again. When they fight among themselves, we, the ordinary people, don’t know where to turn to,” she said.
Francis Opiyo, a boda boda rider from Pandwong Division, urged MPs to put people’s interests above politics. “We have many problems here: land grabbing, poor roads, and joblessness. If the MPs can unite, they can collectively push the government to act,” Opiyo said.
Christine Akidi, a resident of Gang Dyang, said the initiative was long overdue. “If our leaders can work together again, we shall see development return to our region,” she said. Formed in 1989, the Acholi Parliamentary Group was once the pride of northern Uganda, a unified voice that demanded justice, security, and dignity for its people during years of conflict and displacement.
However, divisions began to emerge in the 9th Parliament, with members accusing each other of pursuing personal interests over collective goals. After the 2021 elections, the rift widened further. The old guard questioned the abilities of new MPs, while the younger members accused their seniors of clinging to power.
The election of Anthony Akol as APG Chair deepened tensions, with critics accusing him of factionalism and exclusive leadership. Today, the once-influential group’s voice has dimmed, as members appear more focused on individual political survival than on addressing the region’s persistent challenges, land disputes, Balalo conflicts, and deaths in Apaa.
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