By KT Reporter
Local governments in West Nile, under their umbrella body, the West Nile Development Association (WENDA), have announced plans to establish an Institute of Leadership and Governance at Muni University to improve the quality of leaders in the region.
According to the WENDA secretariat and local government leaders, the initiative will help address leadership challenges by preparing leaders before they take up roles at different levels, while ensuring their focus is directed toward developing the West Nile region.
The leaders explained that the institute is one of the proposals for which they sought support from the European Union during recent discussions held with the embassies of Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands, together with other development partners, between September 15th and 19th, 2025.
Arua District Chairperson, Alfred Okuonzi, expressed hope that the institute will make a great impact, noting that many leaders assume roles without experience or skills gaps that the institute would help fill.
Muni University’s Senior Communications Officer, Kefa Atibuni, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with WENDA to host the institute at the university.
WENDA Executive Director, Akuma Moses Odims, revealed that a strategic plan is being developed to provide details on the institute’s operations and guide requirements before it becomes functional.
Dickens Amanya, a Research Officer at ACODE, said development partners welcomed the idea, commending local governments for spearheading an initiative that directly addresses community challenges.
Other key outcomes from WENDA’s discussions with the European Union included advocacy for refugee policy reform, strengthened peacebuilding efforts, and support for development programs in West Nile. The meetings were held nearly five months after a delegation from EU member states visited Arua District, Arua City, Koboko, and Terego in April this year.
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