West Nile leaders urge government action in development memorandum to Gen. Salim Saleh
However, despite these investments, West Nile remains one of Uganda’s poorest regions, prompting calls for targeted policy actions to bridge the development gap.
Arua: Leaders from West Nile Sub-Region have submitted a detailed memorandum to General Caleb Akandwanaho, widely known as Salim Saleh, Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), calling for urgent government intervention to address persistent development gaps in the region.
The memorandum, presented on March 23, 2025, by the West Nile Development Association (WENDA) and private sector representatives, outlines a strategic vision for sustainable growth, regional empowerment, and socio-economic transformation.
It follows discussions from a regional accountability meeting at Muni University on December 11-12, 2024, where leaders acknowledged government-led stabilization efforts, including; infrastructure projects (roads, electrification, and urbanization), educational advancements (Muni Public University) and economic initiatives (Parish Development Model & Emyooga).
However, despite these investments, West Nile remains one of Uganda’s poorest regions, prompting calls for targeted policy actions to bridge the development gap.
Some of the key development demands in the memorandum include; strengthening political representation where by West Nile’s influence in national governance has diminished following the loss of a cabinet position previously held by Hon. Zoe Bakoko Bakoru.
Reinstate Hon. Bakoko Bakoru as a cabinet minister, create a Ministry of State for West Nile Affairs to strengthen the region’s voice at the national level, appoint more permanent secretaries, ambassadors, and high-ranking officials from West Nile are some of the issues in the memorandum.
With a population of 3.8 million, leaders demand official recognition of West Nile as an autonomous region to secure targeted government funding, leverage trade with DR Congo and South Sudan and renhance development planning tailored to local needs.
Inspired by special development frameworks in Rwenzori and Karamoja, the memorandum proposes a West Nile-specific model to institutionalize government investments and tackle poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
While the government allocated UGX 182.2 billion in FY 2023/2024, leaders claim most funds are retained by central agencies instead of being channeled to local projects.
They propose government fixes decentralize funds for better accessibility, prioritize allocations based on population size, youth unemployment, and climate vulnerabilities.
The leaders also request additional divisions in Arua City for better administration, upgrading Moyo, Paidha, and Yumbe to municipalities, developing border markets and export hubs in Zombo, Arua, Yumbe, Moyo, and Adjumani to enhance cross-border trade
They also demand government to establish a Regional Science & Technology Park in Pakwach to foster innovation promote youth employment and strengthen digital infrastructure.
In their conclusion, West Nile leaders commended General Saleh’s contributions to northern Uganda’s recovery, but urged the government to remove structural barriers hindering development.
“With improved infrastructure, market access, and technological investment, West Nile can achieve economic resilience and job creation,” the memorandum emphasizes.
As of March 28, General Saleh’s response remains pending. However, this memorandum signals a defining moment in West Nile’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable growth.
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