By Mike Rwothomio 

In a landmark consultative engagement, the Greater Nebbi Elders Council has called on newly elected political leaders across the sub-region to forgive past grievances, foster reconciliation, adopt collaborative approaches, and unite in advancing socio-economic development for the districts of Nebbi, Zombo, and Pakwach.

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

It convened a pivotal meeting on February 28, 2026, at Leosim Motel in Nebbi Municipality, bringing together key newly elected representatives to build consensus ahead of their term commencement in May 2026.

Canon Vasco Kura, Chairperson of the Greater Nebbi Elders Council, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for healing and cohesion. 

“You should forgive those who could have hurt you, ensure that you make peace with everyone in your constituency,” Kura stated, noting that longstanding divisions among leaders have hindered progress in Greater Nebbi for decades.

He further urged the leaders to integrate strategic partnerships involving government entities, religious and cultural institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and the business community to create synergies supporting the sub-region's development agenda.

The council highlighted priority infrastructure and economic initiatives, including upgrading key roads such as Nebbi-Goli, Goli-Paidha-Warr-Vuura, advancing the Kampala-Gulu-Pakwach railway line, improving intra-district roads and bridges, enhancing water supply, and boosting industry and trade. 

Kura specifically referenced supporting local entrepreneur Oyoma's youth employment efforts by lobbying for additional factories, 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 districts.

Additional advocacy points included revitalizing the Okoro Coffee Growers Cooperative Union and upgrading Nebbi General Hospital to regional referral status.

The initiative has been widely regarded as a transformative and unprecedented step by community stakeholders, who believe it will strengthen collective bargaining power for equitable resource allocation, often described in social service contexts as "fairer sharing of the national cake", and improved service delivery, particularly given the sub-region's consistent support for the ruling NRM government since 1996.

Newly Elected Leaders Respond Positively

The attending leaders expressed appreciation for the council's facilitation and committed to the resolutions.

Topista Acamfua, Woman MP-elect for Zombo District, praised the elders for charting a path forward and suggested extending similar arrangements to retired senior politicians to enhance synergy and cooperation.

Topista Acamfua, Zombo Woman MP-elect.

Emmanuel Ongiertho, MP-elect for Nebbi Municipality, pledged cooperation and unity, affirming that “the elders have told us the right thing to do” and offering ongoing support to the council's agendas.

George Othuba, LC V Chairperson-elect for Nebbi District, commended the initiative and stressed the value of unified voices and early engagement for effective planning and development.

James Oyullu, LC V Chairperson for Zombo District, highlighted the council's potential role in reconciliation and urged addressing cultural differences to enable seamless collaboration.

Jackline Opar, Mayor-elect for Nebbi Municipality, expressed optimism, stating that with elders' support and a focus on forgiveness, the sub-region is poised for greatness.

Gabriel Okumu, MP-elect and incumbent for Okoro County, noted the forum's non-sectarian nature and confirmed that the council's document would serve as a working tool.

From the civil society perspective,

Ronald Ofoyrwoth, Executive Director of Nebbi NGO Forum, underscored persistent challenges in the education sector and called for prioritization in upcoming service delivery efforts.

This engagement marks a significant community-led effort to promote social cohesion, conflict resolution, and collective advocacy for sustainable development in the sub-region.

The Greater Nebbi Elders Council also congratulated President Yoweri Museveni on his electoral success, particularly the strong showing in Greater Nebbi exceeding 80 percent, while appealing to the government for equitable national resource distribution and enhanced service delivery to the area.

The Elder's council Vice Chairperson Kakura Emmy Kizito reinforced the call for synergy among leaders to prioritize Greater Nebbi’s development, while council member John Pascal Wapokwa urged practical implementation of the commitments.

Members posed for a photo after the engagement at Leosim Motel in Nebbi Municipality.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub