By Steven Enatu
The International Day of Peace was celebrated at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, where Dr. Omona, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, officiated as the guest of honor. In his address, Dr. Omona highlighted the critical link between peace and development, stating, “Peace is the bedrock upon which sustainable development is built. Now that we have peace, let us channel our energies into productive ventures that will improve our livelihoods and transform our communities.”
He commended the NRM government’s efforts in bringing peace to Northern Uganda and urged the local population to take advantage of the stability. “The peace and unity we now enjoy, thanks to the NRM, have opened doors for investment in sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure. It is now up to us to use this foundation to drive productivity,” Dr. Omona remarked.
Mr Onoria Ambrose , the Resident City Commissioner of Gulu City, reinforced this message, saying, “Peace has given us the opportunity to rebuild. Our people must now engage in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other productive activities to secure a prosperous future.”
During the event, local residents raised concerns about the need for enhanced skill development programs to support the youth and boost economic growth. Responding to these concerns, Dr. Omona assured the community, “I will push wholeheartedly for skill development programs, especially for our young people. Equipping them with the necessary skills will not only secure their future but also contribute to the long-term prosperity of our region.”
A petition from war victims in Northern Uganda and the Teso region was also presented to Dr. Omona, who pledged to advocate for continued support in the post-war recovery efforts.