OPINION
The Acholi sub-region of Uganda presents a paradoxical picture. This land, blessed with fertile soils, abundant rainfall, and a resilient people, is rich in potential yet struggles to make ends meet. The guns may have fallen silent, but the echoes of a brutal war continue to reverberate, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that seems impossible to break. This is a silent war, fought not with bullets, but with the insidious weapons of economic stagnation and systemic neglect.
The war that ravaged northern Uganda for over two decades left deep scars. Beyond the visible destruction, it shattered the social fabric, disrupted traditional livelihoods, and fostered a culture of dependency. The silence of the guns did not mark the end of the conflict; it merely shifted the battlefield. The true war now lies in combating the crippling poverty that grips the region, a war that can only be won through targeted, grassroots poverty alleviation campaigns.
One cannot discuss Acholi’s economic woes without addressing the elusive repatriation funds meant for war recovery. Where did they go? Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have swirled for years, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and a deep sense of betrayal. The very funds intended to rebuild lives and livelihoods seem to have vanished, leaving communities to fend for themselves.
Adding insult to injury are the controversial land grabbing incidents that have plagued the region. Land, the bedrock of Acholi’s agricultural heritage, is being snatched away, often under dubious circumstances, further marginalizing vulnerable communities. The government’s post-war recovery schemes, while well-intentioned, have often been poorly implemented, failing to address the root causes of poverty and creating dependency rather than self-sufficiency.
Acholi boasts the largest percentage of arable land in Uganda, a potential goldmine for agricultural development. Yet, agricultural productivity continues to decline. Why? The answer lies in a complex web of factors: lack of access to improved seeds and fertilizers, inadequate infrastructure, limited market access, and a lingering sense of trauma that hinders innovation and risk-taking. Traditional farming practices, once effective, are struggling to adapt to changing climate patterns and market demands.
The path to recovery requires a paradigm shift. It’s not enough to provide handouts; we must empower communities to take control of their own destinies. This means transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the repatriation funds. A thorough investigation is crucial, and those responsible for mismanagement must be held accountable.
Furthermore, strong measures must be implemented to protect land rights and prevent further land grabbing. Land titling and community land management initiatives are essential. Investing in agricultural extension services, providing access to affordable inputs, and promoting sustainable farming practices are vital for boosting productivity. Connecting farmers to markets, both local and regional, will ensure fair prices for their produce and stimulate economic growth.
Addressing the psychological scars of war through community-based trauma healing programs is essential for fostering resilience and promoting entrepreneurship. Ultimately, empowering the individual and the household to be self-sufficient through education, training, and microfinance is crucial for winning the war against poverty.
The war in Acholi did not end with the silence of the guns. It continues to rage in the form of poverty, inequality, and despair. But it is a war that can be won. By focusing on the individual and the household, and by addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty, we can unlock Acholi’s vast potential and create a future where its riches benefit all its people. Only then can the silent war truly come to an end.
Author is Eng Olanya Olenge Tonny,
An Environmental & Natural Resource Consultant