Affirmative action transforming northern Uganda – Minister Omona

By Leticia Kahubire

KAMPALA

The Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Hon. Dr Kenneth Omona, has said the Government’s affirmative action interventions are transforming Northern Uganda from a post-war recovery zone into a region of opportunity, resilience and growth.

Dr. Omona made the remarks while appearing on UBC TV’s Front Bench programme alongside the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Alex Kakooza, and Principal Economist, Mr. Horace Bashaija, on Monday.

He explained that the affirmative action programmes implemented in the region were designed to restore the socio-economic foundations that had collapsed as a result of the two-decade armed conflict.

“Infrastructure was destroyed, and there was mass displacement, which worsened poverty levels,” Dr Omona said. “This necessitated a deliberate Government response focused on infrastructure, resettlement, and mindset recovery.”

He stated that flagship affirmative action programmes, such as the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) and Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), have greatly contributed to rehabilitation and recovery in the region.

“I can confidently say that Northern Uganda is stable, and in the coming years, it will be one of the most sought-after regions in the country,” Dr. Omona added.

He also stated that signs of transformation are visible through improved roads, education, and health infrastructure, such as the Gulu Cancer Centre and Gulu Inland Port.

“Roads such as the Nimule route have strengthened access to regional markets, particularly South Sudan, boosting trade and investment opportunities for the region,” Dr. Omona said.

Mr. Kakooza said the region’s standards of living have significantly improved, with school enrolment rising and cases of malnutrition falling. He added that the quality of education has also improved, and that the establishment of regional Public Universities in Gulu and Arua has increased access to higher education.

Mr. Bashaija said the Government’s focus is on building resilience rather than dependence. He noted that while the initial recovery phase concentrated on emergency response, current interventions are aimed at enabling households to transition from subsistence to commercial production.

“Our focus is to ensure that households engage in activities that put money in their pockets, creating resilience and reducing dependency,” Bashaija said. “These interventions continue to position Northern Uganda as a stable and emerging growth corridor for trade, agriculture, and investment.”