By Ouni Jasper
January 29th, 2025 – Kwania -In the heart of Uganda, amidst verdant landscapes and a rich cultural tapestry, the Lango sub-region is on the cusp of a transformative era.
This evolution is steered by the resolute leadership of President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose strategic vision under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) seeks to elevate Lango into a thriving hub of socio-economic development and cultural renaissance.
The recent meeting in Kwania District between President Museveni and Lango leaders has become a landmark event, symbolizing a convergence of leadership vision and community aspiration, poised to redefine the future of Lango.
President Museveni addressed the gathered leaders with an impassioned speech, articulating the core pillars upon which a nation’s progress is built. Peace, he asserted, is the foundation of all societal endeavors.
“Without peace,” Museveni emphasized, “all other efforts will be in vain,” highlighting the fundamental belief that stability is the bedrock upon which any form of development must stand.
Development was another crucial pillar stressed by the President, but he urged a reimagined perspective that goes beyond mere infrastructure.
While roads, electricity, water, health, education, and even railway systems remain vital, Museveni reminded leaders that true development must encompass a wider socio-economic context.
His reflections from a journey in 1973, where he witnessed poverty amidst newly constructed roads, served as a compelling reminder that infrastructure alone does not equate to wealth.Wealth creation, in Museveni’s vision, is a personalized endeavor, intricately linked with community efforts yet also distinct from collective infrastructural projects.
“Wealth is personal and private,” he remarked, urging leaders to cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship and economic creativity among the people.
His historical narratives, recounting decades of personal struggle against poverty, provided a blueprint for community-driven wealth creation, emphasizing hard work and innovation as keys to economic prosperity.Museveni’s discourse also tackled the pervasive issue of unemployment.
With a booming population exceeding 40 million, he acknowledged the limitations of government jobs and advocates for the empowerment of private entrepreneurship.
By supporting business growth, more job opportunities can be harnessed, reducing reliance on state employment and fostering a new era of economic self-reliance.
Following President Museveni’s compelling address, Judith Alyek, the chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, presented a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This document highlighted both the accomplishments and further aspirations of the Lango sub-region.
The establishment of Lira University and the Presidential Skilling Hub were celebrated as cornerstones of educational advancement.
Additionally, the Uganda Technical College (UTC) in Lira and improvements to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital were testament to the region’s commitment to enhancing both education and healthcare.
Yet, despite these laudable achievements, the MOU underscores a clear vision for deeper governmental intervention.
Foremost on the region’s wishlist is the construction of the Lira Airport, a proposed project poised to be a catalyst for economic growth through enhanced connectivity.
Complementary to this are infrastructural improvements in national roads and a ferry service from Nambyeso to Amolatar, which promise to streamline transport and trade across the region.
In healthcare, an urgent appeal was made for the elevation of key health center IVs—such as Dokolo and Alebtong—to general hospitals, thereby extending their capacity to deliver comprehensive healthcare services.
Education initiatives highlighted the necessity of fulfilling financial promises to support the Lango Education Trust’s mandate of aiding needy students and establishing a specialized heart institute and upgrading the Lira Regional Hospital.
The socio-economic landscape of Lango is further enriched by aspirations for industrial progress.
Establishing industrial parks in strategic districts like Lira and Dokolo is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at unlocking job opportunities and boosting the regional economy.
This is aligned with the broader objective of improving household access to electricity, which presently lags at 8.4%—substantially below the national average of 18.5%.
Enhanced electrification is expected to electrify economic activities, covering various sectors and spurring inclusive growth.In addition to infrastructure and industry, Lango’s leaders are advocating for crucial administrative developments.
The proposed establishment of new districts such as Aber from Oyam and Erute from Lira is seen as a step towards decentralized governance.
These administrative actions promise more tailored solutions, addressing local issues with greater efficiency and enhancing resource allocation to meet the distinctive needs of the Lango populace.
A persistent theme in the Lango narrative is the underrepresentation of its skilled populace in national roles, including public service, ministerial, and military positions.
Despite a reservoir of talent, Langi individuals remain on the periphery of national decision-making forums.
In response, the NRM is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that the skills and intellect of the Lango people play a pivotal role in Uganda’s future trajectory.
Local government leaders, critical to this grassroots evolution, face challenges of inadequate compensation and logistical support.
Addressing these issues is vital, and as such, the NRM plans to enhance the welfare and capabilities of these leaders, empowering them to effectively champion local development efforts.
The community’s deep-seated appreciation extends towards the Amuka Militia and veterans whose resilience secured peace and stability.
The government’s concerted effort to accelerate compensation for the Lira Spinning Mill workers and revive the mill is part of a strategic objective to rejuvenate the region’s industrial landscape. By revamping this cornerstone, new job opportunities will be created, stimulating local economic growth.
As Lango steps into this new chapter, faith in President Museveni’s leadership and the NRM’s strategic foresight remains unwavering.
The sub-region anticipates a horizon laden with opportunities, inclusivity, and unity.
Each strategic intervention brings Lango closer to actualizing its immense potential, setting a precedent for other regions of Uganda to emulate.
Rising like a phoenix from the fertile soils and rich veins of its ancestral heritage, Lango is set to embrace unparalleled prosperity under the aegis of the NRM.
This transformative era not only heralds a new dawn for Lango but stands as a paragon for regional regeneration within Uganda, solidifying its place as a pivotal force in the national story of growth and unity.
