During a courtesy visit at the Ker Kwaro Acholi Cultural Institution’s Palace in Gulu City on December 5, 2025, the Acholi leadership made three resonating clarion calls to the Democratic Front (DF) leadership led by its president Mathias Mpuuga through the Deputy Prime Minister, Martin Okumu.
The calls centered on the urgent need for unity among Ugandans, equitable sharing of the nation’s resources, and the promotion of peaceful leadership in what may be described as a divided country today.
“You are most welcome to Acholi land. The Democratic Front being a young party, but the actors are not new in politics. It is just that you have changed the shade; we want politics that embraces everybody so that the entire country is united for a common goal,” expressed Okello Okuna, the Minister of Information and spokesperson for the Acholi Cultural Institution.
The dialogue marked the third interaction between DF leadership and the Acholi Cultural Institution, further highlighting DF’s commitment to engaging with cultural institutions, which play a pivotal role in fostering unity and addressing local issues afflicting the people.
Okumu reiterated the importance of peaceful dialogue, emphasizing the painful legacy of conflict in Acholi that has shaped their request for national unity.
“We might differ in our geographical locations and political affiliations, but we remain the people of Uganda because there is no any other country we shall call home,” Okumu stated. He acknowledged past conflicts and the necessity for all political leaders to focus on building a unified nation as they pave the way for their governance.
Okumu also underlined the necessity for equitable development across Uganda, stating, “Economic development is not equitable, that is the fact, and as cultural leaders, we play that development should extend to all parts of Uganda because Acholi is now rated as the poorest in Uganda.”
Affirming the high chances for the DF candidates to make it to the 12th Parliament, he urged them to ensure that the newly elected Parliament push for an environment that make Ugandans feel represented and involved.
In his address, Okumu stressed the worth of continuous civic education, underscoring that “elections should not be an event. Elections should be continuous processes.”
He pointed out the commercialization of politics and called for a restorative approach to bring back a sense of community even in political campaigns.
Mpuuga Speaks
Mathias Mpuuga, President of the DF, welcomed the clarion calls made by the Acholi leadership and expressed gratitude for their continued support.
“On Tuesday this week, we had a visit to Buganda Kingdom at Mengo. I am surprised but not shocked that the message from the Katikkiro of Buganda and the message by the prime minister are almost the same,” he said.
“We are here to reecho the message that at the DF, we believe a new Uganda must be reborn, , and in that new Uganda, all of us must see each other in there, and united as each other’s keeper. I am glad that in your message, you are making the same clarion call,” he added.
Mpuuga eloquently stated, “War is not theatre, war is suffering, and it divides people, and most importantly, war constrains people. One of the biggest challenges of this generation is on how to recover communities that have been affected by war, and return the sense of unity, belonging to this community so that the issues that were given as a basis to wage war do not come back because this community is being haunted by what happened in the past,” Mpuuga, said in emphasis of the need to address past conflicts and promote healing within communities.
He asserted, “I just want to recommit that as a young party, as you observed, the party is new but some of the actors have been around and have seen good and bad about politics and how politics can be dangerous.”
Mpuuga reaffirmed DF’s belief in the importance of cultural institutions and their role in fostering unity and collaboration among political leaders.
The DF delegation, which included notable members such as Dr. Abed Bwanika, national chairman Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, Kevin Anena Okumu, the deputy president in charge of Nothern region, Happy Nasasira, deputy national women leader, and Adelaide Nakitende, the Secretary for environment.
They collectively committed to pushing forth the agenda raised during the courtesy visit which began the DF presidential national caravan aimed at rallying support for DF candidates at both parliamentary and local government levels.
The Acholi Cultural Institution hailed the DF for finding value in visiting the cultural institution whenever they are within its jurisdiction unlike other political leaders who just pass by while making noise.
“We are happy to say that Democratic Front has visited us again. Many political leaders pass via here making a lot of noise, but it is good that for you, you have decided to come and greet us, and it is a great honor that you have come,” Okumu said.
