Inside DF-Ker Kwaro Acholi Cultural Institution Meeting

During a courtesy visit to the Ker Kwaro Acholi Cultural Institution’s Palace in Gulu City on December 5, 2025, the Acholi leadership made three impactful calls to the Democratic Front (DF) leadership, led by party president Mathias Mpuuga, conveyed through the Deputy Prime Minister, Martin Okumu.

The calls focused on the immediate necessity for unity among Ugandans, fair distribution of the nation’s resources, and the encouragement of peaceful leadership in what can be characterized as a fragmented nation 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,” shared Okello Okuna, the Minister of Information and spokesperson for the Acholi Cultural Institution.

This meeting marked the third engagement between the DF leadership and the Acholi Cultural Institution, further emphasizing DF’s dedication to collaborating with cultural institutions, which are essential in promoting unity and tackling local issues impacting the community.

Okumu reiterated the significance of peaceful dialogue, highlighting the painful history of conflict in Acholi that has influenced their appeal 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 remarked. He acknowledged previous conflicts and the need for all political leaders to concentrate on constructing a unified nation as they create pathways for their governance.

Additionally, Okumu stressed the need for equitable development throughout 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.”

Emphasizing the substantial prospects for DF candidates to secure seats in the 12th Parliament, he urged them to strive for a legislative environment that would ensure Ugandans feel represented and engaged.

During his address, Okumu underscored the importance of ongoing civic education, stressing that “elections should not be an event. Elections should be continuous processes.” He pointed out the dangerous commercialization of politics and advocated for a restorative approach to restore the sense of community, even during political campaigns.

Mpuuga Reacts

Mathias Mpuuga, President of the DF, welcomed the calls made by the Acholi leadership and expressed gratitude for their unwavering 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,” Mpuuga stated.

“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 asserted, “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,”

He affirmed, “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 reiterated DF’s belief in the significance of cultural institutions and their role in promoting unity and collaboration among political leaders.

The DF delegation, included prominent members such as Dr. Abed Bwanika, national chairman Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, Kevin Anena Okumu, the deputy president in charge of the Northern region, Happy Nasasira, deputy national women leader, and Adelaide Nakitende, the Secretary for environment.

They collectively committed to advancing the agenda raised during the courtesy visit, which initiated the DF presidential national caravan aimed at garnering support for DF candidates at both parliamentary and local government tiers.

The Acholi Cultural Institution commended the DF for valuing visits to the cultural institution whenever they are within its region, unlike other political leaders who merely pass through 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 expressed.