The State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Cooperation), Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, has promised to rebuild unity and strengthen cooperation among members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) should he be re-elected in the forthcoming elections.

Addressing journalists at his residence in Kitgum Municipality on Monday, Oryem lamented that divisions within the APG had slowed the Acholi sub-region’s progress and weakened its influence in national affairs. The minister, who is seeking to represent Chua East County in Kitgum District, urged fellow legislators to embrace humility, teamwork, and tolerance, emphasizing that leadership is “about service, not competition.”

“The main problem in APG is individual personalities and behavior. Some members want to be seen as more powerful than others. But we are all equal, paid the same salary, and sent to Parliament by our people. We must learn to respect and accommodate one another,” Oryem said.

He compared the cooperation needed among members to astronauts working in confined quarters, noting that they must “live together in a small space, tolerate each other, and focus on their mission.” Oryem pledged that, if given another term, he would act as a bridge between new and returning MPs to restore the group’s influence and relevance.

Reflecting on earlier achievements, he cited the establishment of Gulu University and the Laroo Boarding School, projects realized through joint lobbying by Acholi MPs. “These developments show the power of cooperation when we put our heads together. A united APG can achieve even more for our people,” he added.

Residents in Kitgum expressed optimism about Oryem’s message, saying that renewed harmony among Acholi leaders could once again give the region a strong collective voice.

Rose Ayaa, a fruit vendor in Kitgum Municipality, said unity would rebuild public trust in political leadership. “We want to see our leaders working together again. When they fight among themselves, we the ordinary people don’t have where to turn to,” she said.

Francis Opiyo, a boda boda rider from Pandwong Division, called on MPs to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political rivalry. “We have many problems here, land grabbing, poor roads, and joblessness. If the MPs can unite, they can collectively push government to act,” Opiyo noted.

Christine Akidi, a resident of Gang Dyang, described Oryem’s call as long overdue. “If our leaders can work together again, we shall see development return to our region,” she remarked.

Formed in 1989, the Acholi Parliamentary Group once symbolized unity in northern Uganda, championing justice, peace, and dignity for people affected by years of insurgency and displacement. However, cracks began to appear during the 9th Parliament as members accused each other of prioritizing personal ambitions over the group’s shared vision.

The divisions widened after the 2021 general elections, with senior MPs questioning the competence of newcomers, while the younger legislators accused veterans of refusing to relinquish leadership roles. The election of Anthony Akol as APG Chair reportedly deepened the discord, as critics blamed him for promoting factionalism and exclusive leadership.

Today, the group that once spoke boldly for the Acholi people has lost much of its influence. Many members are seen to be more focused on political survival than on addressing the region’s long-standing issues, land wrangles, Balalo conflicts, and the continuing deaths in Apaa.