West Nile Leaders Urge Unity to Foster Regional Development
Hon. Muzaid Khemis in a road procession, with a young man carrying President Museveni's portrait. Photo by Matata Benzamin
West Nile leaders have called for unity among elected leaders in the region to strengthen advocacy for major development projects and improve the livelihoods of residents.
The leaders said West Nile has significant infrastructure needs that require a united voice from Members of Parliament to lobby the government for increased investment in the region.
The call was made during the thanksgiving ceremony of Arua Central Division Member of Parliament, Hon. Muzaid Khemis of the FDC, held at Arua Primary School playground on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Among the key projects highlighted was the proposed UGX 650 billion upgrade of Arua Airfield into an international-standard airport, which leaders said would boost trade, tourism, investment and connectivity in West Nile.
They also cited the rehabilitation of the Arua-Nebbi Road, construction of the Laropi Bridge, and improvement of other major roads across the region as priorities requiring sustained government attention.
Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus and Obongi County MP, Hon. Fungaro Kaps Hassan, said political differences among elected leaders should no longer stand in the way of regional development. “There is a source of financing. This one of the African Development Bank is a source. This is okay from very far. The bank says yes, I can give money for this thing, but where is the money? We don’t want to be deceived by this. I have seen many things like this, so there is no excitement. I am not excited.” He noted.
Fungaro said, “I want to see a contractor here in Arua at work, doing the work, and then we see that the project is moving on, and that’s how we can get contented. Whether money comes from African Development Bank, either it comes from World Bank or it comes from Bank of Uganda, Uganda’s own financing, no problem. But West Nile must be taken seriously, not talking in the air, not things on paper. We need practical action to be taken.”
Fungaro noted that there is still an element of disunity among West Nile leaders, urging them to put aside political differences and work together to achieve the region’s development agenda.
“The time for politics has gone. Now is the time for reconciliation and unity to foster development in the region,” Fungaro said.
The leaders also called for the identification and promotion of a major cash crop that can provide sustainable income for farmers while meeting international production and business standards.
They argued that West Nile needs an agricultural commodity with a reliable market and value-addition opportunities to improve household incomes, create jobs and strengthen the region’s contribution to the national economy.
Hon. Muzaid Khemis, the Member of Parliament for Arua Central division, urged West Nile MPs to unite and develop a common regional agenda that can be presented and consistently advocated for before the government and other development partners. “Development cannot be achieved when we are disunited. I want to commit that we urge the government to consider West Nile development issues.”
He said a coordinated approach would give the region a stronger voice in securing infrastructure, agricultural investment and other development programs needed to transform West Nile.
“I have compiled a report about the Arua airfield that I am going to present still on the floor of Parliament. Our observation is yes, money is there in the budget. The projects are not implemented. That is one of the areas we requested from the speaker, we want all the projects that have not been implemented when money was given to be brought to the floor of parliament.” Hon. Muzaid explained.
“We want to speak about it and we want to look for a way. If the budget is much, then we will prioritize. If the government was to pick ideas from all of us, each region, the government would only take two hospitals in every financial year. That means for now we will be having very many district hospitals.” He stressed,
“We are continuing to urge the government to look at ideas from some of us who were from the local government, right from LC3. We understand the problems that the community is facing. We are appealing that the government must listen.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Eric Dramviku of NRM, the guest of honor representative for Minister of Health Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and Terego West Constituency MP, said West Nile lags behind due to disunity. He stressed the need for cooperation among the legislators to push for the region’s agenda for infrastructure development and cash crop production for income generation.
“If we want to develop our region, we need to be united and speak one voice regardless of our different political parties. Politics has gone, it is time for service delivery to our people. We need unity from Adjumani to Zombo.” Hon. Erick said.
West Nile sub-region comprises 42 Members of Parliament across 12 districts and one city, covering a total area of about 15,300 square kilometers bordering Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.