Outgoing State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Kenneth Omona, has defended his two-year tenure, saying he leaves office satisfied that he successfully tackled some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including land conflicts, Balaalo evictions and the livestock restocking programme.
Dr. Omona, who was appointed to the docket in March 2024, was dropped in President Yoweri Museveni’s recent cabinet reshuffle and replaced by Beatrice Akello.
He has since been appointed to serve as Uganda’s ambassador.
Speaking in an exclusive interview reflecting on his tenure, Omona describes his assignment in Northern Uganda as “an incredible two years of service,” noting that he assumed office at a time when the region was grappling with major security, environmental, and economic challenges.
The former minister says one of his biggest achievements was overseeing the implementation of presidential executive orders aimed at addressing uncontrolled charcoal burning, land conflicts, and the contentious presence of migrant cattle keepers, commonly known as Balaalo.
According to Omona, government successfully evicted about 70,000 head of cattle from Northern Uganda during the operation jointly handled by the police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel.
He acknowledges that challenges remain, particularly in hotspots such as Apaa, where communities continue to raise concerns over land ownership disputes and alleged collusion between some security personnel and land grabbers.
Peter Opika Opoka the coordinator for grassroot transitional justice working group in kitgum Municipality credits Omona for maintaining close contact with communities across Northern Uganda and ensuring local concerns reach the highest levels of government.
Omona is among the two ministers from the Acholi Sub-region who were dropped in President Yoweri Museveni’s recent cabinet reshuffle.
The other is Henry Okello Oryem, who had served in the Foreign Affairs docket since 2004 and was one of the longest-serving ministers in government.
By URN
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