Politics 14 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Backs Owiny-Dollo's Mass Agriculture Push to End Poverty in Northern Uganda
President Museveni has promised government backing for retired Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo's 'Rocco Paco' initiative to promote widespread farming in the Acholi sub-region. The effort seeks to overcome persistent poverty despite past recovery investments. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-pledges-support-for-owiny-dollo-s-agriculture-drive-in-northern-uganda-5391152
President Yoweri Museveni pledged full support for former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo’s retirement project focused on mass agriculture to combat poverty in Northern Uganda. The commitment came during Owiny-Dollo’s homecoming event at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City on March 14, 2026.
Owiny-Dollo highlighted the Acholi sub-region’s dire poverty despite billions invested in post-war recovery. He questioned if funds were misused or if communities lacked proper guidance, vowing to lead ‘agriculture by the masses’ alongside ambassador Olara Otunnu.
Museveni praised the plan, noting it matches the NRM’s Parish Development Model for ordinary citizens. He recalled his own 1960s farming efforts in Ankole and urged Acholi residents to shift from war memories—stemming from Kony’s insurgency that killed over 100,000 and displaced 1.5 million—to mechanized agriculture.
The President commended Otunnu for promoting commercial crops like coffee, despite past political differences. Owiny-Dollo has already cleared 1,050 acres with Gen Salim Saleh’s help and planted coffee on 16 acres in Patongo, emphasizing Agoro’s potential for top Arabica beans.
He called for a five-year government partnership to drive change through leadership and sensitization.
Other attendees included Disaster Preparedness Minister Hillary Onek and Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo.
Source: Daily Monitor