West Nile Region Feels Politically and Economically Marginalized

The West Nile region of Uganda is raising concerns about its diminished political standing and the apparent lack of development compared to other parts of the country. For the first time in four decades, the region has lost its full Cabinet representation with the departure of Rt. Hon. Gen. Moses Ali, who served as Second Deputy Prime Minister. While his retirement from active duty is understood, the absence of any replacement from West Nile in a senior ministerial role has left a void in national decision-making.

Gen. Ali had for decades been the primary voice for West Nile’s over 3.7 million inhabitants. His presence in Cabinet ensured the region had a say at the highest levels of government. The current appointments, while welcoming new faces, have resulted in critical under-representation. West Nile, which hosts the largest refugee population in East Africa and has shared its resources extensively, now has only junior ministers, a situation described as a national embarrassment. This is particularly stark given the region’s humanitarian contributions and its own struggles with underfunded schools and healthcare.

Furthermore, the region faces severe developmental challenges, ranking poorly on human development indices such as poverty, maternal mortality, and access to clean water. Despite possessing significant potential in agriculture, minerals, and cross-border trade, political exclusion is cited as a major impediment. The region’s educational institutions have also seen a decline from their past excellence.

To address these issues, a proposal has been made for the creation of a State Minister for West Nile Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister. This role would focus on unlocking the region’s untapped potential and ensuring more equitable distribution of resources and power.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/west-nile-has-been-left-behind-5477588