The presidential candidate for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu has said that for the West Nile sub-region to achieve meaningful transformation, the country must target sustained economic growth rates of at least 10 to 12 per cent annually.
He argued that reviving cooperative structures and restoring the Cooperative Bank would play a central role in empowering farmers and improving rural livelihoods.
“We intend to reestablish support for cooperatives and revive the Cooperative Bank to strengthen agricultural credit. This can be done either through commercial banks or by establishing a dedicated agricultural bank focused exclusively on supporting farmers,” he said
He explained that prioritising agricultural financing, agro-processing, and tourism would uplift nearly 70 per cent of Uganda’s population, most of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Agro-processing, he added, would not only provide a steady market for farmers’ produce but also stimulate job creation and expand the economy.
“A vibrant agro-processing sector increases economic activity, supports industrial expansion, and ultimately creates more employment opportunities. With discipline and consistency, these interventions can pull the population out of poverty,” he added.
Turning to tourism, Muntu observed that the sector remains largely underutilised despite its vast potential, particularly in the West Nile region. He cited the navigable stretch of the River Nile from Murchison Falls to Dufile, where he said investment has been minimal.
The ANT presidential candidate called for comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by tourism experts to guide strategic investments. Key priorities, he said, should include improving the road network along both sides of the Nile from Pakwach to Dufile to attract private investment in hotels, water transport, and related services.
Expanding access to clean water and electricity would also make the region more attractive to tourists.
“The wetlands along this stretch host numerous bird species, and Uganda is home to 20 per cent of the world’s bird population. There are bird lovers across the globe who would happily visit such areas if the infrastructure and facilities were developed.” He stressed.
He added that once tourism is fully exploited, it would create new markets for local producers and spur broader economic development.
Muntu also pledged to prioritise refugee management in the West Nile region, which continues to host large numbers of refugees, should he assume power.
Emmanuel Barigo, a tourism expert and Director for Northern Uganda Tourism, said the West Nile region is strategically located and has the potential to generate employment for many jobless youths and graduates once its road network challenges are addressed.
Barigo noted that the region is endowed with numerous attractions, including the stretch of the River Nile from Pakwach to Moyo, the Zoka Central Forest Reserve, home to unique bird species, and the Kei Mountain range, among others.
“We are already working on some of these issues. West Nile has many tourism features, but what we need now is an improved road network to fully operationalise the region,” he said.
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