Gulu, Uganda — A storm is brewing in Northern Uganda as several Acholi Members of Parliament (MPs) face intense criticism and backlash from their constituents following reports of a clandestine meeting with President Yoweri Museveni and his brother, General Salim Saleh.
The meeting, which reportedly took place last week at State House Entebbe, has sparked outrage after revelations that the MPs allegedly negotiated a deal with the president and the top military general. The MPs in question have defended themselves, claiming the discussions were held in the interest of the Acholi people. However, their electorates are not buying the narrative.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that the MPs negotiated on matters pertaining to financial inducements, political alignments ahead of the 2026 elections, and possible personal favors, rather than pressing developmental or security concerns facing the Acholi sub-region.
Community leaders, elders, and youth groups from Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, and other Acholi districts have strongly condemned the MPs’ actions, accusing them of betraying the region for personal gain.
“We sent them to Parliament to represent our interests — to demand for justice, land rights, peace, and economic empowerment — not to engage in backdoor deals that benefit a few individuals,” said John Bosco Okot, a youth leader in Kitgum district.
At the center of the anger is the lack of transparency. Critics argue that there was no prior consultation with the electorate before the MPs met with the president and his brother, raising questions about whose mandate they carried to the meeting.
In Gulu City, several protestors took to the streets, demanding the resignation of the implicated MPs. Placards reading "Acholi is not for sale" and "We need accountability, not secret deals" were seen as security forces intervened to calm the situation.
Meanwhile, local cultural institutions, including the Ker Kwaro Acholi (Acholi Cultural Institution), have distanced themselves from the MPs' actions, reaffirming their neutrality and commitment to open, inclusive dialogue.
One of the MPs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, insisted the meeting was a strategic move to secure government support for ongoing projects in the north, including road infrastructure and peace-building initiatives. However, critics argue that tangible benefits rarely follow such undisclosed meetings.
Political analysts are warning that this controversy could have significant electoral consequences for the MPs involved, as the electorate becomes increasingly disillusioned with leaders perceived to be out of touch with community needs.
Efforts to get an official comment from State House regarding the meeting were unsuccessful by press time.
