As the 2026 elections approach, a concerning trend has emerged among some Acholi opposition MPs, who are seizing upon the Balaalo issue to advance their political agendas. These figures have launched blanket condemnations against the presence of the Balaalo in Northern Uganda, portraying them as land grabbers and stoking fears among local citizens. However, the motivations behind this strategy are far from altruistic.
The opposition MPs have long leveraged the land question as a tool for political gain, manipulating the narrative to suggest that non-Acholi individuals, particularly the Balaalo, are threatening to usurp land from the rightful owners.
This rhetoric, designed to incite fear and mistrust, ignores a more complex reality: land acquisition in Acholi is not solely a matter of external encroachment.
In fact, some of these very MPs have been involved in buying clan land at significantly undervalued prices, raising the question--who are they to speak of land grabbing?
This opportunistic strategy is further revealed by their selective focus.
While the opposition fervently decries the Balaalo's access to land, they remain conspicuously silent on the presence of other groups, such as Eritreans and Indians, who have also established a foothold in the region. This selective outrage highlights the opposition's real intent--to sow division and exploit sectarian sentiments for electoral gain.
For decades, Acholi opposition leaders have employed sectarian politics, fostering division and hatred within the community. They have been adept at planting venom in the hearts of the citizens, convincing them that the NRM government is the source of their poverty and suffering.
Yet, this narrative conveniently overlooks the significant contributions of the NRM government in the region, through initiatives like the Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) and the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) programs. Despite these efforts, opposition leaders have often demobilized the populace, urging them not to embrace government programs that could have transformed their lives.
The reality is that when programs like NUSAF 1 and 2 were introduced, many citizens were encouraged to view them as free handouts, with no need for proper planning or investment in their future.
The opposition's role in this demobilization is evident--they discouraged the people from seeing the potential of these initiatives, thereby ensuring their continued dependence and dissatisfaction.
Now, as the winds of the 2026 elections begin to blow unfavorably for some Acholi MPs, they are once again turning to the Balaalo issue as a weapon.
By aligning this issue with the narrative of land grabbing, they hope to derail the NRM government's efforts and regain political traction.
However, these MPs' tactics also expose the underlying factions within the Acholi parliamentary groups, where personal ambitions and internal rivalries often overshadow the region's collective interests.
Interestingly, despite the hypocrisy of these opposition MPs, the government continues to use them to execute certain activities. This raises questions about the logic behind such decisions.
Why would the government rely on individuals who publicly denounce its efforts and yet privately cooperate for personal gain? One possible explanation is that these MPs, with their deep connections and influence within their constituencies, may still be seen as effective intermediaries.
However, this reliance could also be a calculated risk, aiming to neutralize opposition figures by involving them in government initiatives, thereby exposing their duplicity to the public.
Nonetheless, this approach has its pitfalls, as it may inadvertently lend credibility to those who have mastered the art of playing both sides, further complicating the political landscape in Acholi.
Moreover, the duplicity of some opposition MPs has not gone unnoticed. They are known to badmouth the government during the day, presenting themselves as champions of the people, while secretly aligning with the government at night to secure benefits for themselves and their families.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
This hypocrisy leaves voters in a miserable state, as they are manipulated by leaders who prioritize their selfish interests over the well-being of their constituents. The question now is: will these MPs continue to exploit the Balaalo issue as a campaign tool ahead of the 2026 elections?
In response to these concerns, President Museveni has criticized these opposition MPs, describing them as "mistake makers and opportunists" during his statement at State House Entebbe on November 10, 2023.
Additionally, the President formed a verification committee after meeting with a section of landowners and those opposed to the Balaalo presence. The committee's findings and reports are expected to challenge the opposition's attempts to undermine the government and clarify the situation.
As Acholi citizens prepare to cast their votes in 2026, they must critically assess the true intentions of their leaders. The choice between unity and division will shape the future of the region, determining whether it moves forward together or remains mired in opportunistic politics.
