Gen (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh, Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), has officiated the graduation of 419 cadres in Gulu district.
The cadres completed a civic education training programme organised by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance from 19 to 25 July 2024 in Lokole-Agago district.
The training, attended by leaders from the Acholi sub-region, Resident District Commissioners, Local Government leaders, and youths, aimed to empower communities for effective participation in national programmes.
Gen Salim Saleh urged leaders in the Acholi sub-region to adopt mechanised farming, leveraging available technology and land to boost production.
He emphasised that his role is focused on transformation, not politics, and encouraged visiting mechanised and large-scale enterprises to inspire change.
Hon. Akelo Beatrice Akoli, State Minister for Monitoring and Economic Planning and MP for Agago, expressed gratitude to Gen Salim Saleh for organising a tour of Terra Agri Farm and Atiaka Sugar Factory, broadening the perspectives of the people in Acholi.
She commended the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance for initiating this transformative training, noting its role in dispelling misconceptions about government programmes.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, 4 Division Commander, thanked Gen Saleh for the training initiative and encouraged participants to share their knowledge with local communities, fostering patriotism and nationalistic character.
He stressed the importance of fighting corruption and promoting national development, urging leaders to reject divisive politics and embrace productivity and new ideas.
Brig Gen Keith Katungi, Commander 5 Division, urged cadres to change their mindset and embrace hard work after the week-long training.
He noted that areas with high illiteracy and poverty levels often experience conflict, highlighting the need for communities to utilise government programmes that improve their livelihoods.
At Terra Agri Farm, he encouraged cadres to adapt the 4-acre model system to their small landholdings without being intimidated by large-scale enterprises.
However, he emphasised the need for streamlining land ownership in the Acholi sub-region, citing the principle, ‘What belongs to all belongs to none.’
The training covered various subjects, including civic education, ideology, political economy, and national guidance. Members of Parliament from Agago District attended the function.