Commentary: "Do the Acoli People Love Yoweri Kaguta Museveni or His Money?"

By Emmanuel Nigel

Piemonte House

Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025

The relationship between the Acoli people and the Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is quite complex and has evolved. Many Acoli, like other Ethnic Groups in Uganda, relatively appreciate the stability and development that Museveni’s Government has brought since his rise to power on January 26th, 1986. However, there are also significant criticisms, especially regarding historical grievances like the war in Northern Uganda from 1986 - 2006, during which the Acoli population suffered heavily due to both the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency of Joseph Kony and the Government’s military operations.

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‎While some Acoli support Museveni because of his contributions to the Country’s infrastructure and economy, others feel disconnected from the Government due to past injustices, ongoing poverty, and lack of sufficient Government support in the region. Museveni's financial influence, like that of any Political Leader, may also attract support from those who benefit from Government funds, either directly through aid, Government contracts, or by other means. Museveni was nominated by the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, as he seeks a seventh term in office as the President, facing seven Presidential Candidates in the Uganda General Elections of Monday, January 12th, 2026. "He will continue using money and promises to gain love, but his relationship with the Acoli people will always have complexity."

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‎It’s vital to note that for some, loyalty to Museveni may stem from his position as a leader and what he offers in terms of development or financial incentives, while for others, it’s a more nuanced position influenced by a mix of historical context, personal experiences, and what they perceive as the benefits of his leadership.

‎ The dynamics between political loyalty and financial support are always intertwined in such discussions, so it's not always a simple matter of love or money -it’s often a blend of both, shaped by the larger socio-political context. But now, the majority love his money and they desperately want the money from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

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