Blogger Frank Mwesigye has attributed the rise in political support for President Yoweri Museveni in Acholi to the decision of opposition stalwart Norbert Mao to cooperate with the government.
In a detailed analysis, Mwesigye highlighted the steady but limited support for Museveni in the region over the past three decades.
“Support in Acholi was rising from 8.5% in 1996 to 44.3% in 2021,” he noted, pointing out that the numbers had plateaued despite incremental growth.
According to Mwesigye, Mao’s involvement has been transformative.
“Hon. Mao brought something unique: legitimacy, bridge-building, reconciliation, and the trust of the Acholi people. His decision was not just political; it was strategic,” he wrote.
Mwesigye argued that Mao’s leadership helped close historical gaps, calm lingering regional tensions, and foster a new chapter of cooperation between Acholi and the central government.
The blogger further projected that Acholi support for Museveni could surge past 80% in the 2026 elections, crediting Mao’s influence and his willingness to make difficult political decisions.
“It reflects leadership that understands both the pain of the past and the promise of the future,” Mwesigye said, emphasizing Mao’s role in positioning the Acholi region at the center of national progress.
Mwesigye concluded that Mao’s actions demonstrate a model of leadership focused on results and unity. “History will record that when Acholi’s political direction shifted decisively, Mao was at the center of that transformation,” he said.