DETAILS: What Gen. Salim Saleh Discussed With EU Envoys At His Gulu Base

General Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), on Wednesday hosted Ambassadors from the European Union Delegation in Uganda in a meeting in Gulu City where he is based.

According to reports, they discussed a wide-range of issues focused on key developmental and governance issues affecting the region and the country at large.

The meeting brought together senior EU diplomats and Ugandan officials to address critical topics including election-related violence, youth unemployment, trade and investment opportunities in Northern Uganda, and the impact of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on Uganda’s coffee exports.

Other pressing matters on the agenda included transitional justice, mineral resource governance, land rights, land valuation, and value addition for Uganda’s natural resources.

The EU envoys travelled to northern Uganda early in the week for a mission they say is meant to “assess the opportunities and challenges, as well as to explore the history and culture of the Acholi sub-region.”

It is led by head of mission, Ambassador Jan Sadek. Their meeting with Gen. Saleh comes just days after the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, tweeted that he had the authority to deport any foreign envoy, a remark following European ambassadors’ meeting with opposition leader Bobi Wine. Gen. Saleh, widely seen as a power broker within Uganda’s political and military establishment due to his participation in the struggle that brought the NRM into power in 1986, is believed to hold considerable influence over the CDF, who is also his nephew. His hosting of the dialogue may have served as both a moderating presence and a sign of allaying any fears if any among the EU diplomatic corps.

Gen. Salim Saleh, a veteran commander and influential figure in Uganda’s post-war recovery and economic transformation efforts, made a passionate and personal appeal during the dialogue. In a strong message aimed at dispelling allegations of corruption and foreign wealth accumulation, he stated:

“I have not stolen from this country. i don’t have a foreign account. if it is there, block it. ceasefire, and let’s work together.”

Representatives from the EU welcomed the opportunity for open dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda, especially in areas that promote inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and respect for human rights.

After the meeting, the EU Delegation in Uganda acknowledged Gen. Saleh’s important role in Northern Uganda’s transformation, posting on social media:

“His experience and longstanding involvement in Northern Uganda provided important perspectives as the region continues its journey from post-conflict recovery to long-term development.”

The discussions also touched on the sustainability of European investments in Uganda, particularly in light of environmental and governance concerns, and the need for more localized investment in the north, a region that has historically lagged behind due to conflict and underdevelopment.