By Our Reporter

Amuria District - In a rare moment of political maturity and reconciliation, the State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, surprised mourners in Amuria District on Friday by sharing a heartfelt handshake and embrace with his former political rival, Sister Grace Ediegu, also known as Atorob Kwap.

The emotional gesture occurred during the burial ceremony of the late John Opila, former Area Land Chairperson of Amuria Town Council, where Minister Ecweru had been invited as the chief mourner.

As the burial ceremony proceeded in a somber atmosphere, Ecweru took to the podium and used the opportunity to call for peaceful politics, urging fellow leaders and the electorate to abandon divisive narratives and focus on development-driven campaigns.

"We must stop blackmailing one another. Let’s present our manifestos with peace and allow the people to judge us based on our actions," he stated.

What stole the attention of mourners, however, was not just his speech but the symbolic act of reconciliation between him and Sister Ediegu, a once formidable opponent in past parliamentary races.

"Let me give an example of me and this old grandmother," Ecweru said while pointing at Ediegu with a smile. "We used to fiercely oppose each other in politics, but today we are smiling and embracing. I can enter her home to fetch water without any suspicion, and she can do the same in mine."

Their public show of unity was received with loud applause and admiration from the crowd, many of whom saw it as a sign of political maturity and a path forward for harmonious leadership in the region.

Beyond reconciliation, Minister Ecweru also addressed the lingering concerns about infrastructure, assuring residents of Amuria that the long-awaited improvement of the Soroti–Amuria road was on the horizon.

"My people of Amuria, the government is committed to working on our road. Local sealing is being prioritized to ease movement and spur development," he emphasized.