Peter Wamboga-Mugirya, a science and technology journalist in Kampala, has told Voice of America today that if a peace agreement is reached between the Ugandan government and LRA, the northern region and entire country could see vast improvements in its economy. He says the north is a fertile plateau, a part of the Nile River valley, and a former contributor of cassava and of grains like maize, sorghum and millet. Wamboga-Mugirya says its cotton could contribute to the country’s textile industry, which has received an export boost with the US Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The north is also a large producer of oil seeds, like sunflower, sesame, groundnuts and soybeans. Northern Uganda also benefits by its proximity to southern Sudan, which is very rich in resources. Wamboga-Mugirya says there’s a potential for a China-financed railway line between the northwestern town of Packwach in Uganda and Juba, Sudan. "Remember," Wamboga-Mugirya says, "that southern Sudan is three times bigger than Uganda but depends on Uganda for consumer goods like petroleum products and for sugar, salt and soap." Listen to the full interview at Voice of America.