By KT Reporter
In a spirited gathering at Patongo Akwee Primary School playground, Agago District, on December 9, 2024, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and Ambassador Olara Otunnu called on the Acholi community to unite and restore their cultural heritage.
They addressed issues such as poverty, declining education standards, and moral decay, emphasizing the need for collective action. The event was part of the “Gure Me Pongdwongo” initiative, launched in December 2023 to revitalize Acholi culture and address socio-economic challenges.
Owiny-Dollo stressed the importance of clans in preserving culture, stating, “Clans are the bedrock of our heritage. They hold the power to sustain our identity more than any other institution.” He warned that divisions among chiefs in Ker Kwaro Acholi could hinder progress, emphasizing that “cultural revival does not recognize political parties; it requires unity.”
He also criticized the declining education standards in Acholi and announced plans to sponsor talented students through the Acholi Education Fund. Urging more participation, Owiny-Dollo questioned, “Why are our people not contributing to the fund? This is for the future of our children.” He revealed that the Awila clan had contributed UGX 400,000 and Awur clan UGX 2 million.
State Minister Beatrice Akello Akori condemned the impact of alcoholism, calling it a “significant factor hindering development and increasing poverty.” She praised the initiative and urged the community to embrace cultural values to foster growth. “Our current way of living is unsustainable. We must change for the better,” she said.
Ambassador Otunnu highlighted the challenges of poverty, theft, jealousy, and moral decay, describing them as obstacles to cultural revival. “Acholi has been blindfolded and submerged in a flood of challenges. We need a strong force to pull us out,” he stated.
The meeting referred to a draft strategy document by the Rocco Paco Initiative, outlining key areas: strengthening cultural institutions, improving education and health, managing natural resources, and enhancing economic infrastructure which will unveiled in the coming “Gure Me Pongdwongo”.
Ambassador Otunnu emphasized transparency in selecting students for educational support. “The selection process will be open and fair to all,” he assured. Owiny-Dollo called for mindset change, urging families to embrace income-generating crops like coffee to boost household income. “We must change our approach if we are to succeed,” he said.
The Gure Me Pongdwongo initiative continues with a follow-up meeting at Restore Leadership Academy, Gulu, aiming to solidify the Acholi renaissance-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
