Kitgum: Police in the Aswa East Region have blocked the election of the Ker Kwaro Acholi executive, which was scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2024, at Acaki Lodge in Kitgum Municipality.
In a press release delivered on Thursday, June 13, 2024, Aswa East Regional Police Commander, ACP Anatoli Katungwesi, stated that the decision was reached after several engagements with the two concerned parties and stakeholders.
‘’After several engagements with the two concerned parties and stakeholders and extensive consultations with the district security committee members, the organizers, headed by Rwot Apire Richard Santos, who had submitted a notification letter on June 6, 2024, are advised to broaden their consultations.’’
The police officer says they should seek further guidance from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, security agencies, and laws governing cultural and traditional institutions in Uganda.
He added that no security clearance or guarantee will be provided for the meeting to take place and also informs that the public is advised to avoid participating in this assembly, and the hotel management has been informed not to host the meeting.
Background
On the 11th of this month, Ker Kwaro Acholi, Apire Faction, insisted on holding elections for the new Paramount Chief despite opposition from Acana’s faction.
The interim faction of Ker Kwaro Acholi, led by the Clan Chief of Atiak, Rwot Apire Richard Santos, was scheduled to hold the election for the new Paramount Chief of Acholi this Friday, June 14, 2024, at Acaki Lodge in Pandwong Division, Kitgum Municipality.
This announcement was made by the interim Public Relations Officer, Mr. Adongakulu Robert, during an appearance on Mighty Fire FM’s Mighty Gang Show on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
According to Mr. Robert, the faction had already notified the relevant authorities and obtained clearance from security personnel for the election. He added that the election aims to establish new executive committees, including the Paramount Chief, two deputies, and a speaker.
Rwot John Obita Ogenga, the Labongo Amida Clan Chief, stated that the need for new leadership arose from the continuous leadership weaknesses exhibited by Rwot David Onen Acana II, leading to his removal from power on June 20th, 2023.
However, the Ker Kwaro Acholi East Acholi Coordinator, Mr. Oyet Alex, insisted that Rwot Onen David Acana II remained the legitimate Paramount Chief of Acholi. He asserts that Rwot Acana II has appointed functioning structures since his election in 1999.
On the other hand, the Pajimo Clan Chief, Rwot Onama Charles P’Olak, who aligns with Rwot Onen David Acana II’s faction, claims that some signatures used by Rwot Apire Richard Santos’ faction have been forged to obtain registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). He termed the upcoming election a scam.
Rwot Collins Atiko Mutu II of the Patiko Clan stated that the election aligns with the previous traditions of selecting the Paramount Chief in Acholi. He emphasized that any qualified chief must only be nominated and seconded by two people to contest in the election, as per the newly gazetted constitution.
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