THE FIRST EVER ACHOLI CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN UGANDA

Are you a cultural enthusiast? Have you heard about the Acholi cultural festival? For the first time in Uganda, residents of Acholi Sub region have organized what has been described as the "grand Acholi cultural festival" due to take place in Gulu district. The event is intended to exhibit the endowed culture and traditions of the Acholi people. The Acholi cultural leader Rwot David Onen Acana II endorsed on this tremendous event as a way to memorize and celebrate the beauty of Acholi culture. The theme of the event is “Kwero deyo pa Acholi” meaning Celebrating the beauty of the Acholi!

ACHOLI CULTURAL DANCES

Several events are to be conducted between 14^th Thursday and 16^th Saturday at the Kaunda Grounds and Park Centre in Gulu town. The festival is likely to attract thousands of people from all corners to attend this remarkable event that is commencing tomorrow. This event also intends to promote progress and development in the region. Among other things to be exhibited include the traditional dances, food, artifacts, drama, local dishes and drinks. Cooking lessons will be conducted for children below 11 years as well as cooking competitions and Acholi food restaurant. There will also be Acholi legacy award gala, dance, music, dress and several awards. All these fascinating activities are aimed at selling the culture of Acholi people to outside world. The Acholi belong to Nilotic Luo speaking ethnic group mainly thriving from central area of Northern Uganda, an area largely considered as Acholi land. The region covers the towns of Agago, Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum, Lamwo and Pader. About 1.17 million people live in the region with more 45000 of them living in south Sudan. They speak Luo. The Acholi people are famous to have migrated from Bahr el Ghazal in the south of Sudan about 1000 CE to the current Northern Uganda.

In conclusion, wildlife safaris in Uganda are worth better off when combined with cultural encounters. Let us come and appreciate nature and promote Acholi culture to the outside world! There is a lot more to explore in the Acholi compared to what you may know.