Acholi Paramount Chief heads to Las Vegas, USA

Gulu | During his official tour of the Acholi Cultural Institution, The King of Buruuli Isabaruuli Isabarongo Mwatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya, announced that he will accompany the Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, to Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States on May 20, 2025.

This visit aims to give the Acholi Paramount Chief the opportunity to meet with American investors and donors while also discussing developmental issues that are important to the Acholi community.

The King of Buruuli made history when he became the first to visit Acholi. He was welcomed by the Deputy Paramount Chief of Acholi, several chiefs, the Deputy Prime Minister, cultural institution staff, city leaders, and other dignitaries.

Rwot Acana expressed gratitude for the Last Vegas invitation, noting that the annual conference, organized by the Princess of Las Vegas City, brings together investors with similar goals. Despite being invited for the past two years, the King of Buruuli has been unable to attend due to a busy schedule.

This year, he confirmed his attendance to represent his people before American investors.

Meanwhile, Rwot Acana II has emphasized the Acholi cultural institution’s and its 57 chiefdoms’ poverty, stating that this opportunity would help them lobby for support in capacity building and production to combat poverty.

He also mentioned an upcoming conference in New Orleans, USA, in August 2025, hosted by Ugandans to discuss Acholi issues with American investors.

Addressing the sub-region’s challenges, Rwot Acana II pointed out the lingering effects of the 25-year war between the LRA rebels and the UPDF, which have led to widespread trauma. He plans to prioritize securing funds for rehabilitation (counseling centers) to aid those suffering from trauma-related disorders.

He also noted the low levels of education and health in the Acholi sub-region, stating that while the Government of Uganda is providing support, it is insufficient. He intends to present these issues to investors to seek additional funding.

Regarding agriculture, Rwot Acana II highlighted the sub-region’s poor animal husbandry and expressed a desire to advance mechanized farming, industrialization, and value addition of local products. He emphasized the need for investors to promote Acholi products in global markets, reducing dependence on imported processed goods.

King Isabaruli Constance Mwogezi Butamanya who also serves as the Chairman of the Cultural Leaders Forum, reiterated his commitment to taking the Acholi Paramount Chief to Las Vegas on May 20, 2025.

He advised the Paramount Chief to prepare to meet investors and present developmental issues that would benefit the Acholi people.

The King further urged Acholi cultural institutions to cease internal divisions, which hinder the development of strong institutions. Mwogezi advocated for patriotism and unity, advising families to produce more children to strengthen the region’s bargaining power with the government. He also encouraged cultural institutions to engage in political leadership to ensure representation in all sectors.

Bukundika Ezra, Country Director of the Family Peace Association, commended the Acholi people for their resilience, and emphasized the importance of strong relationships with chiefs, as cultural institutions are vital for community survival.

He also announced plans to train all chiefs and clan leaders in capacity building and financial inclusion management.

Rwot Martin Otinga Atuka Otto Yai II, Chief of Lamogi Chiefdom and Deputy Paramount Chief of Acholi, expressed gratitude to the King of Buruuli for his visit, which aims to foster unity and collaboration among cultural institutions in Uganda.

He likened the royal tour to international diplomatic norms, promoting peaceful relations for shared goals.

He also advised the paramount chief to present issues related to coffee production to investors, advocating for grants to support value addition and market access for Acholi coffee products.

Dr. Kenneth Omona, State Minister for Northern Uganda, affirmed the Office of the Prime Minister’s support for the Paramount Chief’s participation in the U.S. conferences. He appealed to political, religious, and cultural leaders to rally financial support to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Minister Omona highlighted the decline of ranching in Acholi and emphasized the need to prioritize the development of ranches for global markets. He proposed building slaughterhouses for processing animal products locally, aiming to export finished goods rather than raw products.

He also acknowledged the government’s efforts, through the Operation Wealth Creation program, which has injected shs7 trillion into various projects, though results in the northern region have been limited.

This collaborative effort by Acholi and Buruuli leaders represents a significant step toward addressing the region’s developmental challenges and fostering international partnerships for long-term growth.