The Kitgum district LC5 chairperson, Christopher Arwai Obol, has urged government to fast-track key priorities for the district, including development of the Janani Luwum Memorial Site, strengthened security against cattle rustling, and expanded access to university education in East Acholi.
Obol made the appeal while presenting the district status report during the 49th annual commemoration of the late Archbishop Janani Luwum at Mucwini Ceremonial Grounds. The event drew national leaders, religious figures, and thousands of pilgrims from across the country and beyond.
He described Archbishop Luwum as a towering moral figure whose faith and courage in the face of oppression continue to inspire communities in Kitgum district, the Acholi sub-region, and the nation at large.
“Archbishop Luwum’s life reminds us that truth and justice are worth standing for, even at the highest personal cost,” Obol said.
A central focus of Obol’s address was the need to transform the Janani Luwum Memorial Site at Mucwini into a fully developed national and international pilgrimage center.
Also read: Joy as Museveni delivers shs 60m to Diocese of Kitgum at Janani Luwum Commemoration
He noted that while Mucwini holds deep spiritual and historical meaning, its current infrastructure falls short of reflecting the global stature of the martyred Archbishop.
“We envision a modern memorial complex with a museum, prayer facilities, access roads, and visitor amenities,” Obol said. “This will not only honor Archbishop Luwum’s legacy but also promote religious tourism, create jobs for our youth, and stimulate the local economy.”
Grace Aciro, a resident of Mucwini, said improved facilities would benefit locals who host pilgrims every year. “We welcome visitors with open hearts, but we lack basic services like accommodation and clean water. Developing this site will change lives here,” she said.
On security, Obol raised alarm over the re-emergence of cattle rustling by armed groups from the Karamoja sub-region, commonly referred to as Karamojong. He warned that renewed raids threaten livelihoods in rural communities that depend heavily on livestock.
“We appreciate the efforts of the security forces, but the situation requires sustained deployment and coordinated operations,” Obol said. “Our farmers and pastoralists deserve protection so they can rebuild and prosper.”
Okello Geoffrey, a farmer from Kiteny sub-county, said sporadic raids have forced families to abandon grazing areas. “Cattle are our bank. When they are taken, children drop out of school and poverty deepens,” he said, urging the government to maintain vigilance.
Education emerged as another priority, with Obol advocating for the expansion of university and higher education services across East Acholi, including Kitgum and neighboring districts. He argued that limited access to tertiary education continues to hinder youth potential and economic growth.
“Young people are traveling long distances for university education, which many families cannot afford,” he said. “Bringing higher learning closer will equip our youth with skills, reduce unemployment, and accelerate socio-economic transformation.”
Students attending the commemoration welcomed the proposal. “If we had a public university campus here, many of us would continue our studies,” said Susan Akello, a senior six student. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.”
Obol reaffirmed the district’s readiness to work with central government, the Church, and development partners to realize these goals, while preserving Archbishop Luwum’s legacy as a symbol of unity and moral leadership.
In his response to the chairperson’s address, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni vowed to completely end cattle rustling in East Acholi.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.