Luo communities form coalition to fight poverty

GULU –  The Luo speaking communities in the different parts of Uganda have formed a coalition to fight poverty and improve livelihoods of the vulnerable communities across the country.

The coalition which is branded as the Luo Foundation Organisation was launched on Thursday in Gulu at Churchill Courts Hotel.

The different cultural institutions within the ancestral Luo speaking communities across the country include, Lango, Alur ,Phadola and Acholi pledged commitment to eradicate poverty.

The Paramount Chief of Acholi Kingdom Rwot David Onen Acana II noted that the coalition will be pivotal in strengthening the production, marketing and exportation of goods to the world market.

Rwot Acana described the coalition as a good gesture of solidarity which will usher in numerical strength to the communities for mass production and investment given the availability of land and reliable rainfalls.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Thieng Adhola Fabian John Olweny says, there is a need for the community to foster unity in working together to achieve the set objective of economic prosperity.

The Chairperson Lango Parliamentary Association [LPG] Betty Alyek appealed to the coalition to reconcile the communities, a situation she says has greatly affected relationships, trade and investment.

The Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom, Vincent Ocaya advised the foundation to adopt a strategic planning in the key sector development that includes agriculture, trade and tourism and export of customs and cultures.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunu called on the organization to cherish promotion and observation of cultural heritage especially the native language from extinction.

Otunu explained that the importation of the different cultures from parts of the World has deprived the country from protecting its own cultures, something he says calls for close attention for redress.

The founder member of the Organisation Ojok Acii Lukone, based in Canada, says, the Foundation will provide the linkage to the different Luo speaking communities across the country.

He commended the different cultural institutions for embracing the initiative adding that the Canadian government has shown willingness to support the movement.

The Bishop of Northern Uganda Arch Diocese Godfrey Loum also commended the Foundation saying, there is need to examine the gospel of Jesus and the cultures that were superimposed on the Africans.  

“We need to revisit the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ and the cultures that were brought alongside Christianity to see how best we can integrate them for our own benefit” Loum explained.

Meanwhile, the Foundation will be coordinated by the cultural leaders who are directly charged with mobilization of the locals on mass production, marketing, trade and investment.