Put Acholi agendas like Education first.

 Many people think Northern Uganda is backwards as published by media early especially during the LRA insurgency.

Worst still, within Acholi sub-region, some districts are considered more developed than others, and the gap between Acholi East led by Kitgum and Acholi West led by Gulu is a clear illustration of this lovely piece by Accellam, please enjoy.

A Message to My Acholi Brothers and Sisters.

There are places in Acholi land that, when mentioned, have historically been looked down upon—places like Amuru, Lamwo, Pader, and many others. For years, many of us hid our origins out of fear—fear of being judged, fear of being labeled primitive or backward. But today, that narrative is changing, and education has been the key to unlocking a brighter future for our people.

Without good education, we would still be unaware of modern advances like hospitals, electricity, or even ambulances. I remember vividly, in 2002, watching as my people carried the bodies of their loved ones on bicycles, their faces covered with old blankets. This memory still haunts me. But my story isn't about poverty or trauma. My story is about the transformative power of education.

Education has turned my fears into joy. Look at Amuru, Lamwo, and other places once seen as less desirable. Today, people are fighting for land in these very regions, land that they once turned their backs on. There is a magic in learning, and it is changing our communities. When I see the Acholi people—our brothers and sisters—standing proudly in the capitals of the world, it fills me with pride and a deep sense of belonging.

Acholi is in my blood, and it is my identity. For years, others may have laughed at us, but now many seek homes in Acholi land, the land of peace and harmony. I love my people. I love our land. I love the beauty within it.

Yet, something troubles me. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that we could be divided as Acholi. But today, I see, hear, and experience a different Acholi—a divided one. Where did all this jealousy, hatred, and disrespect come from? Every day, we are bombarded with signs of discord. Scroll through social media, and it won't take long before you find an Acholi brother or sister attacking another.

This isn’t who we are. It costs nothing to stop this cycle and start loving each other again. That same energy we’re wasting on negativity could be channeled into making education even stronger in Acholi land.

Let’s come together, support each other, and put Acholi’s agenda first. Education has been our path forward, and with unity, it can continue to be the force that transforms our future.

One love!

Acellam me kaka Pawel pa Okumu.

#AcholiPride #UnityThroughEducation #AcholiFirst