Amuru chiefs sign cooperation charter to wage war on poverty

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In a powerful and historic demonstration of unified cultural leadership, three influential chiefdoms in Amuru district have merged their vision and resources by signing a Cooperation Charter designed to deliver an “economic boom” and eliminate resource wastage across their territories.

The chiefs of Pagak, Toro, and Pamuca, now operating under the collective banner of PATOPA, formalised their alliance on October 25, 2025, at Madiba Hotel.

This landmark charter is more than a cultural affirmation; it is a strategic blueprint promoting collaboration on vital issues, including economic development, public safety, and rigorous resource management.

Safeguarding funds and land

The core mandate of the new alliance is a firm commitment to safeguard community funds. The chiefs’ action is designed to close administrative loopholes and usher in an era of transparency, where pooled resources will be channelled directly into collective growth, preventing losses to inefficiency or corruption.

The chiefs also prioritised the protection of customary land. Rwot Okello Faustino Otoyo of the Toro chiefdom stressed the urgency of maintaining the customary land system to prevent land from being sold off, ensuring generational security.

Rwot Justine Ocitti Binyi II of the Pagak chiefdom, a key signatory, reinforced their commitment: "The chiefs are now legally and culturally bound to exercise their duties to benefit their clan members as a whole."

Rwot Onen Moses I of the Mogi Pamuca chiefdom appealed to the signatories to use the charter as a formal means to tap into government wealth and development programmes that benefit the three chiefdoms.

Rwot Okello Faustino Otoyo added that such cooperation was "long overdue," emphasising that the objectives must now be rigorously followed and implemented.

The PATOPA alliance immediately identified high-value development projects, including elevating the Amuru Hot Spring Cultural Tourism Site. Their plan is to transform the popular site into a booming tourist destination, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

Reactions towards the PATOPA Alliance Charter

The signing ceremony was met with strong yet cautious optimism from community members who welcomed the unity but insisted on strict accountability.

Paul Atek, a resident of the Pagak clan, noted the assurance the charter brings. "If they cooperate on security and resource management, it means a more stable environment for us to invest and grow," he said.

Joel Okello, a youth leader, expressed hope that the unified approach would mitigate border conflicts and unlock opportunities, asserting: "This is all about making initiatives benefit 'the people as a whole'—a commitment we will hold them to."

Meanwhile, Obola Geoffrey hailed the charter as a cultural restoration, declaring, "This charter is more than politics; it is cementing the future of the Acholi people in this region through unity."

Other community voices urged the chiefs to engage the many educated youths from the chiefdoms to actively steer the charter towards its goal of economic prosperity.

The PATOPA charter, focusing on mutual benefit and collective progress, marks a decisive turning point for Amuru, where traditional leadership has formally aligned its power to directly drive and safeguard the district’s future prosperity.