Acholi premier raps land forum leaders

Apr 14, 2011

THE founders of Acholi Land Forum are failures, according to the prime minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi cultural institution Kenneth Oketta

By Chris Ocowu

THE founders of Acholi Land Forum are failures, according to the prime minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi cultural institution Kenneth Oketta

Oketta told members of the forum that they should not think that they were the only Acholi elites who should talk about Acholi land.

This followed comments by the chairman of Acholi Land Forum, Zakeo Olyel, on Saturday that Ker Kwaro Acholi cultural institution was acting as an agent of land grabbers to get commission.

He said MPs; Oyet of Nwoya and Concy Achiro of Amuru who were defeated by Richad Todwong and Betty Bigombe respectively in the recently-concluded elections did not own Amuru land.

“They should let Madhvani Group officials meet and interact freely with the owners of the land who include the traditional leaders of Toro, Parabong and Pagak clans. These chiefs are part of Ker Kwaro Acholi and they are free to meet Madhvani Group officials from the palace,” Oketta said.

He challenged the leaders not to look at Gulu as a tribal town, saying Baganda gave land to investors to establish hotels and other investments for development.

“We need to prepare the minds of our people for bigger developments. They should be sensitising people to welcome investors,” Oketta added.

While addressing journalists, the founders of Acholi Land Forum advised the paramount chief of Acholi under Ker Kwaro Acholi cultural institution, Rwot David Onen Acana II, against siding with foreigners who wanted to grab Acholi land.

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