Preparations for 2026 Acholi cultural festival gain momentum as Pader hosts first organising meeting

26 October 2026, 2:51 pm

By Bonny Mike Okello

 Preparations for the 2026 Acholi Cultural Festival are gaining momentum following the first meeting of the central organising committee in Pader District, bringing together cultural leaders and local government officials to assess the proposed venue and coordinate arrangements for the forthcoming event.

The meeting was held at Kworo Guest House in Pader Town Council on Saturday 24th October 2026 following the official launch of the festival in Gulu City on October 23, 2026. The festival is scheduled to take place from *December 12–14, 2026*, with Pader selected as the host district.

The meeting brought together representatives of Ker Kwaro Acholi and district officials from Pader and Agago. The team later inspected the Mayor’s Garden in Pader Town Council, the proposed venue, to assess whether the grounds would accommodate the anticipated activities and participants.

Speaking to a Luo FM reporter after the inspection, Pader District LCV Chairperson Hon. Akena Alfred, who also chairs the Acholi Sub-region LCV chairpersons and mayors’ association and the festival organising committee, confirmed that Pader Town Council would host the event.

Akena said the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase Acholi’s cultural heritage, including traditional food, dances and other cultural practices, while promoting unity among the people of Acholi.

He called on communities, business operators, development partners and well-wishers to begin preparing for the event, noting that the festival could create opportunities for local businesses and promote the cultural identity of the region.

The Pader LCV Chairperson also appealed to partners and well-wishers to support the organisation of the festival. He said he would continue engaging government leaders and other dignitaries to seek their participation and support.

Akena further indicated that he intended to write to relevant government officials, including the Minister for Local Government, Hon.Balam

Meanwhile, Pader Town Council Mayor Fearless Kilama Wod Acholi described the festival as a major opportunity for the people of Pader, particularly traders, hospitality businesses and young people.

Kilama said the event could stimulate commercial activity and expose the younger generation to a large-scale celebration of Acholi culture, especially those who have not previously experienced such a festival.

He urged residents and visitors to remain security-conscious throughout the three-day event and called for cooperation to ensure that the festival proceeds peacefully.

Ker Kwaro Acholi Prime Minister Martin Okumu welcomed Pader’s selection as host district, describing the festival as part of the cultural institution’s rotational hosting arrangement.

Okumu said Ker Kwaro Acholi was committed to supporting the preparations and working with the district authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the event runs smoothly.

He emphasised the importance of cooperation between the cultural institution, local government and the community in delivering a successful festival.

The 2026 Acholi Cultural Festival is expected to bring together cultural leaders, government officials, community members and visitors to celebrate the traditions and identity of the Acholi people.

With Pader now preparing to host the event, attention is turning to venue readiness, security arrangements, stakeholder mobilisation and the participation of local businesses.

The success of the festival will depend on continued coordination among the organising committee, Ker Kwaro Acholi, district authorities, security agencies, business communities and other partners as preparations advance towards December 12–14.