Rwot Apire elected Acholi Paramount Chief amidst controversy and allegations

16 June 2024, 14:32

Rwot Richard Santo Apire of Atiak was elected as the new Acholi Paramount Chief, replacing Rwot David Onen Acana II. The election, held on June 14, 2024, in Kitgum, was marked by allegations of mismanagement and corruption against Acana, which he denied.

By Lakomekec Kinyera

Rwot Richard Santo Apire of Atiak has been elected as the new Acholi Paramount Chief (Lawirwodi Acholi), replacing Rwot David Onen Acana II of the Payira clan. The election took place on June 14th, 2024, at Koch Labongo Amida palace in Kitgum, where thirty six clan leaders out of fifty eight convened to elect new leadership.

Rwot David Onen Acana II is accused of mismanagement of the institution’s resources, corruption, and land grabbing, among other allegations, which he denied. Rwot Apire’s election was supported by Rwot Ogenga John Obita, who was elected as First Deputy, Rwot Collins Atiko Muttu as Second Deputy, Rwot John Peko Lugai as Council Speaker, and Rwot Nyeko George as Deputy Speaker.

Rwot Kasimiro Ongom of Patongo has withdrawn support for Rwot Onen David Acana II as the rightful Paramount Chief. Ongom stated that they will audit all the chiefs to verify their anointment. However, earlier, Rwot Acana II dismissed the newly elected chiefs as a minority faction driven by personal ambitions, asserting his continued recognition by the majority of council chiefs, the Acholi community, and the Ugandan government.