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FOWODE launches YATA advocacy song to amplify youth voices in Gulu

21 September 2026, 10:39 am

A group of Acholi all-star artists perform during the launch of the song Cwal Dwoni at Gulu University Faculty of Medicine on September 18, 2026.

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) has launched an advocacy song under its Youth Action for Transparency and Accountability (YATA) Project, calling on young people to raise their voices, participate in decision-making and promote transparency and accountability in their communities.

The song, titled Cwal Dwoni, meaning “Raise Your Voice”, was launched on September 18, 2026, at Gulu University during an event attended by young people, university leaders, community representatives, local government leaders, project resource persons and musicians.

The YATA Project is implemented by FOWODE with support from the European Union.

The song was composed and performed by an all-star line-up of artists: Eric Opoka, popularly known as Eezzy; Fortune Layeng, also known as Lazy Mover; Quincy Akisa; Lucky David Wilson; and Caro Flower.

Speaking at the launch, YATA Project Coordinator Oneki Alfred said music was selected as an advocacy tool because it can reach a wider audience and communicate messages about transparency, accountability and service delivery in a simple and engaging way.

Oneki Alfred, FOWODE Programmes Officer for Gulu and Amuru districts, speaks about the advocacy song.
Oneki Alfred, FOWODE Programmes Officer for Gulu and Amuru districts, speaks during the launch of the song at Gulu University on Friday, September 18, 2026.

He said the project had identified gaps in the education and health sectors, including shortages of teachers and health workers, as well as challenges affecting service delivery.

The song encourages citizens to speak up and engage duty-bearers on issues affecting their communities.

YATA resource person Thomas Oling said youth groups trained under the project had been monitoring service delivery in schools and health centres.

Thomas Oling, a YATA resource person, speaks about the training of youth groups to monitor service delivery.

The groups discussed the identified challenges with communities and local leaders before presenting their findings during interface meetings.

The participating artists also highlighted the creative industry as a potential source of economic opportunities for young people through music production, promotion, management, distribution, digital platforms and live performances.

Female artists Quincy Akisa and Caro Flower highlighted sexual harassment as one of the challenges faced by women in the music industry and called for safer and more respectful spaces for female artists.

Quincy Akisa, a performing artist from the Acholi sub-region, speaks about sexual harassment in the music industry.
Some of the youth from Gulu University attending the launch of the song Cwal Dwoni.

Alice Adongpiny, Woman Councillor for Awach Town Council, encouraged young people to pursue education, work hard and actively participate in community development and decision-making.

Hon. Alice Adongpiny, Woman Councillor for Awach Town Council, encourages young people to work hard and participate in community development.

The launch ended with a call for young people to “Cwal Dwoni”, meaning “Raise Your Voice”, and actively participate in building transparent and accountable communities.