What is Pongdwongo?

The Acoli society is in the throes of a grave existential crisis , marked by radical wholesale societal collapse . This once vibrant and leading society has been reduced to a tragic shadow and shell of its former self . This is what the Lwo call Too Paco .

This Too Paco , which has engulfed Acoliland , is manifested in two broad dimensions . One dimension is the massive loss of material wellbeing ; this is mostly concrete , visible and measurable in statistical profiles . The second dimension presents a much bigger challenge ; this is about the collapse of intangible and invisible fundamentals ( ‘the intangibles’ ) – – spirit , outlook , attitudes , values – – which has led to a deep moral , spiritual and identity crisis .

It is against this background that a group of leaders came together earlier this year and decided to embark on broad consultations for Doro Paco . Doro Paco is a self-challenge ( pyem ) by the Acoli intelligentsia and leaders .

They are committing to step forward , assume their responsibility in engendering and enforcing good conduct and good governance , respect and solidarity , probity and solidarity , values and moral taboos , and progress and development in Acoli society .

This is a labour of love . It is a non-partisan , non-political , pan-Acoli enterprise . This is a rallying call , to summon to action , all members of the Acoli community .

Following consultations with various stakeholders , including the intelligentsia , members of Parliament , ARLPI , Wang-OO , District leaders and ludito kaka , plans are underway to organise a plenary gathering of Acoli leaders at Sir Samuel Baker School ( Gurre me Pongdwongo ) , 27 – 29 December , 2023 . This will bring together diverse categories of leaders : youth ; women ; ludito kaka ; diaspora ; elected leaders ; elders ; intelligentsia ; etc .

Pongdwongo should mark the beginning of a seminal journey , a pan-Acoli movement for Doro Paco . In this context , Pongdwongo will serve several important purposes .

First , it will be a forum for exposition & soul-searching , self-challenge & resolve , rallying & uniting – – leading to concerted action . Second , it will provide the occasion for unveiling and adopting Rocco Paco ( the plan for rebuilding Acoli society ) .

Third , several concrete initiatives , such as Rocco Paco Education Fund , a private investments vehicle , the Five Schools project , the District & Dog Kaka by- laws regime , etc , will be discussed and launched .

Pongdwongo will also discuss and decide on the institutional vehicle that should spearhead the important work of Doro Paco .

The Conveners of Gurre me Pongdwongo are His Lordship , the Hon Justice Alfonse Chigamoi Owiny Dollo and Ambassador Olara Otunnu