1. Rocco Paco
Gulu City, Uganda – The Rocco Paco Foundation, is a non-political, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Gulu, proudly marks its first anniversary by celebrating significant achievements, including raising over UGX 300 million to support educational scholarships in the Acoli sub-region.
Founded during the Gurre me Pongdwongo convention in December 2023, the Rocco Paco Foundation has dedicated itself to reviving and rebuilding the moral, social, and economic fabric of the Acoli people. This milestone reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to reversing societal decline and restoring the glory of Acoli communities.
In a press release issued today, December 2, 2024, the Rocco Paco Foundation announced that the UGX 300 million raised will be used to pilot a scholarship program aimed at supporting 60 bright but underprivileged children in 2025. As part of this initiative, six iconic secondary schools, including St. Joseph College Layibi and Sir Samuel Baker School, have been identified for targeted support to transform them into model institutions. This is under pillar number one of the Acoli Strategic Development Framework -Scholarship Fund (Dero Kwan)
2. Environmental Restoration (Pit yen pi Acoli!)
The Foundation announced the successful launch of a large-scale tree-planting campaign on September 27, 2024, at Sir Samuel Baker School. This initiative aims to restore depleted forests and combat climate change. It is projected to result in the planting of millions of trees across the sub-region, contributing to environmental restoration and sustainable development efforts.
3. Customary Laws Initiative (Cik pa Kaka)
As part of this pillar, the Foundation has successfully drafted and secured approval for 23 community bylaws designed to preserve cultural values and promote moral integrity. These bylaws have been formally endorsed by Uganda’s Attorney General, reinforcing their legitimacy and importance in guiding community practices.
4. Acoli (Lwo) Language Board
The Foundation has established the Acoli (Lwo) Language Board to preserve and promote the Acoli language. This initiative focuses on teaching, writing, and publishing educational materials, ensuring the continued vitality of the region’s cultural heritage.
5. Community Engagement and Diaspora Outreach
Over the past year, the Foundation conducted 24 sensitization meetings across the Acoli region, directly engaging thousands of residents to foster awareness and participation in its initiatives. Additionally, it mobilized the Acoli diaspora, culminating in an exposure trip to Canada for 20 young leaders to broaden their perspectives and inspire transformative leadership.
Looking Ahead: Empowering Communities in 2025
Upcoming Projects
Scholarship Implementation: Broaden the scope of the scholarship program to support more underprivileged children and advance the development of the six identified model schools.
Community Bylaws Adoption: Drive the implementation and adoption of the approved cultural bylaws at local and grassroots levels to strengthen community values and cohesion.
Enhanced Community Engagement: Expand outreach efforts to deepen connections with Acoli communities in Uganda and the diaspora, fostering greater participation in the Foundation’s initiatives.
Upcoming Events
Gurre Me Pongdwongo 2024: Set for early December at Restore Leadership High School in Amuru District, this flagship event will review achievements, evaluate progress, and define strategic priorities. Over 3,000 participants are expected to attend.
Acoli Cultural Festival: Scheduled for December 15, 2024, at the UMA Show Grounds in Kampala, this vibrant cultural celebration will raise funds for the scholarship program while promoting cultural unity and solidarity.
About the Rocco Paco Foundation
The Rocco Paco Foundation was established to rebuild the Acoli community after years of social and economic decline. Its mission focuses on restoring Acoli values, fostering unity, and driving sustainable development through education, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
About the Co-Chairs
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi: A distinguished legal expert and peace advocate, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo has been instrumental in Uganda’s peace-building and constitutional reform processes.
Ambassador Olara Otunnu: A celebrated diplomat and advocate for children’s rights, Ambassador Otunnu brings decades of leadership experience, including serving as UN Under-Secretary-General and Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Our greatest focus for Acoli is this initiative begun by our two great sons of the soil. Ladit Olara Otunnu and Ladit Chigamoi Owiny Dollo Alfonse.
My urge is for the Roco Paco to work on Luo language and its taste, usage in public sphere such as community gatherings and media.
This means those who work in this process must be aligned with Luo language