Exclusive: Prof. Kinyera Talks Unity Ahead of the Second Edition of Gurre me Pongdwongo

 “We can’t achieve Rocco Paco’s goals if we are divided. We must come together as one people and revamp our land,” urges Prof. Sam Kinyera Obwoya.

In a candid conversation, Prof. Sam Kinyera passionately called on the Acholi people to wake up and actively work toward rebuilding the sub-region, which has suffered immense setbacks since 1971.

Our reporter, Willy Chowoo, visited the newly appointed Executive Director of Rocco Paco, Prof. Sam Kinyera Obwoya, at his office in Gulu City. The accomplished academic and former Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Authority shared his vision for Rocco Paco and what the upcoming second edition of Gurre me Pongdwongo holds for the Acholi people.

Q: Why did you take this job?

It is quite simple—the job aligns perfectly with my passion and experience. I was part of the team that developed the Acholi Strategic Development Framework (ASDF), a comprehensive document addressing critical issues affecting our community. It identifies challenges ranging from education and poverty to environmental degradation, and outlines practical solutions that require urgent action.

When my contract with the National Planning Authority expired on April 30, 2024, I was approached by the two co-chairs of Rocco Paco: Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu. They knew my deep involvement with the ASDF and recognized my capacity to help translate its strategies into action.

Ambassador Otunnu asked me to establish a new secretariat for Rocco Paco and later take up the position of Executive Director. I didn’t hesitate because I was already familiar with the initiative’s objectives and understood the impact it could have on Acholiland.

Q: What is Rocco Paco about?

Rocco Paco is a transformative initiative aimed at rebuilding Acholiland after decades of decline. Since 1971, our region has faced political turmoil, war, and socio-economic challenges that have left it lagging behind. The initiative focuses on three main pillars: education, poverty eradication, and environmental restoration.

Education in Acholiland has suffered immensely. We lack good schools, quality teachers, and the resources to create an environment conducive to learning. As a result, many parents send their children to Kampala in search of better opportunities, leaving our local schools in dire straits.

Poverty is another major issue. Reports show that Acholi remains one of the poorest regions in Uganda, with unsustainable household incomes that hinder progress. We aim to empower our people economically by providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive.

Environmental degradation has further compounded our challenges. The massive deforestation over the years has disrupted weather patterns, leading to unpredictable rainfall and declining agricultural yields. These issues are interconnected, and addressing them requires a holistic approach. Rocco Paco is determined to tackle these problems head-on.

Q:  As the new director, what are your short- and long-term goals?

Our short-term goal is to unite the Acholi people behind a shared vision. Unity is the foundation for success. Without it, no individual or organization can bring about the desired change. We need all stakeholders—religious leaders, politicians, cultural leaders, and ordinary citizens—to work together toward our common objectives.

In the long term, we aim to establish sustainable systems that address the root causes of our challenges. For instance, we plan to transform selected schools into model institutions that provide high-quality education and serve as examples for others to emulate. We also want to create economic opportunities that lift families out of poverty and foster environmental stewardship to combat climate change.

Q: Do you anticipate any challenges in achieving these goals?

Certainly, challenges are inevitable. This initiative started with just two people, and like all bold ideas, it has faced its share of skepticism. Even Jesus, who came to save the world, faced rejection.

However, what matters most is the support of those who believe in this cause. We are determined to work with every willing Acholi to turn this vision into reality. Rocco Paco is for all of us, and its success will benefit the entire community, whether someone initially supports the idea or not. Our job is to bring people on board and demonstrate the tangible benefits of unity and collaboration.

Q: What should people expect at the second edition of Gurre me Pongdwongo?

The first edition of Gurre me Pongdwongo set the stage for many ambitious initiatives. During this second edition, we will report back to the people on the progress made over the past year and outline the steps ahead.

One of our top priorities has been education. We’ve mobilized resources to support scholarships for bright but underprivileged children. By next year, we plan to offer scholarships to a few students as a pilot initiative, with the hope of scaling it up in the future.

Additionally, we’ve started transforming six schools into model institutions. These schools will be equipped with well-trained teachers, improved infrastructure, and modern learning tools. Our goal is to restore the lost glory of Acholiland’s education system and ensure that parents no longer feel the need to send their children elsewhere for quality education.

Another critical agenda item is environmental restoration. Massive deforestation has devastated our ecosystem, leading to erratic weather patterns and declining agricultural productivity. To address this, we’ve launched a large-scale tree-planting campaign aimed at replenishing our forests and mitigating the effects of climate change. We want to restore the region’s natural beauty and create a sustainable environment for future generations.

The second of Gurre me Pongdwongo shall take place at Restore Leadership High School in Amuru district beginning from the 27^th to 29^th December, 2024.

By Willy Chowoo