Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-dollo Cigamoi expressed concern about the increasing moral degeneration in the Acholi sub-region. Speaking during the general meeting ‘Gurre I Pondwongo’ at Sir Samuel Baker School in Pece, Laroo Division, he urged Acholi religious leaders to unite and address issues such as drunkenness, petty thefts, and gender-based violence.
Owiny-Dollo emphasized the crucial role played by Acholi religious leaders’ peace initiative (ARLPI) in the Peace Talks between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army Rebels (LRA). He highlighted the need for unity, truth, and love among the people of Northern Uganda to overcome the challenges facing the Acholi community.
In response to the Chief Justice’s appeal, Archbishop of Gulu John Baptist Odama welcomed the initiative. As members of ARLPI, religious leaders, including Anglicans, Muslims, and Orthodox, pledged to collaborate in addressing the challenges affecting Acholi. They committed to preaching and praying for peace and unity in Northern Uganda.
The Chief Justice reminisced about the significant role religious leaders played during the Juba Peace Talks of 2006-2008 between the LRA and the Government of Uganda. Their advocacy contributed to the peaceful resolution of a conflict that had persisted for over two decades in Northern Uganda.
