Over 25,000 people expected for this year’s Acholi Cultural festival

Pilsner Lager announces sponsorship of UGX60m towards the festival

Every year, the people of Acholi under the auspices of their cultural institution, Ker Kwaro Acholi, hold the Acholi Cultural festival to celebrate their cultural heritage and traditions. This year, the festival which is slated for December 12th to 14th is expected to attract at least 25,000 people.

This year’s festival being held under the theme “My Heritage, My Strength”, follows the success of last year’s edition which was a colorful display of the unique traditional music, dance, drama, cuisine, dress, tools and artifacts of the Acholi people.

Pilsner Lager, a product of Uganda Breweries has announced a sponsorship to the tune of UGX60 million towards the festival.

During a press briefing at the Uganda Breweries head office, the organizers revealed that preparations are in high gear and thanked Pilsner Lager for the continued support towards the festival.

“We are grateful to Pilsner Lager for this contribution which is a big boost to the festival and preparations that are currently ongoing. It is only fitting that the King’s beer be part of this celebration organized by His Highness Rwot David Onen Acana II for the people of Acholi,” said Ambrose Olaa, Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi.

According to the organizers, previous editions have attracted at least 10,000 people and this year they hope to have 25,000 people participating in the three-day festival. The festival will be held at the Boma Grounds in Kitgum.

While handing over the sponsorship, Juliana Kagwa, Uganda Breweries Marketing and Innovation Director said “Pilsner Lager is a true Ugandan beer made using locally sourced raw materials and deeply rooted in tradition. Our business is about the celebration of life and this festival will bring together the people of Acholi in a unique celebration of cultural heritage.”

The three-day program features a line-up of traditional dances, music, games, displays, cuisine, a health camp and an exhibition. The festival will kick off on December 12th with a procession through the streets of Kitgum.

During a press briefing today, Pilsner brand management said they are glad to be part of Acholi Cultural Festival which celebrates their (Acholis) life and culture.

This is the third time, UBL is partnering with the Acholi for such celebration.

Acholi leader David Onen II was represented at the briefing by his Special Envoy Hon. Dan Kidega who appreciated UBL for the continued support both regional and national. This is the celebration of Acholi Heritage which is celebrated every year and they celebrate food, marriage, protection, growth, introduction of the culture to the young ones and many other culture related.

The Theme of the festival is ‘My heritage my strength’.

“We thank UBL for contributing UGX 60m to support the festival and for the continued support to development of the country. Dan appealed to UBL to continue supporting such developments especially in Acholi region,” Dan said.

The Acholi cultural institution is getting stronger and stronger each year.

They are doing well on National level and has already qualified for the finals in FUFA Drum tournament. The institution also boasts bigger people running it including former EALA speaker Dan Kidega and so many others. Time is now for the Acholis to show their strength starting on 12th December 2019 at Boma Grounds in Kitgum.

Some of the notable guests expected for this year’s festival include Hon. Jacob Oulanyah L’ Okori, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Chief Justice Alphonse Chigamoyi Owiny –Dollo, Hon Betty Aol Ocan, the Leader of Opposition in Uganda Parliament and Woman Member of Parliament for Gulu District, Hon Henry Okello Oryem, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Chua East- Kitgum District and Hon Onek Hillary Obaloker, the Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, among others.