Pader LCV Akena Alfred, Set to host Over 20,000 people During Global Pader-Day Luo festival in Mid-December.
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
PADER, UGANDA
Pader District is set to host more than 20,000 people for the grand Acholi cultural festival that will bring together Luo communities from across the globe.
The festival will feature traditional food, dance, art and cultural artire exhibitions, traditional live music performances, discussions involving leaders, public lectures and innovations.
The six-day festival, slated for December 12 to 17, 2026, will be marked by Luo cultural performances, public lectures on Luo origin and migration, exhibitions and a showcase of Acholi heritage, running and tradition.
It will be held under the auspices of His Highness Rwot David Onen Acana II, the Paramount Chief of Ker Kwaro Acholi.
According to Pader District LCV Chairperson Alfred Akena, who is also the chairperson of all LCV chairpersons in Acholi sub-region, preparations are in high gear and invitations have already been sent out.
In an exclusive interview, Akena said the festival will attract Luo from Kenya, South Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, Britain and America.
“There are efforts by the organising committee to invite H.E the President of the Republic if Uganda Gen.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to be the chief Guest,” Akena said.
The LCV chairperson has been praised by many people in Pader District for steering Pader to greatness again, with many citing renewed hope and visibility for the district under his current leadership.
In a related development, Pader Day will be celebrated on December 14, 2026, during the festival week. The day, which has occassionally been marked on December 14 for several years, will this time be held with pomp as several dignitaries from the Luo community of South Sudan, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria among others are expected to attend in big number really.
“The vibrant LCV chairman Akena Alfred has restored hope in the people,” Odong Ogom said.
Meanwhile, leaders in Pader including District Speaker Hon. Ojok Olal are already mobilising the public through radio stations and various online platforms to create awareness ahead of the grand festivities.
The December event is expected to boost cultural tourism and unity among the people in Pader, Northern Uganda and the Luo worldwide, while positioning Pader as the epicentre of Acholi heritage.
The event will be characterised by Luo Cultural performences, public lectures on the Luo and performances exibitions of Acholi Heritage and tradition.
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