Minister Akello Beatrice Ako.ri, LCV Chairpersons Otto and Akena Lead Colourful Bwola Dance at Gen. Otema’s Homecoming in Gulu City
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
GULU CITY – The Minister for Northern Uganda, Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori, has commended the Patongo-Adilang Bwola dance group for promoting authentic Acholi cultural values through the Bwola dance.
Hon Akori, who doubles as the Agago District Woman MP, expressed her joy as she joined the Bwola team at Kaunda Ground in Gulu City on Friday, August 28, 2026, during the homecoming celebration of retired Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany.
The Minister, together with Agago LCV Chairperson Wilson Otto Awil and Pader LCV Chairperson Alfred Akena, who also doubles as Chairperson of the Acholi LCV Chairpersons and Mayors’ Forum, thrilled the crowd as they danced to the authentic Bwola rhythm before Rwot David Onen Acana II, the Paramount Chief of Kerkwaro Acholi, senior UPDF officers, the clergy among others.
Also in attendance was Hon. Lillian Abalo Ongom, who joined the bwola team and leaders in the celebratory dance.
The three leaders made the day colourful as they joyfully joined the Patongo-Adilang Bwola dancers, showcasing the original Acholi royal dance.
Minister Akori applauded the Bwola group for being exemplary and encouraged the young generation to always practice Bwola dance, among other key ciltyral dances like Larakaraka, Lukeme, Dingidingi, Otole, ajere, Apiti among others noting that it represents the true traditional rhythm of the Acholi people.
She also appreciated retired Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany for his immense contribution towards the restoration of peace in Northern Uganda and a number of achievements toward wealth creation in Northern Uganda.
The celebration was further enlivened by a stellar performance from musician Hon. Bosmic Otim P’ Aryemo Lawi-awobe who was dressed in yellow and performed two songs – “Peace Return” and “Won Gang” – praising President Yoweri Museveni and Lt. Gen. Otema Awany.
In his remarks, Pader LCV Chairperson Akena Alfred said Lt. Gen. Otema Charles Awany did a lot during the insurgency of LRA war period in Northern Uganda.
“Otema’s contributions are endless. He stood firm to ensure that the ruling NRM party gained over 80 percent support in the Acholi sub-region,” Akena said, adding that he will continue to consult the energetic Rtd. Lt. Gen. Awany.
He also congratulated the Patongo-Adilang Bwola group for the warm welcome and the display of authentic Bwola dance before thousabds of people gathered at Kaunda Ground.
On his part, Agago LCV Chairperson Wilson Otto said the cultural heritage of Acholi under Rwot David Onen Acana II is being preserved at its best.
“This is the time that the cultural heritage of Acholi people under Rwot David Onen Acana II has shown its best. Otema is a hero,” Otto said, as he praised President Museveni for deployong Otema in several departments of the UPDF befire his (Otema) retirement from active service.
Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo welcomed Otema into the Roco Paco team and informed the gathering that Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu has joined a race in the UN, expressing optimism that he will succeed because of unity and blessings from all walks of life inclusing; political parties such as NRM, UPC, DP and most of the people across the glove.
Owiny-Dollo urged the Acholi people to ignore negative comments from some sections of society about Ambassador Olara Otunu and instead move with the rest of the country in supporting Dr. Olara Otunnu, while congratulating President Museveni for supporting him.
About the Author
