The Diocese launched the inaugural commemoration last year in honour of Rwot Awich, who is credited with inviting the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to Acholi land in 1903.
The Kitgum Diocese has announced plans to hold the second commemoration of Rwot Awich Iburaim Lutanyamoi, the former traditional ruler of Payira Chiefdom, for his instrumental role in introducing Christianity to the Acholi Sub-region.
The Diocese launched the inaugural commemoration last year in honour of Rwot Awich, who is credited with inviting the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to Acholi land in 1903. Although CMS first toured the region in response to the invitation, it later established its first mission station in Keyo, present-day Amuru District, in 1904, marking the formal entry of Christianity into the area.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network, Kitgum Diocese Bishop Rev. Wilson Kitara expressed concern that Rwot Awich’s immense contributions have not been adequately acknowledged.
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Bishop Kitara revealed that this year’s commemoration is scheduled for October 30, to be held at Rwot Awich’s ancestral home in Laguti Sub-county, Pader District.
The date was chosen because it marks the day in 1943 when Rwot Awich was baptized into the Anglican Church. He noted that Rwot Awich was exposed to Christianity, reading, and writing while passing through the Bunyoro Kingdom after his release from British imprisonment in 1902.
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Preparations for the event are already underway, with a committee formed to oversee coordination.
Samuel Agwani, Chairperson of the Commemoration Committee, described Rwot Awich as a freedom fighter who championed the rights of the indigenous Acholi people.
Agwani said the event aims to reawaken the Acholi community’s appreciation of its historical figures who contributed to peace, development, and education.
Leading up to the commemoration, a series of activities, including a memorial lecture, marathon, and essay competitions in selected primary and secondary schools, have been lined up.
He added that the organisers hope to partner with the government to lobby for an agricultural institute in Laguti Sub-county and seek funding to erect a monument on Laguti Hill in honour of Rwot Awich.
Martin Okumu, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Land and Finance at the Acholi Cultural Institution, welcomed the initiative, commending it as a fitting tribute to Rwot Awich’s legacy in spreading Christianity in the region. Rwot Awich ruled over Payira, one of the largest and most powerful chiefdoms in Acholi, from the 1880s until 1946. He succeeded his father, Rwot Ocama. A known critic of British colonialism, Rwot Awich resisted foreign interference, leading to tense relations with colonial administrators.
In 1901, following his defeat by the British, he was arrested and imprisoned at Kololo in Kampala until 1902. He was later re-arrested in 1912 for illegal possession of a firearm and sentenced to eight years, gaining his freedom in 1919. His legacy lives on through his descendant, Rwot David Onen Acana II, the current Paramount Chief of Acholi.
