The Prime Minister of the Acholi Cultural Institution, Mr Phillip Okin Ojara has resigned his position to concentrate on elective politics ahead of 2016 general election.
Mr Ojara was appointed in September last year by the Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, following the suspension of the former Premier Kenneth Oketa over alleged mismanagement of funds.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Chiefdom Head quarters on Wednesday, Mr Ojara officially announced his resignation to give himself ample time to prepare for 2016 general elections.
The former premier, will contest on Forum for Democratic Party (FDC) ticket in Chua County, Kitgum district as Member of Parliament, a position that is currently occupied by
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Henry Okello Oryem.
“I am leaving this office as the Acholi prime minister from today to concentrate on my political career ahead of 2016 general elections. The law is clear governing cultural institutions not to engage in partisan politics, it’s the reason today I’m laying down my tools,” said Mr Ojara.
I am grateful for the support given to me by the Paramount chief and other chiefs for the time I have been at this office and the trust they gave me in my leadership, added Mr Ojara.
Mr Ojara asked the Acholi people to give maximum support to Rwot Acana II as he plays his roles as the paramount chief.
“There is need to support Acholi cultural institution and our paramount chief instead of accusing him where things have not gone well,” Ojara said.
He said, as much as he has resigned as the Acholi prime minster, he will always be available to give a helping hand at any time if needed.
“We shall miss him, he is a hard working person and the re-organization of the chiefdom has been entirely on his shoulders. Getting another person to wear his shoes might not be easy,” Gulu district council speaker, Mr Douglas Peter Okao said and appreciated the
great work Mr Ojara did while in office through advocacy and his lobbying skills.
He noted that Mr Ojara, has been able to clear the image of the cultural institution that had been tainted with mismanagement of donor funds in the recent past.
“We shall miss his services as Gulu district and the cultural institution. We wish him well in his political endeavor,” said Mr Okao.
Mr Ojara’s resignation will therefore mean the council of chiefs will have to convene to select a suitable candidate who shall then be appointed by the Paramount chief.
The premier’s Biography
Before being appointed as Acholi Prime minister, the 44 year old Acholi premier worked as the Deputy Minister for Planning and Economic Development at the Acholi Cultural Institution.
Ojara worked as a motivational facilitator in the area of conflict transformation in South Africa and the Great Lakes region, building capacities of peace workers from Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya, South Sudan, Angola, Cameroon, Sierraleon and Sudan.
He also worked as Senior Technical Adviser with UNDP in South Sudan.
