Ayella Godfrey Jiji has urged members of the Acholi community, particularly those in influential positions, to strengthen efforts to support, mentor and create opportunities for fellow community members, especially young people.
In a statement titled “Acholi Must Learn to Support Our Own,” Jiji called for greater emphasis on practical support and accountability, arguing that the presence of Acholi individuals in senior positions should also contribute to the broader community's development.
He questioned whether the community was benefiting sufficiently from the influence of its members in the military and other institutions, saying tribal solidarity should extend beyond celebrating individuals who attain prominent positions.
Jiji said the Acholi had often relied on praise, prayers and expressions of support for their own in leadership, while, in his view, other communities appeared more organised in building networks and creating opportunities for their members.
He called on the community to reflect on the meaning of tribal brotherhood and whether it was being matched by practical efforts to improve people's welfare.
Jiji argued that individuals in influential positions should use their networks and experience to support others through mentorship, professional connections and access to opportunities.
He also questioned what he described as a tendency to celebrate community members when they hold senior positions and appeal for solidarity when they lose them, regardless of the support they may have provided to the community while in office.
However, he clarified that his remarks were not a call for the unfair removal of individuals from their positions because of their tribal identity.
Instead, he said leadership should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility towards the communities from which individuals come.
The statement also highlighted the need for greater support for young people in the Acholi community.
Jiji called for established leaders to play a more active role in mentoring the youth, building professional networks and helping them access opportunities.
He questioned why the Acholi could not adopt similar approaches to community networking and mentorship that he believes other groups have used to support their members.
“If others can build networks, mentor their young people, and open doors for their communities, why can't we learn to do the same?” he asked.
Call for Practical Community Support
Jiji urged the Acholi to place greater emphasis on practical initiatives that promote mutual support, accountability and collective development.
He argued that the success of community members should not be measured solely by the positions they occupy, but also by their contribution to improving the prospects of others.
His statement called for a shift from symbolic expressions of tribal solidarity towards efforts that create opportunities and support the welfare of the wider community.
Jiji concluded by urging the Acholi to build a culture of mutual assistance and collective progress, emphasising that the long-term development of the community depends not only on the achievements of individuals but also on their efforts to support others.
