Acholi Paramount Chief Raises Concerns Over Graphite Mining Project

Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II has expressed concerns regarding the current developments surrounding the establishment of Blencowe Resources PLC, a graphite mining facility in Orom sub-county, Kitgum district.

Rwot Acana II voiced these concerns on April 4, 2024, while speaking to journalists.

He noted a conflict of interest among civil and political leaders in the district, as well as a sense of marginalization among cultural leaders whose role should involve mobilizing subjects to embrace such projects.

According to Rwot Acana II, the deliberate silence of leaders and their lack of access to information about the project have fostered suspicion regarding the possibility of denying neighboring communities their entitlements and rights, including fair compensation.

“Both I and my subjects nhave been kept in the dark for too long. Graphite mining is already underway in Orom sub-county, yet no profits have been directed to the chiefdom,” Rwot Acana II remarked.

He further highlighted ongoing allegations about the sub-region harboring significant deposits of other valuable minerals like uranium. However, such information remains confined to a select few individuals, leaving locals and leaders uninformed.

Rwot Acana II urged the government and the licensed mining company to provide transparent information regarding compensation plans for Kitgum locals, as there is apprehension about being left with nothing.

The Orom graphite is touted to be the purest globally, with an estimated mining period of 70 years. This has prompted Rwot Acana II to question why the Acholi Chiefdom has yet to benefit, despite thousands of tons of graphite being shipped abroad.