Sylvia Owori Clashes with OPM Over Gulu's Adungu Cultural Centre

Tensions are high between Sylvia Owori, the Director of Operations for Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) regarding the Adungu Cultural Centre in Gulu City. The facility, formerly used to rehabilitate ex-Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) returnees, was handed over to the OPM in December 2023.

Following the departure of the last group of returnees in June 2025, Owori’s Adungu Cultural Centre, a registered community-based organization, sought temporary permission from the OPM to utilize the premises. Her proposal outlined plans for a multi-faceted cultural and economic empowerment initiative, including skills development, heritage promotion, and training programs.

However, reports indicate that Owori’s organization commenced renovations and activities at the site before a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OPM was finalized. Government officials expressed surprise, emphasizing that the facility is earmarked for the rehabilitation of returning LRA members, with discussions also underway for accommodating potential returnees associated with Alice Lakwena from Kenya.

Owori has stated that her engagement has been solely with the OPM, who she claims granted her access. She believes her organization’s activities, focused on skills and cultural enrichment, will still be beneficial to former combatants upon their potential return. She also acknowledged ongoing discussions for an MoU but downplayed concerns about the project being disrupted.

The Adungu Cultural Centre was officially registered in Gulu city in July 2025. Its use by Owori has raised questions, particularly as the OPM maintains the site’s designation as a crucial rehabilitation hub. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) continues to provide security at the facility.

https://observer.ug/news/sylvia-owori-at-war-with-opm-over-gulu-cultural-centre