Maj Rtd Awich Pollar Okwir has promised Okarowok-bako clan scholarships for bright students.
By Okello Ceaser
Lira – February 21, 2022: Major Rtd. Awich Pollar Okwir is now the new Awitong (clan chief) of Okarowok-bako. However, he’s yet to be enthroned.
After retiring from military service, Awich contested several times for Parliament. His last defeat was in the hotly Parliamentary election for the newly created Lira City West Division in 2021.
Itching for leadership, recently he expressed his interest in leading his clan of Okarowok-bako saying it was time for him to turn his vision to develop his clan.
There were two other contestants namely Jacob Ocen, the Lira district NRM publicity secretary and Ricky Obua.
Later, Ocen stepped down. Obua would also withdraw his candidature at the last minutes of the election.
In his letter to the Office of the Electoral Commission for Okarowok-bako, Obua Ricky wrote: “After a wider consultation with clan members, I decided to step down for Awich Pollar just for the sake of development and unity in our clan.”
On February 20 2022, the electoral commission declared Awich Pollar Okwir unopposed and as newly elected Awitong of Okarowok-bako clan.
Speaking to TND News, Maj. Awich said he will use the knowledge he has in leadership in developing his clan.
Awich added that his core work would be for unifying the members of Okarowok-bako and lobbying for developmental projects.
“As a senior Rtd officer in the army, I am ready to source for scholarships for the unable students to study in different Universities.”
In the Lango cultural settings, there are quite some army officers heading their clans in the positions of Awitong.
They include Brig Gen. Bosco Omure of Banya clan, Col Okello Mwaka of Mwa Otiratok, Col Rtd Charles Okello Engola Mac Odwogo who is the deputy Awitong of Otikokin can.