Won Nyaci Gazette: Min. Amongi told to reconsider her decision

Lira |A section of the Lango community has asked Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, to reconsider her decision and remove Eng. Dr. Moses Micheal Odongo Okune’s name from the national gazette. 

This call comes after the Minister gazetted Odongo Okune, whose election as Lango’s Paramount Chief has split the community into factions.

According to the gazette, he will be officially recognised by the government beginning November 2024. Currently, at least 40 clan leaders, along with hundreds, if not thousands of their subjects, are opposed to Odongo’s election.

According to Geoffrey Okello of Bata in the Dokolo district, recognising Odongo Okune without formal reconciliation and full Owitong approval will exacerbate Lango’s political and cultural conflict.

He urged Betty Amongi to reconsider her decision so that peace could prevail.

Okello cited peace efforts in 2016 in which one Johnson Ochola offered to bring peace to Lango. However, because cultural leaders were divided, peace and unity were not given a chance.

George Opio Rasid is the awitong of Malakwang and the Principal Private Secretary of Won Nyaci Yosam Odur Ebii. He said Odongo Okune’s election was illegal.

“It can be challenged in any competent court of law within the country.”

Opio urged his fellow clan leaders to follow all procedures when electing Yosam Odur Ebii’s successor.

Rose Akello, an Otuke resident, told this publication that ignoring Yosam Odur Ebii’s blessings and advice would exacerbate the conflict.

She cited an African proverb that states, “What an old can see from above, a child cannot see even if he climbs the tree.”

As previously announced, Won Nyaci Yosam will leave office on November 1, 2024, and the process of electing his successor has begun. Of

Dickson Ogwang Okul and Dr. Richard Nam are among the clan leaders who have expressed an interest in being elected.

Amb. Dickson Ogwang Okul talks to his wife at a recent event.