Lango | Post-court updates 

Lira |The Lango Cultural Foundation (LCI) leadership has welcomed the recent court ruling, which was issued on Thursday, October 31, 2024. 

The ruling declared Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune and Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul’s elections for the Won Nyack seat were illegal.

Gender Minister Betty Amongi was directed to immediately restore Yosam Odur Ebii’s details in the government gazette as the Won Nyaci of Lango.

Additionally, the court has prohibited both Okul and Okune from engaging in cultural activities as Won Nyaci, thereby allowing Yosam Odur to reclaim his seat.

Even though Odur announced that he would voluntarily abdicate office in November, the Lango Cultural Foundation constitution of 2017 allows him to be replaced after his death.

Odur, who is 98 years old, appears to be resuming his cultural reign following the landmark ruling.

During a press conference held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Palm Garden in Lira City, David Kennedy Odongo, Chairperson of LC 5 Alebtong District, as well as the Chairperson of Lango District LC5 Chairs, expressed their satisfaction with the ruling.

He stated that the ruling is expected to resolve ongoing conflicts over Lango’s cultural matters.

According to him, the leadership has been hoping for a decision like this to end the protracted conflict in Lango.

Odongo stressed, “We cannot have two paramount chiefs in Lango. We are pleased and will support Mzee Yosam Odur as our leader; it is time to respect our elders.

Newly elected Uganda Local Government Leaders Association President Andrew Moses Awany, who is also the Kole district’s LC5 chairman, also congratulated the ruling.

He urged Okune’s supporters to join forces with Yosam and work together to promote peace in Lango while avoiding exacerbating cultural conflicts.

Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, who was elected Lango Paramount Chief on October 10, 2024, welcomed the court’s decision and pledged to follow it.

Ambassador Okul also praised Uganda’s judiciary for its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and for issuing fair and impartial decisions.

Okul emphasized the importance of getting Yosam Odur Ebii reinstated in the government gazette.

The principal private secretary to the Paramount Chief, George Opio Rashid, thanked the clan heads for their support during the judicial proceedings.

He noted that the opposing side now has the opportunity to return under Yosam Odur Ebii’s leadership, fostering unity within the Lango community.

Dr. Laury Lawrence Ocen, the Lango Cultural Foundation’s speaker, stated that there is only one speaker, confirming the legitimacy of the government’s efforts to advance Lango’s interests.

He emphasized the importance of spreading the truth and urged the younger generation to show respect for their elders in order to avoid shame.