Police to Okune and Co. “No coronation…”

Lira | North Kyoga Police has issued a strong press statement regarding the Lango Cultural Leadership Conflict.

The statement follows the October 31, 2024, court ruling by the High Court of Uganda at Lira in Civil Suit No. 10 of 2024. His Lordship, Hon. Justice Phillip Odoki, Judge of the High Court of Uganda, delivered the verdict via email.

Among the 14 orders issued, both parties’ elections were declared “illegal, null and void.”

As a result, a permanent injunction has been issued, prohibiting all parties from performing any rituals for installation.

SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Police PRO, has urged both parties to respect the court ruling and remain calm.

“We will not allow any illegal actions to be carried out under the names of the Lango Cultural Foundation or Lango Cultural Institution,” said Okema.

Okema also condemned the act of damaging vehicle Reg. No. UBD 315D, a Toyota Highlander, at Lango Cultural Center.

According to Okema, the incident occurred on Friday, November 1, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m.

“This vehicle is alleged to be No. II of H.H. Yosam Odur Ebii, the Won Nyaci of Lango. We have also registered a GEF at Lira-City CPS to investigate the circumstances under which the vehicle was damaged and to apprehend the perpetrators to face the law,” he revealed.

To maintain peace in the region, police have deployed at the Lango Cultural Center and Got Ojwang in Otuke district to deter any illegal activities by either party.

Okema warned that the planned coronation on November 2, 2024, will not take place until a new court order is in place. He also encouraged the general public to remain calm and carry on with their normal business activities.

“We will conduct motorised and foot patrols within and around Lira City as well as the whole region to ensure peace and security prevail,” said Okema.

Shortly after the ruling on Thursday night, Amb Ogwang Okul issued a call for calm and unity. Ogwang invited the faction led by Okune to unite, an invitation that appeared unlikely to be accepted.

The Thursday decision, however, allows Won Nyaci Yosam Odur Ebii to continue his reign and directs Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Betty Amongi to regazzette him.

Once Odur is regazzetted and Eng. Okune is degazetted, he will lose two titles, including his position as Okar Omwono clan leader, in the blink of an eye.