The Lango Cultural Foundation, headed by the Acting Lango Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci), Frederick Ogwal Oyee, has apologised to the entire country and the people of Lango for what he calls “offensive language issued by a leader of the separate Lango Cultural Institution” during a council meeting last year at the Lango Cultural Centre.
Addressing journalists on December 31, 2025, at Palms Graden in Lira City, the Foundation’s spokesperson, Jacob Ocen said the LCF leader condemned the actions of the other function, headed by Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune.
Oyee, through Ocen, stated that the leader made pronouncements without respect for integrity, using words unbecoming of someone in such a position.
This response was prompted by a widely circulated video showing the leader of the Lango Cultural Institution using “inappropriate language while addressing one of its council meetings”.
“The words he used have been “deemed unacceptable for anyone speaking in the capacity of a Won Nyaci.”
Ocen added: “As the Lango Cultural Foundation, we apologise to the people of Lango and to the other tribes on behalf of the Lango community. This is not how Lango behaves. This came from a section of some groups that call themselves leaders of the Lango Cultural Institution, but not from the Lango Cultural Foundation.”
He clarified that the Foundation was headed by the late Yosam Odur Ebill, who passed on at Lira University Teaching Hospital in November of last year.
Ocen also dismissed misinformation aired by the leader of the Lango Cultural Institution, which suggested that security forces should react against the Foundation and arrest its leaders and supporters.
He stated that such reckless speech would not work, as matters between the two bodies are still before the court, and the Institution has no power to negatively impact the Foundation’s development.
LCF emphasised that the Lango Cultural Foundation’s constitution is not related to that of the Lango Cultural Institution, and therefore the Foundation is independent of the Institution’s leadership. This is despite the Foundation’s loss of its leader, Yosam Odur Ebill, who passed away last year at the age of 99.
Furthermore, Ocen announced that from January 1 to January 15, 2026, the Lango Cultural Foundation—under Acting Won Nyaci Frederick Ogwal Oyee—will suspend all activities such as the election of a new Won Nyaci and the enthronement of clan leaders.
However, emergency cabinet meetings will be permitted. The process of electing a new Paramount Chief will proceed after this period.
Ocen stressed that the Lango Cultural Foundation is not fighting the Lango Cultural Institution, and neither body has the authority to intimidate the other.
He affirmed that the Foundation will continue its constitutional process to elect the fourth Lango Paramount Chief to replace the late Yosam Odur Ebill.
According to the Foundation’s 2017 constitution, when a leader dies, the Prime Minister immediately takes over for a period of one year, during which an election must be held.
On December 31, the Lango Cultural Foundation sent an end-of-year message, wishing everyone, especially parents, a prosperous new year.
They encouraged parents to begin saving money, as after the election period, children will return to school, requiring parental support to ensure they receive a quality education.
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