Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune was officially sworn in as the Won Nyaci, or paramount chief, of Lango at the Lira High Court on February 5, 2025. This ceremony marks the end of a prolonged leadership dispute within the Lango Cultural Institution, one that has seen legal battles, court rulings, and community division.
The swearing-in was not without its backdrop of tension. The event took place amidst a backdrop of years of contention between factions supporting Odongo Okune and those aligned with the previous paramount chief, Yosam Odur Ebii. The legal wrangling had reached its peak with the annulment of previous elections, leading to today’s formal acknowledgment of Odongo Okune’s leadership.
However, the day was also marked by a notable incident where the Uganda Police Force was involved in preventing clan members from accessing the Lango Cultural Center. According to our sources police acted on orders to maintain peace, possibly in anticipation of unrest or to enforce court decisions related to the leadership transition.
Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police presence around the cultural center, with some clan leaders and members expressing frustration over being barred from what they consider their cultural headquarters.
