Lira, Uganda | The newly installed Awitong (Clan Chief) of Palaotara Clan, Caxton Etii, has pledged to unite clan members across Lango and neighbouring Acholi sub-region while prioritising land protection, education and economic development.
Speaking shortly after he and his executive committee were sworn in at the Lango Cultural Centre on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Etii said his administration would strengthen unity among clan members and intensify sensitisation on proper land management to reduce the growing number of land disputes.
He urged members to utilise their land productively to improve household incomes and contribute to the development of the clan.
During the ceremony, the Clerk to Council and Deputy Speaker of Lango Cultural Institution, Benson Taiwo, commended the peaceful transition of leadership from the outgoing Awitong to the new clan chief. He advised the clan leadership to formally notify the Office of the Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution when they are ready for the enthronement ceremony so that the office can, in turn, inform the Won-Nyaci (Paramount Chief).
The newly sworn Prime Minister of Palaotara Clan, Morris Chris Ongom, appealed to all clan leaders to uphold the clan’s constitution and work towards lifting members out of poverty. He said the new administration would develop and implement an annual development plan, establish an investment strategy and mobilise resources to finance clan activities.
Ongom also urged members to abandon alcoholism and embrace hard work, warning leaders against promoting the sale of customary land. He further cautioned that parents who have the means but fail to educate their children would be held accountable under clan regulations.
Opio Bonny, the clan leader overseeing Kole and Oyam districts, said quarterly meetings have helped strengthen the clan’s focus on education and unity among members. He noted that the clan has enforced penalties against parents who deliberately fail to take their children to school, a move he said has contributed to improved school enrolment.
However, Bonny emphasised that land sales should only be permitted under exceptional circumstances, including treatment for critically ill patients referred to specialised national hospitals and financing higher education, subject to approval by the Awitong.
Meanwhile, Dickens Olao was elected Speaker of the clan unopposed, while Okello Jonathan defeated Okello Mandella by 38 votes to 35 to become Deputy Speaker.
The elections of the clan’s top leadership were held on May 9, 2026, during which leaders were elected across various categories before taking the oath of office. In total, 65 leaders were sworn in to steer the affairs of the clan.
Etii succeeds Yuventino Obong, who served as Awitong for 20 years, and will lead the Palaotara Clan for a five-year term.