Lira, Uganda – Chaos erupted on Sunday at the Lango Cultural Centre as Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, a former envoy to the United States and current Chargé d’Affaires in Khartoum, drew a pistol on cultural leaders during a tense meeting.
Police disarmed and arrested him, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing leadership disputes within the Lango community.
The meeting, organized by the President’s office, was meant to unite cultural leaders, MPs, and RDCs from the Lango Sub-region ahead of the Ateker Festival in Soroti City.
However, Ogwang’s unexpected attendance sparked outrage among participants, with elders accusing him of disrespecting the Lango cultural institution.
Tensions arose shortly after Ogwang’s arrival, eyewitnesses report that attendees shouted him down, demanding him to leave the meeting.
His involvement in boycotting the 1st March 2024 Lango Paramount Chief election of Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, and participation in the recent October 2024 election of Paramount Chief where he was declared Won Nyaci, all nullified by Lira High Court, remains a divisive issue.
“This was a meeting for cultural leaders who respect the court’s decisions,” said RDC George Abdul, who chaired the event. “Ogwang’s presence was not only uninvited but also provocative.”
As the protests intensified, Ogwang reportedly stood to leave but stopped a few meters from the exit and drew a cocked pistol, pointing it toward the rowdy leaders.
Pandemonium broke out as participants scrambled for safety.
Anti-riot police rushed to disarm Ogwang, eventually subduing him after a struggle. “He seemed prepared to use the weapon,” said one eyewitness.
“It was terrifying, but police acted swiftly to prevent further chaos.”
Ogwang was arrested along with his two bodyguards and taken to Lira Central Police Station.
Authorities are investigating the incident, including why the ambassador was armed in a high-stakes public meeting.
This violent turn highlights the unresolved leadership struggles within Lango.
Ogwang’s candidacy for Paramount Chief has been contentious, with many clan leaders questioning his alignment with traditional values. His actions on Sunday have only deepened the rift.
Judith Alyek, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, condemned the incident, saying, “Such behaviour is unacceptable and undermines the unity we are trying to rebuild.”
The Ateker Festival, intended to celebrate cultural unity across Northern and Eastern Uganda, is now overshadowed by this incident. Calls for reconciliation are growing louder.
“This is a wake-up call for Lango,” said one elder. “We need to resolve our disputes without resorting to violence. Our traditions demand respect, and this chaos must end.”
Uganda’s Soroti City is set to host the esteemed Ateker Reunion Festival for the first time, with Soroti City preparing to welcome over 10,000 attendees from November 27th to 29th, 2024.
Supported by a significant UGX 2.3 billion commitment from the Ugandan government, the festival showcases the nation’s dedication to promoting cultural integration and East African unity.
This momentous occasion will bring together Ateker communities from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan, uniting them in a celebration of shared heritage and regional solidarity
