Lira, Uganda | The Lango Paramount Chief, Won Nyaci Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has appealed to the people of Lango to maintain peace and reject violence as Uganda heads into the forthcoming elections.
Dr. Odongo Okune made the call on Tuesday during a regional security meeting held at his palace in Senior Quarters, Lira City, attended by top security officials and government leaders from the Lango sub-region.
The cultural leader said his priority is to see Lango conduct peaceful, orderly and law-abiding elections, warning that violence, chaos and bloodshed would undermine both democracy and development.
“As the Won Nyaci of Lango, my wish is for our people to be fully prepared to elect leaders for the next five years in a peaceful manner that respects the law,” he said. “Leaders must work closely with government and cultural institutions to ensure development that responds to the real needs of our people.”
Dr. Odongo Okune emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between security agencies and cultural institutions, particularly in sensitising communities on peaceful coexistence during campaigns and voting.
He also urged government to strengthen child protection systems, citing Australia as an example where children below 16 years are restricted from handling electronic devices, and suggested Uganda consider similar safeguards to protect young people.
The Won Nyaci further underscored the importance of unity and reconciliation in Lango, calling for peaceful resolution of land disputes and responsible handling of cultural and community disagreements.
“Differences should never turn into hatred or violence among our people,” he said.
He added that residents of Lango expect government to prioritise education, healthcare, economic empowerment, proper land management, family cohesion and measures to address the high cost of living.
The Commissioner in the Office of the President in charge of RDCs and RCCs, Ms Alice Akello, commended the regional security team for preventing violence and election-related disturbances in previous polls.
However, she urged leaders to intensify efforts towards development, especially improving education opportunities for children in Lango.
Ms Akello noted that poverty and hunger remain widespread in the sub-region, contributing to high school dropout rates.
The Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, Assistant Commissioner of Police Wesley Nganizi, described the meeting as timely, saying security preparedness must be continuous to sustain peace.
He disclosed that police capacity in the region has been strengthened, with an additional 40 officers deployed per district in Lango to enhance community security.
He added that trained election constables will also be deployed during the campaign and voting period.
Meanwhile, Lira Resident District Commissioner Ms Lilian Eyal said her office had received reports of assaults on NRM supporters by members of other political parties in the district.
She warned all political actors against engaging in election-related violence and pledged firm action against anyone found disrupting peace and public order.
