Lira, Uganda | Civil engineer Odongo Bongonyinge has come out to strongly deny a series of accusations made against him by Akoli Hermilia Christine, involving clan leadership legitimacy, land ownership, and family disputes.
The allegations, publicized through an online journalist, were described by Odongo as fabrications aimed at damaging his personal and professional reputation.
Odongo clarified that his departure from public service in January 2017 was a voluntary resignation, not a termination as claimed.
He explained that he left his position as District Engineer of Alebtong to take up a consultancy role with Canada-based Co-Water International.
He advised the public to confirm this with the Alebtong District Chief Administrative Officer and the District Service Commission.
On the issue of clan leadership, Odongo maintained that he was lawfully elected as the 4th Clan Head of Tikokin me Ocok in April 2014.
He disputed reports that the clan had merged with another in the 1990s, stating that such claims were historically inaccurate.
He pointed to the 2003 Constitution of the Lango Cultural Foundation, where Tikokin me Ocok is clearly recorded as Clan 7. According to him, anyone doubting this should consult official clan archives.
Responding to family issues raised by Akoli, Odongo criticized her conduct during her ongoing divorce with Dr. Moses Acan, currently before the Lira High Court.
He said her verbal attacks against Susan Gol were unjustified, especially considering he had contributed to Susan’s traditional marriage ceremonies.
He explained that his role as family representative was not based on politics or privilege, but was a responsibility he had carried since 1996.
He referenced his efforts to save their family home from being auctioned by Centenary Bank in 2007 as an example of this commitment.
Addressing the land conflict in Teso Bar, Odongo revealed that in 2005, their late mother, Mrs. Pulkeria Bongonyinge, legally divided the family land into two plots—plot 5 and plot 7.
He emphasized that the property was rightfully partitioned and that he had personally invested UGX 90 million to fence it. He said such matters should be settled by family elders, not aired on social media.
He denied claims made by Akoli and her colleague of assault, torture, or destruction of property. He described police reports filed against him—regarding a 2023 incident and another in November 2024—as unfounded.
He also denied any involvement in an alleged assault case reported at Lira City Central Police Station. Odongo confirmed that a cyber harassment case had been filed against Akoli and and her colleague due to what he described as continued defamation.
He stated that her obsession with inheritance and clan leadership reflected a lack of focus on real work and productivity. He expressed that success stems from hard work, not from fighting for positions or status.
Odongo concluded his rebuttal by assuring the public that his position was widely supported by his family members and relatives abroad.
He emphasized the need for cultural and family disputes to be resolved through lawful and traditional structures, rather than through public allegations and online drama.
