Lira, Uganda | “The cultural disputes that have long disunited Lango have ended.”
Those were the bold words of Geoffrey Etwop, Clan Chief (Awitong) of Ober Clan, as he addressed members of the press at Lango Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Etwop said more than 95% of Clan Chiefs (Owitong), professors, outgoing and incoming Members of Parliament, and other opinion leaders attended the meeting, a turnout he described as clear evidence that unity and reconciliation have finally taken root in the subregion.
He said that anyone who continued to discredit the peace and unity prevailing in Lango should be regarded as not mentally stable, adding that the unity witnessed was long overdue.
Etwop applauded Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for granting freedom to cultural institutions in Uganda and commended Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Won-Nyaci of Lango, for organizing what he described as the first event of its kind in the region’s history.
The 5th Division Commander, Major General Keith Katungi, challenged leaders and affluent individuals in Lango to embrace generosity and uplift vulnerable communities. He questioned why some politicians with substantial wealth fail to educate even two children in their constituencies.
Katungi urged residents to remain focused on their long-term goals despite obstacles, emphasizing resilience and forward thinking.
The MP-Elect for Kioga County in Amolatar District, Angwech Colline, said the gathering brought together leaders of different political calibres, including both winners and losers of the recent elections, united under a common agenda of peace, reconciliation and development.
She pledged to push for the tarmacking of the Amolatar–Kaberamaido–Dokolo road, noting that it is among key development priorities for Lango. Angwech also advocated for the establishment of a district hospital in Amolatar and the development of tourism and recreational centres, describing the district as the geographical centre of Uganda. She said these proposals would be formally channelled through the Won-Nyaci for inclusion in the region’s five-year development blueprint.
Okiswa Geoffrey, the Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong, urged leaders to set aside past differences and focus on socio-economic transformation under a shared agenda.
Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero said Lango Subregion overwhelmingly supported President Museveni in the recent elections, giving him 84.6% of the vote. He argued that this support provides a strong foundation for the cultural institution to work closely with government to secure tangible benefits for the region.
Emeritus Bishop John Charles Odur Kami proposed that selected leaders accompany the Won-Nyaci to present Lango’s consolidated proposals directly to the President, including requests for ministerial and permanent secretary positions. He cautioned against internal rivalries, especially among leaders appointed to government positions, urging unity instead of infighting.
In his address, the Won-Nyaci, Moses Michael Odongo Okune, called for culturally grounded youth leadership anchored in discipline, unity, and respect for heritage. He urged leaders to rise above divisions and work collectively to secure meaningful development for the subregion.
Meanwhile, Judith Alyek, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, revealed that leaders are already engaging government on strategic projects, including the establishment of an industrial park, construction of a Regional Heart Institute at Lira University, and improvement of road infrastructure linking districts within the region.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua emphasized the need for organised and collective lobbying to ensure effective service delivery.
The meeting resolved to form a 17-member committee chaired by Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo, under the Lango Cultural Institution to draft formal resolutions that will guide unified engagement with government.
Leaders described the gathering as a turning point, signalling a renewed chapter of unity and structured development for Lango Subregion.
