Lira, Uganda | The Awitong of Ogora Clan, Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero, led clan leaders in a special thanksgiving and blessing ceremony for Dokolo North MP-elect Joseph Jones Ogwal following his recent parliamentary victory.
During the event, the Awitong of Ogora Clan, Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero, formally appointed Ogwal as Political Advisor and Head of Socio-Economic Development within the clan.
The ceremony was held on February 14, 2026, at the residence of Bishop Emeritus of Lango Diocese John Charles Odur Kami in Gwengabara, Boroboro, Lira City East Division.
Clan leaders and members gathered to honour Ogwal’s achievement and bless him in his new role.
Anthony Ivan Otim, Principle Private Secretary to the Awitong, said six members of the Ogora Clan contested for parliamentary seats in the recent general elections, but only two emerged victorious — Joseph Ogwal in Dokolo North County and James Ongu Tar in Kwania North.
Otim described Ogwal’s win as a proud and historic moment for the clan, noting that the Awitong rallied members to support him irrespective of political affiliation.
“This victory has brought honour to the clan. The Awitong blessed him and expressed confidence in his ability to serve the people diligently,” Otim said.
Clan leaders cited Ogwal’s academic qualifications, discipline and loyalty to cultural values as qualities that position him well to represent Dokolo North effectively.
In his remarks, Ogwal welcomed the prayers and blessings with humility.
He thanked the clan for its unwavering support during the campaign period, attributing his success to their prayers, unity and encouragement.
He stressed the importance of strengthening food security in Lango, urging families across Dokolo North to prioritise agriculture and sustainable livelihoods to fight poverty.
He also emphasised the preservation and promotion of the Lango language as a vital pillar of cultural identity and unity.
Ogwal further shared his vision of establishing an education trust fund to support vulnerable children in Dokolo North and across Lango, noting that investing in education is key to long-term transformation.
He called for collective effort toward socio-economic transformation, encouraging hard work, innovation and unity among residents of Dokolo North.
Clan elders highlighted his lineage, noting that his father, Alex Omara Etwop, is the lineage head (Adwong Dogola) of the family line from which the late Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal hailed.
They also recalled that Imat Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, who came from the same clan and shared the same great-grandfather, brought pride and distinction to the clan through her dedicated national service.
Awitong Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero expressed gratitude, saying that since the passing of Imat Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, the clan had not had a child serving as Member of Parliament anywhere in Lango.
He noted with joy that this time two of their sons have entered Parliament.
In his address, the Awitong highlighted the significance of Joseph Jones Ogwal’s election and his new appointment as Political Advisor and Head of Socio-Economic Development of the Ogora Clan.
He said the MP-elect would play a central role in guiding the clan on linking members to development opportunities, wealth creation, and poverty reduction programmes.
Canon Ogwang Odyero noted that Ogwal’s academic qualifications, discipline, and loyalty to cultural heritage made him well suited to advise the clan on governance and community empowerment.
He encouraged all members of the Ogora Clan to support him fully in this role and prayed for God to grant him wisdom, integrity, and strength as he served both the clan and the people of Dokolo North.
He wished him good health, humility and a heart committed to unity, development and the welfare of the constituency.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity and continued blessings upon Dokolo North, the Ogora Clan, and the entire Lango sub-region.
