Entebbe – His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni convened a meeting at State House Entebbe with Lango cultural leaders to address the ongoing dispute following the election of His Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Odongo Okune as the new Wonyaci.
President Yoweri Museveni
The President emphasized the importance of unity and peace, asserting that development hinges on a united front.
The meeting kicked off with Gender, Labour, and Social Development Minister Hon. Betty Amongi Akena briefing the President on the Lango election.
Amongi gave a detailed report on the Lango election, highlighting the council of Owitong’s resolution that led to the participation of 144 out of 172 clan leaders.
She also noted that the decision to hold the election was initiated by the incumbent Wonyaci, His Highness Yosam Odur Ebii, who expressed his intent to resign.
Amongi clarified that a Ministry official observed the election process at Akii Bua Stadium on March 1, 2024, and that the results were used to publish the name of Eng. Dr. Moses Odongo Okune in the Uganda Gazette through General Notice number 1208 of 2024. The notice will take effect on November 2, 2024.
In response to opposition to the election, Lawry Lawrence Ocen Awitong of Okaro Wok Wibye Acel contended that the process was marred by irregularities and accused Minister Amongi of bias.
President Museveni acknowledged the legal challenges and urged Lango cultural leaders to seek an amicable resolution.
Eng. Dr. Moses Odongo Okune, the Wonyaci Elect, spoke on his decisive victory, securing support from 144 clans.
He attributed the disputes to individual personal interests and called for unity to drive Lango’s development.
Bosco Ogwang Edola Awitong of Omola Atar Odyakol backed Odongo Okune’s stance, while Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of the Lira Catholic Diocese explained the election’s postponement and meeting’s purpose, focusing on the transition process instead of mediation.
Electoral Commission chairman Tom Otim reaffirmed that the election followed resolutions by the council of Owitong and was organized with their approval.
President Museveni’s involvement in the Lango cultural dispute reflects his commitment to fostering unity and stability within the Lango community.
Wonyaci issue didn’t start today that president Yoweri Museveni is convening a meeting inorder to bring peace in Lango. The major challenge with our Leaders in Uganda is bringing confusion before solving after which they have gotten whatever they must achived and begins to say they want peace, do u first want blood to be shared before u bring peace. Lango must be careful in what they do