The Lango Cultural Institution is working on a list of clans that may be prohibited from intermarrying because they share the same lineage, Won Nyaci HRH Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune has said.
Odongo Okune said he was working closely with his Minister for Culture Peter Okello Oyo to establish the clans and explore ways of reuniting those that share a common origin, in a move aimed at strengthening cultural identity and preserving Lango heritage.
He made the remarks on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the coronation celebration of Awitong of Arak Okwero Cobo clan in Aloi, Alebtong District. The event marked his first public appearance in the region since returning from a royal visit to the Lango Association in the United Kingdom.
The cultural leader also explained that his UK visit was partly intended to explore markets for locally produced crops, including shea nuts, which he described as valuable because of their multiple uses.
However, he expressed concern over the continued cutting down of shea trees for charcoal production without replacement, warning that the practice threatened a potentially important source of income for local communities.
He urged residents to plant more shea trees to protect the resources and benefit from its economic potential. He also called on the government to expand access to gas and electricity as alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on charcoal and the resulting destruction of trees.
The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, who is also the Alebtong District Woman MP and a daughter of Awitong Simon Peter Odepe, thanked residents for supporting her election and commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for appointing her to the Cabinet.
Lakisa said that since taking the oath of office in May, following her election to the 12th Parliament, she had not held a thanksgiving ceremony. She announced that the ceremony would take place on December 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, Awitong Simon Peter Odepe, following his enthronement, pledged changes and development within the Arak Okwero Cobo clan under his leadership.
He attributed the fragmentation of the clan to greed among some leaders and competing interests but said more than 600 clan members had returned after being misled into joining other groups.
In his sermon, the Archdeacon of Aloi, the Ven. Rev. Canon Tom Ayer said cultural and community leaders faced considerable difficulties and stress, partly because of a lack of respect and love from the people they served.
He urged residents to respect their leaders, abandon acts of disrespect, and develop confidence in their leadership. He also challenged the community to reflect on how internal divisions and disrespect had contributed to other tribes undermining Lango over the years.
The coronation celebration attracted several cultural and political leaders, including Lango Cultural Institution Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo, Speaker (Won Tok) Willy Omodo Omodo, Members of Parliament from outside the Lango sub-region and members of the Pakistan Association Lira-Uganda, among other guests.