Lira, Uganda | A fresh dispute has emerged between the Lango Cultural Institution and the Kumam Cultural Heritage over alleged remarks regarding the construction of a Kumam cultural palace in Lango, with leaders on both sides offering sharply contrasting accounts.
The Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution, Willy Omodo Omodo, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, said it’s unfortunate and unacceptable for any cultural leader to suggest establishing a palace outside their recognized jurisdiction, warning that such actions risk undermining established cultural authority.
Addressing journalists at Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City, Omodo Omodo noted that the Won Nyaci of Lango, His Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune was officially gazetted by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in 2024 and has full jurisdiction over the Lango subregion, comprising nine districts and one city.
He stressed that all cultural institutions in Uganda operate within defined boundaries, citing similar structures in Acholi, Teso, Buganda, and Kumam.
Omodo Omodo said it was sorrowful to hear that a cultural leader had reportedly made remarks about putting up a palace in Lango without notifying his counterpart, adding that such actions undermine the leadership in the region. He noted that while development projects may be welcomed, establishing a palace carries significant cultural and territorial implications.
The remarks follow reports from a prayer breakfast held on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, in Amolatar District, where the Kumam cultural leader, Won-Atekere Papa Raphael Otaya, was alleged to have expressed interest in constructing a palace in Lango.
Counsel Okwir Patrick, spokesperson to the Won Nyaci, questioned the intent behind the alleged statement, warning that such pronouncements could breed tension between neighbouring communities.
He urged cultural leaders to respect established protocols by consulting their counterparts before undertaking activities in other regions.
Okwir also called on residents in border areas to remain vigilant, citing the region’s past experiences with insecurity, and emphasized the need to protect Lango’s territorial integrity for future generations.
Adding his voice, Otim Joe, the institution’s Minister for Gender, Children, Youth and Women’s Affairs, faulted the manner in which the Kumam leader’s visit to Amolatar was handled.
He said the office of the Won Nyaci was not informed, describing the development as disrespectful and capable of straining relations between communities.
Otim revealed that a meeting of clan chiefs from Amolatar had been convened to discuss the matter and develop a unified position.
He also tasked district authorities and the Resident District Commissioner to exercise caution when inviting chief guests to public functions, noting that such decisions should not undermine cultural leadership structures.
However, in a swift rebuttal, Won-Atekere His Highness Papa Raphael Otaya dismissed the allegations, saying he had not made any statement about building a palace in Lango.
Otaya explained that his address at the Amolatar prayer breakfast focused on unity, peaceful coexistence, and development, in line with Uganda’s constitutional provisions on freedom of association. He said claims about constructing a palace are misrepresentations of his message.
He added that his speech was recorded and could be verified and called on communities not to be divided by misinformation.
Otaya further noted that his attendance at the event followed an invitation from Amolatar District leaders and that responsibility for invitations lay with the organisers.
According to TND News Uganda, Otaya thanked President Yoweri Museveni for empowering cultural institutions with leadership roles in the country and urged all elected leaders, civil servants, political leaders and fellow cultural leaders to abide by the laws of Uganda for the benefit of the people they serve. He warned that leaders who engage in dividing people are breaking the law and cautioned against using personal resources to promote segregation or propaganda within communities. He noted that good leaders are identified by their actions, urging humility and attentive listening, and expressed gratitude to the people and leaders of Amolatar for allowing the Kumam community to live peacefully in Lango, describing it as teamwork. He added that a significant portion of the Kumam population resides in Amolatar and called for continued cooperation for development, while also encouraging both outgoing and incoming leaders to reconcile, forgive one another and work together, warning that those who force themselves into leadership risk losing respect and facing difficulties in their communities.
He called on both Lango and Kumam communities to maintain the peaceful coexistence that has long characterised their relationship.
Cultural institutions in Uganda are recognized and gazetted by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development under the Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
Recent years have seen the formal recognition of several cultural leaders, including Eng. Michael Moses Odongo Okune as Won Nyaci of Lango in 2024 and Papa Raphael Otaya as Won-Atekere of Kumam in 2023, with a government corrigendum issued in April 2025 to reaffirm and clarify details of recognized institutions.
At the Amolatar event, Otaya reportedly emphasized unity among leaders and communities, urging those in public office to promote harmony and development rather than division.