Lira, Uganda | The local organizing committee preparing for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s scheduled visit to Lango on April 18, 2026, has suspended preparations pending clarification on the purpose of the trip, officials said.
The decision was reached during a meeting held at Margarita Palace Hotel in Lira City, where religious, cultural, and political leaders expressed concern over conflicting information regarding the agenda of the visit.
Lango organizing committee chairperson Bishop Tom Ibrahim Okello said they had been informed that the President was expected to receive the Lango Development Agenda for the next five years ahead of his installation as President in May 2026.
He, however, noted that recent reports suggested the visit could also be linked to celebrations of President Museveni’s electoral victory, a shift he said had raised concern among stakeholders.
“We were preparing for the President to come and receive the Lango Development Plan. Now we are hearing different narratives, including that it is a victory celebration. As religious leaders, we cannot proceed without clear guidance,” Bishop Tom Okello said.
He added that preparations will remain on hold until the central coordinating authorities, including Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, and senior government representatives, provide official clarification.
Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa of Lango Diocese backed the suspension, saying proper coordination was necessary to avoid political misinterpretation of a civic engagement.
“We cannot proceed without a clear, unified program from the central organizing committee,” he said.
The Speaker of Lango Cultural Institution, Willy Omodo Omodo, also cautioned against the involvement of cultural leaders in politically framed events, citing legal restrictions.
He said cultural leaders had participated in drafting the development plan on February 28, 2026, at the Lango Cultural Centre, and were expecting a development-focused engagement with the President.
Awitong of Atek Odyek Owidi, Simon Peter Odoo, who also serves as Minister of Justice in the cultural institution, expressed concern over what he termed an alteration of the original purpose of the visit.
Oyam District LC5 Chairperson Benson Dila Oyuku urged calm, saying the situation would be resolved once official communication is issued.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Lira City, Joan Apio, clarified that the President’s visit was intended to focus on receiving the Lango Development Agenda rather than political celebrations.
Wonyaci’s spokesperson Counsel Patrick, representing Wonyaci’s office, said the invitation to the President originated from a motion by MP Felix Okot Ogong during a cultural gathering at the Lango Cultural Centre on February 28, 2026, which was adopted by participants.
He said the President was expected to engage with leaders on development priorities raised by the Lango delegation.
Preparations are expected to resume once a clear, coordinated program is communicated by the central organizing committee.
