Lira City, Uganda – Tensions surrounding the leadership of the Lango have reached a boiling point, with Lango Members of Parliament (MPs) demanding an urgent resolution to the ongoing conflict regarding the position of Wonyaci, the Paramount Chief of Lango.
Speaking at the burial of Mzee Severino Okello, father to Oyam District Woman MP Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang and Lira University Professor Dr. Laury Lawrence Ocen, MPs under Lango Parliamentary Group raised serious concerns about the negative impact of this leadership dispute on the region’s unity and reputation.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Mzee Severino Okello in Lela Apeta Cell, Anai Ward in Lira City East Division, Hon. Kenny Auma Woman MP of Kwania District deliver a powerful speech on behalf of Lango Parliamentary Group chairperson.
During her speech, Hon. Auma spoke candidly about the negative image that the conflict has cast on Lango in the eyes of Central Uganda and beyond.
“As MPs from Lango, we are always ashamed when we face people from Central Uganda and explain the situation in our cultural leadership. The confusion over Wonyaci’s position has undermined our community, and it has hurt our standing nationally,” she said.
Hon. Auma’s comments reflected the growing sense of frustration among Lango MPs, who believe that the ongoing dispute is tarnishing their region’s reputation and hindering progress.
The MPs are calling for a swift resolution to the matter, with hopes that uniting the Lango cultural leadership will restore dignity and peace to the region.
Also weighing in on the issue, Lira City Mayor His Worship Sam Atul emphasized the need for unity in the Lango community.
During his address at the funeral, Mayor Atul revealed that both factions of the Lango Cultural Foundation and the Lango Cultural Institution had taken the matter to court, seeking redress regarding the election of the Wonyaci. However, the court ruling declared the elections in both factions as null and void.
“There should be no celebrations in either faction because, at the end of the day, we are all Lango,” said Mayor Atul. “What we need now is unity and collaboration. We must work together as one, for the benefit of our people.”
Further adding his voice to the matter, Bishop Emeritus of Lango Diocese, John Charles Odur Kami called on the people of Lango to respect their traditional leaders, particularly the Owitong (cultural leader), rather than focusing on the divisive issue of Wonyaci’s leadership.
“Lango is known for its rich cultural heritage, but the dispute over the Wonyaci position has brought shame to us all,” said Bishop Odur Kami. “We cannot continue down this path. It is time to show respect for our Owitong, our elders, and our customs. If we do not resolve this leadership conflict, we will be embarrassed on the global stage.”
The remarks from the Lango MPs, local leaders, and religious figures are a clear call to action for the people of Lango to come together and resolve the dispute over Wonyaci leadership once and for all.
