Lira, Uganda – The long-anticipated construction of the Lango Palace officially began as district leaders in Lira on Thursday November 7, 2024 handed over land to CMD Investment Limited, setting in motion an ambitious project funded with UGX 3.5 billion from the Government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
This monumental undertaking, aimed at strengthening cultural heritage and unity among the Lango people, will house the administrative seat of the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) and serve as a center for cultural preservation.
Geoffrey Ongala, interim engineer for Lira District, spoke with journalists on Thursday, confirming the government’s commitment to the Lango community.
Appointed by the OPM to oversee the construction, Ongala and his team worked alongside local leaders to verify and mark the land boundaries for the palace, ensuring that all legalities were met before construction.
“The OPM has mandated us to make sure this project is carefully managed,” Ongala said. “We have shown the contractor the land’s boundaries, taking every step to respect both cultural and historical significance as we prepare for the work ahead.”
CMD Investment Ltd., led by Director Moses Sebyala Kiwanuka, will head the construction, starting with basic infrastructure, including sanitation and water facilities.
This initial phase is expected to take one month, providing essential resources for workers as the palace structures begin to take shape.
Kiwanuka assured the community that the project would be handled with expertise and respect for cultural heritage.
“We are committed to delivering a palace that will be a source of pride for the Lango people. After completing essential facilities, we’ll start with key structures: the administration block, the Won Nyaci residence, a cultural artefact hall, and a conference hall. We are here to work closely with local leaders to honour this mandate from the OPM.”
Among those present for the handover was Willy Omodo Omodo, Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution.
Omodo Omodo noted that the call to hand over the land came directly from the OPM, and cultural leaders took an active role in welcoming the contractor and assessing the site boundaries.
“As cultural leaders, we wholeheartedly welcome this project. This palace will serve as a unifying symbol, allowing us to gather, celebrate, and preserve our culture. It will give us the strength to stand firm as Lango people,” he said, expressing the community’s hope for the future.
The project, funded and supported by the OPM, signifies the government’s dedication to nurturing Uganda’s diverse cultural landscapes.
For the Lango people, the palace will not only serve as a cultural epicentre but also as a space for governance, dialogue, and development.
By involving local leaders at every step, CMD Investment Ltd. and the OPM aims to create a collaborative environment that honours Lango traditions.
As the community watches this landmark project unfold, excitement and pride continue to grow.
The Lango Palace, once completed, will stand as a lasting testament to the resilience, unity, and identity of the Lango people, reinforcing their rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
