Lira, Uganda – His Royal Highness (HRH) Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, the Lango Paramount Chief, is championing the use of Leb Lango not only as a cultural cornerstone but also as a means to drive economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
His recent call to integrate the local language into corporate and financial services comes amid growing concerns that language barriers hinder economic participation for many communities.
“Language is more than a cultural symbol—it is a gateway to opportunity,” declared Eng. Okune. “When people understand financial processes in their mother tongue, they make better decisions, access essential services, and contribute more effectively to economic growth.”
His message was amplified during the commemoration of International Mother Language Day on February 21, 2025, where he underscored the economic consequences of language exclusion.
Eng. Okune took particular aim at corporate institutions, especially banks operating within the Lango sub-region, for their failure to offer services in Leb Lango.
He argued that the exclusive use of English and Luganda in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and customer communication disenfranchises Lango-speaking clients, limiting their ability to engage with financial systems.
“It is unacceptable that our people face barriers when accessing their own money. Financial literacy must start with understanding—and that begins by using the language people speak,” he emphasized.
Citing the successful implementation of local languages by telecommunications giants MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda, the Paramount Chief urged other businesses to follow suit.
He pointed out that adopting Leb Lango in service delivery would not only empower customers but also enhance customer loyalty and business expansion.
“Businesses that speak the language of their customers earn their trust. Financial institutions must see language inclusion as a business strategy, not just a cultural obligation,” he added.
The Paramount Chief linked language preservation to broader economic empowerment, stressing that marginalized languages often lead to marginalized people.
He called on educational institutions to prioritize bilingual education, ensuring that future generations are equipped to engage in both cultural and economic spheres.
Research from organizations like the African Academy of Languages suggests that using indigenous languages in education boosts literacy rates, improves academic performance, and enhances entrepreneurial skills. Eng. Okune believes these principles can extend to business environments as well.
“When people access education and financial systems in their mother tongue, they become active participants in their own development,” he said.
Eng. Okune commended cultural ambassadors like the late Moris Sirikinti Ekuka Ogwal Adongo, whose musical legacy continues to educate communities on social and economic issues.
He also praised scholars like Lira University’s Prof. Opio Okaka Dokotum, who is leading the publication of “Lango Nation,” a work documenting Lango history and cultural practices.
Additionally, he acknowledged literary figures such as the late Akbar Adoko Nekyon and Dr. Laury Ocen for preserving Leb Lango through dictionaries and cultural texts.
These efforts, he said, are foundational to ensuring that language remains a living, evolving medium for both cultural and economic progress.
Addressing the Lango diaspora, Eng. Okune urged those living abroad to foster both cultural pride and economic participation by teaching their children Leb Lango and supporting local development initiatives.
He argued that the diaspora holds a unique position to invest in community programs that prioritize language and economic sustainability.
Eng. Okune’s call to action reflects a broader vision where language preservation is intertwined with economic empowerment.
His advocacy aligns with Uganda’s bilingual education policy and the global movement for linguistic diversity as recognized by UNESCO.
By pushing for Leb Lango in corporate spaces, the Paramount Chief is not only safeguarding cultural identity but also opening pathways for financial inclusion and sustainable development.
His message is clear: language is not merely a symbol of heritage—it is a key driver of social and economic progress, and preserving it is a shared responsibility for future generations.
Who is Odongo Okune in relation to Lango culture