Lira, Uganda | The Lango Paramount Chief, HRH Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has issued a heartfelt message urging unity, tolerance, and spiritual reflection as both the Muslim and Christian communities embark on their sacred fasting periods—Ramadan and Lent.
In his address, Eng. Dr. Okune called upon the faithful to embrace these religious observances not just as rituals, but as opportunities for fostering holistic individuals and a more harmonious society.
He encouraged elders to guide the youth in understanding the essence of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline.
The simultaneous observance of Ramadan (beginning March 1st) and Lent (starting March 5th) is a rare occurrence. The Lango Paramount Chief emphasized that this should be seen as a divine reminder of the shared humanity that transcends sectarian divisions.
Quoting the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Okune reminded the people of Lango: “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to the human race.”
He urged both Muslims and Christians to reflect on their common values of prayer, sacrifice, charity, and self-discipline, fostering a spirit of coexistence and mutual respect.
Acknowledging the current scorching heatwave, Eng. Dr. Okune advised believers not to view it as an obstacle but rather as a test of faith. He referenced Proverbs 17:3: “Pure gold is tested by fire, and human character is tested by trials.”
He encouraged both communities to see hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth and resilience.
Beyond spiritual matters, the Paramount Chief issued a warning on climate change, linking the extreme weather conditions to human negligence.
He lamented the widespread deforestation, wetland encroachment, and unsustainable agricultural practices that have led to environmental degradation.
Okune called for urgent action, urging the people of Lango to adopt eco-friendly habits such as tree planting and responsible farming to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
As the 2026 general elections approach, Okune also cautioned political actors against using the campaign period to sow division and hatred.
“Do not allow politics to be a source of conflict. Let all players conduct their campaigns with mutual respect, avoiding insults and abuses,” he appealed.
Both Ramadan and Lent are deeply rooted in spiritual discipline and self-reflection: Lent (40 days) – A Christian period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter meanwhile Ramadan (29–30 days) – A sacred month for Muslims marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, and acts of charity.
HRH Eng. Dr. Odongo Okune’s message serves as a powerful reminder of faith, unity, and shared responsibility in building a more peaceful, tolerant, and environmentally conscious society as the people of Lango embark on these sacred observances.
