Kampala, Uganda – June 21, 2024 – In a bid to resolve the contentious leadership dispute within the Lango Cultural Institution, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Akena, has urged Clan Head James Robert Ajal to seek legal action and advised a joint meeting of Clan Heads to address the ongoing impasse.
The dispute stems from the election held on March 1, 2024, which saw Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune elected as the Wonyaci/Paramount Chief Elect, set to succeed the incumbent Paramount Chief, Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, on November 2, 2024. However, Ajal, Clan Head (Awitong) and senior member of the Lango cultural hierarchy, has raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the election process, citing non-adherence to the cultural institution’s act, specifically section 16.
In a detailed response to Ajal’s concerns, Minister Amongi’s letter outlined several key points. Firstly, her office received a comprehensive report from officials who oversaw the March 1 election, confirming broad participation from the majority of Clan Heads/Owitong, with only a minority (44 Clan Heads) abstaining from the process. This oversight validated the election of Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the Wonyaci/Paramount Chief Elect.
Minister Amongi advised Ajal to seek court intervention if he remains dissatisfied with the election outcome, emphasizing that any attempt to remove Eng. Dr. Okune’s name from the Uganda Gazette should be accompanied by a court order. She also proposed organizing a joint meeting of all Clan Heads/Owitong in July to address ongoing disputes and ensure transparency.
The Minister highlighted that disputes of this nature should ideally be resolved internally, through the council of Owitong or any other designated cultural bodies. She noted that many of Ajal’s concerns mirrored issues previously raised in his attempt to obtain a court order to halt the March 1 election.
This development underscores the complexities involved in the leadership transition within the Lango Cultural Institution. Minister Amongi’s approach seeks to balance respect for cultural processes with the necessity of legal and governmental oversight. Her proposal for a joint meeting of Clan Heads in July could serve as a critical platform for addressing grievances and fostering unity within the Lango community.
As the scheduled succession date of November 2 approaches, the Lango people and their leaders will be closely watching the developments to ensure a peaceful and legitimate transition of power. The outcome of this dispute holds significant implications for the cultural and political landscape of the Lango region.
In a statement, Minister Amongi urged all parties involved to prioritize unity and the greater good of the Lango community, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through legal and cultural channels.
