Dokolo, Uganda | The Awitong (clan head) of Ogora Clan, Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero, has urged clan chiefs (Rwode) and Jagi to strengthen traditional dispute resolution mechanisms to minimise the number of clan disputes taken to courts of law.
Ogwang Odyero made the call on Saturday during his visit to his subjects at Otolemomoleo in Dokolo Town Council, where he met clan leaders and members of the Ogora Clan living in Dokolo.
He said clan leaders should endeavour to resolve disputes within their respective areas of jurisdiction, particularly land wrangles, marriage disputes and other misunderstandings, before they escalate into costly court battles.
Ogwang Odyero said some disputes could be handled through the clan’s traditional structures, arguing that unnecessary court cases had contributed to financial hardships, hatred and divisions among clan members.
He noted that poor people are often disproportionately affected when disputes are prolonged in court because they may lack the financial resources required to sustain lengthy legal battles.
Ogwang Odyero also urged men who have lived with women for a considerable period to formalise their marriages within the first two years of living together.
He said this could help minimise complications relating to customary compensation and other obligations in the event of the death of a woman before the relationship is formally recognised as a marriage.
The Awitong further challenged members of Ogora Clan to ensure their children attain education, describing education, hard work and tree planting as important steps towards fighting household poverty.
He encouraged clan members to plant trees around their homes and embrace productive activities that can improve their livelihoods.
Joseph Amuli, the Wonebuku (clan head) of Egoria Clan under the Kumam, who hails from Kaberamaido, pledged to work with Ogora Clan to promote unity and development between the two clans.
Dokolo North MP Joseph Jones Ogwal, who serves as Minister for Political Affairs in the office of the Awitong, pledged to support the organisation of a football tournament for Ogora Clan youths.
Ogwal said the tournament would provide an opportunity for young people to interact, strengthen unity and foster cooperation among members of the clan.
He also urged members of Ogora Clan to embrace hard work, particularly farming and proper management of their agricultural produce, as a way of tackling hunger and improving household incomes.
Rev. Deacon Lazarus Ocen, chaplain of Dokolo Technical School, urged members of Ogora Clan to prioritise unity, saying it was essential for the clan’s continued progress and positive recognition.
Several clan leaders commended Ogwang Odyero for visiting his subjects and called for such engagements to be held regularly.
During the same event, Ogwang Odyero officially unveiled an ambulance belonging to Dokolo North MP Joseph Jones Ogwal for use in supporting locals of Dokolo North who require emergency medical transport.
More than 50 members benefited from blood pressure screening conducted during the event.
The visit brought together clan leaders, elders and members of Ogora Clan to discuss issues affecting the clan and ways of promoting unity, development and peaceful coexistence.