Abim, Uganda | Clan chiefs (Rwode) of the Orimakori clan have strongly condemned what they describe as an illegal enthronement of a rival clan leader in Abim District.
The ceremony, which reportedly took place last Saturday at Got Ojwang, was organized by Awitong of Inomo, Fredrick Ogwal Oye, to install Yafesi Okello Otim as a new Awitong, a move seen as challenging the incumbent leader, Leo Charles Olwa.
Speaking to journalists, several Orimakori clan leaders said Security personnel in Otuke initially blocked the enthronement, but the organizers reportedly defied the restrictions and proceeded with the installation elsewhere.
The chiefs described the act as a deliberate attempt to create a rival clan, referred to as Orimakori Okwer Amor, that threatens the unity of Orimakori.
Eng. Tom Obua, vice Awitong of Orimakori, noted that the clan held three negotiation meetings in 2023, during which Yafesi Okello Otim participated.
“We all agreed to work together to promote peace. No external party should interfere in our leadership matters, and we have internal mechanisms to resolve disputes without splitting the clan,” Obua said.
Sam Ojuka, Orimakori clan chief leading Dokolo, said the clan has remained united since its inception and appealed to Inomo clan leaders to resolve any differences through dialogue rather than through acts that divide the community.
Peter Musafira, Orimakori clan chief of Ogur, Okwang, Alito, and other parts of North Lango, warned that attempts to divide the clan could have long-term consequences, citing cultural and health implications, including the spread of hereditary diseases like sickle cell.
Alex Odongo, Orimakori clan chief of Amugu in Alebtong, expressed disappointment that educated and knowledgeable members were contributing to internal conflicts.
He cautioned that anyone seeking to break away from Orimakori should not misuse the clan’s name.
Efforts to obtain comments from Yafesi Okello Otim and Fredrick Ogwal Oye on the alleged enthronement were unsuccessful, as both did not respond to phone calls by press time.
In response, Inomo clan spokesperson Walter Ojok said the clan had not received any prior information regarding the allegations.
He urged anyone with evidence implicating their leadership to present it so that the clan could take appropriate action.