By Okwada Joshua
Oyam, Uganda – Chris Ongom, Vice Chairperson of Oyam District, has condemned the recent surge in murders across the Lango region, calling for immediate action to address the root causes.
In an interview with our correspondent, Ongom said the violence is linked to the region’s painful history and unresolved social issues.
Ongom explained that Northern Uganda has suffered greatly due to past conflicts like the LRA war.
He stressed that many people in the area are still dealing with the trauma from those dark years, and that proper rehabilitation is crucial to stop the cycle of violence.
“The wounds from the war are still fresh for many. Without rehabilitation, we will keep seeing more violence,” Ongom said.
Ongom also pointed out that many of the murders are driven by disputes over money, land, and relationships. These conflicts, often escalating quickly, are contributing to the growing death toll.
“Land fights, jealousy and financial struggles are behind much of this violence,” Ongom said. “We need to deal with these issues head-on.”
He called for stronger efforts from both community leaders and the government to tackle these underlying problems.
Ongom urged local clan leaders to take responsibility and help resolve these disputes before they turn deadly. He believes their role is key to bringing peace back to the region.
“Clan leaders need to act quickly to stop the violence. They can help resolve conflicts before they escalate,” Ongom added.
The rising murder rate has also caught the attention of local law enforcement.
North Kioga Region Police Spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, recently warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands, saying it would only make matters worse.
“Vigilantism will not solve the problem. We must allow the law to take its course,” Okema advised.
Ongom believes that the violence in Lango can only be stopped with a coordinated effort to address the region’s past trauma, economic struggles and social conflicts.
