Lira, Uganda – The Chairman of the Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum, His Majesty Isabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya, has urged the Lango community to strengthen its economic base, increase political engagement, and uphold its cultural identity to secure a prosperous and unified future.
Speaking today (Tuesday, March 25, 2025) during his official visit to the Lango Cultural Institution. His Majesty outlined key areas for development, including economic empowerment, political participation, cultural preservation, education, religious awareness, and environmental conservation. He emphasized that without economic stability, the community risks being exploited.
“If we are not well economically, we will be misused. The Lango people must work hard to build their financial strength,” he stated.
He challenged the people of Lango to focus on wealth creation through job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and professional advancement.
His Majesty also stressed the importance of political participation, urging the Lango people to take up leadership roles across different sectors.
“In today’s world, every leadership position requires a political push. I urge all Lango people to participate in politics and take up leadership roles in every sector, whether in churches, local governance, or business associations,” he advised.
His remarks come at a time when Uganda is approaching a critical political period, with increasing competition for leadership positions.
He warned that failure to engage politically would leave Lango marginalized in decision-making processes at local and national levels.
Beyond economics and politics, His Majesty underscored the importance of cultural identity and unity. He pointed out that some Ugandan communities have remained strong due to solidarity and collective action, something he urged Lango to emulate.
He cautioned against the erosion of traditional values, particularly in areas such as marriage, family life, and social structures, urging the Lango people to resist negative foreign influences.
The Isabaruuli also raised concerns about unregulated religious movements, which he said have misled many people into rejecting modern medicine.
Echoing His Majesty’s concerns, Eng. Dr. Mosess Michael Odongo Okune, Paramount Chief of Lango, emphasized the need for unity in the face of political and religious divisions.
“Our people have been divided along religious, cultural, and political lines, but we are doing our best to resist forces that divide us. We want to ensure that after all is said and done, we remain one,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that political differences have created tensions within the Lango community but reaffirmed that cultural leaders remain committed to keeping the people united.
“This is a hot political season. Politics is tending to tear our people apart. But as cultural leaders, we are doing our best to resist any forces that divide us. Politically, culturally, religiously, we must remain one,” he stated.
A key outcome of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum of Uganda and the Global Peace Foundation.
Mr. Kambula Milton, President of the Global Peace Foundation, emphasized the role of traditional institutions in fostering national unity and economic development.
This visit is part of His Majesty Isabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya’s nationwide tour to engage Uganda’s 17 gazetted cultural leaders in a joint effort for socioeconomic transformation.
The discussions focus on building partnerships through the Global Peace Initiative and Family Peace Association, aimed at empowering communities and fostering national cohesion.
His Majesty’s visit has ignited a critical conversation about Lango’s future, with a challenge to the people to evaluate their economic, political, and cultural standing.
With a renewed focus on economic strength, political participation, and cultural preservation, Lango now faces a pivotal moment—one that will determine its position in Uganda’s socioeconomic and political landscape.
