Lira City, Uganda – His Royal Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango, has set forth an ambitious vision for Lango, anchored on structured governance, economic self-reliance, and cultural preservation.
Addressing newly appointed ministers of Tekwaro Lango at Margherita Palace Hotel on Friday March 7, 2025, he emphasized unity, development, and financial sustainability, urging his government to operate with integrity and determination.
At the heart of this vision is the successful reclamation of a historic piece of land in Ireda Estate, Lira City, which had been occupied for decades by Retired Colonel Tonny Otoa who was safeguarding it from intruders.
The landmark handover marks a major victory for Tekwaro Lango, paving the way for establishing a permanent residence for the Won Nyaci and a cultural hub to preserve Lango’s heritage.
Won Nyaci reiterated his commitment to restoring Lango’s cultural identity while ensuring the institution’s financial independence. He assigned specific mandates to various ministries, emphasizing that Tekwaro Lango should not rely on donations but generate its own revenue through strategic projects.
Finance Minister Bosco Ogwang Edola (Awitong of Pecepece Clan) was tasked with spearheading revenue-generating initiatives to sustain the institution.
Education and Sports Minister George Ojwang Opota (Awitong of Omolacol Odyek Onywal Iceng Clan) was directed to secure scholarships for Lango’s youth and improve academic performance.
Agriculture Minister was urged to promote commercial farming and revive indigenous food species to enhance food security.
Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo highlighted the roles and responsibilities of each minister, emphasized the need for transparency, opening up an office for the cultural institution and proposed launching an official Tekwaro Lango website to facilitate public engagement and information sharing.
Additionally, the Paramount Chief stressed the need to protect Lango’s cultural values, including traditional marriage rites, burial customs, and language preservation.
He condemned the adoption of foreign practices at the expense of Lango’s identity and called for unity beyond tribal and political lines.
“The strength of our people lies in our culture, discipline, and respect for leadership. We must ensure that our governance serves the Lango people effectively,” Won Nyaci declared.
In a defining moment, Retired Colonel Tonny Otoa officially handed over the land at Ireda Estate to Tekwaro Lango, explaining that his occupation was purely for its protection.
He revealed that he had personally lobbied President Museveni for its return to Lango, just as other cultural institutions like Buganda reclaimed their properties.
“I have always known that this land belongs to Lango. I stayed here to ensure it was not lost, but now that the Paramount Chief is in place, I am handing it over,” he stated.
The land was originally under Local Government but was transferred to the Central Government by former President Idi Amin in 1976.
With this handover, Tekwaro Lango now officially assumes control, marking a critical step toward self-reliance and institutional strengthening.
Clan leaders and key officials, including Jurubabel Opio Okori, the Clan Head (Awitong) of Adok Clan and Minister for Lands, sought clarity on the authenticity of the handover, which Rtd. Col. Otoa reaffirmed.
David Ojok Zulu, the State Minister for Lands and Clan Head of Arak Ococ Puru Iwor, recalled that the late Won Nyaci Yekosofat Engur had lived on this land, further cementing its cultural significance.
As discussions on the land’s future use unfolded, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Maxwell Akora proposed that it should serve as the official residence of the Won Nyaci, while an alternative site could be secured for Tekwaro Lango’s administrative headquarters.
He also suggested establishing a Lango Cultural Museum to document and showcase the rich heritage of the Lango people.
Meanwhile, Simon Odepe, 1st Deputy Prime Minister, called for Rtd. Col. Otoa to be officially honored for his role in safeguarding the land for decades.
Elder Rashid Eton, head of Itogo, urged Speaker Willy Omodo Omodo to engage Lira District Local Government to avoid any administrative conflicts.
Speaker Omodo Omodo confirmed that he had already met with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Lira District, who advised that the land title should be transferred to a name agreed upon by clan leaders, ensuring it is no longer associated with the district government.
He also noted that discussions were ongoing with Won Nyaci Odongo Okune to determine an appropriate recognition for Rtd. Col. Otoa’s contributions.
With the land now under Tekwaro Lango, immediate actions include securing its legal ownership, relocating current occupants by the end of April 2025, and commencing development plans.
This milestone marks a turning point in the institution’s efforts to reclaim historical assets and strengthen its role in Lango’s development.
The leadership of HRH Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune remains focused on uniting the Lango people, fostering economic self-reliance, and preserving cultural identity.
The reclamation of the Ireda Estate land is not just a victory for Tekwaro Lango but a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Lango people
Yeah we are proud of our paramount chief Dr. Engineer Michael odongo okune and all other leaders.