Lira, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune has urged men to seek regular medical screening for prostate-related illnesses, warning that delayed treatment continues to claim many lives across the country.
Okune made the remarks on Saturday, June 13, 2026, while leading a delegation from Lango Cultural Institution to the home of the late David Otyek in Ngetta, Lira City, to convey condolences to the bereaved family.
During the visit, the Won Nyaci praised the late Otyek for persevering through years of illness and for leaving behind educated children, describing education as a lasting investment that empowers individuals beyond formal employment.
He said education should not only be viewed as a means of securing employment but also as a tool for broadening people’s minds and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.
The cultural leader also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for consistently encouraging graduates to acquire practical skills and engage in productive ventures beyond salaried employment.
He noted that while many people rely solely on salaries, wealth is often created through additional investments and businesses, urging families to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic transformation.
Speaking on health matters, Okune compared the human body to machines and buildings, saying both are prone to wear and tear over time. He expressed concern over the growing number of men succumbing to prostate-related illnesses, which often develop into cancer due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
He advised men between the ages of 30 and 40 to undergo routine medical examinations and seek immediate treatment whenever they experience unusual symptoms.
The Won Nyaci also cautioned relatives of the deceased against engaging in land disputes, urging them instead to preserve family unity and protect the legacy Otyek left behind.
During the gathering, Lira District Assistant Resident District Commissioner and Agong Foundation spokesperson Proscovia Ayo Otyek thanked the Paramount Chief for his unwavering support throughout her personal and professional journey.
Ayo, who’s also a daughter to the late Otyek, said the Won Nyaci had consistently stood with her during both difficult and successful moments of her life and leadership journey.
The late David Otyek’s family revealed that he developed prostate-related complications shortly after retiring from the Lira District Local Government in 2012. His health deteriorated significantly in 2025 when he began experiencing severe weakness and weight loss.
In January 2026, medical examinations confirmed that he had cancer affecting the pancreas and liver. He passed away on June 10, 2026, at Gulu Cancer Institute.
His body is currently lying at Lira University Teaching Hospital Mortuary, awaiting burial on June 20, 2026.
Jasper Omara Eric, Chief Planner of the Onywal-Ipyeda Clan, described Otyek’s death as a great loss to the community, noting that elders of his calibre had become increasingly rare and that his passing had created a significant gap within the clan.
Rev. Eric Sam Isaac, who heads the clan’s education department, commended the education programmes championed through the office of the Won Nyaci. He noted that bursary initiatives implemented through the cultural institution had enabled more than 240 students to pursue studies at King James School of Nursing and Midwifery during the institution’s early years.
Born on December 16, 1974, David Otyek is survived by his wife, Mary Otyek, children and other relatives.
