Dokolo, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Won Nyaci Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune has called on religious and cultural leaders to spearhead the formulation of a unified five-year development agenda for the Lango subregion to be presented to government and development partners.
Odongo Okune said the process should bring together all newly elected leaders in the region so that Lango speaks with one voice on its development priorities.
He noted that Lango overwhelmingly supported President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the recently concluded presidential election, giving him 84.4% of the vote, and emphasized that the political goodwill generated from the support must be translated into tangible socio-economic development for the region.
The Paramount Chief made the remarks on Friday during the enthronement of ASP Moses Ogwang as Awitong (Clan Chief) of Okarowok Me Agum, held at Obene Village, Adok Parish, Adok Subcounty in Dokolo District.
Won Nyaci explained that he is engaging the umbrella body that brings together religious leaders in Lango to work closely with cultural institution in mobilising leaders who emerged victorious in the recent elections, with the aim of developing a common development roadmap that will guide the region for the next five years.
He also called for strengthened cooperation between the Lango and Acholi communities, proposing joint cultural and social activities such as cooking competitions, cultural attire exhibitions and football matches as a way of fostering unity and mutual understanding between the two communities.
Aswa County MP Simon Peter Wokorach, who attended the function, said it is time for Lango to stand firm as one people, noting that Acholi and Lango share deep historical and cultural ties, including language, farming practices, food and traditional dances.
He added that strengthening collaboration between the two communities would enhance their collective strength and create opportunities for shared development.
ASP John Bosco Nyangkol, the Officer in Charge of Operations at Gulu Central Police Station, who represented the Aswa Regional Police Commander, praised ASP Ogwang for his role as Community Liaison Officer in Gulu, noting that his work has contributed to peace and harmony across the Acholi subregion.
He encouraged him to extend the same commitment to promoting unity and stability within the Lango cultural institution.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, speaking on behalf of the North Kyoga Regional Police Commander, welcomed the increasing involvement of police officers in cultural leadership, saying this development would strengthen cooperation between security agencies and communities in promoting peace and preventing crime.
In his remarks, the newly enthroned Awitong Moses Ogwang said cultural leadership should always produce positive and lasting outcomes for the community it serves.
