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The Awitong (clan leader) of the Okadameri clan, one of the several clans in Lango, has been forced to refund a sh2m condolence contribution from President Yoweri Museveni to a family in his clan.

President Museveni contributed sh10m to the family of the late Charles Owani, general secretary of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Elders' League in Apac.

Owani died on April 3, 2024, and was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Dulowelo village, Ololango parish, Teboke sub-county, Apac district, on April 10, 2024.

The condolence money was reportedly delivered by a legal officer in the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), JB Uhuru, and handed over to the Awitong SP (Rtd) Jimmy Anthony Oyuku to keep until the following day when it would be handed over to the family.

Oyuku allegedly picked sh2m out of the sh10m which he allegedly claimed was given to the person who helped to process the money as a kickback.

The matter was brought to the attention of State House and the Apac resident district commissioner, George Omoyi Abudul, was tasked to investigate the matter.

The RDC notified the police and Oyuku was on April 15, 2024, apprehended, recorded a statement, and released on police bond.

RDC Abudul said Oyuku paid back the money and that the case against him had been dropped. He said Oyuku on April 28, 2024, sent him the money on his mobile number and he withdrew it today, Monday morning, and handed it over to the family.

Awitong dismissed

Members of the Okadameri clan on April 27, 2024, held the clan general assembly meeting at Future Prospects Technical School in Lira city and resolved to dismiss the Awitong.

In the meeting, Oyuku was accused of theft and failure to participate in the recently concluded election of the Won Nyaci.

Eng. Dr Michael Odongo Okune is set to be installed as the Won Nyaci after he was elected in March this year to replace Yosam Odur Ebii.

The clan resolved that the deputy clan leader should now be the acting Awitong of Okadameri.

Oyuku defiant

Oyuku has, however, dismissed the accusations against him as lies and fabrications to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.

“The war against me started a long time ago and has just escalated,” Oyuku told New Vision in Lira city on Monday afternoon.

He said someone framed him to make State House bitter with him.

The former district police commander explained that he used the sh2m to pay some debt he incurred during the funeral of the deceased who is his uncle and former head of their family.

Oyuku, a former deputy speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution, said he is calling the executive committee of his clan for an emergency meeting to discuss his fate.

“If they say I should vacate office, then I will go,” he said, adding that the job of Awitong is a sacrifice and he spends a lot of his money working for his people.