Chaos as diplomat raids Lango cultural meeting
Nov 18, 2024
Despite initial signs of co-operation, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Ogwang Okul arrived uninvited, accompanied by two bodyguards, one of whom carried his chair.

Uganda's deputy ambassador to Sudan, Dickson Ogwang Okul is held by security personnel after he allegedly brandished a firearm during a meeting of cultural leaders. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

Hudson Apunyo
Journalist @New Vision
LIRA - A tense and chaotic scene unfolded on Sunday (November 17, 2024) afternoon at the Lango Cultural Centre in Lira city when Uganda's deputy ambassador to Sudan, Dickson Ogwang Okul, allegedly brandished a firearm during a meeting of cultural leaders.
The meeting was called to reconcile factions within the Lango cultural leadership and facilitate their participation in the upcoming Ateker Festival in Soroti city.
Uganda's deputy ambassador to Sudan, Dickson Ogwang Okul and his bodyguards being held by Police officers after the latter allegedly brandished a firearm during a meeting of cultural leaders. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
The incident
The meeting convened by Otuke Resident District Commissioner (RDC) George Abudul aimed to bring together two rival groups of the Lango Owitong. One faction supports Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as Won Nyaci (paramount chief), while the other remains loyal to the outgoing Won Nyaci, Yosam Odur Ebii.
Despite initial signs of co-operation, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Ogwang Okul arrived uninvited, accompanied by two bodyguards, one of whom carried his chair.

Uganda's deputy ambassador to Sudan, Dickson Ogwang Okul is put down by Police officers after the fracas. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
Ogwang had organised a controversial parallel election of the Won Nyaci.
His actions allegedly contributed to the court's annulment of Odongo Okune's election and the suspension of his coronation, initially slated for November 2, 2024.
Upon Ogwang’s arrival, members of the Owitong loudly protested, demanding his immediate departure. Despite attempts by Abudul and other officials to calm the situation, the tensions escalated.

As the protests intensified, Ogwang reportedly remained seated, ignoring the growing uproar. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
The standoff
As the protests intensified, Ogwang reportedly remained seated, ignoring the growing uproar. He eventually allegedly drew a pistol, cocking it amid the commotion. This act provoked alarm, with Police officers intervening to disarm him.
During the ensuing struggle, one Police officer cocked his own weapon, readying to neutralise the threat.

Uganda's deputy ambassador to Sudan, Dickson Ogwang Okul, boards his vehicle and leaves the scene after the fracas. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
Eventually, Ogwang was overpowered, disarmed and subdued. The firearm was taken to Lira City Central Police Station (CPS) for safekeeping.
Ogwang defended his actions claiming he had armed himself in self-defence. He was escorted from the premises in his Toyota Land Cruiser (registration UBR 630B).
Aftermath
Following Ogwang’s removal, the cultural leaders resumed their meeting with prayers and Christian hymns. Discussions continued, focusing on their representation at the Ateker Festival and strategies for reconciliation within the Lango cultural institution.

Ogwang flanked by his bodyguards is led away from the Cultural Centre.
Reactions
Following the incident, many cultural leaders condemned his actions, which they said undermined the sanctity of the gathering and the ongoing reconciliation process.
Law enforcement is expected to conduct further investigations into the matter, including Ogwang's misuse of a firearm and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
North Kyoga Police region spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said he was out of the station and had not got the information.
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