Former Lango premier Col. Otoa passes on

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The former prime minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation, Col (rtd) Tony Otoa Ogwal, has passed away.

Otoa, aged 85 and the clan leader of the Abwor clan, breathed his last peacefully at his home in Boke, Lira city, at 12:45 pm on Monday, April 28, 2025, according to the Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution, Willy Omodo.

Speaking by phone, Omodo said the retired army officer had gone for a medical check-up at Avento Medical Centre yesterday, Sunday, feeling unwell. 

He reportedly spent the night without major incident, and on Monday morning briefly came outside, but soon told family members he was feeling tired and returned to bed, where he later passed away peacefully.

Otoa was a distinguished Ugandan figure whose career spanned military service, politics, and cultural leadership.

Military and political service

Col Otoa was a key member of Kikosi Maalum, the anti-Idi Amin force formed in Tanzania, and later served in the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA). 

He played a pivotal role in the 1979 overthrow of Idi Amin, returning to Kampala on April 9, to join Gen. David Oyite Ojok in declaring the fall of Amin’s regime.

During the Obote I and II governments, he served as a close military adviser to President Milton Obote and commanded the UNLA’s central ordnance depot at Magamaga, Jinja.

After the overthrow of the UPC government, Otoa joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, where he continued to serve until his retirement.

He held several positions, including Gaddafi Garrison Commander and UPDF Member of Parliament.

Tony Otoa Ogwal, also known as Isabirye, once served as a legislator in Jinja. In 1994, he entered the politics of Jinja district, gaining popularity for his eloquence.

Cultural leadership

In 2009, Otoa was appointed prime minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation (Tekwaro Lango). He resigned in April 2013 amidst internal disputes over a new draft constitution, citing perceptions that he was a stumbling block among those opposing the leadership. 

As head of the Abwor clan, he consistently emphasised his commitment to peace and fairness.

Following a split within the Lango Cultural Institution, he parted ways with Yosam Odur Ebii and pledged allegiance to the new Won Nyaci, Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, who subsequently appointed him as an adviser.

The body was picked and taken to Lira Military Barracks Mortuary for preservation pending burial arrangements yet to be announced.