Govt still recognizes Okune as Lango Paramount Chief, says Amongi

LANGO - Gender minister Betty Amongi has said the government is dissatisfied with a High Court decision nullifying the election of Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the Paramount Chief of Lango (Won Nyaci). 

She said the government will not implement the ruling delivered by Justice Phillip Odoki on October 31 last year.

The minister made the remarks during the funeral of Ben Olwa, a former chairperson of Apac district and Constituent Assembly delegate representing Kole constituency.

Olwa, who resided in Amwa village, Ayer sub-county in Kole district, died on Christmas Day at the age of 78 at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. 

He was laid to rest at his home on Thursday.

During his funeral, the issue of the Lango cultural leadership wrangle came up, with Kole district chairperson Andrew Moses Awany asking the present Amongi to intervene.

He urged the minister to use her position to foster unity in Lango sub-region. 

“Honorable minister, you are the only lady in this region with the mantle to bring reason for the Lango to be united,” he said, further stressing the need for organized leadership in Lango.

“If you don’t keep your home peaceful, you will find yourself enjoying other kingdoms while your home remains in chaos.

"It is high time you use that gender ministry docket to pacify Lango. We are silently watching how you handle this," said Awany.

The minister responded by saying it all starts with the cultural leaders themselves.
“As a government, the gender ministry cannot force cultural leaders to unite. Unity must start with them."

Gender minister Betty Amongi says unity must start with the cultural leaders. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

'If you reach a consensus, inform us'

Amongi said she has a letter from the Attorney General advising on the matter, which she was willing to share with the Owitong (clan leaders) if they visit her office. 

“The Attorney General has outlined reasons why the government is not satisfied with the court ruling,” she said.

“The law empowers the Owitong to sit and elect a paramount chief. If you choose the path of confusion, the government will leave you to it. But if you resolve the conflict and reach a consensus, then inform us. It’s not the government’s role to appoint the Won Nyaci."

Amongi cited the Lango Cultural Foundation’s constitutions of 2003, 2007, and 2017, which mandate the clan leaders to elect the paramount chief. 

She had earlier questioned the High Court orders, seeking clarification instead of immediately implementing the directives.

In a letter dated November 5, 2024, addressed to Francis Harimwomugasho of Kingdom Law Practice and Ahamark Advocates, Amongi expressed reservations about enforcing the court’s decision, stating that crucial details remain unclear.

"Former Won Nyaci Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, who abdicated voluntarily, never sued the government and was not a party to the suit. Neither was I nor the Attorney General," wrote Amongi.

She said enforcing such orders should comply with legal procedures under Uganda’s Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.

Amongi’s letter requested specific evidence to ensure that any implementation respects Ugandan law and maintains government neutrality on traditional matters.

The minister demanded proof that Odur Ebii has formally regained his title as Won Nyaci as per Section 5 of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act.

Additionally, confirmation of the institution under which Ebii regained authority, ensuring compliance with Section 7 of the Act, which mandates alignment with recognized legal frameworks.

Justice Odoki warned Amongi that she could face contempt charges if she fails to implement court orders concerning the ongoing Lango cultural leadership dispute.

On November 29, 2024, Odoki dismissed an application to stay the execution of an earlier judgment pending appeal, awarding costs to the respondents. 

He emphasized the clarity of his orders, asserting that the minister's refusal to comply with them could lead to personal legal consequences.

Yosam Odur Ebii announced he would abdicate as paramount chief during a council meeting of clan leaders in November 2023. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

Background of dispute

On March 1, 2024, the Lango clan leaders elected Eng. Okune as the paramount chief, replacing 99-year-old Yosam Odur Ebii, who abdicated effective November 1, 2024.
 
Odongo’s coronation was scheduled for November 2 at the Mayor’s Garden in Lira city.

However, Justice Odoki issued a ruling on October 31, nullifying Okune’s election, issuing a permanent injunction against his coronation, and directing the re-gazetting of Ebii as the legitimate paramount chief.

The ruling shocked many in Lango, who had hoped for peace in the cultural institution with Okune’s ascension.

The Lango community remains divided, and calls for unity and resolution persist as the region’s cultural institution grapples with its leadership crisis.

Okune remains on the government gazette as the official Paramount Chief of Lango and awaits resolution of his appeal in the Appeals Court to overturn the decision of the High Court.