Lango paramount chief coronation preparations in high gear

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LIRA

Preparations for the coronation of Lango Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci), Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, set for Saturday, November 2, 2024 in Lira city are in high gear.

The event, which is expected to be graced by President Yoweri Museveni, is having advance ceremonies and security personnel strategically being positioned in critical locations, including the residence of the elected Won Nyaci in the city's Senior Quarters.

The army 5^th Infantry Division commander, Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, confirmed that his troops are actively co-ordinating security arrangements for the coronation.

North Kyoga Police region spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema, has collaborated with the Presidential Protocol Office to ensure that media representatives covering the event are properly accredited.

Lango Cultural Institution speaker, Willy Omodo Omodo, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, evening said preparations are progressing well, with indications that the President has confirmed his attendance.  

Cultural ceremonies and rituals

The coronation celebrations will kick off today with a blessing ceremony conducted by Bishop Caesar Nina Otim at Ibuje Church of Uganda in Apac district.

This day will also witness the enthronement of the Awitong (clan leader) of the Okaromwono Kongo clan, to which the elected Won Nyaci Okune belongs. Okune, who previously served as the clan leader, was elected Won Nyaci on March 1, 2024.

Following his installation, the Awitong, Moses Odongo Aber, will officially hand over Okune to the Lango community as their paramount chief elect.

International guests have started arriving for the event, including a delegation from the Lango diaspora in America, led by Rhema Apio, who arrived on Wednesday. The King of Ogoni Land also arrives on Thursday morning.

“Our team on the ground is set to receive the guests,” Omodo said.

On Friday, the elders will lead Odongo Okune to Otuke Hill for a traditional anointing ritual with shea butter oil before the main coronation ceremony.

According to Col. (Rtd) Tony Otoa, Awitong of the Abwor clan, Otuke Hill holds historical significance as the place where the Lango people first settled upon arriving from Ethiopia (Abyssinia) before spreading throughout Northern Uganda’s Lango subregion.

Legal and Political Context

The coronation preparations occur against the backdrop of a legal dispute over the election of Eng. Odongo Okune. A faction of Awitong filed an application in the High Court seeking to annul his March 1 election.

The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on Thursday, October 31, 2024, just days before the coronation. One of the petitioners, Benjamin Okii, held an election on October 11, 2024, where Dickson Ogwang Okul was controversially declared Won Nyaci elect.

However, on October 28, 2024, following a counterclaim, the court issued an injunction restraining Ogwang Okul from participating in any activities related to the role of paramount chief pending the resolution of Civil Suit No. 10 of 2024.

Omodo and other members of the organising committee remain confident in the legitimacy of their process, citing strict adherence to legal protocols.

"We are not worried about the court’s decision, as our process has been conducted according to the law," Omodo said.

Peter Okello Oyo, chairperson of the Peace and Transition Committee, echoed this confidence, emphasizing the commitment to a peaceful transition.