Lango paramount chief urges culture over politics, backs call for tractors

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The Lango paramount chief, Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, has urged cultural leaders to avoid partisan politics and instead focus on promoting peace, unity, and reconciliation within the community.

The Won Nyaci made the appeal on August 30, 2025, while presiding over the crowning and enthronement of Ray Bruno Agong as the Awitong (clan leader) of Bako Padakwara at Ambalal Primary School in Lira City West Division.

“Our work as cultural leaders is not to take sides now that political activities are going on,” he said. 

“If you are a cultural leader, try to unite rival politicians instead of dividing the people.”

He commended the Bako Padakwara clan for conducting a peaceful election and smooth transfer of leadership, urging other clans to emulate the example. 

He also cautioned clan leaders against giving children derogatory names, stressing that names should be meaningful and uplifting.

The paramount chief underscored the importance of education, describing it as a key weapon against ignorance. 

He revealed that a young man from the clan, Bonny Omara, had been selected to study satellite technology in Japan, a milestone he said reflected Lango’s love for education.

“Culture is the foundation of every clan,” Eng. Odongo emphasised.

“No development can take place where there is a weak culture. Culture unites the people, and clans can only be strong when their culture is vibrant.”

In his maiden speech, Awitong Ray Bruno Agong appealed to the paramount chief to champion government support for agricultural development through seed multiplication.

He said the clan needed land, tractors, and storage facilities to produce sunflower, soybeans, and maize seeds locally, reducing costs for farmers.

“Instead of importing expensive seeds that sometimes fail to germinate, our people can multiply seeds if we have land and tractors,” the Awitong said.

The Won Nyaci supported the appeal, welcoming the idea and pledging to back initiatives that would enable Lango farmers to access affordable seeds during planting season.

Turning to national matters, the paramount chief applauded political parties for conducting peaceful primary elections ahead of next year’s general election. 

He also hailed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for presiding over the recent NRM delegates’ conference without violence.

“I am happy that the primaries have been peaceful with no blood spilled so far, though there have been quarrels,” he said. 

“I appeal to those whose candidates won to preach peace and reconciliation, and to those whose candidates lost not to hold grudges. Lango is home to all of us.”

He further credited the President’s leadership for entrenching democratic processes where leaders are replaced through voting.

The Awitong also urged clan members to preserve cultural values and promote healthy local foods, warning that cultural erosion poses a threat to future generations.

Margaret Odongo (Imat Agong), wife of the paramount chief, applauded women for embracing the Agong Foundation, which seeks to revive Lango culture, promote girls’ education, empower women economically, and support vulnerable children, especially those living on the streets. 

She welcomed the wife of the new clan leader to join the initiative.