Renowned lawyer, Ogik crowned in Kitgum to lead Okol Chiefdom

__________________

Lawyer Jude Ogik of Ogik and Company Advocates has been crowned the new chief of the Okol chiefdom, bringing to an end more than a century of absence of substantive cultural leadership among the Okol people in Kitgum District.

The coronation ceremony was held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Okol chiefdom palace in Nikol village, Mucwini East Sub-county, amid colourful cultural performances and jubilant celebrations from community members.

Ogik, 53, was formally installed as the Rwot of Ker Kwaro Okol, which has about 18,000 households, by the chiefdom’s curators, marking a significant restoration of traditional authority.

Okol chiefdom has about 18,000 households that are predominantly occupying Mucwini East in Kitgum and Madi Opei sub-county in Lamwo, while other subjects are scattered in the other parts of Acholi. 

Rwot Ogik receiving blessings from a religious leader during his coronation. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

The ceremony presided over by the Deputy Paramount Chief of Acholi, Rwot Martin Otinga Atuka Yai II of the Lamogi chiefdom, attracted high-profile government officials and cultural leaders from across the Acholi sub-region.

Addressing the gathering after his installation, Rwot Ogik expressed gratitude to his supporters and acknowledged the concerns raised by his critics.

He called for unity, urging the Okol community to put aside historical grievances and focus on building a shared and peaceful future.

Ogik pledged to promote peace, preserve cultural heritage, and champion development initiatives within the chiefdom.

He appealed to the state and other stakeholders to recognise the legitimacy of his coronation and the court ruling, reaffirming Ker Kwaro Okol’s commitment to cooperation with government and development partners.

Outlining his vision, the new chief emphasised education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and equal opportunities as pillars for a prosperous Okol.

He promised to lead with integrity, fairness, and dedication.

Campaigning for the crown: 

Ogik’s elevation followed his endorsement on May 14 by elders representing the 26 sub-clans that make up the Okol chiefdom.

His appointment, however, was not without controversy. Joseph Larem challenged the decision, asserting a claim to the throne through his grandfather, Nono, who had been appointed chief during the British colonial era.

Okol elders dismissed the claim, arguing that colonial appointments disrupted legitimate traditional leadership structures.

According to the elders, the Okol lineage traces its roots to a legitimate Rwot from their ancestral homeland in present-day Sudan, long before the advent of British colonial administration.

They cited historical leaders, including Rwot Loliga, a renowned Acholi rainmaker,  his successor Rwot Awita, Rwot Olal, Keyo, and Owiro Lukweramoyi.

Lukweramoyi, elders recounted, was arrested by British authorities for resisting indirect rule and refusing to surrender his firearm, which he had acquired through trade for ivory from Sudan.

He openly cautioned the Okol people against collaborating with the colonial administration.

Later leaders such as Opoka Lak-Ler, Beldino Lukwer, and Justo Otyang saw their authority steadily eroded under colonial repression.

The crisis of leadership deepened further after President Apollo Milton Obote’s 1967 decree abolished kingdoms and cultural institutions across Uganda, a decision that was later reversed during President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.

In a renewed effort to restore royal governance, the elders eventually appointed Ogik, a descendant of Beldino Lukwer’s lineage.

Despite resistance from a faction that sought an interim injunction at the Kitgum High Court, the court dismissed the application, ruling that the petitioners lacked a legal basis and were merely attempting to block the coronation.

The judge ordered that the ceremony proceed as scheduled.

With the restoration of the Okol chiefdom, Ker Kwaro Acholi now comprises 58 chiefdoms across the Acholi sub-region, under the leadership of Rwot David Onen Acana II of Payira chiefdom, the Paramount Chief of Acholi.