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OYAM

Hundreds of people from the Lango and Acholi regions on May 4, 2024, flocked to Iceme sub-county in Oyam district for thanksgiving service in remembrance of former state minister for labour, employment and industrial relations Col. (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo.

Engola was on May 13, 2023, buried at his ancestral home at Awangi village with military honours. This was after his bodyguard, Pte Wilson Sabiiti, shot him dead on May 2, 2023.

Gen. Charles Otema Awany, a family friend paid glowing tribute to Engola during the service: “He was a very courageous officer who contributed immensely in pacifying northern Uganda”.

He said Okello Engola was a champion of development who started Oyam district, and he was a model to the army officvers that they can also be civil leaders.

He called upon the deceased’s children to keep his legacy and stop the backstabbing and divisions among themselves.

Otema, together with the family, friends, religious leader and clan members lay a wreath on the late Engola’s grave.

Friends were in attendance the event.

Demand for compensation

The family member and clan leader of the Otikokin clan to which the deceased belonged are still demanding death report and blood compensation.

Blood compensation (culo kwor) is a ritual in Lango that involves the payment of cattle by the accused’s clan to the bereaved clan, one of which is slaughtered and divided in two equal parts and shared by the two clans.

After culo kwor, Kayo Cuk (reconciliation) follows, indicating that the offending clan is remorseful for the action and the offended clan then forgives them.

Otikokin clan leader speaks

Sam Engola, the senior presidential advisor on Lango affairs, said they are yet to receive the blood compensation and report from the Government

Engola, a close relative to Okello Engola, said he has been talking to President Yoweri Museveni over the issue of blood compensation.

“I have talked to the President and every time he tells me he will call us but the clan is on my neck, asking what is happening. I tell the clan members to be patient as the President is working on it," Engola said.

Apac Woman Member of Parliament Betty Engola called for peace and unity among the family members.

Judith Alyek, the chairperson of Lango parliamentary Group, said the Government should posthumously promote Okello Engola to the rank of Brigadier as was resolved during joint council meeting.  

Samuel Engola Okello, the elder son of the deceased, accused friends and people who worked and ate together with his father of abandoning them and that for the last year, no one has stepped in their home.