In what can be seen as a gesture of the much-desired unity and commitment to peace and reconciliation among the people of Lango sub region, the Paramount Chief, also known as Won Nyaci Me Lango HRH Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has called on the people of Lango to appreciate and support leaders who prioritize peace and development.
Speaking during the installation of Ambrose Ocen, a long serving senior civil servant, now the Town Clerk Fort Portal City as the new clan chief (Awitong) of Otengoro clan at Iguli Parish, Amwoma Sub County in Dokolo ceremony in Dokolo District, Dr. Okune emphasized the importance of working together to promote the well-being of the community.
The high-profile cultural ceremony, which was attended by prominent Lango leaders, including the Cultural Institution Prime Minister, Professor Willy Okullo, was marked by a spirit of joy, unity and cooperation.
He singled out veteran opposition politician who served as cabinet minister Hon Daniel Omara Atubo for exhibiting maturity by peacefully handing over office to a new and young dynamic person Awitong Ambrose Ocen.
“…I want to appreciate his gesture of mentoring and grooming many leaders like Ambrose Ocen who are now taking over because that’s the essence of proper leadership…”, the acclaimed bridge engineer-cum traditional leader appreciated.
It should be noted that for years, Hon Daniel Omara Atubo had been in loggerheads and not in support of Eng. Dr Okune’s ascendance to the cultural throne but his attendance signaled a peaceful gesture.
Dr. Okune praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his role in restoring peace in Northern Uganda, particularly in the Lango sub-region, which endured nearly two decades of conflict.
He said the prevailing peace in Lango and the greater Northern Uganda is largely a result of government efforts under President Museveni and urged the people of Lango to appreciate and support leaders who prioritize peace and development.
“…my people should help me applaud President Museveni especially for accepting to rehabilitate and compensate households in Lango with at least five cows per family, which will go a long way in alleviating poverty…”, Okune stressed.
He further informed the audience that President Museveni has hosted Lango cultural leaders at State House on more than three occasions, describing this as a sign of goodwill and commitment to working with Tekwaro Lango.
The Paramount Chief also told the gathering that he shares Museveni’s vision of promoting cooperation in areas such as development, education, climate change and poverty alleviation.
However, Hon Daniel Omara Atubo had earlier expressed a differing view on the role of the government in restoring and maintaining peace in the once impoverished Northern Uganda region.
“…politicians should stop misleading people by claiming that the peace we enjoy was brought by a single individual or political reasons, providing security and peace is the responsibility of the government in power…”, said Daniel Omara Atubo.
While Eng. Dr. Okune’s comments were seen as an appreciation of the government’s efforts, Hon Atubo emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, upholding human rights, and ensuring that security forces do not interfere in electoral processes.
Despite the differing views, majority leaders, except a few in Lango are coming together to promote peace and development in the region.
The Lango Prime Minister, Professor Willy Okullo, who also graced the ceremony called for unity among Lango leaders and encouraged them to work together for the common good of the people.
The newly installed Awitong Ambrose Ocen pledged to work with fellow cultural leaders to fight poverty in Lango and praised the government for establishing the Presidential Skilling Hub at Lira University.
In a gesture of goodwill, the Paramount Chief also praised Daniel Omara Atubo for
peacefully handing over leadership to another, citing it as a sign of maturity and a lesson for others to emulate.
The ceremony was closed with prayers by the Parish Priest of Dokolo, Rev. Fr. Augustine Odongo, who reminded the community that leadership is ordained by God and urged the people to promote love, peace, unity, and the well-being of society.
The unity and cooperation displayed at the ceremony are a testament to the commitment of Lango leaders to work together towards a brighter future for their community.
As the sub region continues to rebuild and develop, it is hoped that this spirit of unity will endure and inspire progress and prosperity for all.
