As they say, “A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor…” The Paramount Chief of Lango, HRH Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, has called for peace and stability in the Lango sub-region ahead of Uganda’s general elections slated for 15th January,2026.
Also known as Won Nyaci Me Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune has urged security agencies, political leaders, and all stakeholders in the Lango sub-region to uphold peace and stability ahead of the Uganda general elections.
In a message shared with various media outlets, Dr. Odongo Okune stressed the importance of maintaining law and order before, during, and after the elections, noting that peaceful electoral processes are vital for democracy and sustainable development in the region.
He called on security leaders to act professionally and remain neutral, stressing their responsibility to protect lives and property while discouraging violence, intimidation, and political unrest.
Dr. Odongo Okune warned that any form of election-related violence would have dire consequences on people’s safety and could undermine the public’s ability to freely and fairly choose their leaders, as mandated by the Constitution.
The Won Nyaci further appealed to political actors to restrain their supporters from using violence as a means of suppressing opponents, urging that Lango should serve as a model of a violence-free region before, during, and after the elections.
According to Dr. Odongo Okune, elections are temporary, and there is no justification for creating lasting enmity among communities.
He also cautioned candidates and their agents against making inflammatory and reckless statements that could trigger violence.
“…we urge all candidates who are our sons and daughters and their supporters to refrain from using language that can incite violence or hatred towards our people, our people have suffered enough and it is time for us to come together…”,Dr Okune said.
He emphasized that, once elections conclude, leaders should unite to advance the Lango development agenda, including improving education and health services and promoting socio-economic transformation.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of aligning with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s guidance on poverty eradication, particularly through the four-acre agricultural model.
The cultural leader called upon security organs deployed during the elections to work closely with cultural leaders and religious to ensure peaceful polls across Lango sub-region without harming the locals.
The appeal is particularly significant in Lango and Lira City where the contest for the City Woman MP has become increasingly heated.
The high stakes battle between Hon Dr Jane Ruth Aceng-Ochero the Minister of Health and Hon Betty Amongi-Akena the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development has turned the electoral landscape topsy-turvy with some commentators describing it as the most intense in recent decades.
The unpredictability of the outcome has generated significant interest and tension in the sub region of about 2.7 million people with voters and residents eagerly awaiting the opportunity to cast their ballots.
The Won Nyaci’s message serves as a reminder to all candidates and their supporters to promote peace and stability during the electoral period.
Relatedly, the Prime Minister of Lango, Prof. Willy Okullo, while addressing media at the L
ango Cultural Center, echoed similar sentiments urging Lango community to demonstrate discipline by avoiding conflict and destructive behavior that could undermine development and social harmony before and during the elections.
Prof. Okullo emphasized that after the elections, all Lango sons and daughters, regardless of political competition, should come together, set aside divisions, and work collectively to address shared challenges and promote development in the region.
The Kyambogo based don stressed that unity and cooperation with the government remain key pillars for progress in Lango.
As the country prepares to go to the polls, the people of Lango and Lira City are eager to see a peaceful and respectful electoral process. The outcome of this contest will not only shape the future of the sub region but also set the tone and color for the rest of the country.
