Four Clan Chiefs seek to replace Lango Paramount Chief

LIRA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Four Clan Chiefs, known in Lango Culture as Owitong, have expressed interest in contesting to replace the paramount Chief Yosam Odur Ebii upon his retirement in November.

They include Dr Richard Nam from the Okii-amat clan, Patrick Abal, the Awitong of the Arak Ongoda clan, Dickson Ogwang Okul, the Awitong of Pala Ocol clan and Benjamin Okii, the Awitong of the Okiibura clan.

But the outgoing Paramount Chief has already endorsed Dickson Ogwang, who is also the current Minister of Foreign Affairs at Lango Cultural Foundation to ascend to the throne.

However, Benjamin Okii, the longest-serving Awitong in the sub-region believes that his leadership experience puts him in a better position to lead Lango.

According to Okii, the cultural institution of Lango should be led by elders and under the 2017 constitution.

Dr Nam, on the other side, explained that Lango just like other tribes respect leaders and elders, saying electing him will be maintaining that culture. He believes that the current confusion in the cultural leadership of Lango is fueled by greed for power.

When asked about the endorsement of one of the contenders by the outgoing chief, the Owitong said that it’s only fair for every clan leader age 65 years and above to contest to lead Lango.

The much-anticipated election will be conducted by universal adult suffrage, allowing every Lango person from 18 years and above to vote.

In October last year, the Lango Paramount Chief declared his interest in retiring from his throne due to old age. According to the roadmap, a new leader was to be elected in January this year but the date was postponed due to the passing of Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal.

A new date was set for November 2, to allow him to accomplish other tasks before handing over office to the next Paramount Chief.

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