The family of Uganda’s senior diplomat, Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, has spoken out against what they describe as a “perpetual and malicious campaign” of defamation and social media harassment targeting the Ambassador, his wife Mrs. Ranny Ismail Ogwang, and their children.

A recent online publication, allegedly circulated under the hashtags #RannyIsmailMarriage and #StormyWaters, has drawn widespread outrage from Ugandans who see it as a deliberate attempt to malign a respected public servant and his family for cheap sensationalism.
“It is enough , the madness must stop,” said one close family friend. “The Ogwangs are private citizens, servants of the Republic, and devoted parents. They deserve peace, not perpetual humiliation.”

Ambassador Ogwang, Uganda’s Head of Chancery at the Mission in Sudan, and Mrs. Ranny Ismail, Director of International Collaboration at the Parliament of Uganda, have built a marriage anchored in shared faith, public service, and family values.

Those close to the couple describe their bond as “a partnership of purpose” one that merges diplomacy and nation-building with deep personal devotion. Their recent travels and public appearances, including family holidays in Uganda and abroad, portray a family thriving, not one in turmoil “They have remained united, grounded in love, and guided by faith,” said a colleague at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Ambassador Ogwang’s silence in the face of provocation is not weakness , it is statesmanship.”

The renewed attacks have reportedly dredged up long-settled issues, including the so-called “gun incident” in Lango years ago an episode thoroughly investigated and resolved by the Government of Uganda.

Authorities concluded that Ambassador Ogwang acted lawfully in self-defense against an armed mob that had threatened his life during a volatile cultural leadership dispute. After being fully cleared, the government reinstated him to diplomatic service.

Instead of harboring bitterness, the Ambassador chose forgiveness spearheading reconciliation efforts across Lango and becoming a symbol of peace and restraint.

Family sources confirm that past personal matters, including issues from a previous marriage, were resolved long ago through mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.

During his recent visit to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Ogwang was warmly received by his children a testament to the maturity with which both parties have embraced co-parenting.

Despite this, malicious actors continue to weaponize personal history for clout and division.
“The continued recycling of long-closed issues is inhumane,” said another family member. “We appeal to the media and the public let the man and his family live in peace.”

Over a career spanning more than two decades, Ambassador Ogwang has represented Uganda with distinction as a lawyer, diplomat, and peace ambassador. He has served at missions in the United States and Sudan, contributed to reconciliation initiatives, and earned national recognition for service and integrity.

The Universal Peace Federation named him Ambassador of Peace, while his writings and lectures on governance, ethics, and nation-building continue to inspire a new generation of Ugandans.
“He is not a celebrity chasing attention he is a statesman who has chosen silence over scandal,” said a civil society leader. “We must protect men and women of integrity from the culture of cyber hate.”

As Ugandans scroll through the noise of online gossip, the Ogwang family urges the nation to rise above falsehoods and reclaim moral sanity in public discourse. “We forgive those who insult us,” Ambassador Ogwang reportedly told a close friend. “But forgiveness does not mean indifference to injustice. The truth will always prevail.”

The family has called upon the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Police Cyber-Crimes Unit to investigate the malicious publications and bring accountability to those misusing media freedom.

At the heart of this story is a reminder: public figures are not punching bags. They are fathers, mothers, and citizens deserving of dignity.

The smear campaigns may trend for a day, but truth endures longer than malice.

In the words of a press statement issued by RADO Conciliation & Consultancy LLP, which represents the family: “Lies travel fast, but truth walks steadily and endures forever.”