Lira City witnessed high drama on November 17, 2024, when Dickson Ogwang Okul, former Deputy Ambassador to the United States, was arrested for allegedly brandishing a pistol during a meeting of clan leaders at the Lango Cultural Center.
The gathering was part of preparations for the Ateker Festival, set to take place in Soroti City from November 27 to 29, 2024.
The incident reportedly stemmed from disputes over Ogwang’s participation in the meeting. Some clan leaders opposed his involvement, treating him as an unwelcome figure due to his alleged role in controversies surrounding the Lango cultural leadership. When Ogwang attempted to leave the meeting, tensions escalated, culminating in his drawing a pistol. Police at the scene intervened to disarm and arrest him, averting further chaos.
This altercation comes against a backdrop of leadership disputes within the Lango Cultural Foundation. Recently, the High Court in Lira nullified the election of Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the Won Nyaci me Lango (Paramount Chief). Justice Philip Odoki ruled that the election was not conducted in accordance with the Lango Cultural Foundation Constitution of 2017.
The court declared the appointments of electoral commission members, including Tom Otim and Vincent Olinga, unconstitutional and invalidated Odongo Okune’s gazettement as Paramount Chief. The judgment reinstated Yosum Odur Ebii as the rightful Won Nyaci, directing the Minister of Gender to officially recognize the decision.
Justice Odoki further issued a permanent injunction preventing Odongo Okune from performing any functions