The government has called off the preparations to coronate Dr. Michael Odongo Okune as the next Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief) of Lango, effective immediately, advising him to wait. Dr. Okune’s election was contested by the outgoing Won Nyaci, H.H. Yosam Odur, along with a faction of clan chiefs loyal to the Lango Cultural Foundation. The coronation was originally scheduled for November 2, 2024, in Lira City.
On October 24, 2024, Dr. Okune and his close team received the troubling news regarding the government’s stance while attempting to confirm whether President Museveni would attend the planned ceremony. Dr. Okune had just met with Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, but she did not confirm the president’s attendance.
A government source revealed that President Museveni, following advice from key legal experts, intelligence, and regional leaders, directed that Okune’s coronation be postponed until further notice. “The president was briefed on how Okune was elected under a different entity, the ‘Lango Cultural Institution,’ which is a parallel organization to the Lango Cultural Foundation headed by the legitimate Won Nyaci, H.H. Odur.”
It has been confirmed that Minister Babalanda did not affirm President Museveni’s attendance at the planned coronation and instructed Okune to halt his team’s preparations. This week, a court ruling indicated that Okune is losing his case, as his team acknowledged that the elections were conducted outside legal parameters, and that Okune is affiliated with the Lango Cultural Institution, which is distinct from Yosam Odur’s Lango Cultural Foundation recognized by the government.
President Museveni was also informed that the reigning Won Nyaci, Odur, through the Lango Cultural Foundation, is mandated to organize the election of his successor. This contradicts initial statements released by Okune’s team on Thursday, claiming that Minister Babalanda had confirmed the president’s attendance.
A source within the president’s office noted that Dr. Okune’s team left the meeting with visibly gloomy expressions, reflecting the disappointing news they received. Okune’s team has yet to release an official comment regarding the latest government position.
Story Source: Nile Times
