DOKOLO, UGANDA — Former Dokolo South Member of Parliament and clan leader of Araki Okwer-Alwala, Felix Okot Ogong, has urged the people of Lango to set aside political distractions and rally behind a collective development agenda, insisting that the region’s pressing socio-economic challenges demand undivided attention.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, Okot Ogong said Lango still faces a number of critical challenges that require focused leadership and collaborative effort to address, warning that fragmentation and misplaced priorities could stall progress.
“The people of Lango need unity and cooperation more than ever before. Without unity, we cannot achieve meaningful development. We must work together to address the challenges we face as a region,” he said.
The former legislator argued that efforts should be directed towards improving the welfare of the population and accelerating regional development, pointing to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare, and low agricultural productivity as key areas that demand urgent intervention.
Okot Ogong also expressed concern over what he described as insufficient representation of Lango in recent ministerial appointments made by the Government, saying the development underscores the need for continued advocacy to ensure the region’s voice is heard at the national level.
“We cannot afford to be spectators in decisions that affect our future. We need leaders who are committed to advancing development initiatives and advocating for the interests of our people,” he stated.
He called on all stakeholders—including political leaders, cultural figures, religious institutions, and the business community—to unite in pushing for the region’s development agenda, stressing that collective effort would yield far greater results than individual pursuits.
According to Okot Ogong, Lango has immense potential in agriculture, trade, and human capital, but this potential remains underutilised due to a lack of coordinated planning and investment.
“We have the resources and the people. What we need is deliberate, focused leadership that puts development first,” he said.
While acknowledging that various ambitions may arise among leaders, he maintained that the region’s immediate priority should be addressing the welfare concerns of ordinary citizens rather than engaging in debates that divert attention from meaningful progress.
“If we unite and speak with one voice, we can attract the kind of investment and government attention that will transform our communities,” he added.
Okot Ogong’s remarks come at a time when Lango is grappling with rising unemployment among the youth, poor road networks, and limited access to markets for agricultural produce—issues he believes can be tackled through a common development framework.
He urged the government to pay special attention to the region’s needs, noting that equitable distribution of national resources would go a long way in bridging the development gap between Lango and other parts of the country.
The former MP, who remains an influential voice in the region, reaffirmed his commitment to championing development initiatives and fostering unity among the people of Lango, saying the time for action is now.
“Our people are tired of empty promises. They want to see tangible change in their lives. Let us come together and make that change happen,” he concluded.
