(Kampala) – A recent ruling by the Lira High Court has halted the coronation of Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the Paramount Chief of Lango, reaffirming Yosum Odur Ebii’s position as the legitimate leader.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Phillip Odoki, invalidated the election of Eng. Odongo Okune, which took place on March 1, 2024. Justice Odoki ordered the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to revoke the gazetting of Eng. Odongo, confirming that Yosum Odur Ebii remains the recognized Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Institution.
This decision follows a lawsuit filed by two members of the Lango Cultural Institution, Obia Denis Acila and Benjamin Okii. They contested the legitimacy of Eng. Odongo’s election, claiming it was conducted without a proper vacancy and that he was ineligible due to his position as a civil servant.
The plaintiffs argued that as members of the institution, they had a legitimate interest in the election process. They contended that the election was organized unlawfully, lacking adherence to cultural protocols. They alleged that Eng. Odongo’s candidacy was invalid, given that no vacancy had been declared and that he was serving in a government role at the time.
Additionally, the plaintiffs accused several individuals, including Otim, Okello, and Oling, of misrepresenting themselves as members of the electoral commission, conducting the election without proper authority. They argued that these actions undermined the authority of Yosum Odur Ebii.
In their appeal, the plaintiffs sought several outcomes: a declaration nullifying Eng. Odongo’s election, an order preventing the defendants from claiming membership in the electoral commission, an injunction against any coronation for Eng. Odongo, and the reinstatement of Yosum Odur Ebii as the official Paramount Chief.
The defendants, including Eng. Odongo, rejected these claims, asserting that the election was organized legitimately. They argued that the election had been sanctioned by the council of clan heads and that Yosum Odur Ebii had confirmed his abdication, effective November 1, 2024.
Justice Odoki’s ruling determined that both Eng. Odongo’s election and the parallel election of Dickson Ogwang Okul were conducted in violation of procedural laws and the Lango Cultural Foundation Constitution. The judgment highlighted that:
- Eng. Odongo’s election was unlawful.
- The appointed electoral commission members did not have legal authority.
- The claims of interim positions, like Omodo’s role as “interim speaker,” lacked foundation in Lango law.
- Both elections were declared null and void.
The court issued a series of orders, including the nullification of Eng. Odongo’s election, barring the defendants from acting as the electoral commission, and preventing any coronation rituals for both Eng. Odongo and Dickson Ogwang Okul. Justice Odoki also ordered the reinstatement of Yosum Odur Ebii and emphasized that both parties would bear their own legal costs due to violations of cultural law.
This ruling is expected to have significant repercussions for the Lango community and its governance structure, potentially prolonging the ongoing conflicts within the institution. The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is now responsible for reinstating Yosum Odur Ebii and re-establishing his authority.
The news of the ruling has impacted Eng. Odongo’s supporters, especially as preparations for his coronation had already begun, with guests arriving for the event. Meanwhile, Dickson Ogwang Okul celebrated the verdict, calling it a victory for the Lango people and emphasizing the need for unity.
