The spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Institution, Counsel Okwir Patrick, has refuted as baseless the ongoing reports in a tabloid claiming that the coronation of Won Nyaci elect has been halted.
Speaking to The Ankole Times on Friday evening, Okwir maintained that the coronation of Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune is set to be held on November 2, 2024, at Mayor’s Garden in Lira City, with the president expected to be the guest of honor.
Information circulating on social media claims that “the government has called off the preparations to coronate Dr. Michael Odongo Okune as the next Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief) of Lango with immediate effect and advised them 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.
Dr. Okune and his close team were reportedly met with this disturbing news regarding the government’s position on Thursday, October 24, 2024, when he attempted to follow up on whether President Museveni would attend his planned ceremony. Dr. Okune met with Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, on the same day, but she did not confirm the president’s attendance.
A government source revealed that President Museveni, guided by key legal advisors, intelligence, and regional leaders, directed that Okune’s coronation be put on hold until further notice. “The president was briefed about 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 confirm President Museveni’s attendance at the planned coronation and instructed Okune to halt his team’s preparations. Recent court proceedings indicated that Okune is losing his case, as his team confessed that they held the elections outside legal parameters, and that Okune is affiliated with a different organization (Lango Cultural Institution) from that of the abdicating cultural leader, Yosam Odur’s Lango Cultural Foundation, which is recognized by the government.
President Museveni was also advised that the reigning Won Nyaci, Odur, through the Lango Cultural Foundation, is the one mandated to organize the election of his successor. This contradicts initial claims made by Okune’s team on Thursday, asserting that Minister Babalanda had confirmed the president’s attendance.
A source within the president’s office revealed 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.
Hon. Counsel Patrick Okwir, however, maintained that whatever is circulating on social media and in any other tabloid is null and void, as an official court ruling has yet to determine the matter currently before the court.
