“The cultural disputes that have long disunited Lango have ended.” These historic words from Geoffrey Etwop, Clan Chief (Awitong) of Ober Clan, reverberated through the Lango Cultural Centre on Saturday as an unprecedented gathering of cultural, religious, and political leaders declared a new era of unity for the subregion.
Speaking at a landmark meeting on February 28, 2026, Etwop revealed that over 95 percent of clan chiefs (Owitong), together with professors, legislators, and opinion leaders, had converged under one roof , a turnout he described as irrefutable proof that reconciliation had finally taken root in Lango.
“Anyone who continues to discredit the peace and unity prevailing in Lango should be regarded as not mentally stable,” Etwop asserted, adding that this long-awaited cohesion marks a turning point for the region’s development trajectory.
The Ober Clan chief extended gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for restoring freedom to cultural institutions in Uganda, while commending Won-Nyaci Moses Michael Odongo Okune for convening what he termed “the first event of its kind in the region’s history.”
Major General Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5th Division, challenged the region’s leaders and wealthy individuals to embrace generosity toward vulnerable communities. In a pointed remark, he questioned why some affluent politicians fail to support even two children’s education within their constituencies.
He urged residents to remain focused on long-term goals despite obstacles, emphasizing resilience and forward-thinking as essential virtues for progress.
The gathering transcended political divides, bringing together both winners and losers from recent elections under a common banner of peace and development.
Kioga County MP-elect Colline Angwech announced plans to champion the tarmacking of the Amolatar–Kaberamaido–Dokolo road, identified as a critical infrastructure priority. She also advocated for a district hospital in Amolatar and the development of tourism facilities, noting the district’s strategic position as Uganda’s geographical centre. These proposals, she confirmed, would be formally submitted through the Won-Nyaci for inclusion in the region’s five-year development blueprint.
Resident District Commissioner for Alebtong, Geoffrey Okiwa, urged leaders to transcend past differences and focus on socio-economic transformation under a shared agenda.
Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero highlighted that Lango Subregion’s overwhelming 84.6 percent support for President Museveni in the recent elections provides a strong foundation for collaborative engagement with the government to secure tangible benefits.
Emeritus Bishop John Charles Odur Kami proposed that selected leaders accompany the Won-Nyaci to present consolidated regional proposals directly to the President, including requests for ministerial and permanent secretary positions. He cautioned against internal rivalries, urging unity among those appointed to government posts.
Won-Nyaci Moses Michael Odongo Okune called for culturally grounded youth leadership anchored in discipline, unity, and respect for heritage, urging collective action for meaningful development.
Judith Alyek, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, revealed ongoing government engagements on strategic projects, including an industrial park, a Regional Heart Institute at Lira University, and improved road infrastructure linking districts.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua emphasized the necessity of organized, collective lobbying for effective service delivery.
The meeting resolved to establish a 17-member committee, chaired by Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo under the Lango Cultural Institution, to draft formal resolutions guiding unified government engagement.
Leaders unanimously described the gathering as a watershed moment, signalling a renewed chapter of unity and structured development for the Lango Subregion, with Clan Chief Geoffrey Etwop’s declaration of peace standing as a defining highlight of the day.
