LIRA CITY, UGANDA – In a powerful call for peace and reconciliation, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi, the 5th Infantry Division Commander, urged political leaders in the Lango sub-region to avoid fueling divisions that could make the area “fertile soil for conflict.” His remarks came during a reconciliation prayer organized by Lango Paramount Chief, Dr. Eng. Moses Micheal Odongo Okune, on 28th February 2026, in Lira City.
The event, attended by thousands, including victors and losers of the recent 2026 general elections, aimed to foster unity after a heated electoral season. Maj.Gen. Katungyi delivered a vibrant speech, emphasizing the need for collective leadership.
Katungyi cautioned against self-interest among politicians lobbying for appointments from H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He advised a structured approach, stating:
“If the problem is illiteracy, let the solution be a state minister for education. If it’s fishing in Lake Kyoga, let it be a state minister for fisheries. If we can market, brand, and lobby as a united team for Lango, our lamentations will stop.”
He urged the newly elected leaders to prioritize resolving local conflicts before pursuing national agendas.
Gen. Katungyi pointed to past tensions, such as religious disputes between the Yaweh and Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Uganda, as examples of how easily conflicts can take root in the region. He proposed practical solutions:
“If we photocopy today’s resolutions, distribute them to schools, and have leaders like Hon. Okot Felix Ogong educate the public through radio talk shows, we could prevent future conflicts.”
The General also raised alarm over increasing murder cases in Lango, attributed to domestic violence, theft, and petty disputes. The Regional Police Commander (RPC) of North Kyoga is investigating the surge in deaths.
Katungyi highlighted critical gaps in juvenile justice infrastructure, lamenting: “Lango lacks a remand home for children in conflict with the law. All juveniles are taken to Gulu, Mbale or other areas which is not sustainable.”
Despite challenges, Katungyi commended Lango’s overwhelming support for President Museveni in the January 2026 elections, noting that the region recorded the highest voter percentage nationwide. He referenced the President’s final campaign rally in Lira City as evidence of a united front.
However, he warned that poverty and illiteracy breed jealousy and violence: “It is poor people who fight endlessly. Combine poverty with illiteracy, and the result is chaos.”
Security and Cattle Rustling:
Touching on security concerns, Katungyi noted progress in curbing cattle raids after his deployment to the 5th Infantry Division. “Within eight days, we stopped the loss of animals to the Karamojong rustlers,” he said, emphasizing that sustained peace requires collaborative efforts.
As the event concluded, Maj.Gen. Katungyi urged leaders in Lango to embrace dialogue and prioritize grassroots conflict resolution voting the team of 12 people selected . With the echoes of reconciliation still fresh, the question remains: Will Lango’s leaders listen to Maj.Gen. Katungyi’s warning, or will divisions continue to threaten the sub-region’s stability and development ?
“For now, the path forward rests on unity—and the choices is yours to reconcile and unite for a peaceful Lango sub region,” He concluded.
