Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, the CEO of GLOFORD Uganda, was elected as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for the Lango Region in an election held on October 24, 2023, at Margarita Palace Hotel. He secured victory with 57 votes, defeating his closest rival, Emmany Akeny, who garnered only 30 votes. The returning officer for the election, Dr. Okello Tom Richard, declared Dr. Morris Chris Ongom as the duly elected Chairman.
Speaking to the media after his election, Dr. Ongom expressed gratitude and stated, “This victory is for the people. Many of them know the effort I have put into serving the community, and we strongly believe that the private sector is vital for job development.” He further outlined their plans, saying, “We are going to have a ten-year strategic and business planning for the Chamber of Commerce, working diligently with transparency. Our goal is to use the Chamber of Commerce to market Lira, opening our economy to the world by reaching out to investors.”
Dr. Ongom emphasized the importance of local and global connections, mentioning their intention to employ young people and engage the legal fraternity, marking a new dimension for the region’s development. He also stressed the importance of collaborating with the local government to drive development and lobby for the business community of Lango sub-region.
During the election, Johnson Ocol Akan was elected as the treasurer, while Frederick Doi was elected as the vice-chairperson unopposed. Christine Awor secured 70 votes, with a close competition between Akena Ogwal Patrick of Unity FM and Isaac Ogwal, who garnered 46 votes, with a difference of only two votes.
Mr. Johnson Ocol went unopposed for his position. Bosco Ogwang Edola, the director of the Chamber of Commerce for Northern and Eastern Uganda, mentioned that his term of office would expire on December 15, 2023, and a new director would take over after an AGM in Kampala.
The Lira Resident City Commissioner, Lawrence Emmy Egole, urged businessmen in Lira City to work together to attract investments to the region. He advised Dr. Morris Ongom and his team to be open to different views and unite for the benefit of the community.
