Lango paramount chief asks Court of Appeal to block rival

Eng. Dr. Michael Odongo Okune was sworn-in at Lango Cultural Centre in Lira town.

Mr Yosam Odur, the Lango paramount chief has petitioned the Court of Appeal challenging a High Court decision that cleared the election of his rival, Eng Dr Michael Odongo Okune, as the leader of Lango Cultural Institution.

Through Bashasha and Company Advocates, Mr Odur says the Lira High Court that was presided over by Lady Justice Winifred Nabusinde, erred in May 2017, when it dismissed his application challenging the legality and circumstances under which Dr Okune was elected as his successor.

The court also rejected Mr Odur's move to block the enthronement of Dr Okune as the new paramount chief.

Mr Odur wants the Court of Appeal to overturn the ruling and block Dr Okune from presenting himself as the new Lango Paramount Chief.
In his appeal, Mr Odur also wants court to okay the cultural institution’s Constitution that was enacted in 2017.

The Constitution, among other things, allows an incumbent chief to serve until death and also bars anyone below the age of 60 from being elected as a paramount chief.

Mr Jacob Ocen, the Minister of Communications in Mr Odur's administration, says the decision to appeal was made during a special Cabinet meeting early this week.

Dr Richard Nam, the Prime Minister Lango Cultural Institution, said Dr Okune’s swearing-in has caused divisions among clan heads.
He says arrangements are underway to convene a special clan council meeting that will come up with the necessary actions against the rival group.

Dokolo South Member of Parliament, Mr Felix Okot Ogong described the cause of the current rift as uncontrolled personal interest.

Mr Benjamin Okii, the head of Okii-Bura Clan says under the current Constitution of Lango Cultural Institution, Dr Okune is not eligible to be elected the paramount chief since he is below 60 years of age.

The two factions have two different constitutions.
The Constitution that was made by Mr Odur's group was last year rejected by the High Court in Lira for not following procedures.

Rtd Col Tony Otoa, the head of Abwori clan, maintained that Dr Okune's enthronement was in accordance with the law since they were cleared by the High Court.

The leadership crisis rocking the Lango Cultural Institution dates back to 2012 when a section of clan heads rejected a proposal to invite President Yoweri Museveni to preside over the Lango Conference that was held at the Uganda Technical College, Lira.

The conference was organised by the Mr Odur the administration to discuss matters of development in Lango region.