MPs, local leaders to mediate Lango cultural leadership wrangles

Top politicians from the eight districts in Lango have asked the Lango Paramount Chief, Yosam Odur and his rival, Eng. Dr Odongo Okune to stay their operations to pave ways for mediation talks.

The resolution was reached in a joint emergency meeting involving members of the Lango parliamentary group and LC V Chairpersons held in Lira municipal council hall on March 21. Clan chiefs loyal to both camps also attended the meeting.
The meeting resolved to form a mediation committee comprised of representatives from three religious bodies, members of parliament and LCV chairpersons. The meeting directed Odur its petition filed against Odongo's group in the Court of Appeal to ensure an amicable mediation process.

Felix Okot Ogong, the chairperson Lango Parliamentary Group who chaired the meeting, said they will give the committee a month to meet both factions. He asked the factions not to transact any business in the name of Lango cultural institution during the mediation period.

Tony Ayo, the Kwania County MP in Apac district who was part of the meeting emphasized the need for reconciliation, saying this is their last attempt to reconcile the two warring factions
Paul Amoru, the Dokolo North MP backed the mediation, saying it is the only way to resolve the eight-year-old conflict.
Rev. John Charles Odur Kami, the former Bishop Lango Diocese who participated in earlier mediation efforts asked both parties to respect the new attempts.

Col. Tony Otoa, the head of Abwor clan which is loyal to Okune has welcomed the fresh mediation efforts. Benjamin Okii, the head of Okii-Bura clan that is loyal to Odur is equally optimistic that the latest efforts shall resolve the dispute.
This is the third mediation attempt to resolve the leadership dispute in Lango cultural institution. In 2013, a group of religious leaders led by Bishop Odur Kami and others tried to reconcile the two groups in vain.