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Drama as police attempt to block Museveni’s message to Lango clan chiefs

Eng Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief of Lango, with Gender Minister Betty Amongi at Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City on June 20, 2025. PHOTO/BILL OKETCH

What you need to know:

  • Ms Amongi, the Oyam South MP, was scheduled to announce several government pledges to the cultural leaders, including a monthly emolument of Shs15 million for their welfare and Shs45 million for the institution’s operations.

Drama unfolded at the Lango Cultural Institution grounds on Friday, June 20, 2025, after police attempted to block Gender Minister Betty Amongi Ongom from meeting clan leaders (Owitong) to deliver what she called a “life-changing” message from President Museveni.

Ms Amongi, also the Oyam South MP, was scheduled to announce several government pledges to the cultural leaders, including a monthly emolument of Shs15 million for their welfare and Shs45 million for the institution’s operations.

Other anticipated presidential offers include SUVs for cultural leaders and double-cabin vehicles for their security detail.

Gender Minister Betty Amongi (3rd right) arrives at Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City on June 20, 2025. PHOTO/BILL OKETCH

However, before she could deliver the message, heavily armed officers led by District Police Commander SSP B. Ampaire stormed the gathering and ordered participants to vacate the venue.

Among those in attendance were the Lango Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci), Eng Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, dignitaries from Bugisu Cultural Institution, and Bishop Emeritus John Charles Odurkami, all of whom declined to leave.

Police eventually relented and allowed the meeting to proceed after consultations with senior commanders.

Speaking to Monitor, SSP Ampaire said the Lira City Central Police Station had received information that the meeting was unauthorized.

“As usual, we swung into action and found the event already underway. We heard the chief guest was the Minister of Gender, Hon. Betty Amongi,” he said.

He added that the Lira City Security Committee, chaired by the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Mr Lawrence Egole, had not been notified.

“Security is mandated to deploy for such meetings under the Public Management Act. Besides, the leadership conflict within the Lango Cultural Institution is still before court. We’ve previously advised against any gatherings at the centre until court gives direction,” SSP Ampaire said.

Ms Amongi, who is widely seen as a key challenger to Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng for the Lira City Woman MP seat in 2026, is currently touring the country to mobilize cultural institutions to support government programs.

Mr Tom Otim, chairperson of the Lango Cultural Institution Electoral Commission, accused police of acting under “invisible hands.”

Ms Amongi said that under the law, 16 out of 17 cultural leaders in Uganda have already received formal recognition, except for the Bugweri institution, which is still embroiled in a leadership dispute.

Dr Willy Okullo, the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Institution, thanked the minister for the government’s support.

“You were placed there because God loves us. If it were someone else, I don’t think we would be here today. Please accept our humble appreciation,” said Dr Okullo.

He added that 2024 had marked a fundamental year for Lango: “The peaceful transition of leadership took place, and we have rolled out a lot of community programmes, prioritizing unity.”

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