Lango paramount chief urges cultural revival through language preservation

The Lango community in northern Uganda has been urged to embrace and promote the use of their mother tongue, Leb Lango, to preserve cultural heritage and drive development.

Eng Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Tekwaro Lango, emphasized the importance of language in maintaining traditions, values, and customs, especially in the face of globalization.

His remarks came on Monday, three days after the commemoration of International Mother Language Day.

“The mother tongue is a fundamental vehicle for passing down our rich history and practices from one generation to the next,” said Dr. Odongo Okune, stressing that the continued use of Leb Lango will promote social and cultural growth.

International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, was established by UNESCO in 1999 and formally recognized by the UN in 2002. This year marks its 25th anniversary, a milestone in global efforts to celebrate linguistic diversity and encourage multilingual education.

Dr. Odongo Okune praised local musicians, including the late Morris Sirikinti Ekuka Ogwal Adongo, for their efforts in using music to promote Leb Lango and address pressing community issues, such as health, education, and gender-based violence.

Prof. Opio-Okaka Dokotum, deputy Vice Chancellor of Lira University, was also lauded for his role in preserving Leb Lango through academic efforts, including the creation of the upcoming book Lango Nation.

The book, a comprehensive record of the Lango people’s history and culture, is in its final stages of production.

Dr. Odongo Okune urged local financial institutions to include Leb Lango in their services, pointing out that many residents in the region do not speak English or Luganda, making current banking systems inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.