Kampala | July 9, 2025 — The highly contested leadership dispute over the Paramount Chieftaincy of Lango faces a prolonged delay after Uganda’s Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, issued a directive prioritizing court hearings for cases that have been pending for 10 years and above.
This decision has sparked deep concern among leaders and elders in Lango, who fear that the long-standing cultural leadership vacuum could worsen if the matter is not urgently addressed.
The directive follows a request by the Uganda Law Society urging the judiciary to begin hearing old cases, including one against its own president.
In a formal letter copied to the Chief Justice, Minister of Justice, the Secretary Court of Appeal, and others, Dr. Zeija noted that during a recent meeting with the Judiciary Case Committee on July 1, 2025, it was discovered that 623 cases had remained pending for over a decade — with some dating back more than 20 years.
“It is a grave injustice that cases filed this year are being scheduled alongside those pending for over two decades,” Dr. Zeija stated, expressing disappointment in the current system.
He also cited corruption and manipulation in the court’s case management process and announced that he would personally oversee which cases proceed, with the only exception being elections-related petitions.
This has left culturally significant cases such as the Lango Paramount Chieftaincy battle between Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune and Yosam Odur in uncertainty.
Justice Adams Makmot Kibwanga, legal head for the Lango Cultural Foundation and lead counsel in the case, called on clan chiefs and the Lango community to remain calm.
“The Court of Appeal already recognizes Eng. Odongo Okune as the rightful Paramount Chief. His election was conducted lawfully and transparently,”
Makmot reassured.He urged the Lango leadership not to be misled by misinformation and to continue their cultural duties as the legal process unfolds.However, frustration is growing within the cultural leadership.
Emmanuel Egaro, the foundation’s lawyer, expressed dismay over Dr. Zeija’s directive, warning that further delay could deepen the crisis.
“This is not just a legal issue; it’s a cultural emergency. We shall write formally to request that the chieftaincy case be treated as critical,” Egaro said.
He cautioned that the delay could fuel divisions within the Lango community and erode confidence in cultural institutions if clear leadership is not affirmed soon.
As the judiciary grapples with its case backlog, the people of Lango are left waiting — with their cultural identity and leadership hanging in the balance.
ENDS
