The Government of Uganda on Friday, August 1, 2025, officially handed over two state-of-the-art vehicles to the Paramount Chief of Lango, Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, at a vibrant ceremony held at Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City.
This symbolic event, facilitated through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, was led by Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, who hailed the handover as a strong endorsement of Eng. Okune’s legitimacy as the officially gazetted Won Nyaci of Lango.“The government only supports leaders who are fully recognised and gazetted. This gesture affirms our recognition of Eng. Okune as the rightful Paramount Chief of Lango,” Minister Amongi declared.
The handover included a luxurious Toyota Land Cruiser VXR for the Paramount Chief and a rugged Hilux Double Cabin Pickup for his security team — both intended to bolster the Chief’s mobility and security as he executes his duties across the region.Minister Amongi urged clan leaders to put aside differences and unite under Eng. Okune’s leadership for the peace and progress of Lango.
She also challenged cultural institutions to invest in education by identifying and supporting bright, underprivileged children through scholarships.She applauded the Lango Members of Parliament for their ongoing support in strengthening cultural heritage and leadership.
The event drew dignitaries from across Northern Uganda and beyond. In a remarkable gesture of cultural solidarity, His Royal Highness Omukuka Jude Mike Mudoma III of the Bugisu Kingdom attended the ceremony — a move interpreted as a deepening alliance between Bugisu and Lango cultural institutions.
In a solemn spiritual moment, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, led the blessing of the vehicles. He was joined by Fr. Dr. Francis Omara and other religious leaders in praying for wisdom, safety, and unity.Prof. Willy Okullo, Prime Minister of Tekwaro Lango, praised the event as historic:“This is the first time the government has provided such support. It marks a turning point — a renewed confidence in traditional leadership,” he said.
The Paramount Chief, visibly moved, expressed deep gratitude to both the state and spiritual leaders for their unwavering support.
He highlighted Bishop Wanok’s consistent encouragement and lauded the Omukuka’s presence as a testament to cultural unity across regions.Rashid Eton, Chairperson of Itogo (Council of Clan Chiefs), echoed a strong call for the Paramount Chief’s protection and revealed progress in reconciling longstanding disputes among Lango’s clan leaders.
Capping the day’s events was the official launch of the Agong Foundation, founded by Margaret Okune, wife of the Paramount Chief.
The foundation will focus on empowering youth, women, and the elderly through initiatives grounded in cultural values and sustainable development.
From symbolic gestures to spiritual blessings and the launch of a visionary foundation, the event marked a turning point in Lango’s cultural history — where tradition, governance, and community upliftment now walk hand in hand.
