By Patrick Okino
The Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) has pledged to uphold the legacy of the late former Paramount Chief, Yosam Odur Ebii, particularly his vision of promoting education, wealth creation, business development, and a healthier Lango tribe.
The faction led by Acting Paramount Chief Frederick Ogwal Oyee announced plans to organize elections for a new paramount chief in early 2026 to advance this agenda.
Addressing the media on Tuesday at Senior Quarters in Lira City, LCF Speaker Dr. Laury Ocen said the foundation is legally recognized and does not prevent the existence of other cultural institutions.
“We are in a democratic community and nation with all forms of sovereignty, including culture. As leaders of the Lango Cultural Foundation, we believe the institution did not depend solely on the late Yosam Odur; he was a leader, not the institution itself,” Dr. Ocen said.
He added that institutions built on sound principles of governance, administration, and leadership should survive beyond the life of any individual leader.
“If a leader dies and the institution collapses, then it was not well governed. But if the institution survives and continues, it means it was founded on the right principles,” he noted.
Dr. Ocen, Acting Chief Oyee, and LCF spokesperson Jacob Ocen were delivering the foundation’s Christmas message and outlining plans for 2026.
Former Paramount Chief Yosam Odur, who led the Lango Cultural Foundation, passed away in November. He was succeeded by Oyee in an acting capacity.
Currently, Lango has two rival cultural factions: the Lango Cultural Institution led by the gazetted Won Nyaci, Engineer Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, and the Lango Cultural Foundation previously steered by Won Nyaci Odur.
Dr. Ocen emphasized that the foundation would continue Odur’s legacy of hard work, wealth creation, saving, investment, and improving livelihoods across the sub-region.
LCF spokesperson Jacob Ocen said the foundation would release a roadmap for the election of a new paramount chief in February 2026 and called on the people of Lango to support the process once it begins.
Acting Chief Oyee alleged that some elements from the rival faction wanted members of the foundation arrested and the institution disbanded.
“They want us arrested and the foundation disbanded because we are doing what they failed to do,” Oyee claimed.
He added that the foundation does not support bending the law and remains committed to lawful, clan-based cultural leadership.
“If this were Amin’s regime, by now we would have been killed or imprisoned,” Oyee said.
Oyee further noted that during Odur’s leadership, the foundation worked closely with the Ministry of Health and clan leaders to reduce malaria prevalence in the region.
He added that the institution also collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to combat teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence, which remain major challenges in the Lango sub-region.