Lango chief calls for revival of traditional rainmaking rituals

7 September 2026, 6:13 pm

By Sarah Ejang

The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, has called on his subjects to revive traditional rainmaking rituals during prolonged dry spells affecting the region.

Speaking on Sunday evening at his palace in Senior Quarters, Lira City, during a meeting with Lango musicians, Odongo Okune urged the community to sing and dance for rain, saying the practice was common among elders in the past.

He recalled that whenever elders gathered to perform traditional dances during periods of drought, rain would often follow shortly afterward.

“Seeking divine intervention during droughts was historically a common practice,” the Paramount Chief said.

He also appealed to religious leaders not to misinterpret or condemn the initiative.

“The Church and the mosque should not misunderstand or judge me wrongly for this move, because people used to do it and God would listen,” he said.

Odongo Okune clarified that the revival of the rituals was not intended to promote superstition, but rather to preserve Lango culture and educate younger generations about their heritage.

“This is not superstition, as most people might think; it is about keeping our culture alive so that the younger generation can learn about our heritage,” he added.

Beyond rainmaking rituals, the Paramount Chief urged musicians to use their talent to promote reconciliation and address social challenges affecting the region.

He called on artists to compose songs against domestic violence and divorce, which he said were widespread in Lango.

Renowned gospel artist Peace Among, popularly known as Queen Akira, echoed the call, encouraging musicians to advocate for peace, reject division and use their music to fight domestic violence.

Meanwhile, multi-award-winning musician Godfrey Tia, also known as Brazen Rule, revealed that local artists had benefited from the government’s Shs110 million fund for Ugandan performing artists.

He said the funding had helped improve the livelihoods of musicians, but called for further support through initiatives such as a revolving credit scheme.

According to Tia, additional financing would enable artists to purchase costumes and instruments and produce higher-quality audio and video content.