Lango cultural leaders urge their subjects living in Acholi to strengthen relationships with host communities

9 November 2026, 2:04 pm

By Bonny Mike Okello

Leaders of the Lango Cultural Foundation have urged Lango communities living in the Acholi sub-region to strengthen their relationships with their host communities, embrace unity and promote peaceful coexistence as they pursue social and economic development.

The call was made on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during a get-together party organised by the Lango Community Association Kalongo and Greater Wol at G&G Victoria Guest House in Kalongo, Agago District.

Speaking at the event, Lango Cultural Foundation Alebtong Youth Coordinator and Youth Secretary for Publicity, Winny Apio, described community associations as important pillars of unity and collective development.

Apio challenged members to establish income-generating projects, including a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO), which she said would enable members to access revolving loans to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Additionally, Apio called on the Lango community in Agago to undertake cultural and heritage preservation initiatives, including planting trees in their ancestral land in Lango as a lasting contribution to future generations.

Meanwhile, the Lango Cultural Foundation Youth Minister, Kenneth Ogwal, commended the Lango community in Kalongo for establishing an association but cautioned members who isolate themselves from its activities to embrace collective participation.

Ogwal noted that unity and active involvement in community associations make it easier for members to support one another, particularly during difficult times.

He also recognised the contribution of the late Won Nyaci me Lango, Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, in fostering good relations between the Lango and Acholi communities, urging the current generation not to take that legacy for granted.

He cited football and the FUFA Drum competition as examples of platforms through which the two communities have continued to demonstrate mutual support and solidarity.

However, Ogwal cautioned members against extramarital relationships and inappropriate sexual relationships within families, warning that such conduct could destroy marriages, undermine family stability.

He further raised concerns about relationships between close relatives, saying they could increase the risk of inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease.

The Chairperson of the Lango Community Association Kalongo Mr Ebong Richard said the association’s vision is to bring Lango people together, support one another during difficult times and strengthen coordination between members and leaders at both local and national levels.

The chairperson explained that such coordination would help ensure that Lango communities living outside their traditional homeland are not left out of development opportunities.

The association also seeks to preserve and promote Lango cultural identity while encouraging members to live harmoniously with their host communities.

The chief guest, Ambassador Julius Peter Moto of the Lango Cultural Foundation, also applauded the community for its commitment to unity and for prioritising the education of their children.

Moto, however, warned that antisocial behaviour, particularly theft, could undermine the trust and peaceful coexistence built between the Lango community and their Acholi hosts.

He urged members to uphold discipline, respect the laws of their host communities and conduct themselves in ways that promote mutual respect and understanding.

In another development, Ambassador Moto confirmed that the Lango Cultural Foundation has elected Mr Benjamin Benard Okii as the new Won Nyaci-elect.

He said Okii emerged unopposed and that preparations for his official coronation are already underway.

The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the Lango community in Kalongo and Greater Wol to strengthen their bonds, reflect on their cultural identity and discuss ways of improving their social and economic welfare while maintaining peaceful relations with the Acholi community.

The leaders emphasised that living away from one’s ancestral homeland should not mean abandoning cultural identity, but rather creating meaningful relationships with host communities through unity, respect, cooperation and shared development.