Lango Paramount Chief Celebrates Coronation Anniversary with Calls for Unity at Historic Otuke Hills

4 November 2025, 4:09 pm

By Frank Oyugi

Otuke, Uganda – November 3, 2025

In a vibrant display of cultural heritage and communal solidarity, His Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of the Lango Cultural Institution, marked his first coronation anniversary on Sunday at the sacred foot of Mt. Otuke in Otuke district.

The event, attended by thousands of clan leaders, dignitaries, and community members, underscored the chief’s commitment to reconciliation and development amid the Lango sub-region’s rich historical legacy.

The ceremony, held beneath the towering inselberg known locally as Tegot Otuke—believed to be the site of the Lango people’s first settlement after their 15th-century migration from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia)—featured traditional dances, ritual performances, and speeches emphasizing unity. Mt. Otuke, a UNESCO-recognized geological wonder, served as a poignant backdrop, symbolizing the enduring roots of Lango identity.

Dr. Odongo Okune, a civil engineer by profession and son of the late former Minister William Okune, ascended to the throne following a contentious election in March 2024. His path was marked by legal battles, including a High Court ruling in October 2024 that briefly nullified his election as “illegal and void.” However, a subsequent stay from the Court of Appeal allowed his gazetting by the Ugandan government on November 2, 2024, and his formal swearing-in on February 5, 2025, at the Lira High Court. Gender, Labour, and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi affirmed the government’s recognition of Okune as the legitimate Won Nyaci, paving the way for his leadership.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Dr. Okune reflected on his first year, highlighting achievements in cultural preservation and infrastructure initiatives. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of my coronation but a reaffirmation of our collective journey toward harmony and progress,” he said. “From the base of Otuke, where our ancestors planted the seeds of Lango, we recommit to healing divisions and building a future where every Langi thrives.

The event drew high-profile support, including a stirring address from government Cheif Whip Denis Hamson Obua. Obua rallied attendees for cultural unity, urging the Lango people to transcend past conflicts. “Let this sacred ground remind us that our strength lies in togetherness,” he declared. “As we honor Won Nyaci’s milestone, let us forge a united front for the prosperity of Lango and Uganda.

Cultural performances stole the show, with troupes in resplendent regalia—adorned with beads, feathers, and animal skins—recounting Lango folklore through rhythmic dances and songs. Elders from over 140 clans, who played a pivotal role in Okune’s election at Lira’s Akii Bua Stadium in 2024, led libations and prayers. The Min-Bangi (queen mother), Margaret Odongo, also spoke, pledging her support in fostering community welfare programs, including education and women’s empowerment.

As the sun set over Mt. Otuke, casting a golden hue on the proceedings, Dr. Okune concluded with a call to action: “Let us carry the spirit of Otuke into our homes and hearts—united, resilient, and forward-looking.” The anniversary not only commemorated a personal milestone but also signaled a hopeful chapter for the Lango people, whose cultural revival continues to inspire Uganda’s diverse tapestry.