New Oyima Ngila clan chief vows crackdown on land fraud, incest

29 September 2026, 10:57 am

By Our Reporter

The newly installed clan chief “Awitong” of Oyima Ngila, Robert Okello, has vowed to end the fraudulent sale of customary land and rising cases of incest among his subjects.

Okello, a prison warder attached to Kwania Government Prison, officially assumed office on Monday at the Lango Cultural Palace in Lira City.

The ceremony was presided over by the Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Institution, Dr. Engineer Michael Moses Odongo Okune.

Okello took the oath of office before Commissioner for Oaths and Lira City-based lawyer, Patrick Okwir.

The ceremony was witnessed by all the four clan chiefs, known as Rwode; eight of the ten sub-clan chiefs, known as Jagi; and more than 100 local clan leaders, commonly referred to as Won Paco.

Okello succeeds Billy Okunyu, a former Apac District Education Officer, who voluntarily retired after serving two consecutive terms as clan chief.

He was declared elected unopposed on July 18, 2026 by the clan Electoral Commission Chairperson, Sekondo Okello, after no other candidate reportedly picked nomination forms.

In his acceptance speech, the new Awitong pledged to fight fraudulent sales of customary land, incest and injustices against widows and orphans.

He also promised to promote education, especially for bright but needy students in the clan.

The Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Institution, Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, called for peaceful resolution of conflicts, particularly those involving land and domestic violence.

He warned against the exploitation of vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans.

Dr. Odongo also cited child neglect and alcohol abuse among women as some of the issues requiring urgent attention from the new clan leader.

Nelson Okello Odur, the Rwot of Oyima Ngila in charge of Lira City, and Electoral Commission Chairperson Sekondo Okello said clan members had been left vulnerable following the absence of a clan head after the former leader’s resignation.

Robert Okello was born on November 17, 1968, in Akwiaworo Village, Banya Parish, Inomo Sub-county. He is the son of Enasimo Agole and grandson of Eruda Leben.

Okello attended Agwiciri Primary School in Kwania District before joining Comboni College Lira for his secondary education. He later pursued further studies, where he attained certificates and diplomas in various field, that includes Computer Science, Project Planning and Management as well as Public Administration and Management.