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Lango Paramount Chief Urges UK Diaspora to Invest in Health, Education and Agro-Processing
11 October 2026, 4:06 pm
By Eman Yonah Oruk
The Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has urged the Lango diaspora community to invest heavily in health, education, and agro-processing.
He emphasized that targeted investment is essential to help lift the majority of Lango people out of poverty and integrate them into the monetary economy.
Dr. Odongo Okune noted that despite the Ugandan government investing significant funds into poverty alleviation programs, many people in Lango continue to struggle due to persistent high poverty levels.
He made these remarks on Saturday, October 10, 2026, while engaging with members of the Lango Association in the United Kingdom at the Jiam Glory Ministries Hall in Charlton, London. This engagement formed part of his maiden foreign trip since ascending to the throne as the Lango Paramount Chief in 2024.
”I appeal to my people in the diaspora to invest in and support development programs in Lango and Uganda so that we can build a more dependable society,” Odongo Okune stated.
He highlighted that majority of the 2.6 million Lango people who are currently engaged in subsistence agriculture could become significantly more productive if effectively supported, ultimately contributing to the growth of Uganda’s national economy.
”The uptake of government programs like the Parish Development Model remains low back home as a result of political, religious, and cultural squabbles,” Odongo observed.
The Paramount Chief used the visit to update the diaspora community on key initiatives undertaken by Tekwaro Lango, including; reviving cultural norms, traditional dances, regalia, songs, food, and sports, Alternative Dispute Resolution while utilizing mediation frameworks recently rolled out by the judiciary.
Others are providing educational scholarships for vulnerable children, repairing broken families, reclaiming institutional assets (such as land and housing), constructing the palace, and planning a business arm to be named the Amuka Corporation Group.
The Won Nyaci called for reconciliation across Lango communities, warning against internal divisions that weaken clans and the broader cultural institution. He also solicited global support for his 2nd Coronation Anniversary, scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Lira City.
Mr. Geoffrey Odur Akaki, the Chairperson, Lango Community in the UK explained that they invited the Paramount Chief to preach unity and cultural preservation. He commended the Ugandan government for fulfilling key development promises such as the construction of the Akii-Bua Memorial Stadium and urged Dr. Odongo Okune to follow up with the government regarding pending industrial parks to spur local economic empowerment.
Dr. Robert Olet Egwea, the founding Architect of Lango Association UK, Tekwaro Lango Minister for Technology and Innovation, and Awitong of Atek Onote emphasized the importance of a shared identity and paid tribute to the late Dr. Akena Adoko and Colonel John Ogole, encouraging the community to remember their contributions.
Meanwhile, Mary Otuku a participant raised concerns regarding teenage pregnancy in Lango and the urgent need to protect underage girls from sexual exploitation.
The Senior Presidential Advisor for Trade and Investment Nicholas Karamagi Ogwang Ogoo discussed socio-economic opportunities for Ugandans in Britain, including youth and elderly support programs, as well as the commercial potential of shea-processing enterprises.
Ambassador Rosa Malango of Operation Wealth Creation highlighted initiatives such as cultural market days, heritage films, women-led businesses, and trade opportunities to expand exportable products like shea and honey because they are produced in Lango.
