Clan leaders in Oyam district unite with police to combat crime

20 March 2025, 10:36 am

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Clan leaders in Oyam district have joined forces with the police to combat crime within their communities.

A meeting held at Oyam Guest House Annex brought together 35 clan leaders, who shared their concerns and challenges in working with the police.

Francis Odongo Alii, the chairperson of all clan leaders in Oyam, emphasised the need for improved collaboration between clan leaders and the police.

He expressed frustration over the police arresting clan members without prior notice, even in cases of incest, which are typically dealt with culturally to avoid curses and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Terence Omonya, the clan leader of Pukica, stated in his speech that clan leaders face numerous challenges due to poor working relationships with the police.

He pointed out that many petty issues, such as land disputes and domestic violence, which should be handled by clan leaders, are instead being taken over by the police, who often ignore their role and even arrest clan leaders.

Tile Robert, clan chief of Atek Keno, challenged the office of the DPC Oyam to clarify whether police bonds are truly free. He referred to an incident at a police station in Oyam, where a suspect was released, only to be detained again after two days and asked to pay 150,000 shillings.

Jurubabel Opio Okori of the Adok Oyengo Woo clan, who also serves as the Ministry for Land under Lang Cultural Institutions, stated that the challenges people face from the police stem from the government’s failure to establish police posts in areas where land is used for farming. This situation forces police officers to rely on residents for survival, as they are required to dig and plant crops to sustain themselves.

Sam Paul Ogwang Alunyu of Mwa Tiratok took the opportunity to appreciate Sgt. Odongo David Owino, the Community Liaison Officer for Oyam, for his efforts in reducing crime within his clan. Previously, Obanga Angeo was a hotspot for crime, largely perpetrated by clan members.

However, thanks to Owino’s efforts, the situation has improved. Alunyu expressed his intention to propose Owino for a medal from the cultural institutions in recognition of his outstanding work.

Willy Omodo Omodo Kagere, the Speaker of Lango Cultural Institutions and Clan Chief of Pedi Wibye Acel, expressed appreciation to DPC Oyam for attending the meeting, noting that Oyam leads in domestic violence cases that result in deaths.

However, Omodo urged clan leaders to remain open to police officers in order to maintain good relationships, which would ultimately benefit their communities.

In response to the challenges raised by clan leaders, DPC Oyam Job Mutegeki promised full commitment to working with cultural leaders in Oyam to reduce crime. He encouraged them to contact him whenever they encounter a crime.

In conclusion, DPC Oyam instructed clan leaders to warn their community members, especially the youth, to cease the production of opium. He stated that his interactions in Oyam had revealed many hidden issues within the community, citing examples such as Mitacoo, Otwal, Loro, and Abok, and warned that he would take action if necessary.