Shaban Alunga Declared Clan Chief of Okii Raki Okwerocobo Amid Dispute

15 September 2026, 9:46 am

By Finellah Akullu Opio

The Electoral Commission of Okii Raki Okwerocobo clan has declared Shaban Alunga Atepo as the newly elected Clan Chief.

The Chairperson of the clan’s Electoral Commission, Alfred Ogwal announced the results at Gracious Palace Hotel, confirming that out of 3,261 registered voters across 33 polling stations in Lango, Alunga won with a landslide victory of 2,596 votes (79.6%).

His sole rival, Tonny Oyar Abiciloma, gathered 665 votes (18.4%), meanwhile Siddy Nyanga was also elected as the head of the clan’s women’s wing after defeating Zaina Agoro.

Ogwal explained that the poll was initially scheduled for 2025 but was postponed to avoid overlapping with Uganda’s national election timelines.

He acknowledged that factional disagreements created tension ahead of the vote, accusing an opposing group of spreading false information to intimidate voters.

Despite these challenges, Ogwal insisted that the election strictly adhered to clan rules and urged dissatisfied members to unite for the development of the Okii Raki Okwerocobo people.

Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Shaban Alunga Atepo pledged to safeguard clan property and bring stability to the chiefdom.

He highlighted key focus areas for his tenure, including securing clan land, boosting education, improving health services, and fostering economic development and peaceful coexistence with other Lango clans.

Legal counsel Ponsiano Okello, of Ponsiano Okello and Co Advocates, who presided over the swearing-in, reminded the newly installed leadership to respect their oaths and serve with integrity.

The election proceeded despite efforts by a rival clan faction led by Emmy Joe Odongo, which had petitioned the courts seeking to halt the exercise over alleged constitutional violations within the clan.

Alunga’s team chose to push forward with the polling process, establishing his leadership while setting up a continuing dispute over clan governance.