Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recalled Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, the Foreign Service Officer Grade II in Port Sudan, Khartoum, over allegations of indiscipline after a recent gun violence incident in Lira City.
Ambassador Ogwang’s woes stem from an incident which was recorded on phone camera on November 17, 2024, at the Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City East Division where he allegedly drew a firearm before clan leaders before police officers disarmed him.
Now in a letter dated November 20, 2024, addressed to the Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vincent Bagire Waiswa directed the recalled ambassador to hand over his office and report for further guidance.
“You should therefore hand over the office in accordance with Section F-d of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders (2021) and report to the undersigned for further guidance,” reads in part the letter.
Additionally, Mr Bagire stated in a separate letter dated November 18 that although Mr Ogwang was authorized to travel to Uganda from February 23 to March 4, 2024, and to South Africa from March 4-9, 2024, there was no formal approval for him to leave his assignment in Port Sudan at the time of the incident.
“Whereas it is legal to possess a firearm, Section 21 (2) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2006 prescribes that; any person who displays or attempts to display any firearm or imitation firearm in a public place in such manner as to cause alarm to any member of the public commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding 60 currency points or both.”
“In line with the above, the act of drawing a gun at members of the public would ordinarily constitute a criminal offence to be handled by the relevant competent authorities, as evidenced by your apprehension for questioning at Lira Central Police Station. We await the outcome of this process,” the letter reads further.
Ambassador Ogwang responds
Responding to the developments in the aftermath of the gun violence, Ambassador Ogwang Okul, who also serves as the clan head (Awitong) of the Palaocol Clan, wondered how a letter regarding his recall leaked through social media and not his office directly.
He, however, acknowledged the distress the news had caused, particularly given the ongoing cultural leadership debates in Lango. “I want to assure you all that the situation is more complex than it may seem,” Ogwang said in a statement made on November 22, urging people to consider the intricate political and cultural dynamics at play.
The Ambassador reminded his supporters that the journey toward a better future for Lango is challenging, requiring resilience, unity, and determination. “The vision for a better Lango is not an easy one to achieve, but we will continue striving for it, regardless of setbacks,” he said.
Mr Ogwang urged those standing with him to remain resolute in their shared vision, stressing the importance of staying focused and ignoring unfounded rumours.
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