Apac, Uganda: A storm of accountability demands has erupted in Lango as top leaders accuse government officials of mismanaging and siphoning funds allocated for the burial of the late Paramount Chief Mzee Yosam Odur, prompting calls for a full, independent audit.
What began as a solemn moment of cultural mourning has quickly evolved into one of the strongest public demands for transparency in recent years, with leaders citing glaring discrepancies and alleged interference by government agents.
Erute South MP Jonathan Odur led the charge, accusing individuals within government systems of frustrating and diverting part of the burial budget. He cited a striking irregularity, saying the government reportedly hired only 1,200 chairs despite budgeting for 30,000, a number expected to accommodate mourners of the cultural icon.
“Government money leaves Kampala, passes through Luwero, through Nakasongola and by the time it reaches Lango, it has grown legs and wings. What arrives is a shadow of what was released,” Odur told mourners at an evaluation meeting in Teboke, Apac District.
He demanded an independent forensic audit of all funds released for the burial, insisting Lango deserves dignity, not exploitation dressed as support.
Hon Odur drew comparisons with the recent burial of Dokolo Woman MP Imat Cissy Ogwal, where government support was praised for transparency and order. “No scandals. No mysterious procurement. No excuses. Why is it only in some funerals that confusion appears?” he asked.
His counterpart, Hon Tonny Ayo (Kwania County) backed the call, saying the government has for too long taken Lango for granted. “We cannot keep quiet while government funds meant for our people are played with,” Ayo said.
“If money is released for Lango, let it reach Lango. We support Hon Odur fully. The government must open the books,” he stressed, adding that auditing public funds allocated to cultural activities is not an attack on the government, but a defence of integrity.
Interim Won Nyaci: “We want accountability, no compromise.”
The Interim Paramount Chief and Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation, Ogwal, told DailyExpress that the cultural institution fully supports the audit demand. “These funds must be audited,” he said.
“We cannot allow misuse of money in the name of honouring our cultural leader. We want accountability, and we shall not compromise.”
This marks the first time Lango’s cultural leadership has openly taken such a firm stance, signalling a new chapter in their engagement with the central government.
VP Alupo Responds
Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who represented President Museveni at the burial ceremony, urged leaders to remember that local governments also play roles in national functions, noting that responsibility cannot rest solely on central government.
But her remarks did little to dampen the growing frustration.
Residents also questioned the culture of dependence.
Joel Ayot of Acamolaki Village criticised reliance on state funds: “Was he a government king? If we mobilize, we can bury our own leader with dignity. Dependence is weakening us.”
He said Lango’s identity must not be overshadowed by endless scandals around public funds.
The late Won Nyaci Yosam Odur, revered as a pillar of unity, pride and cultural strength, died at 4:20 a.m. after nearly two weeks of treatment at Lira University Teaching Hospital. He was buried on Saturday.
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