Lira City, Uganda: Cultural leaders from the Lango sub-region have openly rallied their people to overwhelmingly support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the forthcoming general elections, citing peace, stability, and the need to complete long-standing development pledges as the basis for their position.
The unprecedented endorsement was announced during a press conference convened by Lango cultural leaders and coordinated by the Prime Minister of Lango, Willy Okullu, following consultations with the President and a decisive council sitting sanctioned by the Paramount Chief of Lango, Michael Moses Odongo Okune.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Prof. Okullu said the resolution was reached after sober reflection rather than political excitement.
“This position was reached after our engagement with His Excellency the President and was unanimously endorsed by the council under the authority of our Paramount Chief,” Okullu said. “Lango still needs more development. There are pledges President Museveni made to this region that are yet to be fully realised, and without his leadership, it would be extremely difficult to see them through.”
For a region that endured years of conflict, displacement and economic stagnation, peace emerged as the strongest pillar underpinning the endorsement. Prof. Okullu said the stability restored under Museveni’s leadership has been central to Lango’s recovery.
“Peace is not a slogan to the people of Lango; it is a lived experience,” he said. “The stability we enjoy today is the foundation upon which schools, hospitals, roads and livelihoods are being rebuilt. That peace came under President Museveni’s leadership.”
He warned that political uncertainty could reverse the gains already achieved, stressing that development thrives only under continuity. “Development cannot thrive in chaos. Continuity matters,” Okullu said.
Clan leaders from across the sub-region echoed the cultural leadership’s stance, describing the endorsement as a reflection of grassroots sentiment rather than elite direction.
Patrick Ogwang Anam, clan leader of the Okada Meri clan, said community consultations revealed a strong preference for continuity.
“When you sit with elders, women and youth, the message is clear,” Ogwang said. “They ask who brought peace, who understands Lango, and who has already committed resources here. President Museveni has walked this journey with us.”
“This is not about politics of anger,” he added. “It is about politics of results.”
R.S. Tego, Minister of Sports under the Lango Cultural Foundation and clan leader of Atek–Okweromac, said the leaders were guided by a responsibility to protect unity and opportunity for future generations.
“As cultural leaders, our duty is to guide our people wisely,” Tego said. “Under Museveni, our youth have opportunities in sports, education and enterprise, because there is peace.”
He cautioned that cultural institutions can only thrive in a stable environment. “Culture cannot survive where guns speak louder than dialogue. Stability must be safeguarded,” he said.
Meanwhile, Richard Ogwang Odyero, clan leader of Ogora, described the endorsement as a strategic choice rooted in realism rather than blind loyalty.
“Politics is about interests, and Lango’s interest right now is development,” Ogwang said. “Roads, schools and government programmes are already reaching our villages. Starting afresh with untested leadership would set us back.”
“Museveni may not be perfect,” he added, “but abandoning him now would mean renegotiating everything. Lango does not need delays; it needs completion.”
Cultural Guidance, Not Coercion
Prof. Okullu was quick to clarify that the endorsement does not negate individual democratic choice, but serves as cultural guidance informed by collective wisdom.
“We are not forcing anyone,” he said. “We are advising our people based on history, experience and what we believe will best serve Lango at this critical moment.”
As political temperatures continue to rise nationwide, the Lango cultural leaders’ declaration sends a clear message: for them, the coming election is less about personalities or protest votes and more about safeguarding peace, securing development, and ensuring that long-standing commitments to the Lango sub-region are finally fulfilled.
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