Sironko, Uganda: The Bugisu Cultural Institution has hailed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Dorcas Wagima Okalany, as one of the most influential public servants from eastern Uganda, citing her contributions to public service, land sector reforms, community mobilization, and regional integration across Bugisu, Bukedi and Teso.
In a commentary issued by the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Mr. Steven Masiga, Okalany was described as a respected daughter of Bugisu whose influence extends beyond her ancestral home to communities across eastern Uganda.
Masiga noted that although Okalany is married in Teso and maintains close ties in Bukedi, she remains a proud daughter of Bugisu and continues to play an active role within the cultural institution.
He revealed that His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of Bugisu, appointed Okalany as Minister for Gender and Community Affairs within the Bugisu Cultural Institution in recognition of her commitment to community service and cultural preservation.
“Whereas Dorcas is born here and married to Teso, to us she remains our dear daughter. That is why His Highness the Umukuka appointed her as Minister for Gender and Community Affairs in the cultural institution,” Masiga said.
According to the cultural institution, Okalany has consistently used her position in public service to promote government programmes and strengthen community engagement through cultural and clan structures across Bugisu, Bukedi and Teso.
Masiga said her ability to communicate fluently in Lumasaba, Ateso and Lugwere has enabled her to effectively engage communities across the region without relying on interpreters or formal bureaucratic channels.
“She freely communicates and mobilizes communities directly in their own languages. This has strengthened trust and helped bridge the gap between government and ordinary citizens,” he noted.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution also credited Okalany with playing a significant role in Uganda’s land sector reforms, particularly the development and implementation of the National Land Policy.
Uganda adopted the National Land Policy in 2013 as part of efforts to address longstanding challenges surrounding land administration, ownership disputes, tenure security and sustainable land use.
Masiga said Okalany was among the key technocrats who contributed to the development and implementation of the policy framework, which sought to harmonize Uganda’s complex land tenure systems under a coherent national strategy.
“Uganda had various land laws and decrees dating back to the colonial era, but the National Land Policy created a more comprehensive framework for managing land issues. Dorcas was among the critical teams that helped shape this process,” he said.
Under her stewardship as Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Lands has also advanced digitization initiatives aimed at modernizing land administration and reducing opportunities for fraud and land grabbing.
The cultural institution further praised Okalany’s efforts in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in handling land conflicts, describing the approach as one of her most notable achievements in public service.
The ADR model encourages mediation, dialogue and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms as alternatives to lengthy court battles.
Masiga argued that the approach has helped reduce tensions arising from land disputes and promoted peaceful settlement of conflicts in many parts of the country.
Her work in promoting peaceful conflict resolution recently earned international recognition through the Abeto Africa Peace Award, according to the cultural institution.
The institution also commended Okalany for her efforts in strengthening accountability within the Ministry of Lands by taking action against officers implicated in corruption and other forms of misconduct.
“Many times when disciplinary action is taken, some affected individuals resort to negative publicity. However, leadership requires accountability and adherence to public service standards,” Masiga observed.
Born in Buwalasi, Sironko District, Okalany’s public service career has seen her rise to become one of Uganda’s most recognizable civil servants.
Her influence, according to cultural leaders, stretches across Bugisu, Bukedi and Teso, regions with which she maintains close personal and cultural ties.
The Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, described Okalany as a capable ambassador who understands the aspirations of the communities she serves and effectively communicates government positions to local populations.
“Dorcas understands the interests of her communities and has remained an important link between government and the people,” the cultural leader noted.
Leaders from Teso and Bugwere were also cited as praising Okalany’s ability to relate with communities through language and cultural understanding, qualities they say have strengthened her effectiveness as a public servant.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution believes that Okalany’s career reflects the growing contribution of eastern Uganda’s daughters and sons to national development and governance.
Masiga concluded that her achievements in public service, conflict resolution, land sector reforms and community mobilization have positioned her as a respected figure not only within eastern Uganda but across the country.
“As a cultural institution, it is our responsibility to tell the stories of our sons and daughters who are making positive contributions to society. Dorcas Okalany’s record in public service speaks for itself,” he said.
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