Ouni Editor
Tekwaro Lango is mooting a law that will ban intermarriages between splinter clans in a strategic move aimed at merging them back into their original heritage and restoring clan unity in Lango.
The proposal was presented today by Andrew Ogwang Oyang, the clan leader (Awitong) of Atek Okwero Wee, to the Council of Owitong of Lango held at Lango Cultural Center on behalf of the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango, His Royal Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune.
Under this proposed legislation, over 40 clans have been identified, and arrangements are already underway to bar members from marrying within those designated clans.
Ogwang Oyang, who presented the bill during its first reading, explained that the primary objective is to curb the spread of inherited diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, among others.
Reacting to the proposed law, Richard Ogwal, the clan leader of Ocukuru Adwong, noted that restricting intermarriages is a good initiative, though he called for continued consultations with the elders (Itogo Adwong).
CP Okello, Awitong of Liira, stated that the move is very instrumental in addressing public concerns regarding the spread of genetic conditions.
Similarly, Ambrose Ocen of Otengoro Olang clan remarked that the law is highly beneficial from a health perspective and urged the community to support it wholeheartedly.
Following the discussions, the Speaker of the Council of Owitong, Willy Omodo Omodo, issued a one-month deadline to Awitong Andrew Ogwang Oyang to carry out further consultations and submit the final draft to the council for final approval.
Nicholas Karamagi Ogwang Ogoo—the Senior Presidential Advisor on Trade and Investment in charge of the UK and the USA, and the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Finance and Diaspora Affairs for Tekwaro Lango informed the Council of Owitong that Afro Supermarket, one of the top retail chains in the United States and Europe, has agreed to accept exports from Uganda.
He encouraged Lango to leverage this opportunity by producing and exporting adequate quantities of Shea butter and related products.
Karamagi Ogwang Ogoo urged locals to maintain high quality and production standards that meet export requirements, emphasizing that this will significantly enhance livelihoods, especially for women.
Aligning with these economic remarks, Won Nyaci Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune urged the public to utilize the available global markets for Shea butter and its by-products. He further reminded clan and cultural leaders of their key responsibilities, including land protection, engaging the Lango diaspora, and establishing a livestock farm in Otuke to spur regional development.
Commenting on the proposed marriage legislation, Odongo Okune reiterated that halting marriages between splinter clans is a positive step toward merging groups that separated from their original roots, adding that the process of tracing their lineage history is ongoing.
He also revealed that the Ministry of East African Community Affairs has requested Tekwaro Lango to nominate two representatives to the Ateker Council. In response, he has forwarded the names of Prime Minister Prof. Willy Okullo and Speaker Willy Omodo Omodo to represent the Lango.
Odongo Okune cautioned against exorbitant burial expenses, which often leave bereaved families financially drained. He called on the community to reflect on these practices and make the necessary adjustments.
Speaking on the upcoming 2nd Won Nyaci Coronation Anniversary, Dr. Ario Alex Otema, the Minister of Health for Tekwaro Lango, announced that free medical screenings including blood pressure, prostate cancer, vision, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS will be offered to keep the Owitong healthy as part of the anniversary activities.
The patron of this year’s 2nd Coronation Anniversary, Easy Bash Machar who also serves as the NRM Workers’ League Chair for the Northern Region and Speaker of Oyam District highlighted the prevalence of disability in the community, explaining that the anniversary run was specifically designed to support persons with disabilities.
Easy Bash reported that 1,200 running kits have already been sold for the Won Nyaci Run, expressing gratitude to several government entities and business partners including Lira Regional Referral Hospital for supporting the initiative.
He added that 1,500 free eyeglasses will be distributed on Saturday to individuals suffering from vision impairment during the event.
Furthermore, Community Focus International, a non-governmental organization, has signed a five-year partnership agreement to support the annual run.
The council approved the newly appointed ministers and committee members. Among the notable appointments is the former Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, who now serves as the Ambassador Plenipotentiary for Lango, and the Lango Heroes Award Committee, which will be chaired by UNEB Chairman, Prof. Celestino Obua.
