Oyam – The Lango community has been urged to revive and uphold their cultural heritage, particularly in matters of marriage and land inheritance, as concerns grow over Lango men losing their wives to men from Nwoya.
Francis Odongo Alii, the clan chief of Okii-Ojukol, raised the issue while addressing mourners at Atek Cell, Oyam Town Council. He noted that cultural and economic factors are contributing to the trend, warning that failure to preserve Lango traditions could lead to further cultural erosion.
“We need to educate our children about Lango values, customs, and responsibilities. Our culture must not be abandoned, especially when it comes to marriage and family,” Odongo emphasized.
Stephanie Okello, the Local Council Chairperson III for Oyam Town Council, echoed Odongo’s concerns, attributing the problem to inadequate parental guidance. He argued that some parents fail to instill cultural values in their children, leading to a weakening of traditional norms.
A member of the Lango community from Kwania District, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the growing concern. He pointed to issues such as alcoholism, poor living conditions, and differing marital expectations as major factors contributing to relationship challenges.
The discussion has sparked debate among community members, with many calling for initiatives to strengthen cultural education and economic empowerment among Lango men to address the underlying causes.
