LIRA, UGANDA – A major leadership crisis is brewing within the Lango Cultural Foundation after Prof. Richard Nam declared himself the legitimate paramount chief (Won-Nyaci) of Lango, directly challenging the Electoral Commission's decision to disqualify him and declare Okii Benat Benjamin as the unopposed candidate for the highly coveted seat.
The drama unfolded on October 28, 2026, following two conflicting official communications from the Electoral Commission. In the first document, Commission Chairperson Opito Dan Odwee declared Okii Benat Benjamin the sole duly nominated candidate for the position of Won Nyaci, stating that the nomination process had been completed and that no other candidate was duly nominated within the prescribed period.
However, in a subsequent notice issued the same day, the Commission announced the disqualification of Prof. Nam—who also serves as the clan head of Okii Amat—from contesting the election. The Commission cited allegations of fraud, stating that Prof. Nam had worked for the Lango Foundation for seven years but failed to hand over properties in his possession. The notice strongly advised him to return items including cameras, laptops, and printers to avoid further disappointment.
Prof. Nam has vehemently rejected both the disqualification and the declaration of his opponent. Speaking to the press, he claimed that the day was meant for nominations, but he was shocked to find the Electoral Commission's office abandoned.
"I had already paid 10 million shillings and had come with another 5 million to finish my nomination process," Prof. Nam stated. He alleged that the Electoral Commission officials simply disappeared, leaving him alone in the office, which he believes was a deliberate ploy to sabotage his candidacy.
Insisting that he remains the rightful leader, Prof. Nam announced that he will take his case directly to the people. "I will now start going to the community and telling them that I am the legitimate paramount chief," he declared.
Undeterred by the Commission's ruling, Prof. Nam confirmed he is moving forward with his own plans to legitimize his leadership. He stated he will initiate the process of gazettement as the new paramount chief and will begin assembling his cabinet.
The Electoral Commission, however, maintains that its nomination process was conducted in accordance with the constitution and electoral regulations governing the Lango Cultural Foundation. The standoff now leaves the Lango cultural institution deeply divided, setting the stage for a protracted battle over its highest office.
