Oyam – The late Ray Opitu Kwon Duny, a respected elder of the Pukica clan and father to former National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer contestant for the Oyam North MP seat, Bala Daniel, has been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Pukica Village, Atekober Parish, Acaba Sub-county, Oyam North District.
The burial ceremony drew a significant gathering of dignitaries, including officials from the Ministry of Education, local political figures, and close friends. Among the notable attendees was Eddy Morrish Ogweng, former contestant for the Lira City West Division MP seat, and Rev. Sam Omiat, Director of Adwoki Technical School, alongside other prominent community members.
Presiding over the funeral rites, the Pukica paramount clan chief, Terence Omonya, issued an emotional appeal to the Lango people living outside their traditional homeland.
“Those from Lango who are living outside Lango should not forget their home,” Omonya said. He expressed concern that many clan members now residing in areas like Nwoya have become reluctant to return. “They don’t want to come back,” he lamented, urging the diaspora to maintain ties with their ancestral roots.
Rev. Fr. Pascal Moses Omara, Parish Priest of Anyeke catholic Parish, delivered a powerful homily that echoed the chief’s sentiments.
“Home is like heaven, and away is like hell,” Fr. Omara declared, explaining that people should always remember where they come from. He further called upon children to take good care of their elderly parents.
“It is the elderly who give blessings,” the priest reminded mourners, urging families not to neglect their aging relatives but rather to honor them as sources of spiritual and family authority.
The late Ray Opitu Kwon Duny was described by family and community members as a pillar of wisdom and unity within the Pukica clan. He leaves behind a legacy of service to both family and clan, including his son Bala Daniel, who continues to be active in Oyam North’s political landscape.
