LIRA, UGANDA – The Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) is set to elect and announce a new Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) on November 14, 2026, as the community marks one year since the passing of the late Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii.
The announcement was made on Friday by Col (Rtd) Dan Opitu Odwee, Chairperson of the LCF Electoral Commission, during a meeting with cultural leaders at the foundation's offices in Senior Quarters, Lira City.
According to Col Opitu Odwee, two candidates have been nominated for the position of Paramount Chief. They are Prof. Richard Nam, clan head of Okii Amat clan, and Benjamin Okii, clan head of Okii Bura clan. He stated that both candidates must complete their full nomination processes before Wednesday next week.
Col Opitu Odwee further revealed that preparations are underway for memorial prayers to honor the late Paramount Chief Odur Ebii on November 14, 2026. It is during these commemorative prayers that the new Paramount Chief will be officially announced.
"We are preparing for the memorial prayers of the late Paramount Chief Odur Ebii on November 14, 2026. On that same day, we shall announce the new Paramount Chief," Col Opitu Odwee said. He called for calmness and respect for the rule of law throughout the process.
Prof. Richard Nam, who has served as Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation for seven years, expressed confidence in his candidacy, stating that his experience and vision qualify him for the top position.
"I have served as Prime Minister for LCF for seven years. I am qualified, and there are developments I will bring to the Lango community," Prof. Nam said.
On his part, Benjamin Okii stated that he was blessed by the late Yosam Odur Ebii and noted that as the longest-serving clan head, he is prepared to lead while mentoring his colleagues on leadership.
Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation, issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to disrupt the program, stating that such efforts are "null and void."
Ocen revealed that the foundation has received reports that some individuals intend to have them arrested before the memorial prayers. He called upon the police in Lango to refrain from arresting or stopping the memorial prayers for the late Odur Ebii, emphasizing that the former Paramount Chief was an international figure.
"We have received reports that some people want to arrest us before the memorial prayers. We are telling the police in Lango not to try to arrest or stop the memorial prayer of Odur Ebii because he was an international figure," Ocen stated.
As the Lango community prepares for this significant transition in cultural leadership, the Electoral Commission and LCF leadership have urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law during this period.
The announcement of a new Paramount Chief will mark the end of a one-year mourning period following the death of Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, who was widely respected as an international cultural figure.
