Lango Cultural Foundation Writes to AG Over Mzee Yosam’s Re-Gazettement Standoff
Written by Admin on January 8, 2025
Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii
The Lango Cultural Foundation has formally written to the Attorney General seeking an explanation as to why the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development has not implemented a court order to re-gazette Yosam Odur Ebi as the Lango Paramount Chief.
In a landmark ruling issued on October 31, 2024, High Court Judge Philip Odoki directed the Gender Minister to de-gazette Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune and immediately re-gazette Yosam Odur Ebi as the Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Foundation. Despite this directive, the Ministry has failed to act, prompting concerns from cultural leaders.
In a letter dated January 6, 2025, and signed by Felix Adupa Ongwech, the Foundation’s Minister of Science and Innovation, the group questioned the statements made by Gender Minister Betty Amongi. Amongi reportedly claimed that the Attorney General had advised her not to proceed with the re-gazettement of Yosam Odur.
Adupa Ongwech stressed the need for accountability. “The Attorney General must clarify his position and outline the steps to implement the court ruling without further delay,” he stated.
During an interview with Unity FM, Adupa urged Minister Amongi to delegate cultural matters to the State Minister for Gender in charge of culture to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Daniel Obal, the Foundation’s Minister for Youth Affairs, accused Amongi of overstepping her authority. “The court ruling is unequivocal, but Minister Amongi is leveraging her power to obstruct justice for personal or political reasons,” Obal charged.
Tensions surrounding the matter intensified last week during the burial of the former LC5 Chairperson of Apac District. At the event, Minister Amongi publicly stated that the Attorney General had advised her against re-gazetting Yosam Odur.
The Lango Cultural Foundation’s letter was copied to several key offices, including the President’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Ministry of Gender, the Uganda Law Society, and the Inspector General of Government.
Cultural leaders continue to demand urgent action to uphold the court’s decision, emphasizing the need to respect the judicial process and safeguard the cultural heritage of the Lango people.
