Odongo Okune’s Lawyers Demand UGX 1.1 Billion in Legal Fees from Yosam Odur, Okii, Acila & Egaru
Written by Ambrose Okwanga on April 23, 2025
Lawyers for Dr. Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune are seeking Shs 1.1 billion in compensation from Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, clan leaders Benjamin Okii and Denis Obia Acila, and their legal representative, Dr. Emmanuel Egaru Omiat.
The demand follows a 2024 civil suit in which Okii, Acila, and the Lango Cultural Foundation petitioned the court to nullify the March 1, 2024 election that ushered in Eng. Dr. Odongo Okune as the new Paramount Chief.
Speaking to our reporter, Dr. Adams Makmot Kibwanga one of the eight lawyers representing Odongo Okune and six others explained that the compensation claim stems from legal costs incurred in response to multiple court applications filed by the plaintiffs. These applications were later dismissed by the court due to lack of evidence.
Dr. Makmot revealed that all necessary documentation outlining the claimed expenses was submitted to the High Court in Lira last Thursday for review.
He further noted that the Shs 1.1 billion figure is based on various legal attempts made to obstruct or discredit Odongo Okune’s leadership. These included an application for an injunction to block his enthronement, and another challenging the legal status of the Lango Cultural Foundation. In that case, the court ruled that the Foundation is not a corporate entity, a decision that also impacted the legitimacy of the then Prime Minister, Robert James Ajal.
In response, Dr. Emmanuel Egaru, legal counsel for the Lango Cultural Foundation, said he had not yet received official notice of the compensation claim. However, he disclosed that his team is preparing to file a counterclaim for costs against Odongo Okune’s camp.
