The Lango Regional Whip for RDCs Hon. George Abdul Summons All RDCs, DRDs, ARDCs, and Lango Cultural Leaders for a Crucial Meeting with Won Nyaci Elect His Highness Eng Micheal Odongo Okune to Enhance Economic Empowerment and Security in Lango Sub-Region

Lira City, Uganda – In a significant move aimed at addressing the socio-economic challenges and high crime rates in the Lango sub-region, the Lango Regional Whip for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Hon. George Abudul, has called for an essential meeting involving all RDCs, RCCs, DRDCs, DRCCs, ARDCs, ARCCs and Lango cultural leaders, known as “Owitong.” This pivotal gathering with the Won Nyaci Elect, His Highness Engineer Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, will take place at the Lango Cultural Center on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Speaking to Lango Times and Hot FM, Hon. George Abudul highlighted the primary objective of this meeting: “to discuss and develop strategies for building synergies and cohesion between security personnel and cultural leaders”. This collaboration aims to foster economic empowerment and enhance security within the Lango sub-region.

Recent crime reports indicate that the Lango sub-region is among the areas with the highest crime rates, often involving individuals from specific cultural backgrounds led by the Owitong. Hon. Abdul believes this meeting will be a breakthrough in finding effective ways to restore peace in the region through the combined efforts of cultural leaders and RDCs.

“This meeting will provide cultural leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to play their roles effectively,” Hon. Abudul stated. “By supporting community activities that can improve socio-economic status, cultural leaders can significantly impact the well-being of their people.”

He emphasized the crucial role of the Owitong, who interact directly with the community and lead clans where government support, such as IMYOOGA, PDM, and Youth Livelihood funds, has been allocated. Mismanagement of these funds has been a concern, and Hon. Abudul believes that with proper guidance from the Owitong, these resources can be better utilized to benefit the community. “Culture also plays a significant role in socio-economic transformation,” Hon. Abdul added. “Through this meeting, the Owitong will gain valuable knowledge that will help them guide their clan members towards activities that promote their well-being and lead to overall transformation in their lives.”

The meeting was initially scheduled for June 27, 2024, but was postponed due to a conflicting engagement with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who met with Lango cultural leaders at State House. The rescheduled meeting will now take place on August 9, 2024, starting at 10 AM at the Lango Cultural Center in Senior Quarters A, Lira City.

Hon. Abudul expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for his continuous support of the Lango community, particularly through socio-economic initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM). He noted that such projects are transforming lives and enriching the welfare of the community.

“When RDCs and cultural leaders come together to scrutinize the best approaches for community peace, the Lango sub-region will experience a significant reduction in crime rates,” Hon. Abdul concluded. “This will enable people to engage in economic activities, ultimately improving the standard of living for the local population.”

This meeting is expected to set a new precedent for cooperation between security and cultural leadership, paving the way for a safer and more prosperous Lango sub-region.