By Ceasar Ivan Okello/Lira 27th May 2026
The Lango Cultural Institution has challenged the newly appointed ministers in President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Cabinet to prioritize key issues outlined in the Lango Development Agenda.
The Paramount Chief of Lango, Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, in a statement, commended President Museveni for appointing four ministers from the Lango sub-region into Cabinet.
Eng. Odongo Okune described the appointments of Sam Engola as Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Jane Ruth Aceng as ICT Minister, Mercy Lakisa as Youth Minister, and Santa Alum Ogwang as Minister for Economic Monitoring as a major blessing to the Lango people, saying the cultural institution welcomes them wholeheartedly.
However, the Paramount Chief warned the newly appointed ministers against engaging in corruption and abuse of office.
He urged them to use their positions to extend meaningful development to the people, uphold integrity, embrace zero tolerance to corruption, and avoid illicit enrichment at the expense of taxpayers’ money.
He further tasked the ministers with uniting the people of Lango, preaching peace, and ensuring that communities actively participate in wealth creation programs championed by President Museveni.
Eng. Odongo Okune also praised former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, who was dropped from Cabinet, describing her as one of the most impactful ministers Lango has produced in recent years.
Meanwhile, Patrick Okwir, the spokesperson of the Wonyaci, revealed that the cultural institution had initially requested eight Cabinet slots for Lango, but the appointing authority allocated only four ministerial positions.
Okwir noted that the Lango Cultural Institution is still pushing for additional government appointments, including positions in commissions, diplomatic missions, permanent secretary offices, and Resident District Commissioner roles.
According to Okwir, Tekwaro Lango has a five-year development agenda that must guide the newly appointed ministers in steering the region’s development and governance priorities.
He added that while several regions across the country are complaining about reduced Cabinet representation, Lango should appreciate securing four ministerial positions.
During the last general elections, the Lango sub-region reportedly delivered 84 percent of its votes to President Museveni, outperforming all the 17 sub-regions in the country — a factor that strengthened Lango’s demand for at least eight senior Cabinet positions.