The Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) has officially announced that the late Paramount Chief, Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at his palace home in Te-Boke, Chegere Sub-county, Apac District.
The burial date was confirmed by LCF spokesman Jacob Ocen following an emergency cabinet meeting held at the Foundation’s offices in Lira City.
Ocen stated that the Council of Owitong officially approved the date, which was also preferred by the family of the late leader, known as the Won-Nyaci, to allow the people of Lango and well-wishers ample time to pay their final respects.
In a move that underscores its authority, the LCF has firmly taken charge of all burial arrangements and issued a direct call to the leader of a rival cultural body, Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune of Tekwaro Lango, to “step aside and avoid interfering.”
Ocen drew a clear distinction between the two institutions, emphasizing that the Lango Cultural Foundation is a separate entity from Dr. Odongo Okune’s Tekwaro Lango. The spokesman was sharply critical of Dr. Odongo Okune’s recent declaration of a seven-day mourning period, stating the LCF was “shocked” and unaware of the capacity in which he made the announcement.
“We criticised Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune… who is misleading Lango by declaring seven days of mourning periods, asking him to stop it because he has totally no moral authority to declare it,” Ocen said.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition following the chief’s passing, the LCF cabinets have appointed Fredrick Ogwal Oyee, the Foundation’s Prime Minister, to assume power for a transitional period not exceeding one year, as mandated by their constitution.
Despite the strong stance, Ocen extended an olive branch, calling upon clans associated with Dr. Odongo Okune to join hands with the LCF during this difficult time.
Preparations for the funeral are already underway. Ocen applauded the LC5 chairpersons from across the Lango Sub-region for pledging 500,000 Ugandan Shillings from each district to support burial expenses.
He also called upon all Lango communities, cultural institutions, and well-wishers to unite in support.
The Foundation is further coordinating with top government officials and has petitioned the Central Government to accord the late chief a state burial in recognition of his tireless efforts in promoting unity and preserving the cultural heritage of the Lango people.
Paying a moving tribute, Ocen eulogized the late Paramount Chief as a dedicated peacemaker.
“He worked tirelessly to ensure peace prevailed in Lango, especially during the LRA war insurgency,” Ocen commented, highlighting the legacy of the leader they are preparing to bury.
As preparations gain momentum, the Lango Cultural Foundation has positioned itself as the sole legitimate body overseeing the funeral, setting the stage for a period of both mourning and institutional realignment within the cultural leadership of Lango.
The community is expected to gather in Apac District later this month to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who stood as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
