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Today, members of the Lango ethnic group in Northern Uganda are heading to Akii-Bua Stadium to elect their new paramount chief (won nyaci), following a legal dispute that was resolved in Lira High Court on Thursday. The court dismissed with costs a petition filed by five clan leaders seeking to block the election, paving the way for the anticipated poll.
The petitioners, including James Robert Ajal, Benson Walter Dila, Denis Obia Acila, Benjamin Okii, and Robert Tile, had raised concerns about the organization of the election process. They argued that allowing the election to proceed as planned could lead to the existence of two parallel paramount chiefs.
Among their contentions was the claim that the current paramount chief, Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, is still alive, rendering the position not vacant. They insisted that conducting the election before the abdication date set for November 1, 2024, as per the Institution of Tradition or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, would be illegal.
The respondents named in the petition, including Eng Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, George Ojwang Opota, Willy Omodo Omodo, and others, defended their stance, arguing that there was no legal basis to halt the election process. Legal representatives from both sides presented oral submissions during the hearing before Assistant Registrar Godfrey Ngobi Ssalaamu.
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During the proceedings, preliminary objections were raised regarding the service of process to other respondents and the legal status of the first applicant, the Lango Cultural Foundation. However, the court emphasized that for an interim order to be granted, the applicants needed to demonstrate a prima facie case, irreparable loss, or a balance of convenience in their favor.
After careful consideration of all arguments and supporting documents, Ngobi Ssalaamu ruled against granting the interim order, stating that there was insufficient cause to warrant it. Consequently, the petition was dismissed with costs, allowing the paramount chief election to proceed as scheduled.
This ruling clears the way for over 150 Lango clan heads to participate in the election of the new paramount chief today. The successful candidate will succeed Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, who is set to hand over office on November 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era of leadership for the Lango community.
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