Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-01 06:38:11
Members of the Lango ethnic group in Northern Uganda are gathering at Akii-Bua Stadium to vote for the new paramount chief (won nyaci) today. This comes after the Lira High Court dismissed a petition filed by five clan leaders seeking to block the election, citing concerns about the organization of the process.
The petitioners, James Robert Ajal, Benson Walter Dila, Denis Obia Acila, Benjamin Okii, and Robert Tile, raised their objections just two days before the scheduled election. They argued that allowing the election to proceed would create the risk of having two competing paramount chiefs.
The respondents named in the petition included Eng Dr Moses Michael Odongo Okune, George Ojwang Opota, Willy Omodo Omodo, Tom Otim, Hamza Okello, Vincent Oling, Beatrice Amongi Lagada, John Elem, Ben Ogwete Otim, and Peter Acuda Obong.
The petitioners also pointed out that the current Won Nyaci, Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, is still alive, making the position non-vacant. They accused the respondents of attempting to conduct the election illegally before the abdication date set for November 1, 2024, as mandated by the Institution of Tradition or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
The case was heard by Godfrey Ngobi Ssalaamu, the Assistant Registrar of the Lira High Court, with the petitioners represented by lawyers Emmanuel Egaru Omiat and Innocent Okuny, and the respondents by counsels Adams Makmot Kibwanga, Quirinus Oyugi Onono, Simon Peter from Odoo, Ponsiano Okello, and Gabriel Obua.
During the hearing, both parties made oral submissions, and the respondents were granted permission to cross-examine one of the applicants, James Robert Ajal. However, the respondents raised preliminary objections regarding the service of process and the legal status of the Lango Cultural Foundation.
After reviewing the evidence and arguments presented, Ngobi Ssalaamu ruled that there was no justification for granting an interim order to halt the election. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo and dismissed the application with costs.
Therefore, the election for the new paramount chief will proceed as planned on March 1, 2024, with over 150 Lango clan heads eligible to run for the position. The chosen leader will take over from Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii on November 1, 2024.
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