LIRA, Uganda — The Lango Cultural Foundation is in mourning following the death of its Paramount Chief, Yosam Odur Ebii, who passed away on Monday morning at Lira University Teaching Hospital.
The esteemed cultural leader succumbed to an illness after receiving specialized medical attention for several months.
The passing of Odur Ebii, who was confirmed to be 99 years old, marks the end of a profound two-decade era during which he served as the foremost custodian of Lango tradition, unity, and community identity.
A stabilizing force and unifying figure
Known for his calm disposition, wisdom, and ability to mediate conflict, Odur Ebii played a central role in preserving the Lango heritage and guiding clan leaders on regional matters.
He actively championed cultural education, community cohesion, and the strengthening of traditional structures, earning deep respect across political, religious, and generational divides.
Frederick Ogwal Oye, Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation, described the late chief as a critical stabilising figure:
“Details about his burial arrangements and official programme are expected to be communicated by the Lango Cultural Foundation in consultation with the royal family and key stakeholders,” Oye said.
Legacy in peacemaking
The late Paramount Chief’s moral authority was most critical during the prolonged conflict that ravaged Northern Uganda in the early 2000s.
At a time when insecurity, displacement, and fear were rampant, Odur Ebii emerged as an indispensable unifying figure.
He strategically used his traditional authority to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion, frequently engaging with local leaders, elders, and youth groups to mediate disputes and encourage cooperation with humanitarian organizations and government agencies.
His deep understanding of Lango traditions allowed him to bridge divides between warring factions, clans, and individuals, leaving an enduring legacy that helped shape the identity and unity of the Lango people.
According to Jacob Ocen, the foundation’s spokesperson, the revered leader had been receiving specialized medical attention for several months before his condition deteriorated.
Minister Amongi pays tribute to a visionary
The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Akena, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Lango Paramount Chief, reflecting on his impactful cultural leadership and social reforms.
In a statement, Minister Amongi recalled her close working relationship with the late cultural leader, which began when he was elected Wonnyaci me Lango (Paramount Chief of Lango) while she was serving as the Woman MP for Apac District. She described him as a unifying and transformative figure.
“Mzee Yosam was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to safeguarding the cultural heritage of Lango,” Amongi said. “He brought together clan leaders to establish strong governance structures and promoted the protection of customary laws and cultural values.”
Champion of social and legal reforms
The Minister highlighted the late Odur Ebii’s dedication to modernizing Lango’s traditional systems to address contemporary social issues.
According to Amongi, the chief initiated several crucial byelaws targeting persistent social challenges, including: Child marriage, domestic violence and defilement.
Furthermore, he championed initiatives to protect customary land rights, specifically codifying the rights of women and children.
Minister Amongi affirmed that these reforms were instrumental in enhancing social cohesion and securing the dignity of vulnerable groups within the community.
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Describing the late Wonnyaci as more than just a cultural leader, but a mentor, father, grandfather, and uncle, Minister Amongi urged the people of the sub-region to remain united as they prepare to honor his memory.
“Let us unite as a community to pay tribute to our elder and ensure he receives the send-off he deserves,” she said.
Yosam Odur Ebii’s lasting legacy is expected to center on his profound contributions to Lango’s cultural, social, and legal systems, particularly his advocacy for women’s and children’s rights and his unwavering commitment to fostering unity among the Lango people during his reign.
