Apac, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) under the leadership of paramount chief (Won- Nyaci) Yosam Odur Ebii has elected Dr. Laury Lawrence Ocen, as its new speaker (Won-tok).
Ocen, the chief (Awitong) of Okarowok Wibye-acel clan is currently serving Lango Cultural Foundation as a special advisor to Mzee Yosam Ebii.
LCF’s Prime Minister Robert Ajal convened Wednesday’s special council meeting at Won- Nyaci’s palace in Teboke, Apac district during which Ocen was elected as the speaker and Wasio Dickens Odongo, the Awitong of Adyegi clan as his deputy.
The election followed the desertion of the former speaker Benson Dila Oyuku, the chief of Orupo-dagoanywar clan who crossed over to Lango Cultural Institution (Tekwaro Lango) under the leader of Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune.
According to Ajal, Dila abandoned his roles at Lango Cultural Foundation and the institution cannot continue to operate without the speaker.
Although Ocen was elected in absentia, he in an exclusive interview with Uganda Radio Network accepted his appointment, promising to follow the constitution of LCF in executing his duty. His Deputy Wasio Dickens who was attending the meeting was sworn in and immediately started working.
As his immediate responsibility, the deputy speaker swore in the new members of the Electoral Commission to spearhead the election of the new Won- Nyaci ahead of Yosam Odur Ebii’s abdication in November.
The five-member commission led by Col. Rt. Dan Opito Odwe as the chairperson first swore allegiance to His Highness Won- Nayci Yosam Odur before being sworn into office by the commissioner of oath counsel Emmanuel Egaru Omiat.
The EC commissioners was approved by last week’s Council of Owitong.
Denis Okwir alias Jaramogi was sworn in as the vice chair electoral commission, Tony Omar has the secretary, and Molly Akello and Charles Ojok as members. The commissioners are now gathering resources and planning to come up with a work plan towards their responsibility.
In November last year, Mzee Odur Ebii named a seven- member commission but their activities were suspended and the commission disbanded for failing to uphold and follow the law governing elections in Lango Cultural Foundation.
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