Lira, Uganda | Tensions have erupted within the Okadameri Clan following reports that Francis Orech Oculi was installed as the new Clan Chief in a ceremony held over the weekend.
The move has sparked criticism and outright rejection from established leaders within the clan, who insist that no legitimate election has taken place.
The contentious ceremony, held at Future Prospect in Lira City, was attended by a group of clan members who claimed to be acting in the interest of the community.
However, senior clan officials have dismissed the event as irregular and unauthorized.
Maj. (Rtd) Fred Gawera, who was appointed acting Clan Chief by the incumbent Jimmy Anthony Oyuku before he traveled abroad, expressed shock over the development.
He said the clan has not organized any formal electoral process and condemned the ceremony as an attempt to sow confusion within the clan.
Gawera stated that such actions only serve to divide the Okadameri people and warned that no leadership change will be recognized until a proper election is conducted involving all eligible members.
Gawera further revealed that he is still in possession of the instruments of authority including the clan stamp, emblem, and constitution all of which were officially handed to him by Chief Oyuku.
This, he argued, affirms the legitimacy of his temporary stewardship and invalidates the weekend’s proceedings.
Solomon Ocen, the clan speaker and a former close associate of Oyuku, also distanced himself from the ceremony.
He said he was not informed of any plans to elect a new chief and expressed concern that the manner in which the ceremony was conducted undermines the unity and integrity of the clan.
Ocen added that such divisions can have far-reaching consequences, including the risk of relatives unknowingly intermarrying, which, he warned, may exacerbate genetic health conditions such as sickle cell disease.
As of the time of publication, attempts to reach Francis Orech Oculi for comment were unsuccessful.
Clan elders have called for calm and urged all members to respect due process, promising that a formal election will be organized in the near future in accordance with the clan’s constitution.