Lira, Uganda | His Royal Highness Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief of Lango, has called on the people of Lango to embrace regular medical checkups as a routine part of life to reduce preventable deaths.
He made the appeal during a tribute ceremony for the late Geoffrey Okwir Gunya, Clan Chief of Ober Owumulao Okwer Ngu, held at the Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City.
Dr. Eng. Odongo Okune said many lives are being lost due to failure to detect illnesses early and urged communities to take health matters seriously.
He proposed a health insurance scheme for clan chiefs to help them access treatment without financial strain.
He also called for the strengthening of clan SACCOs to support families during medical emergencies.
Dr. Eng. Odongo Okune urged the Government of Uganda to improve healthcare services in Lango by building and equipping health centres.
He said people are dying not because treatment is unavailable, but because they cannot afford it or live too far from medical facilities.
He paid tribute to the late Okwir Gunya, describing him as a loyal leader who supported him during the cultural leadership struggles in Lango.
He said Gunya stood by him when others chose to walk away.
Sam Ogwang Alunyu, Clan Chief of Mwa-Otiratok, described Gunya as a hardworking businessman whose efforts helped in lobbying for Lira to attain city status.
He called for formal burial procedures for clan leaders and the documentation of their contributions.
Denis Kiza, Clan Chief of Pedi Cungkal, said Gunya inspired him to return and serve the Lango Cultural Institution.
Rev. Peter Ocweo shared that Gunya personally paid for his education and changed his life, and asked the Paramount Chief to continue with Gunya’s vision for unity and development.
The body of the late Gunya was later taken to his home in Senior Quarters, Lira City.
He will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11, 2025, at his ancestral home in Olyet Ward, Agweng Parish, Adwari Subcounty, Otuke District.