Apac, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has described the late former Paramount Chief of Lango, Wonyaci Yosam Odur Ebii, as a patriotic and steadfast cultural leader whose influence shaped both the identity and development agenda of the Lango sub-region for over two decades.
The President’s condolence message, delivered by Vice President Jesca Alupo, was read to mourners gathered at Teboke Primary School in Apac District during the state-recognised funeral ceremony.
President Museveni praised the late Chief’s leadership, noting that Odur Ebii—who ascended to the throne in 2003—guided the cultural institution with dignity, stability, and a commitment to preserving Lango heritage.
“Wonyaci Odur Ebii was one of the most patriotic leaders Uganda has had,” the President said in the statement.
He commended the role played by cultural institutions in strengthening national identity and reiterated government’s position on protecting traditional structures as custodians of values that define African civilisation.
Museveni urged the current leadership of the Lango Cultural Institution to maintain unity, safeguard cultural norms, and build on the late Chief’s legacy.
The President extended UGX 10 million as a condolence contribution to the bereaved family.
In her address, Vice President Alupo highlighted the late Paramount Chief’s strategic lobbying around education and regional development.
She said Odur routinely engaged the Ministry of Education on the need for a public university in Lango, presenting structured arguments that later influenced government decisions leading to the establishment of Lira University.
Alupo noted that Odur’s advocacy on health services also shaped ongoing interventions at Lira University Teaching Hospital, calling for continued improvement of service delivery to meet public expectations.
Beyond paying tribute, the Vice President used the platform to encourage cultural leaders to resolve internal disputes that have characterised the institution in recent years.
She said unity within cultural structures is essential for effective communication with government, community mobilisation, and long-term development planning.
“When leadership speaks with one voice, the region moves forward faster,” she noted.
The late Odur Ebii is credited with guiding the cultural institution through a period of reorganisation, re-establishing traditional norms, and fostering collaboration across cultural, religious, and administrative structures.
Mourners included political leaders, cultural representatives, and delegations from across Northern Uganda, underscoring his influence beyond Lango.
President Museveni’s message closed with an appeal for continued respect for cultural authority and a prayer for the late Chief’s peaceful rest.
Former Wonyaci Yosam Odur Ebii was born in 1926 and passed away two weeks ago from Lira University Teaching Hospital at the age of 99.