MP Odur Accuses Government of Snubbing Late Lango Paramount Chief, Denying Official Burial
23-November-2025
LCCTV NEWS
LIRA, UGANDA – The Member of Parliament for Erute South, Hon. Jonathan Odur, has publicly accused the government of Uganda of failing to grant the late Won Nyaci Yosam Odur Ebii, the Paramount Chief of Lango, an official burial, a move he describes as a profound sign of disrespect to the entire Lango cultural foundation.
The emotional allegation was made by the MP during the send off of late won nyaci Yosam Odur Ebii, casting a shadow over the final rites of the revered leader who passed away recently.
“The late Won Nyaci Yosam Odur, the Lango paramount chief, did not get the official burial by the government of Uganda,” Hon. Odur stated unequivocally, his voice laden with frustration. He argued that as a cultural head of a major kingdom in Uganda, the late chief was entitled to a state-recognized funeral, a honor routinely extended to other cultural leaders and high-ranking government officials.
An official burial, often referred to as a state funeral, typically involves the direct involvement and funding of the central government. This includes logistical support, the provision of security, the presence of high-ranking government officials including the President or Vice President, and the draping of the casket with the national flag. The absence of such gestures for the late Won Nyaci has been interpreted by leaders in Lango as a deliberate slight.
“The failure to recognize our father with an official burial is not just an oversight; it is a message to the people of Lango that their leadership and cultural heritage are not valued by the state,” Hon. Odur continued. “This was a man who dedicated his life to fostering unity and development in Lango and beyond. He deserved better from the nation he served.”
The late Yosam Odur was a central figure in the socio-cultural life of the Lango sub-region. As the Won Nyaci, his role transcended mere tradition; he was a symbol of unity, a custodian of culture, and a key mediator in community conflicts. His passing has left a significant void.
Cultural analysts suggest that the government’s perceived snub could further strain relations between the state and the Lango sub-region. “The recognition of cultural leaders is a sensitive issue,” commented one analyst who preferred anonymity. “When the state is seen to honor some kingdoms and not others, it feeds into long-standing grievances about marginalization and unequal treatment.”
Efforts to get an immediate official comment from the government spokesperson or the Ministry of Presidency, which often handles such matters, were unsuccessful by the time of this publication.
As the people of Lango continue to mourn their leader, the questions raised by Hon. Odur linger. The demand for an explanation and a posthumous recognition of the late Won Nyaci’s status is likely to become a point of political and cultural discourse in the coming days, underscoring the deep-seated connection between cultural identity and state recognition in modern Uganda.
LCCTV NEWS
