Thousands of mourners, led by Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, have today gathered at Tenoke Primary, Tenoke Sub County, in Apac district, Northern Uganda to attend the official burial of retired Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief) of Lango, Mzee Yocam Odur Ebii.
Odur 99, succumbed to community anemia and asthma related complications on November 10, 2025. His death, ends an era for one of the northern Uganda’s most respected elders-remembered for steering Lango Sub-region through post-war recovery and reconciliation.
In his condolence message, delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, to the bereaved family, relatives and friends, the Lango clan leaders, members of the Royal Clan and all the people of Lango, President Yoweri Museveni saluted Odur as one of the patriotic leaders Uganda has ever had. “I, therefore, wish to extend, on behalf of the government and entire nation, heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his family and to all the people of Lango,” Museveni.
The President said, during his time, the late Odur steered Lango to greater heights adding, “He has gone at the time when we still needed him most,”. The president remined mourners who included the clergy, politicians, and cultural leaders, the NRM Government took a step in the right direction by restoring cultural institutions in 1994 and creating new ones, for those communities that so wished. “This decision was aimed at jealously guarding our culture from negative foreign influences,” he said.
Museveni recognized the significant role played by cultural Institutions in preserving the rich and beautiful cultural norms of the African people. He however called upon the leadership of the Kingdom to safeguard the customs of their people. “This way, Africa’s contribution to the cultural attainment of humankind will be fully appreciated,” he said.
The President thanked the people of Lango for their continued support for the NRM Government and for upholding the peace that was purchased at a high price by the gallant fighters of the National Resistance Army. He condoled with the mourners, saying the late Odur will be greatly missed by the family, relatives, friends, members of the royal family, Lango region and the entire nation. “I share with you the grief of this difficult moment and pray that God gives you strength and courage to go through it,” he said.
Odur was enthroned in 2003, as the Won Nyaci of Lango people. For over two decades, Mzee Odur provided steady leadership during some of the region’s most difficult times, including the post-insurgency recovery period in northern Uganda.
In her own words, VP Alupo told mourners that Odur was a friend, whose reign was marked by advocacy for education, cultural identity, and moral restoration. She further described Odur as a widely recognized champion of peace, reconciliation, and cultural revival following the two-decade insurgency perpetrated by the Lord’s resistance Army (LRA) levels.
The Prime Minister of Lango Fred Ogwal Oyie, now acting Won-nyaci said, the fallen leader frequently urged young people to respect elders, uphold discipline, and take pride in their Lango heritage. He said under his guidance, the Lango Cultural Foundation became a key platform for cultural dialogue, traditional justice, and social unity.
Ogwal said beyond his cultural duties, Mzee Odur was known for his humility, deep spirituality, and wisdom, inspiring leaders across Uganda’s traditional and political spheres. Mzee Odur Ebii is survived by several children and grandchildren. He further said indeed, Odur passing leaves a void in the hearts of Lango people, but his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip said as Lango mourns their loss, they also celebrate his life and legacy, remembering a true leader who dedicated his life to the service of his people. While the State Minister for Gender and Culture Peace Mutuuzo said, Odur’s legacy will continue to guide the country as we uphold the traditions and values he worked so tirelessly to preserve.
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Alfred Olwa thanked President Museveni for according the late Odur Ebii an official burial saying this is a sign that government stands with leaders and their institutions. “Thank you for standing with the people of Lango. You have dignifyed our culture. You ensured that Ebii is not only celebrated as a cultural head but a national figure,” Bishopp Olwa said attracting applause of mourners.
The bishop described the late Odur as a towering traditional leader who should be credited for restoring unity and cultural pride among the Lango people. “He honoured God’s covenant of marrying in church. He built his life around Christ. He served God’s people with love and passion,” Bishop Olwa said while presiding over Service.
The bishop finally urged the people of Lango to continue upholding the legacy of faith, peace, hard-work and reconciliation as preached by the fallen Paramount Chief Odur Ebii.