By KT Reporter
Lango Cultural Institution on Monday held a special council meeting in memory of the late Awitong (Clan Chief) Rtd. Col. Tony Ogwal Otoa, the Awitong of the Abwor clan.
Otoa, a former Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) officer, died last month at his home in Boke ward, Lira City East Division. At the time of his death, he was serving as the chief advisor to Lango Cultural Institution (LCI)’s Won-nyaci (Paramount Chief) Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune.
During the meeting, clan chiefs shared their experiences and lessons learnt from working with Otoa, most describing him as a champion of peace. Eng. Odongo Okune described Otoa as a problem solver and true friend.
Translation: “I knew Otoa as a good friend. I knew Otoa as a problem solver who we ran to when things had gotten out of hand- our problem solver, and he would solve the problem.”
Peter Okello Oyo, the Minister of Culture, says the Late Otoa mentored young people into the cultural leadership, ensuring that they stick to the truth.
Willy Omodo-omodo, the Speaker Lango Cultural Institution, implored the other cultural leaders to leave a legacy like that of Col. Tony Otoa.
“We have always advised that we should live a very exemplary life that makes people honour and respect you when you are not here. And most of the Owitong are people who are respected within the society. You cannot be a clan leader like me when you are not respected.”
Recognising that the Late Otoa served as the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) under Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, the clan leaders agreed that his death should unite the two factions: Lango Cultural Foundation and Lango Cultural Institution, because that was Otoa’s dream.
While addressing the council of Owitong, Otoa’s son, Tony Otoa Jr. said his father found a purpose in serving the cultural institution when he retired from public service.
Otoa appreciated the cultural institution’s effort in recognising the father’s contributions towards its development.
The council resolved to have the ancestral council hall named after the Rtd. Col. Tony Otoa, in memory of his services rendered to the cultural institution, among other resolutions.
On Tuesday, Otoa’s body will be taken to Lira Cathedral for a requiem mass, then to Lira District local council for a special council sitting. Thereafter, the body will be taken to Bar Oganda parish, Agweng Sub County in Lira district ahead of his burial slated for Wednesday-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
