Koch Chiefdom marks Lagony’s  25 years of leadership

Nwoya: Koch Chiefdom in the Acholi sub-region recently celebrated a momentous occasion as His Royal Highness Francis Oryang Lagony II, the Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission of Uganda, marked 25 years of cultural leadership and celebrated his 80th birthday.

The colorful celebration, held in Nwoya District, drew hundreds of people including cultural leaders, government officials, and dignitaries from across the region.

Lagony assumed the throne in 2000, during the height of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. He succeeded his late father, Rwot Oryang Lagony I, and has since become a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural preservation.

In recognition of his leadership, President Yoweri Museveni appointed him as the Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission in 2022.

Koch is one of 57 recognized chiefdoms in the Acholi region, with a rich heritage dating back to the Luo migration from Sudan. It comprises 37 sub-clans, mainly found in Omoro and Nwoya districts.

Clad in traditional royal regalia and accompanied by his Queen, Grace Oryang, Rwot Lagony received blessings and tributes from community members and fellow cultural leaders. Attendees included Acholi Paramount Chief David Onen Acana II and Deputy Paramount Chief Martin Otinga Atuka Otto Yai II.

Prince Solomon Oketa used the platform to call for unity among Koch sub-clans, cautioning against internal divisions that could weaken the cultural foundation.

“We must focus on empowering our youth and preserving our customs instead of separating,” he urged.

He also lamented the growing trend of land sales and declining interest in education and agriculture among residents.

Premier Betty Acan Tino and her cabinet presented a progress report, acknowledging achievements while pointing out persistent challenges such as inadequate funding for the chief’s office and hesitancy around the malaria vaccination campaign at Koch LII Health Centre III.

She appealed for community trust and support in ongoing health initiatives.

Ambassador Olara Otunnu urged Koch Chiefdom to take a lead role in combating poverty, crime, and cultural erosion in the region.

“Let Koch lead the charge on education, values, and good politics in Acholi,” he said.

Geoffrey Opiyo, LCIII Chairperson of Koch Goma Town Council, praised Rwot Lagony for helping displaced people return home. He reminded the audience of the President’s pledge to construct Lagony Ocer Technical College to equip the youth with vocational skills.

A local coffee farmer, Hilary Owiny, was recognized for his efforts in promoting four-acre model farming, focusing on high-value crops like coffee.

However, Geoffrey Okello, MP for Nwoya East County, cautioned residents against over-relying on soybeans.

“Families are selling their produce and neglecting essential food crops like millet, beans, and potatoes. This threatens food security,” he warned.

Acholi Paramount Chief David Onen Acana II praised Rwot Lagony as a mentor and selfless leader who supported him in the early days of his leadership.

“When I had no means of traveling to Kampala, he made sure I could get there. He’s generous, humble, and committed to peace,” Acana recalled emotionally.

Reflecting on the future of Acholi, Acana and other leaders emphasized that true transformation lies in empowering cultural institutions, not in forming fragmented organizations.

“Groups like Kacoke Madit and the Acholi Association came with good intentions, but many have faded. For lasting impact, we must strengthen and rely on established, trusted structures like the chiefdom,” he concluded.

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