Uganda’s former Deputy Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Dickson Ogwang Okul, was arrested on Sunday after pulling out a pistol during a meeting with Lango clan leaders at the Lango Cultural Centre in Lira.
Okul, currently serving as Charge d’Affaires in Khartoum, arrived at the meeting around 1:40 PM, accompanied by two bodyguards.
The meeting, chaired by Otuke RDC Mr. George Abudul, was attended by several key officials, including Kole Woman MP Ms. Judith Alyek. It was focused on preparations for the upcoming Ateker Festival in Soroti, set to begin on November 26, 2024.
Upon his arrival, Okul’s presence caused unease among the attendees.
Eyewitnesses reported that clan leaders and district commissioners began to stand and demand that he leave. Tensions escalated when Okul remained in the meeting, prompting some to shout, “Ogwang Okul must go.”
After some attempts to calm the situation, Okul was persuaded to stand up and leave.
However, as he walked toward the exit, about 10 meters from the meeting, Okul allegedly drew a pistol and attempted to fire it. A group of seven armed police officers quickly intervened, tackling him to the ground and successfully disarming him after a brief struggle.
Okul was immediately taken into custody at Lira Central Police Station for questioning.
Lira RDC Ms. Lillian Eyal expressed relief that security forces acted swiftly, stating that without their intervention, “something stupid” could have occurred.
This incident follows a recent legal battle in which the High Court in Lira barred the Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) from recognizing Okul as the newly elected Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief of Lango).
The court also issued an injunction preventing the LCF from informing the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi Ongom, that Okul had been elected for the position, which would have allowed his name to be gazetted.
