Visionary Lango Chief Odur Wants Gov't Identity Minerials Resources Lango To boost Economy

Lango, Uganda: Yosam Odur, the Paramount Chief of Lango Cultural Foundation, is calling on president Museveni, government  and other key players to carry out a thorough evaluation of the mineral resources in the Lango sub-region. He believes that tapping into these mineral riches could boost the economy, generate jobs, and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

At a cultural event in Lira City, where he also launched the new office complex for the cultural foundation, Chief Odur highlighted the importance of teamwork among the government, private sector, and local communities to explore and make use of the mineral wealth beneath Lango's surface. He pointed out that the area is thought to be rich in minerals like limestone, gold, uranium, and oil, yet these resources are mostly untouched or underused.

“Our land is filled with natural resources, but we haven’t fully tapped into them. It’s time to seize these opportunities and uplift our communities, and I’m advocating for this with the government before my time is up,” Chief Odur stated.

He further urged the government to carry out geological surveys and mapping to gather precise information about the mineral deposits in the area. He emphasized the need to involve local leaders and communities in this process to ensure it’s transparent and inclusive.

The Lango sub-region, which includes districts like Lira, Apac, Oyam, Dokolo, and Alebtong, has a strong agricultural background. However, Chief Odur believes that diversifying the economy by exploring mineral resources could open up new avenues for growth and development.

Local business leaders and economists have supported Chief Odur’s initiative, noting that utilizing mineral resources could enhance the agricultural sector and help alleviate poverty in the region.

Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development have not yet responded to these requests.

The appeal made by Lango Paramount Chief Yosam Odur to explore and utilize mineral resource opportunities in the Lango sub-region has ignited optimism for economic growth in the area. As various stakeholders gear up to tackle this challenge, the emphasis will be on maintaining transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability throughout the process. 

For the residents of Lango, this initiative is a significant opportunity to tap into the potential of their natural resources. On Saturday, the Lango Cultural Foundation inaugurated a fully equipped office to assist with coordination, planning, and networking efforts. 

Fredick Ogwal Oyee, the prime minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation, stated that this new office will aid in promoting cultural activities and planning initiatives. The office space will be utilized for meetings, hosting visitors, resolving disputes, and strategizing for significant development as they await the construction of the Lango palace.