The Lango Cultural Foundation has strongly rejected allegations of bribery against the High Court Judge, Justice Philip Odoki, who recently nullified the coronation of a parallel traditional leader, Dr. Michael Moses Okune.
In his ruling, Justice Odoki trashed the election of both Dr. Okune and Amb. Dickson Ogwang Okul and ordered the Gender Minister, Betty Amongi, to regazette Yosam Odur as the reigning Won Nyaci.
In a statement released Monday, November 4, 2024, Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation headed by the current Won Nyaci Odur, condemned the claims.
Ocen termed it as baseless and malicious, saying that such accusations not only disrespect the judge but also threaten the integrity of the judiciary.
The statement noted that the foundation is drawn to a particular viral voice recording featuring Denis Okello, a prominent member of Dr.Eng. Michael Odongo Okune, the leader of Tekwaro Lango, where he claimed to have paid a bribe to the judge.
In the audio clip, Okello confidently talked about how he handed Shs30 million to Justice Odoki, with additional contributions of Shs10 million from tycoon Bosco Ogwang Edola, and Dr. Okune also gave him (Odoki) more Shs20 million from Kampala.
During Denis Okello’s telephone conversation with a person whom security has identified as Okello Kiseka, the manager of Front Page Lounge in Lira City, he said: We should look for that Judge and shoot him with a gun.
“The Lango Cultural Foundation is calling for a thorough investigation into these allegations, emphasizing that Justice Odoki’s decisions were made based solely on the evidence and applicable law,” the statement read in part.
The statement further highlighted that the judge’s ruling halted the installation of Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul and reaffirmed the authority of traditional leaders in Lango.
“The foundation firmly supports the judiciary’s independence and urges all parties to respect the legal process and warned against the spreading of unfounded accusations that undermine public trust in the justice system and called for adherence to the law and respect for court decisions,” the statement added.
On Monday, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, said police intelligence officers are on the grounds collecting evidence regarding the claim to kill the High Court Judge by Okune’s group.
