By Alexander Mackey Okori
As Lango Sub-region mourns the demise of Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) Paramount Chief (Won-Nyaci) late Yosam Odur Ebii, several leaders from all walks of life have expressed their condolence at his passing eulogizing him as cultural, unity and peace ambassador, who rendered selfless service.
Yosam Odur Ebii passed on Monday morning at Lira University Teaching Hospital, aged 99 after battling illness.
Jacob Ocen, the foundation’s spokesperson said that the deceased had been receiving specialised medical attention for several months before his condition worsened.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our cultural leader the Paramount Chief (Won-Nyaci) Late Yosam Odur Ebii, who has just passed on at Lira University Teaching Hospital,” Ocen said in a statement.
Since his passing, Lango Cultural Foundation has declared seven days of mourning to celebrate his life and immense contributions to the Lango Sub-region.
Eng. Dr. Odongo Okune eugolised the deceased as a reverend leader who played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and social scenery of Lango.
“His death is a big blow to the people of Lango and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come”, said Eng. Dr. Okune.
Felix Ongwech, the minister Science, Innovation and Technology, praised Won-Nyaci Yosam Odur as a leader of immense value.
He added that Yosam Odur Ebii, was “a uniting factor for the people of Lango across all parts of the country and the globe”.
His legacy, according to Ongwech,” will continue to guide and inspire the people of Lango to uphold the cultural traditions and values he worked tirelessly to preserve while at the helm of Lango Cultural Foundation”.
In his condolence message dated November 10, 2025, His Highness Won Ateker-Papa Me Kumam, Raphael Otaya, expressed shock over the demise of Yosam Odur Ebii.
“I have learnt with shock today the 10th day of November 2025, of the death of Won Nyaci Mzee Yosam Odur Ebi that occurred at Lira University Teaching Hospital. On behalf of the Kumam Cultural Heritage, the Kumam community and on my own behalf, I send my condolences to the Family of Mzee and the entire Lango community upon the death of Mzee”, the condolence message read in part.
He described Yosam Odur Ebii, as a very humble leader who promoted unity and peace among the Kumam speaking people and the Lango communities.
His Highness Won Ateker-Papa Me Kumam reminisced that the deceased sent a delegation of leaders for his enthronement and attended the Ateker Festival in Soroti in 2024.
At the national level, the Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among joined the people and leaders of Lango to mourn Won-Nyaci late Yosam Odur Ebii.
In her X handle formerly Twitter, Among said Yosam Odur Ebii, was embodiment of a dedicated leader, who genuinely cared for the well-being of his people.
“On behalf of the Parliament of Uganda and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Apap Yosam Odur, the people of Lango, and all his friends and relatives in the wake of his passing,”.
“As we mourn his loss, we also honour his significant contributions to the region’s transformation agenda. We pay tribute to his dedication as a leader who genuinely cared for the well-being of his people. May the Lord grant his gentle soul eternal rest”, Among twitted.
Similarly, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Akena,
reflected on her long and close working relationship with the late cultural leader, which began during his election as Won Nyaci me Lango while she served as the Woman MP for Apac District.
She eulogised Mzee Yosam as a visionary leader who united the Lango community and strengthened its cultural institutions.
“Late Yosam Odur Ebii, was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to safeguarding the cultural heritage of Lango. He brought together clan leaders to establish strong governance structures and promoted the protection of customary laws and cultural values, said Amongi.”
We shall keep you updated on the burial program once its released
