On March 19, 2025, Okere City received a distinguished guest: Richard Ogwang Odyero, the Awitong (clan chief) of Ogora, one of the 149 clans of the Lango nation. The Awitong, known for his commitment to preserving Lango heritage and fostering unity, was in Adwari sub-county, Otuke District—home to one of the highest concentrations of Ogora clan members in northern Uganda—when he decided to make an impromptu visit to Okere City.
During his tour, the Awitong was full of praise for the remarkable work being done in the community. “It’s commendable that a son of Ogora, Mr. Ojok Okello, has conceived and brought to life the idea of Okere City, which is in many ways one of the most innovative rural development projects, not just in Lango but in Uganda at large,” he remarked. He urged all Lango people, particularly members of the Ogora clan, to take pride in the project and offer their unwavering support.
Recognizing the significance of Okere City’s vision for rural transformation, the Awitong pledged to use his cultural influence and his role as Minister for Peace and Government Relations in the Office of the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango to rally key stakeholders in support of the initiative. “This project holds great promise for our people. It is a testament to what is possible when communities take charge of their own development,” he said before committing that he will personally engage the Won Nyaci to visit Okere City in the coming weeks.
The Awitong also took time to interact with the young learners at Okere Community School, an institution at the heart of Okere City’s commitment to education. Stepping into a classroom, he offered words of encouragement to the eager students. “We are only laying your foundation, but the work to build better communities, thriving cultures, and a stronger country will require your collective effort and hard work,” he told them.
His visit was particularly inspiring for the Primary Seven (P7) candidates preparing for their national exams. Before leaving, he wished them success, reminding them that education is a powerful tool for both individual growth and community transformation.
Okere City has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating how rural communities can take charge of their own future through innovation, sustainable practices, and cultural preservation. The endorsement from the Awitong of Ogora further solidifies the project’s place within the Lango nation’s broader vision for progress.
His visit serves as a powerful reminder that Okere City is more than just a development initiative—it is a movement that blends tradition with modern solutions to create a thriving, self-sufficient rural community. With the support of cultural leaders like the Awitong, Okere City’s mission continues to gain momentum, inspiring many to believe in the power of grassroots transformation.
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