By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The initiation of the Bishop of Lira Diocese into a Lango clan marks a rare moment where faith, culture, and unity converge.
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, was on 9th February 2026 appointed Senior Advisor of Omola Acol Odyek Onywal Iceng Clan after being formally initiated as a member of the clan in a historic cultural ceremony.
The appointment was confirmed by Mr. George Ojwang Opota, the clan head (Awitong) of Omola Acol Odyek Onywal Iceng, during a colourful initiation ceremony held at Te-Atura Cell, Lira City East Division, which officially welcomed Bishop Wanok into the clan.
The ceremony followed the Bishop’s formal handover from the Alur clan by his clan chief, Seraphim Obbo Opoti, to Omola Acol Odyek Onywal Iceng under the auspices of the Tekwaro me Lango. In recognition of his leadership, moral standing, and contribution to society, the clan leadership unanimously announced his appointment as Senior Advisor.
In his acceptance speech, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him. He thanked the leaders and members of Omola Acol Odyek Onywal Iceng Clan for the warm reception and pledged to work closely with the clan leadership to promote unity, peace, and development within the community.
As a newly initiated clan member, Bishop Wanok also appealed to fellow clan members to support him with a piece of land, on which he plans to construct residential houses.
The ceremony was graced by the Paramount Chief of Tekwaro me Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, who served as chief guest. He commended Bishop Wanok for respecting and embracing Lango culture by choosing to be initiated into the community, noting that the gesture symbolizes the deep cultural ties and cordial relations between the Lango and Alur peoples.
The event also drew reflection from Monsignor Dr. Francis Omara, Judicial Vicar of Gulu Archdiocese, who offered a historical perspective on the Lango, Alur, and Acholi, explaining that the three were originally one people before their separation during British colonial rule. He observed that with Bishop Wanok now initiated into the Lango clan, the responsibility rests with the Won Nyaci me Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, Paramount Chief of the Acholi people Rwot David Onen Acana II, and Ubimu Me Alur (Paramount Chief) His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III, to further strengthen unity among the three communities.
Reflecting on the day’s liturgical readings, Msgr. Dr. Omara drew parallels with the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple, eight days after birth in accordance with the Law of Moses, a sign of full belonging to the tribe of Judah. In the same way, he said, Bishop Wanok’s initiation signifies his full acceptance into the Omola Acol Odyek Onywal Iceng Clan.
He further recalled Simeon’s blessing of the child Jesus, declaring that He would be a sign that would lift many, be opposed by some, and become the light of the world and the glory of Israel. Msgr. Omara noted that Bishop Wanok’s coming into Lango and the clan symbolizes the bringing of God’s light and glory, embodied in love, hope, faith, and forgiveness.
The initiation and subsequent appointment of Bishop Wanok as Senior Advisor mark a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, reinforcing unity between communities and demonstrating how cultural respect and religious leadership can work together to foster harmony and development in the Lango sub-region.
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