By Alele Ronald Ongwech
A Ugandan civil engineer, Joseph Odongo Bongonyinge has issued a detailed rebuttal to accusations leveled against him by Akoli Hermilia Christine, denying claims of wrongful termination, clan leadership disputes, and property mismanagement. The rebuttal, shared publicly, addresses allegations circulated through journalist Akwam Emmy, labeling them as “falsehoods” and “baseless.”
The engineer, Odongo Bongonyinge whose tenure as District Engineer in Alebtong ended in January 2017, clarified that he resigned voluntarily to pursue consultancy work with Canada-based Co-Water International. He emphasized that his departure was not a termination, urging verification from Alebtong’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and District Service Commission.
Central to the rebuttal is a dispute over leadership within the Tikokin me Ocok Clan. The engineer ,Odongo claims he was rightfully elected as the 4th Clan Leader in 2014, dismissing Akwam Emmy’s assertion of a mid-1990s clan merger as “false.” He cited the 2003 Lango Cultural Foundation constitution, which lists Tikokin me Ocok as Clan 7, and challenged critics to fact-check historical records.
Odongo accused Akoli Hermilia Christine of breaking marital vows, referencing her ongoing divorce proceedings with Dr. Moses Acan in Lira High Court. He criticized her public remarks about Susan Gol, a family member whose education expenses he claims to have covered. He defended his role as family representative since 1996, stating, “Family representation is a birthright, not a political position.”
Denying property disputes, the engineer ,Joseph Odongo Bongonyinge referenced a 2005 land division in Teso Bar overseen by the late Mrs. Pulkeria Bongonyinge. He stated that the property was lawfully partitioned and fenced at a cost of UGX 90 million, asserting that succession matters should be resolved by elders, not “social media outbursts.” He dismissed allegations of torture and property damage as attempts to tarnish his reputation.
The rebuttal described Akoli’s recent police complaints—including a November 2024 scuffle and a 2023 backyard incident—as “baseless.” The engineer likened her behavior to that of a mentally ill elder sister and denied involvement in an alleged assault case at CPS Lira. A cyber-harassment case has reportedly been filed against Akoli and Akwam Emmy.
Labeling Akoli’s actions “foolish,” the engineer urged the public to disregard her claims, emphasizing that “riches come from hard work, not positions.” He framed his rebuttal as a clarification for the community, noting that his family, including members abroad, supports his stance.
Odongo ’s rebuttal disputes allegations across multiple fronts, from professional conduct to clan legitimacy, while framing Akoli’s actions as erratic and self-serving. The document underscores cultural and familial tensions, urging resolution through traditional channels rather than public platforms.