By Patriot Corps
The Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) has taken Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, to court for contempt of court. Through their lawyers, Egaru and Company Advocates and Ahamark Company Advocates, LCF claims that Amongi has disobeyed a court ruling in Civil Suit No. 10 of 2024, which ordered her to remove Eng. Dr. Odongo Okune’s name and replace it with Yosam Odur Ebii as the Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief of Lango).
The contempt of court case, filed at the High Court in Lira, seeks several remedies, including an arrest warrant for Amongi, committing her to civil prison for contempt, and ordering her to pay a fine of UGX 300 million and general damages of UGX 200 million. The High Court in Lira has scheduled the hearing for February 12, 2025.
According to court documents, LCF filed Civil Suit No. 10 of 2024 against Eng. Odongo Okune and five others, challenging the legitimacy of Okune’s election and coronation as Won-Nyaci me Lango (Paramount Chief of Lango). The court ultimately ruled in favor of LCF, declaring Yosam Odur Ebii as the legitimate Won-Nyaci.
However, despite being served with the judgment and decree, Amongi allegedly refused to implement the court orders. Instead, she maintained Okune’s name in the Uganda Gazette, contrary to the court’s directives. This action, LCF argues, constitutes contempt of court.
The LCF, through their lawyers, contends that Amongi’s actions are a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the court and disregard the rule of law. They argue that her refusal to comply with the court order has caused harm to the Lango Cultural Institution and the community at large.
The High Court’s decision to hear the contempt of court case has significant implications for the ongoing leadership dispute within the Lango Cultural Institution. The case has also raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judiciary.
As the court prepares to hear the case on February 12, 2025, the Lango community and the nation at large are eagerly awaiting the outcome. Will the court find Minister Amongi in contempt of court, and what consequences will she face if found guilty? Only time will tell.