Two individuals have petitioned the Ministry of Public Service to reject the confirmation of Frederick Ogwal Oyee as chairperson or member of the Lira City Service Commission, arguing that his appointment is inconsistent with laws governing traditional and cultural leaders.
Phillips Ogile, a former LC3 chairman of Abok Sub-county in Oyam District, and Tony Oming challenged the process that led to Ogwal Oyee’s appointment by Lira City Council.
In a petition dated May 4, 2026, submitted through Ssekyewa, Matovu and Company Advocates, the duo asked the ministry to halt the confirmation process, alleging that the appointment was “fundamentally flawed” and tainted by legal irregularities.
The petitioners argue that Ogwal Oyee’s position as a cultural leader makes him ineligible to serve on a public service commission.
They contend that Ogwal Oyee is the de facto Paramount Chief of Lango, commonly referred to as Won Nyaci me Lango, a role they say is incompatible with appointment to a local government service commission.
The dispute comes amid a long-running leadership contest within the Lango cultural establishment.
Lango currently has two rival claimants to the position of Paramount Chief, including Eng. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, who is recognised by the government and was elected head of the Lango Cultural Institution in March 2024.
The petitioners also cited a 2025 High Court judgment delivered in Lira by Justice Philip Odoki, which they said affirmed that under the Lango Cultural Foundation constitution, the late Yosam Odur Ebii remained the recognised Paramount Chief.
According to the same constitution, they argue, the office automatically passes to the prime minister of the cultural institution upon the death of the Paramount Chief.
At the time of Odur’s death, Ogwal Oyee was serving as prime minister, a position the petitioners say effectively elevated him to Paramount Chief.
They further claim that Ogwal Oyee has since performed cultural functions associated with the office, including the installation of clan leaders and appointment of ministers.
The petition also references correspondence sent in February 2026 by lawyers representing the Lango Cultural Foundation to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, seeking official recognition of Ogwal Oyee as Paramount Chief.
Legal objections
The petitioners argue that Section 11 of the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2023 prohibits cultural leaders from exercising administrative, legislative or executive functions within central or local government structures.
“This means that the appointment of Frederick Ogwal Oyee to the Lira City Service Commission directly contravenes the law and places him in a position of conflict of interest,” the petition states.
The petitioners further argue that his position could raise concerns over impartiality in public service recruitment and create perceptions of favouritism based on clan or cultural affiliation.
They have asked the Ministry of Public Service to reject the confirmation and order a fresh appointment process conducted in compliance with the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, the Local Government Act and the Standard Rules of Procedure for Local Government Councils.
“Failure to address these glaring irregularities and illegalities will not only undermine the rule of law but also set a dangerous precedent for governance and public administration in Uganda,” the petition states.
Cultural foundation dismisses challenge
Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation, dismissed the petition, saying it would have no impact on Ogwal Oyee’s position.
“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I am sure legal experts will establish whether Lira City Council and the Ministry of Public Service erred in appointing Ogwal Oyee as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission,” Ocen said in a telephone interview.
He added that Ogwal Oyee was already serving a second term in the role.
“That letter has no effect on the Paramount Chief’s new role because he is now serving his second term as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission,” Ocen said, adding: “Those behind the petition are simply seeking relevance and attention.”
The Ministry of Public Service had not publicly responded to the petition by Wednesday.