Honoring a Hero: Lango Leaders Pay Tribute to Rtd Col. Abenego Orech, Composer of the Lango Anthem

Lira, Uganda — On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the leaders of the Lango sub-region gathered to pay their last respects to the late Rtd Col. Abenego Orech, a revered figure in Lango’s cultural heritage and the composer of the Lango Anthem. His passing has sparked a renewed dialogue around the importance of honoring those who contribute profoundly to the cultural identity of a community. 

Col. Orech, known for his pivotal role in Uganda’s history, was the first to sound the trumpet on the day of Uganda’s independence, October 9, 1962. This exhilarating moment not only marked the end of colonial rule but also represented the awakening of national pride for many Ugandans. Col. Orech’s composition of the Lango Anthem further solidified his legacy as a key cultural figure, emphasizing the need for recognition and respect for indigenous artistry.

During the tribute held at the Lira District Headquarters, Hon. RCM Okello Orik, Chairperson of the Lira District Local Council (LCV), urged the Lango Cultural leadership to recognize Col. Orech’s extraordinary contributions by facilitating a formal acknowledgment. “Col. Orech dedicated his life to not just crafting a national identity but also a cultural one for the Lango people. It is imperative that we repay his magnificent work on the Lango Anthem with the honor it deserves," he stated passionately.

RCM Okello Orik, Lira District Chairperson LCV 

Hon. DK Odongo, Chairperson of Alebtong District LCV, echoed Orik's sentiments, asserting that local leaders would advocate for the government of Uganda to formally recognize Col. Orech's contributions. “It is our duty to ensure that the government pays homage to such a great man. His work was not just a melody; it was a rallying cry for our cultural unity,” Odongo remarked, highlighting the necessity of collective remembrance and gratitude.

Levi Okodi Macpio, Deputy Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation, shared his commitment to ensuring that Col. Orech’s legacy is preserved and honored. “As leaders of the Lango Cultural Foundation, we will take steps to ensure that the Late Rtd Col. Abenego Orech is duly recognized for his invaluable contribution. This is not just about the anthem; it is about our identity,” Macpio emphasized.

Levi Okodi Macpio, 1st Deputy Prime Minister - Lango Cultural Foundation 

The discussions surrounding Col. Orech’s legacy also invite a broader reflection on the role of cultural leaders and artists in nation-building. With Uganda’s political landscape continually evolving, the contributions of individuals like Col. Orech remind us of the power of art and culture in fostering unity and resilience among communities.

While the tributes paid to Col. Orech are heartfelt, there remains an urgent need for concrete actions to honor his legacy. As calls for recognition grow louder, the focus now turns to the Lango Cultural leadership and the government of Uganda to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to memorialize his contributions—not only for the sake of history but also for the current and future generations of the Lango people.

The passing of Rtd Col. Abenego Orech is a profound loss for the Lango sub-region and Uganda as a whole. His legacy as a composer of the Lango Anthem and his role in Uganda’s independence should be celebrated and immortalized. As leaders rally together to honor his memory, it serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to preserve and celebrate the cultural identities that shape our nation.