LIRA, UGANDA- April 17, 2026: Counsel Daniel Omara Atubo Documents Lango Cattle Losses in New Book.
By Patrick Okidi
Former Lands Minister and vibrant lawyer, Counsel Daniel Omara Atubo, has officially released his latest book titled “Lango Cattle: From Wealth to Curse,” documenting the historical and painful loss of livestock in the sub-region.
Launched exactly a week ago, the book—retailing at Shs 30,000—has already seen massive sales in Lira, the wider Lango sub-region, and Kampala.
Atubo, 77, noted that he spent six months writing the book to preserve the history of Lango and provide a voice for victims. He highlighted that beyond cattle, the region needs to document its political journey, including the independence struggle of the 1950s, the rise of Milton Obote, and the turbulent transitions of 1971 and 1979.
“I want Lango to develop a culture of reading and writing. We must document our history, from the struggles for independence to the impact of various regimes on our people,” Atubo said.
Call for Justice:
The book launch was graced by Human Rights Commissioner Joel Aliro Omara, who praised Atubo for his courage. Omara recalled that between 1986 and 1989, Lango suffered a devastating loss of cattle that crippled the local economy.
“This book is not just a record of the past; it is a call for better policies to ensure such a scenario never happens again. We must invest in good governance and justice for the victims,” Commissioner Omara said. He used the Lango proverb, “Nyuka ka oton i cip pe nangere” (loosely translated as: you don’t give up when you lose something valuable), to encourage survivors to keep seeking justice.
Representing Lira City Mayor Sam Atul, Deputy Mayor Rebecca Alwedo Ogole noted that the publication serves as an educational resource for the younger generation to understand the cultural and economic significance of cattle in Lango.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including retired Bishop Odur Kami, former Deputy IGP Julius Odwe, Hon. Sarah Angweri Awor, and leaders of the Lango War Claimants Association.
Despite the successful launch, Atubo admitted that financial constraints among the local population remain a setback for wider distribution. However, he urged the public to buy copies to support local literature and preserve Lango’s heritage.
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