The Elites must take center stage in Lango’s
transformation: Now or Never
By Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, CEO,
GLOFORD Uganda and Director, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lango Chapter
Lango, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, strong political legacy, and deep
community values, stands at a crossroads. Despite its immense potential, the
region continues to grapple with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and
underdeveloped infrastructure. The question is, for how much longer? If Lango
is to break free from this cycle and achieve sustainable progress, its
elites—those with the knowledge, skills, and resources—must take center stage.
The time to act is now or never.
The role of Elites in transformation
Throughout
history, transformation has never happened by accident. It has always been led
by a determined and visionary group—elites—who use their influence, leadership,
and resources to shape societies. In Lango, these elites are drawn from
politics, business, academia, religion, social activism, and culture. Each of
these groups has a role to play in steering the region toward a brighter
future.
- Political Elites: Leaders in government and public institutions shape policies,
allocate resources, and set the agenda for development. Strong political
leadership can drive investment in infrastructure, agriculture, education,
and industrialization—key pillars of transformation. - Economic Elites: Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors hold the key
to unlocking economic opportunities. By investing in agribusiness, small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and infrastructure, they can drive
job creation, strengthen value chains, and make Lango a competitive
economic hub. - Intellectual Elites: Educators, researchers, and professionals must take the lead
in shaping a knowledge-based economy. By promoting education, skills
development, and innovation, they can equip young people with the tools
they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. - Religious Elites: Spiritual leaders play a vital role in shaping values,
fostering peace, and advocating for ethical leadership. Their influence is
crucial in uniting the community around shared goals, integrity, and
accountability. - Social Elites: These include philanthropists, civil society leaders, and
human rights advocates who work to address pressing social challenges.
Their efforts in healthcare, gender equality, youth empowerment, and
social justice ensure that development is inclusive and leaves no one
behind. - Cultural Elites: Traditional leaders, artists, musicians, and historians are
the custodians of Lango’s identity. By preserving cultural heritage and
promoting creative industries, they can contribute to social cohesion,
tourism, and economic growth.
Lessons from History: The power of
elites in transforming nations
The
transformative power of elites is not a new phenomenon. History provides
compelling examples of how determined leaders have reshaped their nations.
a) Mahatma Gandhi (India) – By blending
intellectual and political leadership, Gandhi led India’s independence movement
through non-violent resistance, rallying both elites and the masses against
British rule.
b) Nelson Mandela (South Africa) – A
political icon, Mandela’s leadership dismantled apartheid, united South Africa,
and laid the foundation for democracy and social justice.
c) Abraham Lincoln (United States) –
Lincoln’s leadership during the American Civil War helped preserve the Union
and abolish slavery, transforming the country’s social and political fabric.
d) Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) – As a Pan-Africanist,
Nkrumah led Ghana’s independence and inspired movements across Africa,
championing self-determination and economic progress.
e) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – As
Africa’s first female president, Sirleaf guided Liberia through post-war
recovery, prioritizing economic reforms, education, and infrastructure.
f) Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) – Nyerere
introduced Ujamaa (African socialism), emphasizing self-reliance and collective
development, which helped shape Tanzania’s national identity.
g) Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) – A
revolutionary thinker, Sankara fought for self-sufficiency, women’s
empowerment, and governance reforms, leaving an indelible mark on Africa’s
development discourse.
These examples highlight a critical lesson:
when elites unite behind a common vision, transformation follows.
Lango’s Political Legacy: A history of leadership
and influence
Lango is not new
to political influence. One of its most prominent sons, Dr. Apollo Milton
Obote, was Uganda’s first Prime Minister and later President. He played a
significant role in shaping Uganda’s post-independence political and economic
policies. His leadership, though contested in some circles, underscores Lango’s
historical significance in national governance.
Beyond Obote,
Lango has produced influential politicians, civil servants, military leaders,
and technocrats who have left their mark on Uganda’s political landscape.
However, despite this rich legacy, the region has yet to fully translate its
leadership capital into tangible economic and social transformation. It is time
for today’s elites to rekindle that legacy, not just for political prominence,
but for real, lasting development.
The Time is Now: Lango’s Elites must
Step Up
Lango’s future depends on the collective
action of its elites. Every category of leadership—political, economic,
intellectual, religious, social, and cultural—must rise to the occasion. This
is not the time for complacency. It is the time for vision, action, and bold
decisions.
- Political elites must champion
pro-development policies that address youth employment, industrialization,
and equitable resource allocation. - Economic elites must invest in
value-addition industries, agribusiness, and technology to boost
productivity and create employment opportunities. - Intellectual elites must take the
lead in education reform, research, and skills development to prepare
Lango’s youth for a competitive job market. - Religious elites must use their
influence to instill moral integrity, accountability, and unity among
leaders and communities. - Social elites must advocate for
social justice, poverty alleviation, and community-led development
initiatives. - Cultural elites must preserve
Lango’s heritage while embracing modernization, leveraging tourism, arts,
and cultural industries to drive economic growth.
The region’s
transformation will not come from external forces. It must come from within.
The responsibility rests on those with influence—the elites—to steer Lango in
the right direction.
Conclusion: Lango’s Moment of
Opportunity
Lango stands at the
threshold of transformation. The region has the leadership capacity, historical
legacy, and human potential to reclaim its place as a beacon of development in
Uganda and Africa. However, this will not happen unless its elites rise above
individual interests and work together for the common good.
The time for
debates without action is over. The time for waiting for external solutions has
passed. The time for elite leadership, accountability, and strategic vision is
now. Lango’s future will be shaped by those who dare to step up, take
responsibility, and lead with purpose.
The choice is clear: transform now or
risk being left behind. The elites must take center stage—before it’s too
late.
