Lira City witnessed a powerful moment of leadership and compassion when the Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, visited the grieving family of the late David Otyek. While his primary mission was to offer condolences, the Won Nyaci transformed the visit into a stirring wake-up call regarding the health and future of men across the nation.
Standing before the bereaved family and community leaders, Dr. Okune delivered a heart-to-heart message about the silent threat of prostate-related illnesses. He pointed out that far too many lives are being cut short simply because of delayed medical attention. Using a relatable comparison, he explained that just as we service our vehicles and maintain our homes to prevent collapse, we must treat our bodies with the same proactive care. He issued a specific and urgent plea for men between the ages of 30 and 40 to prioritize regular medical checkups, noting that early detection is the only way to stop these conditions from turning into terminal cancer.
Beyond health, the Paramount Chief shared profound wisdom on the true purpose of education. He praised the late David Otyek for ensuring his children were well-educated, describing knowledge as a permanent asset that remains valuable even when formal jobs are scarce. He encouraged the youth to view their degrees as tools to open their minds and solve societal problems rather than just tickets to a monthly salary. Echoing the sentiments of President Yoweri Museveni, Dr. Okune urged the next generation to embrace entrepreneurship and practical skills. He reminded everyone that true wealth is built through diverse investments and business ventures, not just through reliance on a paycheck.
In a final, stern warning to the extended family and the community, the Won Nyaci spoke out against the land disputes that often follow the death of a patriarch. He called for absolute unity, urging the survivors to protect the reputation and assets of the deceased rather than tearing the family apart over property. He emphasized that the greatest way to honor a loved one is to preserve the legacy they worked so hard to build.
The emotional weight of the visit was underscored by the story of David Otyek himself. A retired civil servant who served the Lira District Local Government faithfully, Otyek began his battle with prostate complications shortly after his retirement in 2012. His struggle became severe in recent years, eventually leading to a terminal diagnosis of cancer that spread to his liver and pancreas. He passed away on June 10, 2026, at the Gulu Cancer Institute.
Proscovia Ayo Otyek, a daughter of the deceased and a local leader herself, expressed deep gratitude for the Paramount Chief’s presence. She noted that his support has been a pillar of strength for her family during both their professional achievements and their most difficult personal trials.
As the community prepares to lay David Otyek to rest on June 20, 2026, the Chief’s message remains a vital roadmap for the living. It is a reminder that a life well-lived is one protected by proactive health choices, enriched by lifelong learning, and kept intact through the strength of family bonds. Dr. Okune’s words serve as a challenge to every man to take his health seriously and to every family to value harmony over material conflict.