By Nelly Otto
NAKASONGOLA
In a passionate appeal, HRH Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, the Lango Paramount Chief, has called on Ugandans to abandon harmful superstitions driving the threat to rhinos and other wildlife.
Speaking Monday, 22nd September, 2025 at the “Name and Friend a Rhino” event at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, Eng. Dr Okune expressed concern over beliefs that rhino horns possess medicinal properties boosting sexual prowess, labeling such notions as baseless and superstitious.
Superstition refers to beliefs or practices stemming from ignorance, fear, or trust in magic or chance, often contradicting scientific understanding. These beliefs can lead to harmful actions, like poaching wildlife for supposed medicinal benefits, undermining conservation efforts and threatening species survival.
Rhinos, locally known as “amuka” in Leblango,or “pioko” in Kiruli and “enkula” in Luganda, are under severe threat partly due to misconceptions about their horns.
Dr Odongo Okune highlighted the Lango people’s historical connection with rhinos, which once roamed the region but became extinct in the early1980s.
He portrayed the rhino as a peaceful, protective creature symbolizing the Lango values of peace and coexistence.
The Won Nyaci Me Lango also urged men to seek evidence-based solutions for sexual health issues rather than resorting to harmful superstitions.
What You Need To Know:
Erectile Dysfunction is a growing concern among men including the youths. According to various studies, ED can greatly impact relationships leading some women to seek sexual fulfilment outside of their primary relationships.
According to experts, this can in turn increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men include:
Physical Factors: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking
Psychological Factors: stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues.
Lifestyle Factors: excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise.
Experts recommend addressing ED through: Medical Consultation: talking to healthcare professionals about symptoms, Lifestyle Changes: regular exercise, balanced diet, quitting smoking and seeking counselling from experts for psychological therapy.
Dr Odongo Okune and his Buruli counterpart, HRH Isabaruli Butamanya Constantine Mwogezi, emphasized rhino conservation’s importance.
The “Name and Friend a Rhino” campaign aims to protect Uganda’s rhino population, currently housed at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, through public engagement and sustainable financing.
The Lango Paramount Chief drew parallels between the rhino’s protective nature and Lango’s tradition of peaceful coexistence.
He appealed to Ugandans to reject harmful superstitions and support wildlife conservation, promoting a healthier, science-backed approach to addressing personal health challenges.
The acclaimed civil engineer cum cultural leader told the attentive audience that the people of Lango has a very unique relationship and connection with the rhino which roamed the sub region several centuries ago before they became extinct in the early 1980s.
Dr Okune pointed out that hunting in the wild exposes individuals to zoonotic diseases – infections transmissible from animals to humans.
He cited examples of serious illnesses linked to wildlife, including: Ebola: a severe viral disease originating from wildlife contacts, and other zoonotic diseases: pathogens carried by wild animals and birds posing human health threats.
The Paramount Chief noted that modern households typically have domesticated animals like chickens (local or commercial breeds) and goats, reducing the necessity and increasing the risks of wild hunting.
He stated, “Gone are the days of such practices,” urging communities to adopt safer, more sustainable approaches to food and livelihoods.
The Paramount Chief’s warnings align with conservation efforts aiming to protect Uganda’s wildlife, including rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. By discouraging wild hunting, leaders like Okune promote both human health safety and biodiversity preservation.
Highlighting the Lango people’s connection with nature, Okune advocated for peaceful coexistence with wildlife, mirroring the rhino’s portrayal as a protective, peaceful creature.
The cultural leader’s message underscores a shift towards modern, safer practices benefiting public health and wildlife conservation.
The Isabaruli also used the occasion to exercise prudence in the 2026 elections drawing on traditional wisdom to convey his message.
Using the adage “a wise cat does not eat a pregnant rat”, and cautioning against provoking a crocodile while still in the water, the Isabaruli subtly advocated for re-electing President Museveni who has made significant contributions to Uganda’s development.
