By Ecungu George William
KAMPALA - The Iteso youth, under their umbrella organization known as Teso Students Development Association (TESDA), Kampala International University (KIU) branch, held a grand handover ceremony for the new executive committee on Saturday, April 6th, 2024. The event, themed "The Role of Cultural Associations in Community Development," unfolded at Casablanca Garden in Kasanga, Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
The KIU TESDA handover party has been hailed as one of the most meticulously organized events in TESDA's history, drawing thousands of attendees, including students from various universities and esteemed figures from Uganda.
Distinguished guests present at the ceremony included CPA Stephen Emorut, representing Papa Emorimor Iteso, Mr. Michael Esenyu – TESDA National Coordinator, and Majors Omax Omeda and Sam Omoit from the Uganda Peoples Defense Force. Also in attendance were former TESDA National Chairperson Alfred Oteger, Emmanuel Okubu, the 2020-2021 KIU TESDA Chairperson, Bernard Katanzi, NRM Chairperson at KIU, and Pius Kiyemba, President of KIU Law Society, among others.
Representatives from various institutions such as Mr. Ogwang Jorem from Kampala International University and Mr. Otuba from Nkumba University, who also serves as the TESDA Chairperson and National Speaker, graced the occasion. Notable universities like MUBS, Kyambogo University, and Makerere University were also represented.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ogwang Jorem, the patron of TESDA at KIU, emphasized the importance of academic excellence and the preservation of Iteso culture among students. He urged Iteso youth outside Teso land to uphold their cultural heritage.
CPA Emorut Stephen, representing Iteso Cultural Union, conveyed gratitude from ICU to the Iteso students at KIU. He urged them to take pride in Ateso culture and cautioned against adopting foreign cultures at the expense of their own. Emorut emphasized the importance of respecting cultural and political leaders and advocated for increased social networking within the Iteso community.
Isaac Emuron, the outgoing TESDA KIU Chairperson, expressed appreciation to all attendees and highlighted the successful mobilization efforts undertaken during his tenure. He thanked students for their participation in cultural events, including traditional dance performances and showcasing Iteso cuisine. Emuron stressed the significance of familiarizing students with Iteso cultural symbols, including the ICU anthem.
Major Omax Omeda, the guest of honor, emphasized the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage. He encouraged students to develop leadership skills and aspire to contribute to state leadership post-graduation. Omeda applauded the networking prowess of the incumbent vice-chairperson and urged continued support for aspiring leaders among students.
The new cabinet, led by Andrew Emuli and Deputized by Stella Atukuri, pledged unwavering commitment to TESDA's mission and promised to represent the interests of all districts in Teso and Tororo.
