By Nathan Eyagu 

TESO - His Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the paramount chief of the Iteso community, has ambitious plans to revitalize tourism in the Teso sub-region by the year 2025.

This initiative aims to boost income and transform the local economy in a sustainable manner.

During his address, Emorimor emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and the Ministry of Tourism. 

“The focus will be on gazetting and developing notable tourism sites that hold the potential to attract international visitors”, Emorimor stated

Some of the highlighted attractions include:

Nyero Rocks, Sipi Falls, Kachumbala Rock, Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve, Teso Culture Centre, Soroti Museum, Opiroi Waterfall, Igala Central Forest Reserve, Lake Bisina (known for shoebills), Kopo Hills Forest Reserve, Lake Opeta, Soroti Rock, Kadam Mountain, Teso city/nightlife.

In his New Year address, Emorimor called upon the local populace to actively engage with the ICU to develop tourism into a vibrant sector that contributes significantly to the economy. 

He also urged the government and development partners to invest in these key sites to create employment opportunities for the youth and enhance revenue for social services.

Mr. Joseph Ojatum, the Tourism Deputy Minister, praised Emorimor for his proactive involvement in the tourism industry.

He announced plans for a second tourism symposium slated for July 2025, which aims to draw potential tourists and investors to the region, fostering new innovations and efforts to invigorate the sector.

“Tourism begins with our people’s lifestyle, the foods we consume, our culture, and the unique natural features that surround us,” Ojatum stated. 

He emphasized the need to leverage this environment into income-generating opportunities to improve livelihoods.

In a related development, Emorimor and the ICU cabinet are actively mobilizing funds for the construction of a cultural palace for the Iteso community. 

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to lead the groundbreaking ceremony in the coming weeks, marking another significant step toward enhancing the region's cultural and economic landscape.