By Our Reporter

TESO - In a significant move to restore and uplift Teso's cultural heritage, His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etimeileng, the paramount chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, has officially reopened two renowned cultural sites in Katakwi District that were recently demolished under the orders of former UPDF Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, General Peter Elwelu.  

On Monday afternoon, Emorimor led a delegation that included ICU Prime Minister Mr. Andrew Ocole, cabinet ministers, advisors, and local political leaders to commission the reopening of the sites that had been a source of pride and cultural identity for the community.  

General Elwelu, who is also the overseer of Elohim Ministries Church in Teso, justified the destruction of the sites in November 2024, labeling them as devoted to “evil darkness” and claiming they harbored malevolent forces contributing to the suffering of the Teso Sub-region.  

This rationale sparked intense backlash and opposition from elders and clan heads, who viewed the act as an affront to their heritage.  

During the reopening ceremony, Papa Emorimor visited Airiget in Oponyong Village, located in Owokodia parish, Usuk Sub-County.  

Community members recounted their fears in the wake of Elwelu's threats, especially towards the elders who lead cultural initiation practices known as "Asapan". 

Mze Odeke, an elder, shared how they felt endangered by Elwelu's comments: “All our cultural activities here completely got shut down right from the coming of Gen. Elwelu who threatened to deal with our people practicing these activities,” he stated, expressing gratitude towards Emorimor for reviving their cultural heritage.  

Clan chairman Mr. Ongima Robert revealed that the community had been living in fear since the closure of the site, with many abandoning their homes.  

“We have been having fear for our lives; some of our men have taken off from the village and not returned since that time,” Ongima said.  

The meeting held during the reopening focused on plans to develop and officially recognize all cultural sites as tourism destinations, starting with those affected by General Elwelu’s actions.  

Emorimor criticized Elwelu for what he termed “cultural erasure” and a lack of respect for traditional heritage, emphasizing the importance of initiation practices like *Asapan* for leaders within the Iteso Cultural Union.  

“I have forgiven him but warned him; I have already reported the matter to His Excellency the President and relevant authorities regarding his conduct,” Emorimor noted.  

Senior Advisor Simon Peter Ojaman and area councilor Akello Gareth encouraged swift action to convert the reopened sites into tourism investments, marking a positive move towards revitalizing the region’s economic prospects.  

Mr. Andrew Ocole, ICU Prime Minister, confirmed that negotiations with local residents to transform the sites into significant tourism attractions are in the final stages.  

“We have partially acquired resources to set these sites into major tourism sites; we are now finalizing negotiations with the area locals, and all is positively progressing,” Ocole announced.  

Recently, Emorimor declared an initiative to invest in tourism as a strategy to improve the livelihoods of his subjects, signaling a hopeful future for Teso’s cultural revival and economic growth.