By Nathan Eyagu 

KATAKWI - Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, the Paramount Chief of Teso, has urged his subjects to combat family violence by prioritizing food security and fostering unity within communities. 

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at the burial of the late Joyce Mary Akiteng in Oponyongo Village, Abwokodia Parish, Usuk Sub County, Katakwi District, Emorimor highlighted the detrimental impact of domestic conflicts on family stability, noting that many couples have divorced as a result of crises at home.

The late Joyce was the wife of Mze Odeke Gerald Ojakala, an elder from the Ikuruka Clan, who played a significant role in the cultural initiation of Papa Emorimor prior to his coronation in 2022. 

During the burial ceremony, Emorimor called upon clan leaders throughout Teso to unite and address land disputes peacefully, emphasizing their role in resolving conflicts within the community.

“A clan leader is not determined by age or level of education, but by their wisdom and capability in handling disputes in the community. I challenge you to aggressively tackle land disputes to ensure a peaceful community,” he stated. 

Emorimor further urged families to put an end to domestic violence, highlighting that such conflicts create divisions and cause children to flee their homes, leading them to lives of hardship. 

He encouraged parents to prioritize their children's education and called on clan leaders to take responsibility for monitoring school attendance among children in their clans to promote community strength and unity.

As political activities ramp up in Katakwi, Emorimor implored the community to refrain from division and conflict, advocating for peaceful voting practices to elect capable leaders. 

Her Majesty Toto Akaliait, who supported Emorimor’s message, emphasized the importance of education for a better future for the Ateker people.

 This event coincided with the Iteso Cultural Union Council's upcoming meeting to honor the late Papa Jones Oluma, the Deputy Prime Minister for North who passed away last week in Kampala.

The body of the late Papa Jones Oluma will be taken to the ICU offices on Thursday morning, allowing Cabinet and Council members to pay their respects before it is transported to his ancestral home in Orungo County in America District for the funeral on Sunday.