By Nathan Eyagu
Amuria District – The Iteso Cultural Union leader, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, has called on his people to resolve land conflicts and prioritize education, emphasizing that these two issues are key to the development of Teso.
Speaking at Amolo Sub-county as he concluded his cultural grassroots tour in Amuria District, he urged leaders, parents, and the community to take decisive action in securing a brighter future for the next generation.
Emorimor expressed concern over the increasing land wrangles in Teso, warning that these disputes have led to a rise in orphans and widows as families fight over property. "We must work towards peace and unity. Land disputes are tearing apart families and leaving children without proper care," he said.
He encouraged clan leaders, elders, and local authorities to take responsibility in mediating and resolving conflicts before they escalate into violence. "Let families be peaceful so that children grow up in a stable environment," he urged.
Emorimor emphasized the importance of education, noting that many children enroll in Primary One but only a few make it to Primary Seven. He proposed a monitoring program where clan leaders work closely with school heads to track students who fail to report back to school.
To support education, he urged each clan to contribute 100,000 UGX per year to monitor school programs and assist financially struggling students. "We must declare a total war against school dropouts. Parents should also give children career guidance to help them choose marketable courses that will secure them jobs in the future," he added.
Emorimor announced plans for a new education-focused initiative that will visit all schools in Teso. "We are often told that we lack professionals. Within ten years, this narrative must change through strategic investment in education," he declared.
To strengthen the Teso identity, Emorimor emphasized the importance of preserving the Ateso language. He revealed that Ateso language has been introduced to schools and Ateso textbooks too will be given out to aid teachers in educating children in their mother tongue.
"We must ensure that our children grow up knowing and loving their culture. Language is a vital part of our identity, and we cannot afford to lose it," he stated.
Emorimor called for special attention to the welfare of young girls, urging parents to ensure they dress decently, eat well, and maintain discipline. He encouraged them to be prayerful and responsible, saying this would help build a morally upright generation.
Addressing rising laziness among Iteso men, Emorimor criticized those who spend their time idling in trading centers while neglecting their responsibilities. He encouraged both men and women to engage in income-generating activities such as selling foodstuffs and small businesses to combat household poverty.
"Women should also move beyond the kitchen and start businesses. Let’s work hard so that our children can access higher education," he advised.
He further urged the community to use Parish Development Model (PDM) funds wisely, discouraging corruption and wasteful spending. "We must elect leaders who prioritize development, not those who only serve their interests," he warned.
As Uganda enters a political season, Emorimor reminded his subjects that elections should not divide them. "Politics is not a do-or-die affair. Be strong if you want to contest, but remember there will be winners and losers.God knows the chosen one," he said.
Emorimor concluded his address by urging his people to combine faith with hard work. "Let’s not cry while sitting but pray while working, for the Bible says, ''Pray while running."
His grassroots cultural tour aimed at reviving cultural values, improving education, promoting economic stability, and strengthening family structures among the Iteso people.
