By James Alomu
His Royal Highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the Emorimor and Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), has issued a stern directive warning members of his cabinet and cultural councilors against engaging in partisan political activities. Emorimor made it clear that the ICU must remain neutral and focused solely on preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Iteso people.
The declaration was made during a high-level ICU Council sitting held on Saturday at the Union’s headquarters along Serere Road, opposite Soroti Hotel in Soroti City. The meeting brought together ICU cabinet ministers, cultural councilors, five delegates from each district in the Teso Sub-region, and Her Royal Majesty Akaliait Juliet Among.
In his opening address, Emorimor welcomed council members with appreciation and apologized for the delay in convening the meeting, citing ongoing national engagements, regional tours, and the construction of Ore Iteso, a cultural heritage site.
However, the highlight of the day came as the Emorimor strongly addressed the growing trend of political involvement by some ICU officials, particularly during the recent NRM party primaries. With national elections approaching in 2026, he warned that ICU leaders must resist being drawn into partisan politics.
“It is politics time, but as ministers and councilors of the Iteso Cultural Union, you must not take sides,” Emorimor cautioned. “The cultural institution must remain impartial. If I find any ICU leader acting as an agent of a political candidate, I will not hesitate to direct the Ekirigi (Prime Minister) to replace them.”
The Paramount Chief denounced political chants, open endorsements, and any behavior that compromises the Union’s cultural mission.
“Our institution cannot support any candidate or engage in partisan behavior. Shouting slogans like ‘oyeeee’ at rallies while wearing the ICU title tarnishes our credibility,” he added.
Emorimor emphasized that the ICU’s leadership must act as a unifying force, providing moral and cultural guidance above political lines. He reiterated his commitment to upholding traditional values and maintaining discipline within the institution.
He also addressed recent cabinet reshuffles, noting that the changes were not driven by personal disagreements but by the need to reinforce discipline and equal leadership opportunities.
“As your leader for the past three years, I assure you that any replacements are in line with our vision for growth. Let no one feel excluded or hated,” he said. “We still love and need everyone who remains committed to our cultural cause.”
The meeting also celebrated recent achievements, including the visit of Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, who recognized the ICU as one of Uganda’s most robust cultural institutions. The government has since donated two vehicles to support the Union's operations.
Among the key resolutions made was the formation of a disciplinary committee tasked with investigating any future cases of political partisanship. Additionally, the Council resolved to enhance civic education across the sub-region, reinforcing the Union's apolitical and cultural mandate.
Emorimor concluded the council sitting with a passionate call for unity, peace, and renewed cultural commitment.
“Let us work together, uphold our heritage, and rise above the divisions brought by politics. The people of Teso look to us for leadership and let us not fail them,” he said.
The ICU, as the cultural backbone of the Iteso people, continues to assert its position as a guardian of identity, tradition, and unity ,now drawing a clear line between cultural leadership and political influence.
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