By Our Reporter 

His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III has received a high-profile invitation to attend the Conference of All African Traditional Leaders, an extraordinary gathering of kings and queens across the continent, slated for 5th to 9th September 2025 in Mbabane, the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The historic meeting, convened under the auspices of His Majesty King Mswati III, is expected to draw some of Africa’s most influential cultural leaders for deliberations on heritage, governance, and the continent’s collective future. The conference is jointly organized by the African Indigenous Governance Council (AIGC) in collaboration with ENCO Communications International Office in Johannesburg, and is technically facilitated by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) through its Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities and Minorities in Africa.

The five-day summit will be guided by the African Union’s 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” According to the program, participants will examine Africa’s painful history of chattel slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, with reflections on its lingering impact on the continent and its people. The gathering will also serve as a platform for launching a renewed African Renaissance spirit, thought, and philosophy, while exploring pathways to establish a continental body for traditional leadership. Additionally, the meeting will conduct a strategic review of governance models and the critical role traditional institutions continue to play in shaping Africa’s renaissance.

For Emorimor, the invitation comes at a pivotal moment. Beyond its continental significance, the engagement presents an invaluable opportunity for networking and mobilization of resources, particularly toward the construction of the long-awaited Iteso Cultural Palace, a landmark project set to begin soon. The palace is envisioned as a unifying symbol of Iteso heritage, culture, and identity.

“The participation of His Highness in this historic summit places the Iteso people on the continental map,” noted cultural analysts, emphasizing that the engagement strengthens cultural diplomacy while opening doors to partnerships that can fuel development across the Iteso kingdom.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Stephen Ojacor, the Information Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) who also doubles as Emorimor’s spokesperson, confirmed the King’s departure.

“His Highness has travelled and is expected to spend a period of one week abroad. He will also visit the Zulu Kingdom of South Africa for key engagements,” Ojacor said.

He added that the development comes at a time when preparations are already in high gear for the third Coronation Anniversary of Emorimor, scheduled for 21st to 22nd October 2025 at Bukedea Boma Grounds. The celebrations are expected to attract dignitaries and cultural leaders from across Uganda and beyond, further solidifying the Iteso kingdom’s cultural presence.

Observers describe the Eswatini conference as a turning point for Africa’s traditional leadership, offering a rare platform for dialogue on issues that define the continent’s identity and future. Traditional leaders, who for centuries have served as custodians of heritage and values, will have an opportunity to influence discussions on governance, justice, and development at a continental scale.

Analysts also argue that by confronting historical injustices such as slavery and colonialism, while advocating for reparations and restorative justice, traditional leaders are positioning themselves at the heart of Africa’s renaissance. Their role, once diminished by modern governance structures, is now being re-examined as critical for fostering unity, peace, and development in communities.

For the Iteso kingdom, Emorimor’s presence in Eswatini not only highlights its cultural vibrance but also strengthens its international visibility. With the Cultural Palace project on the horizon, engagements of this nature are expected to attract goodwill, partnerships, and resource mobilization from across Africa and the diaspora.

As the Iteso Cultural Union readies itself for October’s coronation anniversary, Emorimor’s participation in the Eswatini gathering underscores the kingdom’s dual commitment, preserving cultural heritage at home while forging strategic alliances abroad.

The conference in Mbabane is anticipated to end with a joint declaration by African traditional leaders, outlining their collective vision for justice, cultural revival, and continental unity. For Emorimor and the Iteso people, the journey to Eswatini is more than a diplomatic mission; it is a stride into Africa’s unfolding renaissance story.