By Nathan Eyagu

SOROTI - The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has unveiled a transformative initiative to enhance educational opportunities for vulnerable children across the Teso region. The initiative, launched at the ICU offices, introduces two pivotal efforts: a donation of educational kits and the Emorimor Education Run, a marathon aimed at raising funds and awareness for the future of Teso’s youth.

At the heart of the initiative is a clear message: “Investing in education is investing in the future of Teso.” This sentiment resonated deeply throughout the launch event, with Andrew Ocole, the Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union, calling on all residents of Teso, regardless of their background, to unite in support of the region’s educational sector. Ocole emphasized the importance of collective action in securing a prosperous future for the children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.

The Emorimor Education Run, named in honor of Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural Union, is set to take place on October 18, 2025. The marathon will span all districts within the Teso region, gathering individuals, families, and organizations in a unified effort to support the education of Teso’s youth. The run will serve not only as a fundraiser but also as a symbolic event to raise awareness about the importance of education for the region's most vulnerable children.

Emmanuel Peter Eriaku, Coordinator of the Emorimor Coronation Run and Executive Director of the Iteso Cultural Development Foundation (ICUDEF), highlighted the significance of the event. “This initiative goes beyond fundraising; it’s about raising awareness,” Eriaku said. “The funds generated will be directed toward providing educational kits, scholarships, and building the infrastructure necessary for the region's future leaders. The Emorimor Run is a call to action for everyone in Teso to come together and ensure our children receive the education they deserve.”

The educational kits, each valued at 25,000 Ugandan Shillings, will be distributed to children across Teso who are most in need. These kits will include essential learning materials such as books, stationery, and educational tools,resources that are critical for students, particularly in under-resourced areas. By providing these kits, the ICU aims to remove barriers to education, ensuring that every child has the tools necessary to succeed in school.

The launch of the initiative also highlighted a broader vision for Teso’s future, one that positions education as the foundation for regional development. Stephen Ojacor, the Minister for Information at the ICU, shared a powerful vision for Teso’s growth, urging the region to strive for excellence in every sector, from education to healthcare. “We are building the future of Teso through our children,” Ojacor said. “Our children will become the leaders of tomorrow,teachers, doctors, engineers and it all starts with investing in their education today.”

The call for unity in supporting Teso’s children was echoed by Shirk Abubakar Obilan, the Mufti of the North Eastern Regional Association. Obilan encouraged the Muslim community to actively engage in the initiative, stressing that education is a shared responsibility. “Every child, regardless of faith or background, deserves the opportunity to succeed,” he affirmed.

The official launch of the ICU’s education initiative concluded with a powerful call to action from Prime Minister Ocole. “This is not just the responsibility of the government or the Iteso Cultural Union,” Ocole stated. “This is a collective responsibility for all of us. From local leaders to community members, we must come together and ensure that every child in Teso has access to quality education.”

As the region moves forward, there is a growing sense of hope and solidarity among the people of Teso. The educational kits and the Emorimor Education Run symbolize a new chapter in the region’s development,a chapter where the people of Teso take proactive steps to secure the future of their children. By investing in education today, Teso is laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.

The Emorimor Education Run and the distribution of educational kits are just the beginning of an ambitious movement that seeks to inspire hope, strengthen community bonds, and transform the educational landscape of Teso. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other regions in Uganda, sparking a nationwide movement to ensure that no child is left behind.