By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti City — The Iteso Cultural Development Foundation (ICUDEF) has today signed a partnership agreement with Hope Again Development Organization (HADEO) aimed at strengthening community development across the Teso sub-region, with a focus on education, health, and climate-smart agricultural livelihoods.

The agreement was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by leaders of the Iteso Cultural Union and development partners. 

Speaking at the event, ICUDEF Executive Director Eriaku Peter Emmanuel described the partnership as a timely intervention aligned with the pressing needs of the Iteso community.

“This partnership will focus on three core program areas—education, health, and agricultural livelihoods, with special emphasis on climate-smart agriculture,” Eriaku said. “These sectors are central to improving household welfare and building resilient communities in Teso.”

As part of the partnership launch, HADEO donated 100 solid concrete blocks to support the construction of Ere Iteso, the cultural home of the Iteso people. The donation marks the beginning of community-led preliminary works, starting with the construction of the perimeter wall.

Eriaku commended HADEO for the gesture, noting that it demonstrates confidence in community-driven development. He emphasized that while government support is expected to play a major role in the later stages of construction, the responsibility to initiate and sustain the project lies with the Iteso people themselves.

“This is our home and the symbol of our identity. No one else can lift us unless we take the lead,” he said, calling on Iteso households to make modest but collective contributions toward the project.

On behalf of HADEO, Okello Engungot Vincent, the Country Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the construction of Ere Iteso.

“We are encouraged by this partnership with ICUDEF, and we are proud to contribute to the construction of our cultural home,” Okello said. “Ere Iteso will be a place where communities meet, where children learn cultural values, and where future generations can take pride in their identity.”

He added that while the current contribution may appear modest, it is intended to inspire broader participation from development partners, donors, civil society organizations, and the wider Iteso community.

Also present at the event was Ochoggia Abdallah, Director of Planning and Strategic Partnerships at ICUDEF, who witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the official handover of construction materials. He described the partnership as a critical step toward preserving Iteso heritage while advancing sustainable development.

Construction of Ere Iteso is expected to progress in phases, with preliminary community-led works underway and a formal groundbreaking anticipated after upcoming elections. Government involvement is expected to play a key role in the main construction phase.

The ICUDEF–HADEO partnership is expected to deliver long-term benefits across the Teso sub-region by strengthening social services, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and reinforcing cultural identity through community ownership and collaboration.