SOROTI – Regional leaders and the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) have officially kickstarted the countdown to the 2026 Emaali Cultural Festival, following a high-level planning meeting held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Soroti University.
 

The meeting brought together Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from across the Teso sub-region and the ICU Ministry of Tourism to align strategies for tourism development and community mobilization.

The upcoming festival, themed “Celebrating Heritage and Building Legacy” and dubbed “Teso to the World,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

A Vision for Unity and Development Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Eseru Paul, the RDC for Amuria District, welcomed the ICU’s tourism initiative, noting that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting cultural tourism.

“The Emaali Festival is a prime opportunity to showcase Iteso heritage and boost domestic tourism beyond the borders of Teso,” Mr. Eseru said. He further emphasized that the festival serves as a vital bridge to unite the Iteso diaspora and friends of Teso, highlighting the dual goals of cultural preservation and regional development.

Representing the ICU Minister for Tourism, Eweku Charles, Papa Alloch William Akoll delivered the Minister’s remarks, describing the festival as a "stunning premier celebration of Iteso heritage, unity, and shared vision."

“This annual gathering not only fortifies our cultural identity but also serves as a vital platform for mobilizing communities toward socio-economic transformation,” the statement read. Papa Alloch stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, involving RDCs, LC5 chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), religious organizations, and NGOs to ensure a seamless and safe event.

Logistics and Security The planning session addressed several critical pillars for the festival’s success, including:

Security Briefing & Protocol: Coordinated crowd management and VIP security.

Community Mobilization: Strategies to engage local populations for peaceful and constructive participation.

Inter-District Coordination: Harmonizing efforts between districts within Teso and those in the diaspora.

Mr. Omoding Stephen, the Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Soroti City, expressed gratitude toward the ICU leadership, specifically praising His Royal Highness Emorimor Papa Iteso for his role in steering the development of the region.

The Roadmap Ahead The meeting concluded with the adoption of a comprehensive roadmap leading up to the grand event in October. All RDCs present pledged their total support, emphasizing the need for massive mobilization at the grassroots level.

Key Upcoming Dates:

• June 26, 2026: Meeting with LC5 chairpersons, CAOs, and regional stakeholders at Soroti University.
• July 1, 2026 (Morning): Meeting with School Heads at Soroti University.
• July 1, 2026 (2:00 PM): Official Launch of the Emaali Cultural Festival at Soroti Hotel.
• August 15, 2026: HRH Emorimor Papa Iteso to meet with stakeholders and sponsors at Bugolo Royal Hotel, Kampala.
• October 24, 2026: The Emaali Cultural Festival at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Kampala.

By bringing the "Teso to the World" showcase to the capital, leaders hope to cement the region's place as a cultural and tourism powerhouse in Uganda.