By James Alomu

The Iteso Cultural Development Foundation (ICUDEF), the development arm of the Iteso Cultural Union, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Soroti School of Health Sciences (SOSHE) to launch the Etomeileng and Lemukol Medical Bursary Scheme, an initiative aimed at expanding access to nursing and midwifery education for students from the Teso sub-region.

The partnership seeks to train 100 students under a health workforce development scholarship programme designed to address the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in the region while creating educational opportunities for vulnerable young people.

Speaking during a meeting with clan chairpersons from the 16 districts of Teso, ICUDEF Executive Director Dr. Eriaku Peter Emmanuel said the bursary programme has been structured into two categories to ensure support reaches students with different financial needs while honoring the legacy of Teso's cultural leadership.

He explained that the Etomeileng Bursary will provide full sponsorship to students from highly vulnerable families who are unable to afford the cost of pursuing nursing and midwifery courses. The bursary is named in recognition of the vision of the Emorimor of Teso, His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, whose agenda emphasizes improving the health and well-being of the Iteso people through investment in human capital.

Dr. Eriaku added that the Lemukol Bursary, which covers 60 percent of tuition fees while parents or guardians contribute the remaining 40 percent, was established in memory of the late Emorimor Augustine Olemukol. He said the bursary serves as a lasting tribute to the former cultural leader's contribution to the unity and development of the Iteso community while extending educational opportunities to deserving students who need financial assistance.

He noted that the initiative reflects the institution's commitment to preserving the legacy of both past and present cultural leadership by investing in the education of young people who will serve their communities.

"This Memorandum of Understanding is geared towards training 100 students under the scholarship scheme. Our objective is to increase the number of our sons and daughters who qualify as nurses and midwives so that we can strengthen healthcare delivery in Teso," Dr. Eriaku said.

He emphasized that the programme is not only about offering financial support but also about building a sustainable pool of healthcare professionals who will contribute to improving community health across the region.

Dr. Eriaku further clarified that the health workforce development scholarship differs from the mainstream Iteso Cultural Union scholarship programme. While the mainstream scholarship supports Iteso youth pursuing various academic and vocational disciplines, the Etomeileng and Lemukol Medical Bursary Scheme specifically focuses on producing nurses and midwives who will later support ICUDEF's health programmes and community outreach initiatives.

According to him, beneficiaries will become part of a professional health network that will work alongside ICUDEF even after graduation, contributing their expertise to health interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of communities across Teso.

Soroti School of Health Sciences Director Sangadi Gilbert Elijah welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant step towards making health education more accessible to young people from disadvantaged families.

He encouraged prospective applicants to engage their district clan leadership to obtain detailed information about the scholarship programme and application procedures.

Sangadi further assured the people of Teso that Soroti School of Health Sciences is fully registered by the Ministry of Education and is committed to delivering quality training that meets national standards.

He said the institution accepted the partnership because it understands the financial hardships many families in Teso face, particularly when it comes to pursuing science-based education. He expressed confidence that the Etomeileng and Lemukol Medical Bursary Scheme will help produce a new generation of competent healthcare professionals while honoring the legacies of both the current Emorimor, His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, and the late Emorimor Augustine Olemukol through a lasting investment in the future of Teso.