By Nathan Eyagu 

TORORO – Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the Iteso Cultural Leader, has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the future of the Iteso community, focusing on unity, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and educational reform. In a comprehensive press conference, Emolot expressed gratitude for the success of the 2024 Ateker Reunion Festival, which brought together members of the Iteso diaspora from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 2024 Ateker Reunion Festival, held in Soroti City, marked a significant milestone in fostering unity among Iteso communities across borders. Emolot praised the community’s collective participation, describing the event as a testament to the strong cultural ties that unite the Iteso people. He also acknowledged the efforts of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Vice President Jessica Alupo in ensuring the event’s success, noting their continued support for initiatives that promote regional unity and cultural heritage.

“The Ateker Reunion Festival was an overwhelming success. It brought together our brothers and sisters from various countries, celebrating the shared heritage that binds us,” said Emolot.

Looking ahead to 2025, Emolot emphasized the importance of preserving the Iteso language, a key element of the community’s identity. He announced plans to focus on grassroots efforts to promote the language, particularly among the youth. Emolot also highlighted the need to address outdated cultural practices that no longer contribute to the community’s development, such as drug abuse and negative social behaviors.

“While it is important to preserve our traditions, we must also evolve and leave behind practices that hinder progress. It is crucial that we guide the youth toward positive behaviors that will contribute to their growth and to the development of our community,” he stated.

One of the most pressing issues facing the Iteso people is poverty. Emolot expressed concern over the economic struggles in the region and outlined a strategy to educate the community on modern wealth-building practices. He stressed the importance of engaging in government-led initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, which are designed to promote economic empowerment and reduce poverty.

“It is time to shift our focus to the money economy. The government has provided the tools, and it is up to us to take full advantage of these programs to create sustainable wealth,” Emolot said. He also encouraged the Iteso people to work diligently and engage in income-generating activities to combat poverty and improve their livelihoods.

A major priority for the Iteso Cultural Institution (ICU) in 2025 is the construction of a cultural palace, which Emolot described as a symbol of the Iteso people’s unity and progress. The Ugandan government has allocated resources for the project, and Emolot assured the public that construction will begin soon. The palace is expected to become one of the most iconic buildings in Soroti and the wider Teso region, showcasing the community’s rich cultural heritage.

“We are determined to make the Iteso Cultural Institution a vibrant and active entity. The palace will not only serve as a cultural landmark but also as a hub for promoting our traditions and fostering community development,” he said.

In addition to local fundraising efforts, Emolot announced that a major fundraising event will take place in Dubai on May 18, 2025, to raise further resources for the palace project. He urged the Iteso people, both within Uganda and in the diaspora, to come together in support of this important initiative. Emolot stressed that the success of the campaign would require collective effort and commitment from all Iteso people.

“This project is a reflection of our collective strength. We must unite and support the fundraising efforts, ensuring that the cultural palace becomes a reality,” he added.

Emolot also highlighted education, agriculture, and tourism as key areas for development in 2025. He expressed concern about the rising number of children failing to sit for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and called for increased collaboration with clan heads at the parish level to improve access to quality education.

In terms of agriculture, Emolot underscored the importance of modernizing farming practices, promoting the mechanization of agriculture, and establishing a breeding center for livestock. He also endorsed the government’s “four-acre” farming model, which has shown success in other regions, and emphasized the need for Iteso farmers to adopt this model to increase productivity and income.

Tourism, Emolot pointed out, is another avenue for economic growth. By showcasing Teso’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, the region has the potential to attract tourists and generate revenue, which would further enhance the community’s development.

As Uganda approaches the next political season, Emolot called for unity within the Iteso community, urging people to focus on development rather than engage in divisive political rhetoric. He stressed the importance of collaboration, hard work, and shared goals in building a prosperous future for the Iteso people.

“We must remain united and avoid the politics that divide us. Our focus should be on progress, not on creating divisions that hinder our collective advancement,” Emolot stated.

With a clear vision for 2025, Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng’s leadership promises to drive significant change in the Iteso community. By prioritizing education, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and infrastructure development, the Iteso people are poised for a year of transformation. Under Emolot’s guidance, the Iteso Cultural Institution will continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring a brighter future for all members of the community.