By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti City — Eestwad and Eestman have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting socio-economic transformation in the Teso sub-region through strategic investment in agriculture, tourism, technology and food processing.

Speaking during the Teso Run 2026 fundraising luncheon at Soroti Hotel, Stephen Odele, Director at Eastward and Eastman Coffee, said the organisation views the Teso Run as part of a broader effort to promote development through agriculture, tourism, sports and culture.

Odele said Eestwad and Eestman have partnered with the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF) as partners in progress, with a long-term vision of contributing to development in Teso.

He said the partnership is focused on areas including agriculture, social welfare and the modernisation of administration, while seeking to create sustainable opportunities for communities across the region.

Odele said one of the organisation’s key areas of interest is the promotion of high-value agricultural production, particularly coffee and cashew nuts.

He said the organisation is looking at establishing model farms across the eastern, central and northern parts of Teso to demonstrate the potential of commercial agriculture and encourage farmers to embrace high-value crops.

Odele pointed to Serere, where coffee is already being produced, as evidence that the crop can thrive in Teso.

“Coffee can grow in Teso,” he said, encouraging greater investment in commercial farming, processing and value addition.

He said strengthening agricultural production and value addition could create employment opportunities, improve household incomes and contribute to the region’s broader economic transformation.

Odele also highlighted the potential of Teso’s cultural heritage to drive tourism development.

He challenged the perception that tourism is primarily associated with wildlife and said Teso has a rich cultural identity that can be developed into a major tourism attraction.

“We are refining our identity. People believe tourism is about animals, but we believe Teso has a rich and profound culture,” he said.

He encouraged businesses, cultural institutions and communities to work together to promote Teso’s history, traditions and cultural heritage as part of efforts to expand the region’s tourism sector.

Odele said his organisation is also looking forward to supporting and investing in the Teso Run, which has become an annual event linked to the coronation anniversary of the Iteso cultural leader.

He described the run as an opportunity to promote culture, environmental conservation, unity and socio-economic development while bringing communities together.

Odele urged leaders and stakeholders across Teso to strengthen partnerships and work collectively to secure sustainable development for the region.

He said collaboration between the private sector, government, cultural institutions and communities is essential to unlocking Teso’s agricultural and tourism potential.

The Teso Run 2026 fundraising luncheon brought together cultural leaders, government officials, businesses, educational institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders as preparations continue for the October 16 event.

Organisers say the Teso Run is intended to go beyond sport and become a platform for promoting unity, cultural pride, health, environmental conservation, skills development and improved welfare for vulnerable children and young people across Teso.