ICU Information Minister Stephen Ojacor says Emorimor and Toto Akaliait travelled to Australia at the invitation of a Ugandan diaspora association for a cultural event, not a political mobilization.
The Information Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), Stephen Ojacor, has dismissed criticism directed at His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III following the circulation of photographs showing the Iteso cultural leader alongside supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in Australia.
The photographs, which circulated widely on social media, sparked debate among Ugandans, with some critics questioning whether the Paramount Chief had departed from his cultural role to associate himself with a political movement.
Among those who expressed concern was Pascal Amuriat, Deputy President of the Democratic Front Party, who criticized the cultural leader over what he perceived as political partisanship.
However, Ojacor has come out to clarify the circumstances surrounding the visit, insisting that Emorimor and Her Royal Majesty Toto Akaliait Juliet Among travelled to Australia to attend a cultural function organized by members of the Ugandan diaspora.
According to Ojacor, the royal delegation was invited by the Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association, a Ugandan diaspora organization based in Australia, to participate in celebrations promoting Ugandan culture and community engagement.
“Emorimor and Toto Akaliait were invited to celebrate the cultural event organised by the Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association, based in Australia. Even Dr. Balaam, Hon. Tumukunde and Hon. Omoding Emmanuel went there on invitation, not on political arrangements,” Ojacor said.
He argued that the presence of political figures and supporters of the PLU at the event should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that the cultural institution had endorsed a political organisation.
Ojacor explained that, during the gathering, a large section of participants identified themselves with the PLU, creating an impression on social media that the event was primarily political.
He maintained that Emorimor could neither dictate the political affiliations of individual participants nor abandon a cultural gathering simply because some attendees chose to associate themselves with a political movement.
The Information Minister further challenged critics to consider the full video of the event rather than relying solely on photographs and selected images circulating online.
According to him, Emorimor did not make any political declaration or publicly endorse the PLU during his address.
Instead, Ojacor said, the Paramount Chief used the opportunity to encourage Ugandans living abroad to invest their earnings back home and contribute to the country’s economic development.
“In the video that was released, Emorimor’s comments were totally the opposite of what the social media critics are talking about. It is very important to stop rushing to criticize before understanding the circumstances of the matter,” Ojacor said.
He urged Ugandans to exercise restraint when interpreting the activities of cultural leaders, particularly when they participate in international engagements involving people from different political backgrounds.
The controversy has also revived discussions about the relationship between cultural institutions and partisan politics, with critics questioning how traditional leaders can maintain neutrality while interacting with politicians and politically affiliated groups.
Ojacor’s clarification seeks to distinguish Emorimor’s cultural and diplomatic engagements from political endorsements, arguing that participation in a gathering attended by supporters of a particular movement does not, by itself, amount to supporting that movement.
He maintained that the Australian visit should be understood within its cultural context and called for informed public debate based on the full circumstances surrounding the event.
