By Our Reporter
Entebbe, Uganda — August 5, 2024
In a move towards fostering Pan-African unity and socio-economic transformation, Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the Iteso cultural leader, met with several prominent African leaders at State House in Entebbe. Among the attendees were the King of Bugisu, Omukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the King of Lango, Won Nyaci Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, and other esteemed West African kings. The meeting was hosted by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The gathering aimed to mobilize support for the upcoming Ateker Re-Union in Soroti City, scheduled for November 27-29, 2024. This highly anticipated event is set to draw a diverse group of leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who will attend with a large delegation, Kenyan President William Ruto, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.
During the meeting, President Museveni emphasized the importance of sharing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s vision with cultural leaders. He highlighted the NRM’s journey from a student movement in the 1960s to a political force, emphasizing the party’s firm stance on various issues. Museveni called on the cultural leaders to educate their communities on wealth creation and self-reliance, advocating for prosperity through production and sustainable trade rather than reliance on foreign aid.
“Our view is that prosperity will come from each adult person producing a good or participating in producing a good or a service and selling it sustainably and getting money; that money will help me get rich and solve my problems,” Museveni stated. He explained that wealth creation initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model, aim to ensure every household can generate income and improve their livelihoods.
Museveni also underscored the need for a broader market, advocating for Pan-Africanism to access markets for surplus goods, and stressing the importance of socio-economic transformation to modernize African societies. He cautioned against divisive politics based on tribalism, which hinders development.
In addition to the Ateker Re-Union, Papa Emorimor has also invited all members of the Ateker community to his anniversary celebration on October 22, 2024, in Serere. This event will mark another milestone in his efforts to promote unity and cultural pride among the Ateker people.
The Umukuka III expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support towards the Bugisu sub-region and various cultural initiatives, including the recent Imbalu cultural festival. He praised the government’s development programs like the Parish Development Model, which has significantly benefited the region.
His Royal Highness, Torgbui Amenya Fiti V, President of the Forum of Kings, Queens, and Traditional Leaders in Africa, also commended Museveni for his Pan-African spirit and solidarity.
With such high-profile endorsements and a clear vision for the future, Papa Emorimor’s initiatives are set to make a lasting impact on the socio-cultural landscape of Africa.