By Peterson Otwakai
In a landmark meeting held at the Prestigious Sheraton Hotel, Abdallah Ochoggia, Deputy Information Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), alongside Dr. Eriaku Peter, Director of Animal Resources in ICU, represented the esteemed Emorimor Papa Iteso, currently on duty in Canada. Their counterparts included His Excellency, Ambassador Michael Lotem of Israel in Uganda and Kenya.
The meeting, convened to discuss crucial bilateral cooperation issues between the resilient Iteso community and Israel, saw Abdallah Ochoggia delivering a stirring speech on behalf of Emorimor Papa Iteso, highlighting the shared heritage and aspirations between the two peoples.
In his address, Ochoggia traced the rich historical ties between the Iteso people and the land of Israel, drawing parallels from ancient times to the present day. He emphasized the Iteso’s ancestral lineage, believed to originate from Biblical figures, and their significant contributions to Uganda’s cultural tapestry.
With over 2.36 million Iteso spread across various districts in Eastern Uganda and a sizable population in neighboring Kenya, the Iteso community stands as a pillar of resilience and cultural vibrancy in the region.
The socio-political structure of the Iteso, organized into seven clans under the leadership of Emorimor Papa Iteso, underscores their commitment to collective progress and unity. Each clan plays a vital role in advancing the tribe’s socio-economic development, with a focus on agro-pastoral endeavors and cooperative initiatives.
In a gesture of solidarity and mutual respect, the Iteso Cultural Union expressed unwavering support for Israel during challenging times, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, labor, and inter-city collaboration.
As HRH Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, Emorimor Papa Iteso, aptly stated, “With God on our side, no one shall win against us.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the Iteso people as they forge ahead towards a future of shared prosperity and collaboration with their Israeli counterparts.
