By Derrick Omoding.
The Anglican Bishop of Soroti Diocese Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo has called on the government to show full support to the Paramount Chief of Iteso Cultural Union, His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng.
The bishop sounded the message while presiding over the prayers at the one year’s anniversary celebration of Emolot since his coronation to replace the late Augustine Osuban, who passed in January 2022.
Odongo said that Iteso have in most cases, been sidelined by the government, hence missing several privileges as compared to other tribes in the country.
“I am asking the government to fully support Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot and work with him in all aspects to uphold the Iteso dynasty. I have known Emolot as an outstanding leader and I trust that his leadership shall be transformative,” he said.
Adding: “I have already begun seeing the visible fruits of his leadership as he sets eyes on uniting the Iteso and building the palace.”
Speaking before raising his hands to pray, the Bishop pleaded to government and other development partners to support the building of the palace and funding the cultural activities especially now that government is focused on transforming the people’s livelihoods.
The Emorimor anniversary celebration held at Soroti Sports ground on Sunday 12th, 2023, has been heavily attended by masses coming from the entire Uganda and the diaspora.
Amongst the guests were the Vice President, Jessica Rose Alupo, who represented President Museveni, the NRM Secretary General Hon. Richard Todwong, Various Members of Parliament, and the Kings from other chiefdoms, amongst other diplomats.
Emolot, 61, was installed as Iteso Paramount Chief in October 2022 after a court battle with the rival group that contested his election as caretaker Emorimor in April, after the death of former Emorimor Augustine Osuban Lemukol.