By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido: His Highness Raphael Otaya, the head of Kumam Cultural Heritage, has appealed to the government to bolster funding aimed at advancing Kumam Cultural Heritage, which lags behind. Otaya highlighted significant developmental gaps in various sectors, such as access to clean water, education, roads, and healthcare facilities, stressing the need for improved services for the people.
He emphasized the necessity for a royal castle for the Kumam tribe to support local businesses and requested government assistance in its construction. Despite the challenges, Otaya commended the government for implementing poverty alleviation projects like Parish Development Model, UWEP, Youth Livelihood Program, among others, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Ugandans.
Encouraging participation in government initiatives, Otaya urged beneficiaries to utilize funds wisely, particularly in promoting education among children. He called for unity, love, and peaceful coexistence among Kumam subjects and other tribes, asserting that cooperation with cultural leaders is vital for individuals to benefit from government initiatives.
Otaya affirmed Kumam Cultural Heritage’s readiness to collaborate with the government to foster national development, urging supporters and development partners to prioritize the advancement of Kumam culture.
Furthermore, he advised young people to engage in productive activities like farming, cattle rearing, and brick manufacturing, discouraging idleness. Otaya also announced plans to implement a curfew law in Kumam land, restricting gatherings past 6 pm to safeguard children and prevent disturbances to crops and properties.
These remarks were made during a thanksgiving prayer held in memory of late figures such as Alphouse Okello and Prof CP Atikoro, at Abuki village, Iguli parish, Amwoma sub-county, Dokolo district.