The political climate in the Teso sub-region continues to heat up as tensions deepen between Kumam cultural leader His Highness Won Ateker Raphael Otaya and a faction of political leaders, notably Capt. Mike Mukula and Soroti West Division legislator Jonathan Ebwalu.
The rift, whichh has been simmering beneath the surface for months, boiled over following the recent homecoming ceremony of David Calvin Ecodu, a National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirant for Vice Chairman of the Eastern Region.
Otaya’s appearance at the event, alongside other prominent figures, was seen by critics as a clear endorsement of the “forces of change,” further fueling suspicions of political bias from the cultural leader.
Capt. Mike Mukula, the current NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, has publicly expressed disappointment with Otaya’s perceived involvement in active politics, citing a breach of neutrality expected from cultural institutions.
His sentiments were quickly echoed by his political ally, Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu, who launched a scathing attack on the Kumam chief during a rally in Oderai Ward, Soroti City East Division.
Ebwalu went as far as accusing Otaya of accepting a bribe amounting to 500 million shillings from the government, allegedly to campaign against him and other opposition figures in the forthcoming 2026 elections.
“I have evidence of a meeting where Otaya and a few Kumam ministers shared the money meant to sabotage my re-election,” Ebwalu claimed, further warning the cultural leaders to stay clear of political battles if they seek peace.
Otaya, however, maintains that his involvement in the public discourse stems from frustration with the current political leadership’s failure to deliver tangible development in the region, In a recent address, Otaya condemned what he termed “endless infighting” among elected leaders and urged the public to vote for individuals who would unite and serve the people effectively.
“I am highly disappointed in the leaders we elected. They have concentrated on meaningless arguments instead of prioritizing the needs of the people. I encourage you to vote for leaders who will not embarrass us again,” he said during Ecodu’s rally.
Ebwalu, clearly irked by Otaya’s comments, accused the chief of attempting to rewrite history and ignoring the role he, Ebwalu, played in the establishment of the Kumam Chiefdom after the separation from the Iteso.
“He must remember that he enjoys that seat because of my efforts. But instead, he used a public platform to ridicule me, If he wants to enjoy peace, let him stick to cultural matters and leave politics to politicians,” Ebwalu charged.
The escalating feud has attracted significant attention from the electorate, with many expressing concern over the blurring lines between cultural authority and political influence, Analysts believe the clash underscores growing divisions within the NRM and could shape the narrative of the 2026 elections.
Public opinion remains divided, while some believe Otaya’s bold statements reflect the frustrations of ordinary citizens who feel abandoned by their leaders, others view his actions as an overstep of traditional boundaries that could destabilize the cultural institution.
Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Ebwalu’s allegations form part of a broader political strategy aimed at shielding Capt. Mukula from growing opposition within the region.
“This could be a calculated move to rally sympathy and reinforce their political stronghold,” a local political observer noted.
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the battle lines appear increasingly drawn between traditional institutions and political forces, with the electorate watching closely.
The unfolding drama is likely to influence not only the regional power dynamics but also the legitimacy and future role of cultural leaders in national politics.