His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the paramount chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, has officially reopened two cultural sites in Katakwi District that were demolished under General Peter Elwelu’s orders. The sites, which held great cultural significance, were reopened on Monday afternoon in a ceremony led by Emorimor, accompanied by ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole, cabinet ministers, advisors, and local leaders.
General Elwelu had justified the demolition, labeling the sites as devoted to “evil darkness” and claiming they harbored malevolent forces. However, this rationale sparked intense backlash from elders and clan heads, who viewed the act as an affront to their heritage.
During the reopening ceremony, community members expressed their fears and gratitude towards Emorimor for reviving their cultural heritage. Clan chairman Robert Ongima revealed that the community had lived in fear since the closure, with many abandoning their homes.
The meeting focused on plans to develop and recognize all cultural sites as tourism destinations, starting with those affected by General Elwelu’s actions. Emorimor criticized Elwelu for “cultural erasure” and emphasized the importance of initiation practices like Asapan for leaders within the Iteso Cultural Union.
The reopening of the sites marks a positive move towards revitalizing the region’s economic prospects. Negotiations with local residents to transform the sites into significant tourism attractions are in the final stages, with partial resources already acquired. This initiative is part of Emorimor’s strategy to invest in tourism, improving the livelihoods of his subjects and signaling a hopeful future for Teso’s cultural revival and economic growth.