The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has taken a historic leap forward with the long-awaited approval of the construction of the Royal Palace, marking a monumental chapter in the cultural resurgence and institutional stability of the Iteso people.
A wave of celebration has swept across the Cabinet of ICU following the official issuance of the duplicate land title by the Ministry of Lands, a crucial step that had stalled the Shs. 3 billion palace construction project earmarked by the government for the 2024/2025 financial year.
The title, now officially registered in the name of the Iteso Cultural Union, covers plots 15-17 along Serere Road in Soroti Municipality and includes the premises previously occupied by the East Kyoga Regional Police.
This development comes after months of relentless effort and strategic coordination by ICU leadership under His Highness Emorimor III Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot and Prime Minister Andrew Ocole. With architectural plans approved and Bills of Quantities (BOQs) already submitted to the Ministry of Resident Affairs, the union is now setting sights on the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The journey to secure the land title has been long and fraught with setbacks, but we remained committed,” said Mr. Ocole. “This is not just about erecting a building, it’s about restoring pride, heritage, and unity to the Iteso people.”
The story of the land goes back to January 28, 2022, when Soroti District Local Government officially handed over the land as a cultural endowment to ICU. However, confusion and controversy clouded the transition due to the disappearance of the original title during the tenure of the former ICU administration.
The situation escalated after the passing of His Highness Emorimor II Augustine Osuban Lemukol in February 2022, leading to internal divisions and delays in succession planning.
In an extraordinary show of resolve, current ICU leaders worked hand-in-hand with district and city officials to recover the title and protect ICU’s heritage.
According to Mr. Stephen Ojacor, Deputy Minister for Information, the risk of losing the Shs. 3 billion government allocation had become imminent. “Time was against us, but we initiated a fresh process to acquire a duplicate title and now, with it in hand, we’re moving confidently towards palace construction,” Ojacor said.
The freehold land title, Volume HQT803 FOLIO15, totaling 0.8390 hectares, is now legally owned by the ICU. This feat not only safeguards the institution’s headquarters but also reaffirms the government’s recognition of the cultural and historical significance of the Iteso leadership.
The new palace will be a beacon of identity and pride, designed to reflect the values, traditions, and aspirations of the Iteso people. It is envisioned to serve as a unifying hub for cultural activities, inter-regional collaboration, and developmental engagement with both local and international partners.
Mr. Ocole praised the unwavering commitment of Bishop Barnard Ebyau, Minister of Religious Affairs, and the technical support teams from Soroti City and District, saying, “The collaboration we witnessed is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together as a people.”
As the ICU prepares to lay the foundation stone for the palace, it calls upon well-wishers, development partners, and the Iteso diaspora to rally behind the cause. This is not just a palace for leaders, it is a fortress of culture, identity, and hope for generations of Iteso people.
The green light has been switched. The journey towards a lasting legacy for the Iteso people has officially begun.