By Eumu Emmanuel
The General Assembly of Kumam Cultural Heritage has rejected a proposal to establish a lifetime cultural leader. This decision followed a cabinet meeting on April 30, 2024, where several constitutional amendments were discussed and approved for presentation to the General Assembly.
Key proposed amendments included:
- Miss Kumam Position: Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Counsel Alfred Ewatu, proposed including the office of Miss Kumam in the constitution to promote education among girls. The proposal, seconded by Mzee Engwaru John Michael, was adopted
- Speaker and Deputy Speaker: Minister for Peace and Security, Mr. Erupu Derry, proposed creating the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker within the General Assembly’s executive members, along with establishing a cabinet secretariat. These motions were seconded by Counsel Ewatu Alfred and Mr. Ali Eloru, respectively.
- Abolition of Ekiko: Deputy Minister of Regional and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Erecho Charles, proposed deleting the position of Ekiko (Kumam Parliament) and transferring its roles to the General Assembly. This motion was seconded by Mzee Odyako Peter.
- Cultural Leader Term Limit: Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Esalu George William, proposed adjusting the term limits for the elected cultural leader to 20 years. This was seconded by Minister of Gender, Youth, Children, and PWD’s, Mr. Ecidu Joseph. The cabinet resolved to scrap the term limit for the cultural leader, making the position a lifetime appointment.
Despite the cabinet’s resolutions, the General Assembly, led by George William Omuge, voted against the lifetime appointment proposal. In a meeting on June 8, 2024, in Dokolo District, 265 members opposed the amendment, while 58 supported it.
Hassan Nyene Juma, chairperson of Otondoro clan, emphasized adherence to Article 15 of the constitution, which states a ten-year term with eligibility for one re-election. David Eluru, chairperson of Atek Enyang, argued that the Kumam cultural institution is a chiefdom, not a kingdom, and expressed concerns over the proposed changes.
Counsel Alfred Ewatu, Minister of Constitutional Affairs, acknowledged the need for majority approval in a democracy and highlighted that the chiefdom is still developing and requires further refinement.
Additionally, the proposal to construct a cultural home (palace) in Kumam was confirmed, following the allocation of land by the district local government, contrary to suggestions of constructing it in Soroti.