By Patriot Corps
Teddy Anyuk Osire, the aspiring MP for Orungo County, has taken a bold step in promoting the cultural heritage of the Iteso tribe through carnival competitions in Amuria district. The recent cultural festival, which brought together twelve cultural groups, aimed to celebrate the shared heritage and teach young people about Iteso cultural norms, customs, and values.
The event featured traditional songs and dances, including Etida, Ekirakira, Ajosi, Akogo, and Edonga. Anyuk emphasized the importance of preserving Iteso culture, expressing concern that the tribe is abandoning its heritage and adopting cultures from other tribes.
According to Anyuk, “organizing these events that teach our children songs that identify Iteso should be taken as a priority for every leader in Teso.” She pledged to continue promoting culture in the region, guided by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU).
The carnival was a groundbreaking event, with Angopet group emerging as the best team with cultural composition dances that promoted peace and conflict resolution through clan meetings. Anyuk awarded each of the twelve participating teams 500,000 shillings, highlighting her commitment to preserving and restoring Iteso culture.
The event was attended by the Amuria district Deputy RDC, who urged leaders to promote the benefits of culture, and Minister of Culture in the Iteso Cultural Union, Grace Akiror Odeke. Akiror commended Anyuk’s initiative and rallied the people of Orungo to vote for leaders who seek transformation. As Akiror put it, “You have all testified that this has happened for the first time in Orungo… a chance knocks once and if you don’t take it seriously, you might not get a leader like Teddy again.”
The Iteso Cultural Union has been instrumental in promoting Iteso heritage, with a population of over 5 million people across Uganda and Kenya. The union aims to preserve and promote Iteso culture, which is facing threats from modernization and globalization.
As Anyuk vies for the Orungo County MP seat, her commitment to promoting Iteso culture has sparked tension in the region. With several projects underway, including the delivery of 1,400 chairs to support voter comfort, Anyuk’s campaign is gaining momentum.
