Teso Newly Elected District Chairs Pledge To Work With Iteso Cultural Union

 March 15, 2026   |    9 views

By Our Reporter

SOROTI CITY — The newly elected District Chairpersons from across Teso  subregion have pledged to work closely with the Iteso Cultural Union leadership of the region to accelerate development and strengthen unity among the Iteso.

The commitment was made on Saturday, March 14, 2026, during a meeting between newly elected Members of Parliament, LC5 chairpersons and the Iteso cultural Union (ICU) leadership held at Soroti Hotel.

Speaking on behalf of the district leaders, Bob Owiny (B.O.B-Engoorit Isolota) the LC5 Chairperson-elect for Soroti District, reaffirmed the commitment of local governments to partner with the cultural institution led by His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng in advancing the social and economic transformation of Teso.

Owiny said the district leaders recognize the critical role of the Iteso Cultural Union and its development arm, the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF), in mobilizing the region toward a shared development vision.

“As newly elected leaders of our districts, we commit ourselves to working with our cultural institution and the Emorimor to ensure that Teso moves forward in unity, development and collective advocacy,”
Owiny said.

Key Development Commitments

Owiny outlined several priority areas that district local governments intend to support in partnership with the cultural leadership.
These include contributing towards the construction of Ere Iteso, the proposed cultural home for the Iteso people, as well as allocating land for strategic development projects that will benefit communities across the region.

He also emphasized the need for a strong partnership framework between district local governments and the Iteso Cultural Union through Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF), which serves as the development arm of the cultural institution.

According to Owiny, the leaders also resolved to strengthen the Teso Local Government Association (TELGA) and reinforce its linkage with the Teso Parliamentary Group so that political and administrative leaders can collectively advocate for the interests of Teso.

Regular regional council meetings were also proposed as a platform to coordinate development priorities and lobby for government support for key projects in the sub-region.

Emorimor Calls for Unity and Collective Action

In his remarks, Papa Emorimor welcomed the commitment by the newly elected leaders, urging them to prioritize unity and collaboration in serving the people.
“Development in Teso requires all of us to work together — cultural leaders, political leaders and the community. When we unite our efforts, we can transform our region and secure a better future for our people,” Emorimor said.

He further encouraged the leaders to maintain close engagement with the cultural institution as they implement programs aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting social cohesion.

New District Leaders in Attendance

Among the newly elected LC5 chairpersons who attended the meeting were:

Hon Stephen Opolot – Kumi
Hon Simon Ongura – Bukedea

Hon Robert Okello – Ngora

 Hon Geoffrey Omolo – Katakwi
 Hon Jackline Ajego – Kapelebyong
Hon Isaac Okello Omiat – Amuria
 Hon Eng Martin Onguruco – Serere
Hon Ben Okiria – Pallisa

 Hon Francis Obwonyo Esudu – Soroti City

The meeting marked one of the first major engagements bringing together the newly elected political leadership of Teso and the cultural institution following the recent elections, setting the stage for coordinated development efforts across the region.