Stop Spreading Falsehoods” — ICU Minister Fires Back at Opio, Says Elders’ Reconciliation Is Conclusive

By Peterson Hiirya.
The Minister for Information of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), Stephen Ojacor, has strongly rejected statements made by Okadibong President Joseph Admin Opio regarding the recently concluded reconciliation within the cultural body, calling the claims misleading and irresponsible.

Ojacor was responding to an opinion article by Opio in which he alleged that the reconciliation process favored elders while excluding the youth. In the article, Opio argued that unity achieved without meaningful youth participation would be unstable and described the process as merely symbolic rather than substantive.

In response, Ojacor dismissed the assertions, emphasizing that the reconciliation was both a legal and cultural undertaking that did not warrant public consultations.

“The elders’ decision to reconcile required no additional consultations or reservations,” Ojacor stated. “This was a court matter that underwent formal mediation by the Deputy Registrar of Soroti High Court. It carried legal weight and could not be subjected to public debate.”

He also criticized Opio’s remarks as disrespectful, accusing him of overstepping boundaries in matters concerning cultural leadership.

“It was unnecessary for a person of his standing to publish such views attacking the authority of elders,” Ojacor said.

According to Ojacor, the reconciliation between the rival factions led by Papa William Aloch and His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot (Papa Emorimor) marks a significant breakthrough after years of disputes that had strained the institution.

He noted that resolving the prolonged conflict required patience, structured mediation, and wisdom from the elders, adding that such sensitive cultural matters are traditionally managed by senior leaders who understand their historical depth.

“This issue required maturity and foresight. Young people may not fully grasp the background of these disagreements, and therefore the elders were best placed to handle it,” he explained.

Ojacor further dismissed suggestions that youth were sidelined or abandoned. He maintained that ICU, under the leadership of Papa Emorimor, continues to prioritize youth empowerment through education and employment initiatives.

Among the programs highlighted were the ICU Education Fund and scholarship initiatives that have supported more than 600 students in universities and tertiary institutions. He also pointed to five recently secured government-sponsored placements at Soroti Flying School as evidence of ongoing investment in young people.

Additionally, he cited the establishment of the Akaliait Development Foundation, an initiative focused on empowering girl children through education and mentorship, as well as efforts to secure employment opportunities for Iteso youth through partnerships with government and bilateral organizations.

“These are concrete achievements already benefiting our youth. It is therefore misleading to suggest they have been ignored,” Ojacor stressed.

Ojacor also questioned the posture of the Okadibong group, stating that leadership of such a platform does not grant authority to challenge or undermine cultural elders. He revealed that discussions involving religious leaders are underway to address concerns related to the group’s activities.

Despite the criticism, Ojacor described the reconciliation as a major step forward for the Teso community, urging members to shift their focus from internal disputes to development.

“The elders deserve recognition for restoring unity. This reconciliation is not temporary—it lays a lasting foundation for peace and progress within the institution,” he said.

With years of division now behind it, ICU leadership maintains that the renewed unity at the helm of the cultural body will strengthen stability and drive long-term development across the community.