Emorimor Urges Teso Leaders to Unite for Regional Development.
By Peterson Hiirya
Soroti, — The Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot, has called on leaders across the Teso sub-region to put aside partisan politics and personal differences and focus on unity and collective development.
Speaking during a historic breakfast meeting of elected Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons held at Soroti Hotel on Saturday, the cultural leader emphasized that the progress of the Teso sub-region must come before individual or political interests.
Addressing members of the Teso Parliamentary Group and other regional leaders, Emolot urged them to work together and coordinate with cultural and government institutions to strengthen development efforts.
“What matters here is the unity and development of our communities. Leaders must coordinate with institutions and work together to build a strong foundation for the sub-region,” he said.
The Emorimor stressed the importance of collective leadership and consensus-building within the region’s political structures. According to him, divisions among leaders in the past had slowed progress and weakened the region’s influence in national decision-making.
“This time we must focus on unity so that Teso can move forward together,” Emolot said, urging newly elected legislators to speak with one coordinated voice in Parliament in order to secure greater government support for the region’s development priorities.
During the meeting, accountability and transparency in regional initiatives also emerged as key issues. Leaders raised concerns over reports that funds originally meant for the Teso Union had allegedly been diverted to support another conference.
In response, Emolot called upon officials in the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure that the money is returned and used for its intended purpose, stressing that transparency is critical in building trust and advancing development projects.
Another major highlight of the meeting was the ongoing construction of Ere Teso, a cultural palace that will serve as a symbol of the identity and heritage of the Iteso people. Leaders encouraged communities across the region to actively support the project.
Emolot urged every household in the sub-region to contribute toward the completion of the palace, saying the initiative would strengthen cultural pride and unity among the Iteso.
He also emphasized the importance of education and human capital development, noting that Teso has historically produced some of Uganda’s most accomplished scholars and professionals.
“We must continue investing in our children to restore the region’s academic prominence and ensure that future generations are equipped to lead Teso forward,” he said.
The Emorimor further used the platform to rally political support for leaders from the region at the national level. He called upon newly elected Members of Parliament to support “a daughter of the soil,” Anita Annet Among, in the upcoming race for Speaker of Parliament.
He also expressed hope that Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda, would retain Jessica Alupo as Vice President, noting that her continued leadership would further strengthen representation of the Teso region at the highest levels of government.
Concluding his address, Emolot pledged to expand the ongoing dialogue to district and sub-county leadership structures to ensure that leaders across the region align on a shared development agenda.
He urged leaders to forgive past differences, work across political divides, and focus on a common vision for the transformation of Teso.
The meeting brought together outgoing and newly elected Members of Parliament as well as Local Council Five chairpersons from across the sub-region, marking a renewed commitment among Teso leaders to unity, collaboration, and accountable leadership aimed at accelerating development in the region.
