Teso College Aloet Sets Pace with First School Donation Toward Iteso Palace Construction.

By Peterson Hiirya.

Teso College Aloet has taken a bold and commendable step in supporting cultural heritage by contributing Shs 500,000 toward the construction of the Ere Iteso (Iteso Palace), becoming the first secondary school in Uganda to make such a donation.

The contribution marks an early boost to the Iteso Cultural Union’s (ICU) ambitious fundraising drive aimed at mobilizing resources for the construction of a permanent cultural home for the Iteso people. The palace, projected to cost Shs 52 billion, is expected to stand as a symbol of unity, identity, and pride for the Iteso community.

Confirmation of the donation was made on Friday by the ICU Minister for Information, Stephen Ojacor, via his official X (formerly Twitter) platform.

“We thank Teso College Aloet for being the first secondary school to raise Shs 500,000 towards the palace construction. We have confirmed receiving your contribution in our bank account. Thank you,” Ojacor stated.

In a subsequent phone interview, Ojacor emphasized the Cultural Union’s commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the fundraising and implementation process. He assured the public that every contribution would be properly accounted for and that regular updates would be provided.

“The institution will ensure total transparency and clarity in all financial matters regarding the project implementation. We shall continue updating the public on any further contributions,” he said.

The leadership of Teso College Aloet has framed the donation not merely as a financial contribution, but as a statement of cultural responsibility and pride. The school’s headmaster, Mr. Julius Opasso, underscored the institution’s deep respect for the Iteso Cultural Union and its role in shaping societal values.

“As the Teso College family, we value the contributions of the cultural institution in the moral shaping of society. We recognize its historical significance and are proud to support this noble cause, knowing that we are all subjects of His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor,” Opasso said.

The school’s gesture has been widely viewed as a rallying call to other institutions, both educational and corporate, to actively participate in the palace construction initiative. By stepping forward early, Teso College Aloet has positioned itself as a leader in cultural preservation and community engagement.

The Iteso Cultural Union is currently in the final stages of rolling out a comprehensive fundraising campaign that will target individuals, institutions, stakeholders, and development partners both within Uganda and in the diaspora. The campaign aims to mobilize sufficient resources to bring the palace project to life.

Once completed, the Ere Iteso is expected to serve as a central hub for cultural activities, leadership, and heritage preservation. It will not only provide a home for the cultural institution but also stand as a lasting legacy for future generations of the Iteso people.

As momentum builds, Teso College Aloet’s contribution serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single step. Their donation has not only kick-started school-based participation in the initiative but also reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in preserving cultural identity.