EASTERN REGION: Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng has been gazetted as the Iteso cultural leader.
Emolot, 61, was installed as Iteso Paramount Chief in October 2022 after a court battle with the rival group that contested his election as caretaker Emorimor in April, after the death of former Emorimor Augustine Osuban Lemukol.
Emolot, who was then the chairperson of the Iteso Cultural Union, was made caretaker Emorimor, a decision that became contentious as ICU leadership split into factions.
The Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, indicated in General Notice No. 2158 of 2022, dated December 9, 2022, to The Uganda Gazette that Emolot is now the new Paramount Chief for the Iteso.
By the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Article 246 (1), and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, Section 6, which states that where a traditional or cultural leader has been declared to exist in any area of Uganda in accordance with the culture, customs, and traditions or the wishes and aspirations of the people, the Minister shall cause the declaration to be published in the Gazette. “I hereby cause the names of the cultural leaders listed below to be published and gazetted in The Uganda Gazette,” Amongi’s letter reads.
Vance Omome, the ICU Prime Minister, said that the ICU Cabinet will hold an extraordinary meeting on January 14 to plan for activities.
Gabriel Opolot, ICU’s Minister in Charge of Information and Cultural Guidance, stated that the Emolot Gazette gives the institution more energy to carry out their planned activities.
He says that they are still waiting to receive certificates of recognition from the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development. He adds that they will be installing clan heads across Teso, beginning with Ngora district on January 21.
However, Emolot and his team still await a court ruling following a case filed by William Alloch and other ICU founder members. Alloch and the team sought court redress on the legality surrounding the election of Emolot as caretaker of Emorimor, among other issues.
