By John Okello Lapok
SOROTI: President Museveni, has contributed a staggering Shs500 million towards the construction of the Ere Iteso Palace, a major cultural project being spearheaded by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU).
The contribution was announced during the groundbreaking ceremony and fundraising launch for the palace, held on Saturday at the ICU offices, with the President’s message being delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo.
According to ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole, the ambitious cultural project is expected to cost approximately Shs53 billion upon completion.
In his message, Museveni described the construction of the palace as “a monumental project that signifies a move in the right direction.”
He commended the Emorimor Paapa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, for his leadership and efforts in strengthening the Iteso community.
“I commend the Emorimor of Teso, His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot, for the great work he is doing among his subjects and within the communities,” Museveni said in the statement read by Vice President Alupo.
The President also applauded the continued cooperation between the government and the cultural institution since the restoration of the Iteso Cultural Union under the leadership of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Museveni emphasized that the construction of the Emorimor Palace represents more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes a collective effort to preserve the history, identity, and traditions of the Iteso people.
“It is not merely the construction of bricks and mortar, but an embodiment of the collective aspiration to preserve and celebrate our traditional history and identity,” he stated.
The palace is expected to serve as a cultural hub where future generations can learn about their ancestors’ values, experience traditional arts, and strengthen community ties. It is also anticipated to contribute to Uganda’s tourism sector, attracting visitors and promoting socio-economic growth.
The President said it was a great joy that they were breaking ground and launching commencement of this project as well as raising funds for it to manifest our determination and vision to see it in place.
“This all has been enabled by the peace and security that the NRM leadership ushered in and continues to guard jealously, as we work towards self reliance, socio-economic self- sustainability as a nation and the entire East Africa and African race,” he said.
He emphasized that culture highlights and illuminates our heritage in a more profound way, that to ignore it would be a denial of self; which is detrimental to the unity and resilient spirit of the people that has held them together since the time of our fore fathers.
“Therefore the construction of the Emormor palace is a means of strengthening the core of the existence of the Iteso culture and we welcome it with great pleasure,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Vice President Alupo announced the President’s contribution, clarifying that it was not a pledge but a donation.
The Shs500 million will be deposited directly into the project account, marking the first official contribution towards the palace’s construction.
The Emorimor of Teso, Paul Sande Emolot, and Vice President Jessica Alupo have begun mobilizing resources from across the region to support the project.
Leaders of the Iteso Cultural Union are optimistic that with unity among the Iteso people, they will successfully raise the required funds to complete the Palace.
