Adjumani, Uganda: The Ma’di Cultural Institution has elected a new Council of Elders to guide the kingdom’s cultural affairs and promote peace, unity, and development among the Ma’di people across the districts of Adjumani, Moyo, and Obongi.
The elections took place on Wednesday at the Adjumani District Council Hall during a gathering that brought together representatives from all 26 chiefdoms. The event also reviewed the proposed traditional marriage bylaw, established under the institution’s motto “Ama Alu” — meaning “We Are Together.”
The nine-member council elected to steer the elders’ body includes Mr. Dramundu Dominic (Chairperson), Mr. Idda Moses (Vice Chairperson), Mr. Iwa Muu Saviour (General Secretary), Mrs. Unzia Joyce (Treasurer), and Mr. Dramundu Pastore Ayo (Publicity Secretary).
The advisory team comprises Mr. Mamawi Ezekiel, Mr. Opiku Lious, Mr. Barugo Muhammd Mathia, and Mrs. Amadra Christine.
The newly elected members pledged to preserve Ma’di culture, resolve community disputes, and strengthen collaboration with government and civil society partners to address issues affecting the sub-region, including teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and youth unemployment.
Speaking at the event, the Lopirigo of Ma’di, Opi Suru Simon Baru, described the elders as the “heart of Ma’di’s cultural heritage” and urged them to uphold the institution’s values of unity and service.
“I want to thank all the 26 chiefdoms for electing visionary leaders with whom I and my cabinet will work. We shall collaborate with government and NGOs to reduce teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts that continue to affect our people,” Suru Baru said.
He noted that the rise in alcohol consumption among youth and declining interest in agriculture were undermining household livelihoods.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our families. We must bring back its value among the youth. When we work together, we can end poverty in Ma’di,” he added, urging elders to help mediate land disputes locally instead of resorting to courts, which he said often “breed division among communities.”
The Ma’di Council of Elders is expected to play a key role in enforcing the upcoming marriage bylaw, which seeks to regulate traditional marriage standards and curb child marriage.
Mrs Asibaziyo Nancy, Project Officer with FAWE Uganda, said the bylaw was developed through collaboration between FAWE, the Ma’di Cultural Institution, and the CBO Women Overcomers under the SHARE Consortium Project.
“We are passionate about girls’ education and have partnered with the cultural institution to set marriage standards that will protect girls from early marriage and promote re-entry for teenage mothers into education,” she said, acknowledging challenges in changing negative cultural attitudes.
Hon. Sabuni John, representing Arinyapi Sub-county and Secretary for Health, hailed the election as a milestone, noting that the journey to formalize the Ma’di chiefdom began in 2011. “This structure will bring development and help end teenage pregnancy and child marriage in the sub-region,” he said.
Newly elected council chairman Mr Dramundu Dominic, a retired police officer, pledged to lead with integrity and promote reconciliation and development.
“In most cases, cultural norms and the law seem to conflict, but we shall bridge that gap. The council will stand for unity and togetherness under our motto ‘Ama Alu,’ while upholding the laws of the land,” Dramundu said.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Adjumani, Mr Okware Emmanuel, commended the institution for promoting unity through cultural governance and developing community-based policies.
“We encourage the elders to continue promoting harmony among the Ma’di people. This initiative is much needed in our region,” Okware said.
The council’s inauguration marks a new chapter for the Ma’di Cultural Institution as it seeks to strengthen community structures, preserve cultural values, and drive inclusive development across the sub-region.
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