Busia, Uganda: The Iteso community in Busia District has issued a sweeping petition to the Emorimor, HRH Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, demanding cultural sovereignty, constitutional protection, and the creation of a new parliamentary constituency to secure their political representation and identity.
The detailed memorandum was presented during the Emorimor’s grassroots cultural mobilisation tour in Katek A, Buteba Sub-county, where the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) Busia leadership accused local authorities of cultural marginalisation and systematic attempts to assimilate the Iteso under the Bugwe cultural institution.
ICU Busia District Chairperson and Minister for Cooperatives, Chas Ikuna Omella-Itogot, said the Iteso—who constitute approximately 25% of Busia District—have endured years of cultural suppression, misrepresentation, and erosion of their historical identity.
He told the Emorimor that the community has “transitioned from ignorance to informed sovereignty,” adding that the Iteso would no longer submit to what they described as “forced assimilation” into Bugwe structures.
The memorandum cites Article 246(3)(e) of Uganda’s Constitution, which prohibits cultural leaders from exercising authority over clans outside their ancestry—a provision the Iteso insist has been violated by Bugwe cultural actors.
Among the key demands in the petition are; the full recognition of ICU structures in Busia District, respect for Iteso symbols, including display of the Emorimor’s portrait, permission to sing the Iteso National Anthem, teaching of Ateso in schools at all levels, ICU’s participation in district cultural and policy consultations and equitable benefit from Wagagai Gold Mine revenues.
One of the most significant requests is the creation of North Busia County (Buteba County) as a new constituency to guarantee the Iteso political representation and administrative autonomy.
Buteba LCIII Chairperson Eduk Emma Egesa called the Emorimor’s visit “the rebirth of the Iteso in Busia,” saying the community had lived like “cultural orphans” without recognised leadership.
In his remarks, HRH Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot thanked the Iteso for defending their heritage and urged them to strengthen the Ateso language, uphold discipline in families, and unite against forces seeking to dilute their identity.
He pledged to deliver their petition to President Yoweri Museveni and share the concerns with the King of Bugwe to ensure peaceful coexistence. The Emorimor also announced a 10-year ICU campaign targeting school dropouts and directed local leaders to enforce mother-tongue instruction as permitted by government policy.
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