Summary:
According to Akaliait, the respect and cultural values once upheld by Teso girls have been eroded, with virginity frequently lost during adolescence.
KAPELEBYONG: In a bid to restore the pride of the Atesot girl, Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Emolot, Akaliait Toto Iteso, has launched an initiative aimed at promoting chastity and traditional values among young girls in the Ateker community.
She believes that these values, once deeply ingrained in Teso culture, have significantly diminished over time.
Akaliait made this announcement during a visit to Obalanga Comprehensive Secondary School in Kapelebyong District on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The visit was part of the ongoing Emorimor tour across the Teso region, which commenced last month.
According to Akaliait, the respect and cultural values once upheld by Teso girls have been eroded, with virginity frequently lost during adolescence.
She expressed her commitment to addressing this issue by working closely with clan leaders to identify young girls, particularly those aged 9 to 13, in both primary and secondary schools.
Through this initiative, she aims to educate them on menstrual health, cultural norms, and values to help them achieve their aspirations while preserving their traditions.
She also emphasized her willingness to collaborate with development partners and the government to support and expand this initiative.
Akaliait identified inappropriate dressing among young girls as a key factor contributing to the erosion of cultural values. She urged both girls and boys to adopt a more respectful dress code that aligns with the cultural expectations of the Iteso community.
Meanwhile, the Emorimor tour, which is gaining momentum across the region, has focused on addressing various community concerns. These include resolving land conflicts through peace talks, engaging in cultural discussions, and reviewing the new constitution of the Iteso Cultural Union along with its ten-year strategic plan.
Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng reaffirmed his cabinet’s dedication to resolving land disputes in the region as a means to foster development.
The leadership in Kapelebyong praised the Emorimor’s efforts, expressing confidence that the ongoing tour will have a lasting positive impact on the community.
