Summary:
- According to Alupo, such sites hold sacred and historical significance, having played an integral role in the Iteso culture for generations.
KATAKWI: The Vice President of Uganda, Rtd. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, has announced plans to transform Aitutuket Okolimo, a cultural initiation site in Teso, into a historical tourism monument.
The site, which was blessed years ago by the Catholic Church under Rev. Fr. Patrick Acedu, will be preserved to honor the heritage of the Iteso people and serve as a remembrance site for future generations.
According to Alupo, such sites hold sacred and historical significance, having played an integral role in the Iteso culture for generations. They have also been training grounds for various leaders within the Iteso Cultural Union.
Speaking at her residence last Wednesday, Alupo described Okolimo as a location of immense historical value. She noted that plans are underway to erect cultural monuments and secure the site to recognize and protect Iteso traditions and heritage.
In a related development, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu of the Elohim Ministry recently conducted cleansing prayers at the Iteso cultural initiation site of Ogima in Apuuton Village, Usuk Sub-County.
The site, owned by William George Odeke, had been identified as an unholy altar linked to disasters in Teso, including accidents, poverty, and alleged misuse for personal gain.
Lt. Gen. Elwelu clarified that the cleansing prayers were not intended to erase Iteso culture but to rid the site of negative influences.
Vice President Alupo emphasized that these cultural sites have been vital to the Iteso community for over a thousand years, serving as spaces where young men were initiated into adulthood—a central tradition of the Iteso way of life.
She reiterated that culture is the cornerstone of humanity and a foundation for preserving values and ideals.
The Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, His Highness Papa Emorimor Sande Emolot Etomeileng, has also pledged to protect and preserve cultural sites across Teso.
He revealed that legal measures are being pursued to prevent the destruction of these heritage sites.
Emorimor assured the public that efforts are underway to gazette and safeguard significant cultural sites, such as Asapan training grounds, which serve as spiritual and cultural hubs for the community.
As preparations for the Ateker Cultural Event, scheduled for November 27–29, 2024, near completion, Vice President Alupo urged the Iteso people to attend in large numbers.
She revealed that the Ugandan government has allocated UGX 3 billion to facilitate the official transportation for the cultural festival.
Rose Lilly Akello, the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity and Woman Member of Parliament for Karenga, also encouraged unity among Ateker tribes.
She called on representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania to converge in Soroti to discuss shared developmental goals and cultural concerns.
The Ateker Cultural Event aims to strengthen bonds among Ateker tribes while promoting cultural and developmental agenda.
The Source Reports.
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