President Museveni has urged cultural leaders to refrain from building alternative governments in their communities, instead focusing on how they might contribute to Uganda’s development.
“If you are willing to assist us in the three areas, we will collaborate with you.” “Our analysis when we rebuilt the cultural institutions was that if they are used properly, they can contribute,” he said.
“These cultural institutions can assist us in connecting with people from various nations.” This is why these cultural institutions were reestablished.”
On Tuesday, the President delivered remarks at a memorial service for Emorimor Augustine Osuban Lemukol, an Iteso cultural leader who died in February.
This happened at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala during an official requiem liturgy for the Emorimor.
Museveni praised the Teso Cultural Institution, as well as other cultural organizations in Uganda, for encouraging togetherness and culture, which has aided Uganda’s progress.
“I’ve come to bid Mzee Osuban farewell, but more significantly, to bear witness to his contribution, which others might learn from.” “Do not build an alternative administration; your responsibility is to contribute value to Uganda,” Museveni warned.
He stated that Africa’s problem has never been anything other than weak governance.
“I arrived from Dakar, Senegal, yesterday. It took us seven hours and seven minutes to complete the task. This is Africa, after all. It’s enormous and equipped with everything (rivers, forests, etc). As a result, Africa’s only challenge has been government. The question is, ‘How are we handled politically?’
The NRM, according to the president, is a collection of people that came to change Uganda’s and Africa’s destiny because of what was going on at the time.
“We came here after some research as a student movement, which led us to embark on a serious lengthy path of trying to change the destiny of Uganda and Africa,” Museveni remarked.
“How can Ugandans and Africans become affluent in the modern world by producing and marketing goods and services?” We concluded that in order to achieve numbers one and two, we needed to emphasize the African people’s brotherhood.”
Uganda is on a long road to growth, he continued, and everything the government does is intentional and well thought out.
The late Emorimor Osuban was praised by the President for connecting the people of Teso in Uganda with those in Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
“He did a fantastic job in all of his roles. He brought the Iteso together, not just in Uganda, but also in Pallisa, Bukedi, Tororo, Kenya, Ethiopia, and other places,” he stated.
On the subject of development, Museveni praised the late Emorimor for his efforts to better his village and Uganda in general.
“I’ve never heard of Mzee Osuban dabbling in political, legislative, or other matters. I send my condolences to his family, the Iteso community, and all Ugandans, and wish him eternal rest.”
Major Jesca Alupo, Vice President, praised the for rebuilding cultural institutions that have played a significant part in the country’s development.
“You purposefully resurrected cultural institutions and ensured that cultural issues are codified in the Constitution. Because you have physically come here to honor our leader, your presence here demonstrates that you are a man of your word,” Alupo remarked.
“Papa Emorimor exceeded our expectations in every way. He embodied the title’s ambition. He brought his people together. He went to all of his relatives in all of these countries near him, such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.”
She urged cultural leaders to return the positive support by promoting the government’s socioeconomic development plan.
Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, commended the government for giving Emorimor a proper burial.
“Thank you for sympathizing with the Teso people. “We are paying tribute to a leader with a deep grasp of leadership, a keeper and promoter of Teso’s culture and unity,” Amongi added.
According to Amongi, the late Emorimor believed in the inclusivity and oneness of his people.
“I implore everyone, especially cultural leaders, to take on this noble responsibility.”
President Museveni and his government were congratulated by Omare Augustine Okurut, the Prime Minister of Teso Cultural Institution, for their moral and financial assistance given to the late Emorimor while he was unwell in hospital until he died.
“We’ve gathered to honor the Emorimor Papa Iteso’s long and fruitful life. Thank you for your assistance when he was in the hospital, as well as for providing him with an official burial,” Omare stated.
The late’s son, Osuban Francis, spoke on behalf of the family, thanking President Museveni and the Ugandan people for their support during this difficult time.
He said the late was a great listener who sought to connect with people from all walks of life, and he highlighted the value of family as a crucial aspect in promoting peace and togetherness among people.
The Parish Priest of Christ the King Church, Monsignor Gerald Kalumba, who led the mass, urged worshippers to confess their sins and repent, stressing that the kingdom of God belongs to them.
During the prayers, Kalumba remarked, “Let us recognize our sins and thus prepare ourselves to enjoy the divine mysteries.”
Background
Emorimor Papa Iteso Lemukol, a retired professional agricultural specialist with considerable experience in agronomy, agricultural policy, and agricultural institutions, was born on August 12, 1934, to the late Isirairi Okalebo.
During a delegates meeting in Soroti in 1998, Lemukol was voted unopposed by over 2,000 delegates from Teso Uganda and Teso Kenya to become Emorimor Papa Iteso, a position he held until his death.
