The cultural leader of the Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot, has urged political leaders from the Teso sub-region to unite and prioritize a shared development agenda aimed at lifting the region out of poverty.
Speaking during a meeting with newly elected Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons, Emolot described the engagement as productive and stressed that meaningful development in Teso depends on unity among leaders.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the newly elected MPs and wish them success in their new roles. Let us come together and speak with one voice so that we can address the challenges facing our people,” Emolot said.
The meeting convened leaders from across the Teso sub-region to deliberate on key priorities for the 2026–2031 political term.
Discussions focused on strategies to reduce poverty, strengthen political cohesion, and promote development initiatives that benefit communities across the region.
David Ochwa Okware, representing the Speaker of Parliament, highlighted that Teso elected more than 38 MPs, presenting an opportunity for the region to collectively advocate for its priorities in the national legislature.
“We have agreed that while our first responsibility is to legislate for the entire country, we must also champion issues affecting Teso. When one MP from Teso speaks on the floor of Parliament, others should support that voice so that the country understands we are speaking as one people,” Okware said.
Key development priorities discussed included improving services at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, expanding electricity and road infrastructure, and accelerating urban development in Soroti City.
Leaders also pledged to collaborate closely with the cultural institution to strengthen unity, ensuring that development programmes reflect the aspirations of the Iteso community.
Reconciliation among leaders following the recent elections was emphasized, with participants urged to put aside political differences and focus on serving the people of Teso.
The Emorimor further encouraged leaders to promote education, support youth empowerment initiatives, and preserve the cultural identity of the Iteso while advancing the sub-region’s development agenda.