By Joshua Imalingat
The newly elected Karamoja cultural leader Papaa Angasuban Peter Adei has told Etoil A Karamoja radio that his administration will seek to prioritize peace and unity within the different ethnic groups in the region when he finally assumes office.
In October, this year selected representatives of the Elder’s Council from various districts within the region met in Moroto and unanimously chose the 81-year-old as the interim cultural leader. Each district sent two delegates to the meeting.
In his first exclusive interview with Etoil A Karamoja, Adei observed that Karamoja region is currently divided along ethnic lines saying his main focus as the first Karamoja cultural head will be to bring together the different clusters.
Adei who described his appointment as the first step in the formation of the cultural institution says time has come for Karamoja region to expose its leaders to government for development just like other areas have done. He asked the dissenting voices to unite for the good of the region.
He also urged the people in the region to desist from cattle rustling saying raids are usually accompanied by hunger and drought.
Mzee Adei added that his administration will also seek to align with the cultural leaders from the neighboring regions to foster unity and solve the persistent cattle rustling issue affecting the neighboring regions.
Born in 1942 to the late Adiaka Kizito and Alice Omolo from Nyakwae sub county Abim district, Mzee Adei started his education in 1951. In 1966 he graduated from Kangole TTC as a primary school teacher before being posted to Naitakwae P/S. in 1968 he was transferred to Komukuny boy’s P/S in Kaabong district where he served for seven years.
Mzee Adei later on went ahead and served in different capacities including a deputy head teacher, head teacher, and a sub county chief.
He also had a hint at gold mining and managerial position before being elected a district councilor representing Nyakawe sub county in 1992 where he served for two years.
