By Emmy Delux Alomu
President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday, March 7, 2026, launched groundbreaking and fundraising efforts for the construction of Ere Iteso long-anticipated Ere Iteso project (Royal Palace) worth Sh52b at the Iteso Cultural Union headquarters in Soroti City.
Museveni, who was represented by the Vice President Jessica Alupo, emphasised the importance of leveraging culture to foster unity and resilience among the people.
He said that culture is vital for highlighting and celebrating our heritage, warning that neglecting cultural roots equates to a denial of identity, which could undermine the unity that has bonded communities since ancient times.
The Emorimor palace, he noted, symbolizes a commitment to reinforcing the essence of Iteso culture, a development met with enthusiasm.
He further articulated that the palace transcends mere construction; it represents a shared ambition to honor and preserve our traditional history and identity.
According to Museveni, this cultural hub will offer future generations opportunities to learn about ancestral values, engage with the vibrant arts of the Iteso people, and strengthen community ties that have been challenged by the forces of globalization and technology.
The president pledged that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is dedicated to supporting cultural institutions and their role in development
. “We recognize the essential role of cultural institutions across Uganda in weaving the fabric that unites our nation and resists foreign influences that can erode our dignity, particularly among the youth,” he stated.
He commended the Iteso Cultural Institution for taking on the ambitious task of revitalizing and showcasing the grandeur of Iteso heritage through the construction of the Emorimor Palace.
Museveni also contributed shs 500 million towards the project, asserting that the palace would unify organizations and government entities under a shared vision of cultural pride and economic growth.
“It will serve as a catalyst for the country’s tourism sector, attracting visitors from all over Uganda and beyond. This, in turn, will promote socio-economic development in the region and bolster the nation’s revenue in the long run,” the president remarked.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead in bringing this vision to completion, Museveni expressed confidence that the unity of the Iteso clans (the union) will help overcome any obstacles that may arise.
“Let us come together to build a robust foundation by providing financial support to create a legacy that celebrates Iteso heritage and the rich cultural diversity of Uganda. It is our hope that this initiative will spark similar efforts in cultural tourism, fostering sustainable development in Teso and beyond,” the president remarked.
He urged all Iteso and cultural stakeholders to step up and contribute generously to this significant cause for the collective good.
“We all have a stake in this project as Ugandans, and our unity makes anything achievable!” the statement emphasized.
The Vice President, delivering the president’s message, flaged off the seven main Iteso clans to go and mobilise resources for the palace construction shortly after receiving a ceremonial big chicken.
In her address, VP Alupo encouraged cultural leaders, particularly Emorimor, to leverage culture as a means to address the legacy of British colonial borders, facilitating easier movement for trade and cultural celebrations.
She highlighted that such efforts would enhance economic growth and promote the integration of East Africa—and Africa as a whole—aligning with the continent’s broader ambitions.
On behalf of the government, the Vice President expressed full support for all developmental programs led by Emorimor and Akaliait (the king’s wife).
Alupo called on the Iteso people to reach out to their Ateker communities across Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia to unite and gather resources for the palace construction.
She applauded the newfound unity within the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), particularly following the withdrawal of a four-year court case challenging the election of Emorimor by one of ICU’s founders, William Aloch Akol.
Grateful for this reconciliation, Alupo noted that “blessed are the peacemakers,” asserting that this unity will advance the Teso agenda, reduce conflicts, and compel the government to listen to the Iteso, as they share a singular agenda for all.
She urged all institutions, including political, cultural, and religious organizations, to emulate this spirit of collaboration, which will enhance their efforts and yield positive outcomes.
Iteso Paramount Chief, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, expressed that construction of Ere Iteso marks a significant milestone for the Iteso community, a day they have eagerly anticipated since the establishment of their cultural institution 26 years ago.
He emphasized that the palace will serve as a powerful symbol of identity for the Iteso people.
Emorimor highlighted the collaborative efforts of over 40 engineers who worked diligently to create the magnificent architectural design and planning of the palace.
He called on the Iteso community to unite and come together in this crucial endeavor.
Emorimor noted that the construction of the palace is not just about building a structure; it represents the aspiration to unify all Iteso people, especially as many have felt a lack of togetherness due to the absence of a central home for the Iteso.
Commending the Vice President for bringing the inaugural Ateker reunion celebrations to Soroti City in 2024, Emolot expressed confidence that VP Alupo will successfully oversee the construction of the palace.
He appealed to every Iteso to contribute at least one chicken towards this noble project, reminding them that most homes in Teso are capable of doing so. He also extended a call for support from friends and advocates of Teso to rally behind this cause.
Furthermore, Emolot congratulated President Museveni on a resounding victory in the recent general elections and praised VP Alupo for her unopposed win, urging the president to retain Alupo in her role.
Emorimor expressed gratitude to Soroti District for securing the freehold title of land measuring 0.8390 hectares in 2022, a crucial step that has made the launch of the Royal Palace construction possible.
Andrew Ochole, the Union Prime Minister and Chairman of the Construction Committee, announced that the new palace is expected to cost around Shs 52 billion.
It will feature a seven-story building, with each floor symbolizing one of the main clans in Teso: Ikomolo, Ikatekok, Inom, Iworopom, Irarak, Ikarebwok, and Igoria.
Ochole urged that if each Itesot contributes a minimum of Shs 2,000, the palace could be completed within the planned two years. He noted that resource mobilization efforts will kick off next week, leveraging the current Iteso population for support.
To facilitate funding for the palace’s construction, the union plans to collaborate with clan leaders, politicians, and church communities to rally resources effectively.
The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) was formed in 1995 under the provisions of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which acknowledges cultural institutions. It aims to unite the Iteso people across Uganda, Kenya, and the Diaspora for the preservation and advancement of their culture.
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