20,000 to attend funeral of Iteso king

Iteso cultural leader, Emorimor Papa Augustine Lemukol Osuban, will be buried on Saturday at Soroti district in the eastern region of Uganda.

He will be accorded a state burial ordered by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

King Emorimor died on February 5 at Mulago hospital in Uganda where he had been hospitalised since January 27 after contracting Covid-19.

“He was first admitted at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital where he died,” said Jonathan Maraka, the cultural institution’s spokesperson.

The 88-year-old was installed as the cultural head of the Iteso community in April 2000. He made his last public appearance on January 3 during prayers organised by Soroti Catholic bishop Joseph Echiru Oliach.

He was born on August 12, 1934, to the late Isirairi Okalebo. Prior to becoming the Iteso cultural leader, King Emorimor was an agriculturist with vast experience in agronomy.

Emorimor was the king of at least 500,000 Tesos living in Kenya and another four million in Uganda.

President Museveni yesterday attended the funeral service of King Emorimor at Kololo Independence grounds in Kampala. He described the fallen leader as a champion of peace.

“King Emorimor never meddled in politics but instead was a unifying factor to his community. Cultural leaders must desist from forming alternative governments but play their role in adding value to Uganda,” said Museveni.

He went on: “I came here to thank King Emorimor for uniting the Teso people of Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.”

Uganda’s Vice President Rtd Major Jesca Alupo said the king lived as per the expectations of the Uganda government. The VP is a member of the Teso community from Katakwi.

Betty Amongi, the Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister and Iteso Cultural Institution (ICU) Prime Minister Augustine Omare Okurut said King Emorimor was the custodian and promoter of the Iteso culture.

In Uganda, Museveni recognises cultural leaders by funding cultural activities.

The government also gives a cultural leader a vehicle and a bodyguard as well as free access to State House during national functions.

King Emorimor played a role in the re-election of Museveni after rallying his community to support the National Resistance Army leader. Emorimor is also said to have been instrumental in the second-term victory of Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.

The king reportedly prevailed upon Vincent Sidai to drop his bid in favour of Ojaamong. Emorimor is said to have argued that both Sidai and Ojaamong are Teso and could have divided the vote.

Isaack Misiko, the deputy health minister in the Inzu ya Bamasaaba, said: “King Emorimor was not just the leader of the Teso community. He also devoted his time and energy to preach peace.”

Bamasaaba are the Bukusus that live in Uganda.

He added: “We have lost a leader who defended the rights of the less fortunate in society. He equally fought for people from other communities. He was instrumental in instilling good moral values in our children.”

In Kenya, the 500,000 Tesos are spread across Teso South and Teso North constituencies. The more than 4.5 million Ugandan Tesos are spread across 20 districts.

At least 20,000 Kenyan Tesos are expected to attend the king’s burial.

Etete Ekakor, the patron of Ikuruk Lok’edosi clan, says at least 100 buses have been secured to transport mourners to Uganda.

“He was a revered leader. The king gave us direction as far as politics and other social issues are concerned,” said Ekakor.

He added: “He ensured the welfare of the Teso people in Kenya and Uganda was taken care of. He uplifted the living standards of the people and pushed for access to quality education.” Teso South MP Geoffrey Omuse said: “Emorimor has been a unifying factor for the Iteso people in Kenya and in Uganda. He preserved the Iteso culture since assuming the position more than two decades ago.”

This came as the focus shifted on who will take over the throne after Emorimor’s burial.

The Iteso Cultural Union comprising more than 500 delegates from Kenya, Uganda, and the diaspora will participate in the election of the king’s successor during the ICU delegates conference.

Cleophas Okisai, an ICU member (the equivalent of an MP) from Kenya, told The Standard Patrick Emolot, who is the institution’s chairman and second-in-command, would take over in acting capacity until Emorimor’s successor is picked.

Prior to becoming chairman, Emolot served as the prime minister of the ICU, a much more junior position compared to that of chairman.

“For you to be elected the Iteso cultural leader, you must be 60 years and above and familiar with Iteso culture and tradition. One must have cleared secondary school, and have a wife and children. You must also have integrity,” said Okisai.