By Matthew Okello
TORORO
Leaders of Southern Teso of the Iteso Cultural Union have disassociated themselves from the naming of Mzee Nicholas Dokoria as the parallel new Cultural Leader (Emorimor) by a section of elders.
Sitting at Sofitel hotel yesterday afternoon, 19th July 2022, leaders from the districts of Manafwa, Tororo, Naminsindwa, Mbale and Busia that comprise Teso South denounced the Dokoria faction arguing that it stands against the interests of the Iteso.
The chairperson of ICU in Busia district, Bisansio Imeri says he has been happy that ICU electoral commission is following all the procedures required by the law to install the new paramount chief successfully but he was shocked to learn today (yesterday) that there is another group conducting parallel activities.
He argues that Dokoria’s actions are against the set rule of ICU and should not be tolerated by any right thinking Etesot arguing that the people of Busia can’t entertain such humiliating activities.
John Paul Okanya, the former Osukuru LCIII chairperson noted that the people of West Budama can’t be left out in the current management conflict in Teso.
Okanya noted that the people of West Budama are aware of the capacity of the Emorimor elect, Papa Paul Sande Emolot in terms of his stand on Tororo boundary conflict and are afraid that once he becomes the Emorimor, their dillydallying on Tororo issues will come to end.
Akisoferi Emet, the Morukatipe ICU chairperson where Dokoria hails from says he is embarrassed on whatever his subject is doing and apologized on his behalf.
He noted since childhood, Dokoria has not been a social person and he has never attended any ICU activity in the sub county. Emet wondered how Dokoria ran to be installed as a parallel Emorimor without passing through his local leadership as demanded by the ICU constitution.
Peter Emukule Etyang, Deputy prime minster (Southern Teso) says Dokoria’s mental capacity should be checked because whatever is tagged to his name looks abnormal.
Yesterday’s meeting was also to prepare for the Saturday 23rd July delegates conference where over 3000 clan delegates will confirm the Emorimor elect, have him address the delegates and additionally deliberate on other key institution plans.
The ICU information minister, Gabriel Opolot Mabior says preparations are underway for the Saturday’s delegates conference hence asked the general public to disregard any contradicting congregation noting that the Teso people are too organized for such cheap deviations.
He noted that it’s a process for one to become Emorimor and not in the hotel like how Charles Dokoria was installed last week on Saturday from Soroti hotel.
He also asked government to rein in over parallel cultural intuitions that are acting as a threat to the intention of reviving cultural institutions in Uganda.
