By Hon. Eweku Charles
Minister of Tourism and Heritage
Teso Kingdom
TESO
Celebrating Heritage and Building Legacy of Iteso by commemorating Maj. Kanuti Akorimo during Emaali heritage celebrations on the 24th and 25th at Kololo grounds Kampala city.
As Uganda marks its 64th Independence Day on October 9th 2026, we pause to honor a monumental piece of our shared history and a monumental pride for the Iteso community.
We remember and celebrate Major Kanuti Akorimo, the brave Ugandan statesman and military officer of Iteso heritage who proudly hoisted the Ugandan national flag at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on October 9, 1962.
This profound act marked the birth of a sovereign nation, symbolizing the transition from colonial rule to self-determination, unity, and freedom creating unforgettable heritage worth celebrating in Uganda’s history bonding Teso and Uganda in the following ways;
It defined a special Moment for Teso and Uganda’s historical Flag-Raised on that crisp morning in 1962, as the Union Jack was lowered and the six-striped black, yellow, and red Ugandan flag (with the crested crane at its center) soared into the sky, Major Kanuti Akorimo etched his name into the annals of East African history.
A Beacon of Pride for the Iteso people and the broader Teso -region, Maj. Akorimo’s role stands as an enduring testament to patriotism, leadership, and the critical contributions of indigenous communities to the foundational fabric full of honesty and trust to bear the national responsibility of Uganda.
Living the Legacy by commemorating heroes like Major Akorimo bridges our past with our future likewise Teso and Uganda. It serves as an inspiration for current and upcoming generations reminding youth of the courage, dignity, and responsibility required to build and preserve a legacy of peace and national development.
History reminds that “A society that does not honor its heroes is itself unechoed.” Today, we echoed and on the 24th and 25th October 2026 we celebrate the courage of Major Kanuti Akorimo, and other four (4) Iteso men and women including Papa Atude Patrick, (composed emaali song) Papa Alloch William, (one of the six founding members of Iteso cultural Union and the role he played as a secretary ) Papa Capt. Mike Mukula (chairman Arrow boys and role he played to mobilize arrow boys to defend Iteso from LRA attack) and Toto Rose Mary Ariko ( composed the Teso Anthem ) monumental contribution and whose hands helped to anchor Iteso ‘s identity on the national heritage stage.
Happy Independence Day to all Ugandans, and may the heritage of Teso continue to shine brightly in the legacy of Uganda!
Eyalama Noi.
