By Steven Enatu
SOROTI
The Kumam Cultural Institution on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025, conducted the official vetting and swearing-in of 13 new ministers during a ceremony held at Tedwills Guest House in Soroti.
The function was presided over by Counsel Geoffrey Ewatu, before His Royal Highness Won Ateker Raphael Otaya, Papa Me Kumam.
Chairperson of the Council of Elders, John Sylvester Edyanga, said the exercise was conducted in fulfilment of the Institution of Traditional Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
He cited Section 16 of the Act—together with Article 246 of the Constitution of Uganda—as the legal basis for establishing ministerial positions within traditional institutions.
Edyanga noted that the Council of Elders was properly constituted under Articles 26.1A, B, C and 26.3A, 44 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
The Council vetted candidates based on ministerial requirements, regional balance, community confidence, and commitment to serving the Kumam Cultural Institution.
Following the vetting process, the Council recommended the following individuals as appointed by His Royal Highness:
- Mr. Ekilu Peter – Second Deputy Prime Minister
- Ochen Simon –Minister ICT
- Enayu Joel – Deputy Minister ICT
- Eulu Noel – Minister of Works and Transport
- Eteru Sam -Minister of Tourism
- Acilu Michael –Deputy Minister of Education incharge Technical Education
- Atayo Selly – Dep. Minister Trade
- Orit Simon – Dep. Finance Minister in charge planning
- Eramu Saleh – Dep. Minister of Culture in Charge Antiquities
- Rev. Atangi John – Dep. Minister Natural Resources
- Elyau Thompson – Dep. Minister Water and Environment
- Edyau Eunyu Patrick – Dep. Minister of education in charge higher education
- Oyugi Cuthbert – Dep. Minister of Health
In his remarks, His Royal Highness Won Ateker Papa Me Kumam described the day as a significant milestone for the Kumam Cultural Heritage.
The newly sworn-in ministers are expected to immediately begin executing their duties to strengthen the cultural identity, values, and development agenda of the Kumam community.
The second Deputy Prime Minister Peter Ekilu said his task is to steer and push forward the already existing projects like the blood donation drive which the cultural institution partnered with Red Cross to carry out in the Kumam community, among others key projects
Shortly after swearing in Samuel Eteru, the minister in charge of the tourism pledged to embark on mapping and revamping potential and tourism sites in Kumam land.
“We want people to know that we also exist and what makes us exist, the foods, the culture and so many things that show the beauty of Kumam land, that’s the task ahead of me,” he said.
