By Steven Enatu
AMOLATAR
Kumam Cultural Heritage leaders and General Assembly members have gathered in Amolatar District for a crucial sitting of the Kumam Cultural Heritage’s highest decision-making organ.
The General Assembly of the Kumam Cultural Heritage (KUCH) is currently underway at Inomo Cell, Inomo Ward, Amolatar Town Council, bringing together key cultural leaders from across Kumam land.
The General Assembly, which is the final decision-making body of the Kumam Cultural Institution, is headed by Chairperson George William Omuge and deputized by Jude Omilogor.
The Assembly’s Secretary is Richard Ekimu, while the Deputy Secretary is set to be elected during today’s sitting, Thursday, December 18, 2025.
According to the Kumam Cultural Heritage Constitution, the General Assembly is rotational in its sittings and is composed of Won Ebuku (Clan Chairpersons), County Women Leaders, Male Youth Representatives, District Female Youth Representatives, District Male Disability Representatives, and District Female Disability Representatives.
In his opening remarks, Chairperson George William Omuge strongly cautioned clans against the growing practice of subdividing clans, describing it as dangerous and driven by selfish interests for leadership positions.
He warned that such practices could lead to incest, as blood relations become unclear and people may unknowingly marry close relatives.
“Clan leadership is not about positions but about development,” Omuge emphasized, urging clan leaders to ensure accountability by giving feedback to their members after meetings.
He cited a case in Alwa where clan members complained of being left out of discussions and decisions, calling the practice unhealthy for cultural growth.
Omuge further encouraged clans to focus on wealth creation through agriculture, urging communities to venture into enterprises such as coffee and cocoa farming.
He called for unity and mobilization of the people for development, stressing the importance of working hand in hand with government programs.
On education, the KUCH Chairperson revealed that plans are underway to secure scholarships for Kumam children in India, noting that a Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed, with the institution awaiting feedback from partners.
He also disclosed that KUCH is working to establish the exact population of the Kumam people, beyond the current UBOS estimate of 667,000, and appealed to the community to provide accurate information when the exercise begins.
In a call to strengthen cultural identity, Omuge urged members to learn and promote the Kumam cultural anthem, encouraging leaders to start mobilizing their communities for its adoption.
Key in the Assembly’s agenda includes the election of the Deputy Secretary, Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and the swearing-in of elected officials.
In line with Article 8 (1) of the Kumam Cultural Heritage Constitution, the Electoral Commission is mandated to preside over the elections.
Whereas the election of the leaders of the general assembly is anchored in article 7. (2).1 of the Kumam Cultural Heritage.
