By Henry Okello
TORORO
The Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, His Royal Highness Emorimor Papa Iteso Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, has called on the Iteso people to return to cultural values, discipline, and responsible parenting as he launched new Family and Gender Relations Guidelines aimed at curbing gender-based violence and safeguarding families.
Speaking at the launch held at King George Memorial Stadium in Tororo on Tuesday, May 26, the Emorimor described the document as a historic milestone for the community.
“Today we are launching our cultural dictionary, our cultural bible, one that should guide us in bringing peace and stability in our homes,” he declared.
The guidelines, developed in partnership with International Justice Mission (IJM) Uganda, are intended to serve as a framework for handling domestic conflicts, promoting child protection, strengthening parenting, and aligning cultural practices with national laws against gender-based violence.
The event drew cultural leaders, clan heads, religious leaders, justice officials, survivor groups, and local government representatives from across Teso and neighboring regions.
Emorimor Emolot thanked IJM for supporting the documentation process, saying the partnership had created a legacy for generations to come.
He also credited the Jopadhola Cultural Institution for inspiring the initiative after inviting the Iteso leadership to a previous cultural book launch.
“If you had not invited us during your launch, we would not have learned something important,” he noted.
The Emorimor raised concern over the erosion of cultural values and rising cases of domestic violence, moral decline, and family conflicts. He blamed much of it on the failure to document and pass on traditional practices.
“When we were growing up, we respected our parents and leaders. But because we lost morals, we are now facing many problems in our communities,” he said.
He condemned the mistreatment of widows and orphans, pointing to greed and property grabbing that often follow the death of a breadwinner.
“Someone dies and leaves behind children and a widow, but immediately after burial relatives begin demanding land titles, property and bank accounts,” he said.
The cultural leader praised survivors who shared testimonies at the event, saying their stories exposed the pain many women and children have endured in silence. He warned that cultural leaders would now work closely with local governments and security agencies to ensure children remain in school.
“If you are found not taking your child to school, we shall coordinate with security agencies and police because education is the key to everything,” he warned.
He also strongly condemned gender-based violence, citing a recent killing in the Bukedi sub-region where a young man allegedly murdered his girlfriend after she questioned his activities.
The Emorimor highlighted the Iteso Cultural Union’s role in supporting education, revealing that more than 400 students were helped to access schooling last year through partnerships and scholarships. He shared the story of a former street child who later earned a doctorate through the support system.
“There is nothing impossible when communities support vulnerable children,” he said.
The launch also became a moment of pride for Eastern Uganda, with the Emorimor congratulating leaders from the region serving in senior government positions and thanking President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting the region with national responsibilities.
Cultural leaders from other regions were reported to have shown interest in adopting similar guidelines, as family violence remains a challenge across communities.
