The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Obuntu Firm, is set to begin the long-anticipated construction of the Heritage Home, locally known as Ere Iteso, with a total budget of $15 million (approximately 55 billion Ugandan shillings). This landmark cultural project aims to preserve and promote the Iteso heritage while providing a platform for education, cultural exchange, and community development.
The announcement was made by Abdallah Ochogia, the Deputy Information Minister for ICU, on November 13, 2024, at the ICU offices in Soroti City. He revealed that the Ugandan government has allocated 250 million Ugandan shillings to the initiative through the Ministry of Teso Affairs. Additionally, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is expected to contribute an extra $1.5 million to support the construction process.
Ochogia further disclosed that ICU is currently in talks with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to kick-start the construction. The groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place on November 27, 2024, and will be graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is expected to be the chief guest.
Dr. Charles Peter Otim, Chairperson of the ICU Construction Committee and advisor to the ICU leader, His Highness Paul Sande Emolot-Etomailen, explained that the project seeks not only to preserve the Iteso culture but also to provide a space for cultural exchange and education. “The Heritage Home will serve as a beacon of our cultural pride and history,” Otim said.
The project was originally envisioned by the late ICU leader, Augustin Osuban, and supported by the Soroti District Council, which allocated 1.3 hectares of land for its construction. Under the current leadership of His Highness Paul Sande Emolot, the construction of Ere Iteso is now in full motion.
Emmanuel Ecodu, an architect with the Obuntu Firm, shared that the design of the administration facility includes a variety of key features such as homesteads, offices, a conference hall, a resource center, and living quarters for the Emorimor (the cultural leader of the Iteso people). The design was officially approved by the ICU Construction Committee on June 29, 2024.
Dr. Pascal Osire, Vice Chairperson of the ICU Construction Committee, also spoke about the launch of a fundraising campaign across the Teso sub-region. He urged well-wishers to support the project while cautioning the public against scammers. “No money should be given to anyone unless it is officially communicated by the ICU office,” Osire emphasized.
The ICU Council Chairperson, Nosianta Emechu, expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Emolot and the entire ICU team for their dedication and hard work in driving the project forward. He also praised President Museveni for his continued support for cultural institutions in Uganda.
As the construction of Ere Iteso moves ahead, this ambitious project represents a significant step in the preservation of the Iteso people’s rich cultural heritage and the continued growth of the ICU’s role in promoting cultural and community development.
