In a heartfelt Christmas address to his people, His Royal Highness Won Ateker, the Cultural Leader of Kumam, Papa Rafael Otaya, has issued a powerful call for communal peace, lawful conduct, and renewed faith as the year draws to a close.
Delivering his annual festive wishes, the revered leader praised his subjects for their industrious efforts throughout the year in agriculture, legal business ventures, animal husbandry, and education. He emphasized that these pillars are the foundation of prosperity for the Kumam people.
Central to his message was an urgent appeal for peace and safety within homes, villages, and communities. The Won Ateker specifically cautioned parents against the common practice of sending children to wander to relatives’ homes or centres during the festive period, urging them instead to “keep our children very safe.”
Striking a firm tone, the cultural leader explicitly directed his people to respect and abide by Uganda’s laws. He condemned criminal activities including theft, murder, rape, poisoning, and fighting, stating plainly, “it’s not good.”
“As we now move near Christmas, let us love one another,” he stated, pivoting to the core spirit of the season. He encouraged kindness, respect, and sharing among all community members.
The leader also highlighted public health, specifically urging his people to guard against communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS. He championed a strong work ethic, warning against laziness and exhorting the community to “work very hard” to build wealth.
Concluding with a spiritual focus, Papa Rafael Otaya reminded everyone not to forget God during the celebrations. “Let us pray to God to give us good wealth and we begin the new year well,” he said, intertwining faith with aspirations for prosperity.
Festive Greetings
His Royal Highness extended warm Christmas wishes to all, blending traditional leadership with the universal message of the holiday. His address served as both a moral compass for the festive season and a blueprint for a harmonious and productive new year for the Kumam Kingdom.
About the Won Ateker: The Won Ateker is the supreme cultural and traditional leader of the Kumam people, primarily found in Teso and Lango sub-regions of Eastern and Northern Uganda. The institution focuses on preserving cultural heritage, fostering unity, and guiding community development.
