Teso cultural leader, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, has declared a “total war” on school dropouts in the Teso sub-region, pledging to make education the cornerstone of his ten-year strategic plan for the region’s development.
He made the declaration during celebrations marking his third coronation anniversary in Bukedea district. This event drew dignitaries from across Africa, including representatives from South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
Emorimor decried the poor state of education in Teso, calling for a collective effort to reverse the trend of school dropouts.
“We will not tolerate a situation where children are not completing their education,” he said, urging schools and communities to nurture a love for learning and guide youth toward marketable and career-building courses.
The cultural leader noted that many private security guards in Uganda hail from Teso, not because they lack education, but because they often pursue less marketable courses.
He underscored the role of education in shaping the destiny of the Ateker people, who share deep cultural ties across Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda, and encouraged them to adopt best practices to foster unity and prosperity.
Emorimor appealed to district education officers, local council leaders, church leaders, police, and NGOs to rally behind the campaign against school dropouts, describing it as a moral and cultural responsibility.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni as the guest of honour, speaker of parliament Annet Anita Among commended the Emorimor’s education drive and pledged government support.
She acknowledged the region’s educational challenges and called on the Iteso Cultural Union to work hand in hand with the community to restore Teso’s academic standards.
Highlighting the transformative power of education, she remarked on how it has enabled her and Vice President Jessica Alupo to attain high positions in government.
“Let the young girls learn from our experiences; education is key,” she said.
She pledged Shs 50 million to support the union’s education initiatives. Delivering the president’s message, Among noted government efforts to improve peace, stability, and universal education, and urged cultural and religious leaders to champion unity and development in Teso.
Other dignitaries also lauded the initiative. Arthur Odera, deputy governor of Busia County in Kenya, praised the Emorimor’s commitment, saying similar efforts in Kenya had helped reduce school dropout rates and teenage pregnancies among the Iteso community.
Paramjeet Singh, director of International Relations at Aditya University in India, encouraged Africans to embrace education and pursue valuable courses, stressing the transformative influence of cultural leadership.
Annet Ichumar, Serere district education officer, noted that her district remains deeply affected by dropouts, largely due to teenage pregnancies and poverty, but expressed optimism that the Emorimor’s campaign would help turn the tide.
With renewed commitment from cultural, political, and educational leaders, Teso is now positioning education at the heart of its development agenda, offering hope for a new generation of learners and a more empowered future for the region.
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