The Iteso communities in Uganda, Kenya and the Diaspora will get a new king as the incumbent Papa Emormor Augustine Lemukol Osuban is set to retire.
Iteso Cultural Union prime minister Paul Sande Emolot said Emormor has confirmed his desire to retreat to private life in the next few months.
Emolot said the Iteso Cultural Union Council to be constituted soon will pick Emormor’s successor to avoid a split in the union should they (aspirants) be subjected to elections.
“Consensus is the way to go, thus the need to give the elders council powers to pick the best person to replace Emormor, who has led the seven million members with due diligence since 1998,” he said.
Emolot, who comes from Tororo (southern region), said he is among three people to contest for the top cultural position. Others are deputy prime minister Vance Omome and retired civil servant Jones Eceru – both from northern region.
Emolot said the three of them will face the scrutiny of more than 500 clan leaders. He said Emormor’s successor should not come from the same region (northern) as the incumbent.
“I’m ready to serve the Iteso community if given a chance. Unity is strength and key to development. As a marginalised community, it will be prudent for us to be patient and united,” he said.
Emolot said he has built the image of the institution to warrant him an opportunity to lead them.
