Emorimor declares ‘total war’ on school dropouts in Teso

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Concerned by the growing rate of school dropouts, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has pledged renewed efforts to promote education across the Teso sub-region.

Reiterating the cultural institution’s commitment to education, the Iteso paramount chief, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III, made the declaration while addressing hundreds of participants at the Emorimor Coronation Run at Soroti Sports Ground on October 18, 2025.

Organised under the theme “Run for the Child”, the charity event aimed to raise funds for education scholarships targeting vulnerable and out-of-school children in the region.

Emorimor said the ICU’s decision to intervene was prompted by disturbing statistics indicating a surge in school dropouts, particularly among marginalised youth in both urban and rural communities.

He emphasised that safeguarding every child’s education is vital to protecting the Iteso cultural identity and securing future prosperity.

“Education is the shield and spear of our children’s future. We cannot watch as poverty and neglect rob them of it,” the Emorimor stressed.

This campaign marks the first region-wide education intervention by the Iteso Cultural Union, signalling stronger collaboration between cultural institutions, political leaders and the community to confront social challenges in Teso.

Leaders, politicians join the run

The Emorimor Run also drew widespread political participation, as leaders across Teso took part to champion education for girls and vulnerable children.

From Members of Parliament to district officials, participants turned up in running gear to show solidarity. Among them was Isaac Orego, NRM flag bearer and Soroti City East MP aspirant, who described the run as “a commitment to ensure no child is left behind”.

Paul Eseru, the Amuria resident district commissioner and coordinator of RDCs in Teso, echoed the call, saying education must remain a right for every child, not a privilege.

The event also attracted participation from journalists across the sub-region, underscoring the media’s role in advocacy and community mobilisation.

Abdallah Ochoggia, the director of planning and strategic partnerships at the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF), applauded the growing support from leaders and media practitioners. He noted that the run’s goal is to raise funds that will directly support education initiatives for disadvantaged children.

“Our focus is sustainability, ensuring that every shilling raised today translates into an opportunity for a child to return to school,” Ochoggia said.

Cultural and political unity for education

With both cultural and political leadership showing up in running gear, the event was more than a marathon; it was a statement of unity and commitment to securing Teso’s future through education.

“This is not just about running; it’s about how far we are willing to go to protect the education of our children,” the Emorimor reiterated.