Ma'di cultural institution establishes council of elders
The elections at Adjumani district council Hall were during a meeting convened to review and discuss the proposed traditional marriage Bylaw of the institution established under the Motto "Ama Alu ", meaning we are one.
Eyiachi Dominic, the chairperson elders council swearing-in after being elected. (Credit: Doreen Tasia)
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ADJUMANI - The Ma'di cultural Institution has elected a new council of elders in a move aimed at strengthening traditioMa'di cultural institution establishes council of eldersnal leadership and promoting unity among the Ma'di people.
The elections at Adjumani district council Hall were during a meeting convened to review and discuss the proposed traditional marriage Bylaw of the institution established under the Motto "Ama Alu ", meaning we are one.
The meeting facilitated by FAWE Uganda and overcomer women brought together all clan leaders, cultural representatives across the three Madi districts of Adjumani, Moyo and Obongi.
Cultural leaders during the meeting. (Credit: Doreen Tasia)
The new council is comprised of nine members selected from the different madi clans in the three districts, with two women elected.
Key executive members of the new council are:
- Eyiach Dominic, the chairperson
- Idda Moses, the vice chairperson
- Iwa Muu Saviour, the secretary general
- Unzia Joyce, the treasurer
- Dramundu Pastore Ayo.
Their primary role is to advise cultural leaders, preserve traditional norms and values, foster peace, unity and development in Madi communities and beyond.
Ma'di paramount chief Simon Surubaru said that the elders are the centre of the cultural heritage.
"The elders are the backbone of our culture, and their wisdom will guide our people through the challenges of modernisation as our culture remains our identity. I want to thank the 26 chiefdoms for the election of the members with whom we shall work together," he said.
Council chairperson, Dominic Eyiachi, a retired Police officer, expressed gratitude for the trust and pledged to work closely with all stakeholders in promoting cultural education and development in order to address teenage pregnancies and early marriages, which still remain a challenge in the Ma'di sub-region.
"Sometimes, culture and the laws are parallel, but I want to bring the two together so that they don't conflict. The council will stand for unity, respect for the established laws to ensure that the people adhere," Eyiachi said.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Okware, the deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, appreciated the cultural Institution for coming up with the bylaw and also for promoting harmony across the sub-region.
"We encourage you to continue creating harmony, which is much needed in the region," he told the elders.