Paramount chief Emolot says disappointed by lack of dialogue among Teso leaders

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Iteso Paramount Chief (Emorimor) Paul Sande Emolot says he is disappointed by the lack of dialogue among Teso leaders over the past five years.

This reflection came during the Teso Regional Leaders Prayer Breakfast at Soroti Hotel on January 6, 2026, an event organised by the Teso House of Prayers under the National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in partnership with the Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI) to foster unity among local leaders.

Up until his passing in December 2022, Bishop Patrick Okabe served as the chairperson of the Teso Parliamentary Group and represented Serere County in Parliament. Okabe had been organising the Teso Convention each year, which focused on tackling development issues and fostering unity within the Teso region.

During his address, Emolot lamented that no discussions had taken place among Teso leaders to address pressing issues affecting the region throughout the last political term.

He urged the Iteso people to elect responsible leaders who will be present in the community beyond the election period. The Emorimor expressed hope that divine guidance would lead to the election of capable leaders committed to developing Teso.

Emolot emphasised the importance of forgiveness, unity and love among the Iteso, highlighting the initiative to send 15 students to Makerere University to study of Ateso as a means to promote their language.

He offered a humble prayer for peaceful elections in Teso, stressing the need to avoid violence and ensure that no lives are lost as a result of electoral disputes, reminiscent of past incidents in Orungo county, Amuria district.

No place for confusion

“If you know you are not ready to lead people, stay at home and remain silent. There’s no place for confusion or incitement among us. Let's choose our leaders wisely and uphold the peace we have,” he advised, encouraging the community to make informed choices at the ballot.

Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot speaking with NRM's Calvin Echodu shortly after the prayer breakfast meeting in Soroti city on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the progress Teso has made, Emolot noted the region's recovery from past struggles, now celebrating prominent political appointments from within the Teso community.

This prayer breakfast also marked the start of a three-day prayer convention devoted to dedicating the Teso region to God. It brought together a diverse group of attendees, including government figures, political and church leaders, cultural representatives, business personnel, and members of the media, all united in their commitment to seeking blessings for Teso. The convention, which will conclude on Friday, is being hosted at Soroti Municipal Secondary School.

Praying for peace

Bishop James Israel Tukei, the provincial city overseer for Soroti under the National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches, shared that this was the second prayer event of the year aimed at praying for the nation, peaceful elections and the dedication of Teso to God's care, as well as seeking blessings for families and the land.

Tukei emphasised the importance of respecting individuals within their political parties. He expressed a desire for leaders who truly understand the needs of the people and serve with genuine honesty and integrity, rather than those who seek to oppress and enslave.

Embody spirit of peace

During the event, Dr Stephen Ogang, a guest preacher from Nigeria, urged church leaders to embody the spirit of purity in their leadership. His powerful message focused on "Leadership for Transforming Society."

National Resistance Movement central executive committee member David Calvin Echodu encouraged religious figures to remain steadfast in their prayers for unity. He highlighted that without unity, it becomes challenging to witness the fruits of their prayers.

He further remarked that one of the profound mysteries the church should embrace is unity of purpose, through which nothing is impossible with God.

Winifred Adio, representing Vice-President Jessica Alupo, expressed gratitude for being elected unopposed.

She also prayed for Echodu to enjoy a similar outcome and urged the crowd to support the NRM Presidential candidate, Yoweri Museveni, as he seeks re-election, to secure their influential positions.

Soroti Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut emphasized the importance of prayer to counteract the negativity from so-called "prophets of doom" during the election, expressing his belief that prayer holds the power to guide the elections positively while encouraging pastors to combat negative prayers within their congregations.

Charles Elasu, a presidential advisor and elder in Teso, shared that the region's future lies in surrendering to God, declaring that a politician lacking the qualities of a servant leader is ineffective.

As the gathering approached the General elections, all political candidates were prayed for and blessed.

This prayer breakfast attracted various bishops from Pentecostal churches across Teso. Notable clergy in attendance included Bishop Mathew Omagor from the Central Teso PAG pastorate, Bishop Sam Eibu Okiror from the Baptist Church (Teso/Karamoja), Bishop Kokas Olupot, and Pastor Agnes Eitu from Global Harvest Church Soroti, among others.

Other distinguished attendees featured Dr John Ekure from Kumi Orthopaedic Centre and Girigori Mikairi Egunyu, the former LC5 Chairperson for Soroti district.