HISTORIC ERE ITESO PALACE PROJECT LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN TESO CULTURAL HERITAGE

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has officially launched the construction of the Ere Iteso Palace, a landmark cultural project expected to strengthen the preservation of Iteso heritage and reinforce the role of traditional leadership in the Teso sub-region.

The groundbreaking ceremony and fundraising launch for the palace were held on March 7, 2026, at the ICU offices in Soroti city with Vice President Jessica Alupo presiding over the event on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.

Once completed, the palace will serve as the official seat of the Emorimor Papa Iteso, His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, and will function as a central institution for promoting Iteso culture, traditions, and community unity.

The ambitious project is estimated to cost Shs53 billion, and leaders of the cultural institution say it will provide a permanent home for cultural leadership while creating a space where the history and traditions of the Iteso people can be preserved and shared with future generations.

In a message delivered by the Vice President, President Museveni described the palace project as an important milestone in strengthening cultural institutions and safeguarding Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage.

He commended the Emorimor for his leadership and dedication to promoting unity and cultural identity among the Iteso people.

“I commend the Emorimor of Teso, His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot, for the great work he is doing among his subjects and within the communities,” the President said in a statement read by Vice President Alupo.

Museveni noted that the construction of the palace represents more than just infrastructure, emphasizing that it symbolizes the collective efforts of the Iteso community to preserve their history and cultural identity.

“It is not merely the construction of bricks and mortar, but an embodiment of the collective aspiration to preserve and celebrate our traditional history and identity,” the President’s message stated.

The palace is expected to serve as a cultural hub where traditional ceremonies, leadership meetings, and cultural events will be held. It will also provide an opportunity for younger generations to learn about Iteso customs, values, and traditions.

The project reflects the determination of the Iteso people to strengthen their cultural institutions and protect their heritage in the face of rapid social and economic changes.

The development is also expected to contribute to tourism and local economic growth, as the palace could attract visitors interested in learning about the culture and traditions of the Iteso community.

During the ceremony, Vice President Alupo announced that President Museveni had contributed Shs500 million towards the construction of the palace.

She clarified that the contribution was not a pledge but a direct donation, which will be deposited into the project account as the first official contribution toward the construction of the palace.

Once completed, the Ere Iteso Palace is expected to stand as a lasting symbol of Iteso cultural pride, unity, and identity, while strengthening the role of cultural leadership in promoting social cohesion and development in the Teso sub-region.

End