Profile
His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III
Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III, born in 11th April 1962 into the Ikuruk Lukedos clan of Koitangiro Parish, Mella Subcounty, Tororo South Constituency, Tororo District, is the current Emorimor-the cultural head and unifier of the Iteso people. At 63 years of age, he embodies decades of leadership, cultural commitment, and service to his people
He was installed as the third Emorimor on 22 October 2022 in Soroti City, Uganda, following the passing of his predecessor, Augustine Osuban Lemukol. On 16 December 2022, the Government of Uganda officially gazetted him under Volume CXV No. 75, General Notice No. 2158 of 2022, confirming his role as the Iteso Cultural Leader.
Early Life and Leadership Journey
From an early age, Papa Emorimor demonstrated natural leadership abilities, eventually serving as Mayor of Tororo District in the early 2000s. He went on to become a highly successful import and export businessman, commercial farmer, and investor with holdings in real estate, hotels, and retail across multiple East African
countries. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a loving husband and father, known for his humility, compassion,
and deep commitment to his community
Before ascending to the throne, he served the Iteso Cultural Union for over a decade as Prime Minister. Later he became Chairperson of the Council, where he effectively represented the late king in various activities such as during the formation and launch of the Teso Education Fund in London, UK.
Vision and Achievements
Since taking office, Papa Emorimor has focused on:- Education:
- Championing scholarships and literacy programs to combat high illiteracy rates in Teso.-
- Cultural Infrastructure: Overseeing the rehabilitation of the ICU headquarters and securing 10-15 acres for
the construction of a new royal palace.- - Diaspora Engagement: Mobilising Iteso in the diaspora to invest in Teso’s development.-
- Pan-African Cultural Diplomacy: Building alliances with other African monarchs, including landmark cultural talks with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
- Global President of the African Kingdoms Diaspora Alliance (AKDA) Foundation in Johannesburg South Africa where he leads in strengthening African Unity and Diaspora engagement.
Cultural Initiation and Coronation
Before ascending to the throne, Papa Emorimor underwent the sacred Asapan initiation-a rite of passage conducted by elders to prepare and affirm a leader’s readiness to take on the responsibilities of unifying the Iteso.
His coronation in 2022 was attended by thousands of Iteso, dignitaries, and cultural leaders from across East Africa, symbolising unity, continuity, and cultural revival.