ICU Shifts 4th Emorimor Coronation Anniversary to October 29–31

By Peterson Hiirya.

The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has announced a one-week postponement of the 4th Coronation Anniversary of His Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, which was initially scheduled for October 22–24, 2026, in Kenya.

The anniversary will now take place from October 29 to 31, 2026, following a request by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to enable him to personally attend the celebrations alongside a state delegation.

Speaking to the media, ICU Minister of Information Stephen Ojaacor said the decision followed a fruitful meeting held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, between President Ruto and Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng.

According to Ojaacor, President Ruto requested that the celebrations be pushed forward by one week to allow him to attend the coronation anniversary in person.“The organizing committee has accepted the request by the President of Kenya. I am here to announce that the 4th coronation anniversary that was scheduled for 22nd to 24th October has been shifted to 29th to 31st October 2026,” Ojaacor said.

Ojaacor thanked President Ruto for recognizing the Ateso people and the Iteso community in Kenya, saying his participation in the celebrations would provide an important opportunity to address development concerns affecting the Ateker people.

He also commended Papa Emorimor for his continued efforts to mobilize and advocate for the interests of the Ateker people.

Emorimor Cup Dates Changed

The postponement has also affected some activities that had been scheduled to take place alongside the coronation anniversary.

Ojaacor said the Emorimor Cup semi-finals and final will now be held on October 29 and 30 in Kenya. President Ruto is expected to hand over awards to the winners.

The ICU official said the sporting activities are part of the wider programme leading up to the coronation anniversary.

Business Symposium to Bring Together Ateker Stakeholders

A business symposium will also be held on October 30 in Kenya, bringing together businesspeople, government officials and other stakeholders from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

The symposium, spearheaded by ICU Minister of Trade Hon. David Asabu, will focus on ways of promoting economic growth and entrepreneurship among the Ateker people.

Ojaacor urged young people, businesspeople, government officials and cultural leaders to participate in the symposium and contribute ideas aimed at addressing the entrepreneurial and economic challenges facing the community.

He described the meeting as an opportunity for stakeholders from the three countries to share ideas and develop strategies for strengthening economic opportunities within the Ateker community.

Emaali Festival to Proceed as Planned

Meanwhile, the Emaali Festival organized by the ICU Ministry of Tourism under Hon. Charles Eweku will proceed on its original dates of October 24 and 25, 2026.

The festival will be held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala and will focus on promoting tourism and cultural opportunities in Teso.

Ojaacor said the festival is intended to showcase Teso’s cultural heritage and tourism potential while opening the region to visitors from Uganda and beyond.

The ICU has partnered with the government through the Ministry of Tourism and the Uganda Tourism Board to promote the event.

The minister urged residents of Kampala, Mukono and surrounding areas to attend the festival in large numbers and support efforts to promote Teso’s tourism sector.

The ICU said further updates regarding the coronation anniversary and related activities will be communicated to the public as preparations continue.