Vice President Alupo Meets Akaliait Ahead of AKADEF Launch
Uganda’s Vice President, Her Excellency Jessica Rose Alupo, met with Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Akaliait, Queen of the Iteso Chiefdom, on Saturday Soroti to discuss key development initiatives ahead of the official launch of the Akaliait Development Foundation (AKADEF). The high-profile meeting took place at Eneku Village in Soroti City and highlighted the growing role of women leaders in shaping community-driven progress.
The two dignitaries focused on women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and grassroots development, with particular emphasis on the forthcoming launch of AKADEF. The Foundation is set to be inaugurated on 21 October 2025 at Bukedea Boma Grounds, an event expected to draw local leaders, cultural representatives, and community members from across the Teso sub-region and beyond.
Vice President Alupo praised Queen Juliet Among for her resilience in advancing cultural heritage while simultaneously addressing modern social challenges. “I am pleased with the initiative to launch AKADEF,” Alupo said during the meeting. “This will go a long way in bringing up responsible women in our community, empowering single mothers, and building stronger, more peaceful families.”
Alupo also pledged her personal and governmental support for the Foundation, assuring the Queen that the government stands ready to partner in projects that uplift women and children. “Your efforts complement our national agenda of inclusive growth and sustainable development,” she noted.
The Akaliait Development Foundation, although independently registered, operates under the wider umbrella of the Iteso Cultural Union. Established in 2022 and formally registered in 2025, AKADEF has already begun impacting the lives of children, youth, and women within the Iteso community and beyond Uganda’s borders. Its mission is “to foster inclusive growth and improve the quality of life for children, girls, and boys by implementing grassroots-led solutions that are community-driven and impact-oriented.”
Queen Juliet Among Akaliait, formally known as Juliet Among Emolot Atomeileng, the Akaliait (Queen) of the Iteso Chiefdom, has consistently championed initiatives that blend tradition with innovation. Through AKADEF, she aims to provide practical support to single mothers, promote education for both girls and boys, and preserve the Iteso cultural identity while embracing modern development strategies.
“The Foundation carries a dual mandate of honoring our traditions while embracing innovations that improve livelihoods,” the Queen explained. “Our people deserve opportunities that combine respect for our heritage with the tools to succeed in today’s world.”
Community leaders across Teso have welcomed the Foundation’s forthcoming launch, viewing it as a catalyst for economic empowerment and cultural pride. Plans for the October event include cultural performances, exhibitions of local crafts, and presentations of AKADEF’s flagship programs in education, health, and women’s enterprise.
As preparations intensify, the meeting between Vice President Alupo and Akaliait underscores the increasing influence of women at both cultural and national levels. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing strong families and building resilient communities, values central to Uganda’s development agenda.
With national and cultural leaders joining forces, the upcoming launch of the Akaliait Development Foundation promises to be more than a ceremonial occasion; it is poised to signal a new chapter in community-led transformation across the Teso sub-region and the country at large.
Other Articles
