JUST IN: ICU Sponsors Tour for Best Ecomai Festival 29 Pupils to Boost Learning Through Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism under the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has announced plans and sponsorship of 29 Primary Seven pupils and selected Primary Six pupils from Opeta Lake View Primary School in Magoro Town Council, Katakwi District, on an educational tour aimed at promoting tourism, culture, and environmental conservation.

Joseph Ojatum, the ICU Minister for Tourism, shared his vision during a meeting with the school administration, teachers, and pupils.

He emphasized that the planned two day tour is meant to enhance the pupils’ understanding of tourism, the importance of preserving wildlife, and the need to protect cultural and natural heritage sites.

In his address, Ojatum delivered warm greetings from Emorimor and Akaliat to the pupils and staff.

He encouraged the pupils to embrace education and take pride in Iteso culture, reminding them of the critical role they play in shaping the future of the region.

He narrated the history of the Iteso kingship under the ICU, established in 1995, mentioning key leaders such as Paprus Imodot First Emorimor (1995), Late Lemukol Augustine Osuban second Emorimor (2000), and Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng (2020) being third Emorimor

Ojatum also shared his personal life journey to inspire the pupils, urging them to stay focused, persevere through hardships, and pursue education as a pathway to opportunity and success.

The idea for the tour was sparked after the pupils’ impressive performance during the 2025 Ecomai Festival, which moved the minister to make a commitment.

During the meeting, he officially announced his pledge to sponsor the pupils for the tour.

The itinerary includes educational visits to major tourist attractions such as the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Kakira Sugar Works, Nyero Rock Paintings (which date back over 5,000 years), Lake Bisina, and Lake Opeta known for its diverse bird species including the shoebill, crested crane, and the Karamoja Apalis.

Ojatum called upon pupils and the wider community to value tourism, protect wildlife, and conserve the environment by avoiding tree cutting and the killing of animals.

“Trees provide habitats for birds and wildlife. When we cut them down, we destroy their homes,” he said.

The announcement left the pupils excited and grateful. Many expressed that this tour would be their first opportunity to explore such places, and they believe it will greatly enhance their education and worldview.

Eliru Felix, the school’s choir trainer, thanked the minister for honoring his promise and commended his commitment to cultural promotion.

Headteacher Emongu Jesero also expressed deep gratitude, stating, “This is the first time something like this has happened. In the whole district, ICU chose Opeta Lake View P/S. No other leader has done this.”

He also appealed to the ICU to continue lobbying for support, highlighting the school’s challenges, including financial constraints and an enrolment of over 1,005 pupils.

Simon Peter Omayo, a member of the School Management Committee(SMC), applauded ICU for fostering cultural unity among the Ateker people.

He encouraged the pupils to respect their culture, focus on their studies, and avoid early pregnancies.

“Since I was born, I have never seen pupils being sponsored for a tour. Blessings have truly come to Opeta,” he added.

Parents who attended the event were visibly joyful and praised the ICU for its support. Pupils, too, expressed their gratitude and vowed to work harder in their studies.

“We are ready to explore new ideas and places. This opportunity has motivated us to excel in our academics, and we won’t let the minister down,” said one of the excited pupils.