ACCUSED: Executive Director Dr Eriaku Peter Emmanuel and Abdallah Ochoggia Director Planning and Strategic Partnerships. FILE/PHOTO
The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), is currently grappling with a serious communication crisis following the emergence of a parallel group accused of circulating sensitive information without authorization from the official leadership.
In a press statement released to media houses and journalists this week, ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole warned of attempts by certain individuals to usurp the official communication channels of the institution.
He urged the public and the press to remain vigilant against what he described as “unauthorized individuals seeking personal gain at the expense of ICU’s integrity.”
“It has come to our attention that a group of individuals is circulating and publishing information regarding the Iteso Cultural Union without the knowledge or consent of the responsible office bearers,” Ocole stated.
“Please be reminded that the ICU is a formal institution with established communication protocols. All official communication must come through the designated offices, currently headed by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Information. We therefore urge you not to publish any information forwarded to you by unauthorized individuals. This measure is intended to safeguard the integrity of the ICU and to avoid misleading the public.”
Although the ICU statement stopped short of naming the individuals behind the alleged parallel communication structure, inside sources have identified a team of three officials accused of orchestrating the crisis.
The group reportedly includes:
Dr. Eriaku Peter Emmanuel, Executive Director of the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF), Abdallah Ochoggia, Director of Planning and Strategic Partnerships at ICUDEF, and The ICU Events Manager (whose identity was not officially disclosed)
The sources claim that the trio have formed an “alternative power center” that is seeking to frustrate Prime Minister Ocole and ultimately remove him from office.
According to the allegations, their preferred replacement is Dr. Eriaku, who they are allegedly fronting as a potential Prime Minister.
The matter has been complicated further by past disputes within the institution.
Abdallah Ochoggia was recently dismissed by the Emorimor as Deputy Minister of Information in ICU.
His dismissal, according to insiders, left a bitter rift within the leadership, which now appears to have spilled over into the ongoing communication battle.
At the center of the controversy is the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF), the development arm of the ICU.
Established under a special constitutional arrangement, ICUDEF was intended to spearhead development projects, mobilize resources, and implement community-based programs under the cultural union’s umbrella.
However, the ICU leadership alleges that ICUDEF’s current team has become increasingly defiant, shifting its operations away from ICU’s main headquarters.
According to sources, ICUDEF now rents office space at the Soroti Museum, where it allegedly runs independent operations “without the supervision” of the Prime Minister and his cabinet.
“The group is signing partnerships and entering agreements in the name of ICU, but they do not want the institution to know the details of these transactions,” one senior ICU insider told TNN on condition of anonymity.
In response to the allegations in a statement, Abdallah Ochoggia strongly rejected claims that ICUDEF is undermining ICU or sidelining the Prime Minister.
He clarified that ICUDEF is an independent entity created with a specific constitutional mandate and does not fall under the supervision of the ICU Cabinet.
“ICUDEF is an independent development arm of the Iteso Cultural Union. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution that created it, the ICU Cabinet headed by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister only plays an advisory, not a supervisory role,” Ochoggia explained.
He emphasized that ICUDEF officials are appointed by HRH Papa Emorimor, the cultural leader of the Iteso, and that their accountability lies with the ICUDEF Board of Directors, not the Prime Minister.
“The running of ICUDEF activities is not subject to the Prime Minister’s approval or authorization. Our work is guided by the approved Strategic Plan in line with our mandate as prescribed in the Constitution that created ICUDEF,” Ochoggia said.
The emerging standoff highlights deeper tensions between ICU’s political-administrative leadership and its development foundation.
Observers fear that if unresolved, the conflict could weaken the unity and credibility of the institution at a time when cultural institutions across Uganda are being looked upon as agents of social and economic transformation.
For many Iteso, the ICU has historically symbolized unity, cultural preservation, and advocacy on community issues.
However, with accusations of power struggles, clandestine deals, and unauthorized communication flying around, questions are now being raised about the internal cohesion of the union.
The pressure is mounting on HRH Papa Emorimor and the ICU Council to step in and restore order.
Cultural experts argue that unless clear boundaries are reaffirmed between ICU’s political leadership and ICUDEF’s development mandate, mistrust will deepen and derail the broader objectives of the institution.
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