Her Royal Highness the queen of Iteso Cultural Union – ICU Toto Akaliait Juliet Among has called on Christians and cultural custodians in Teso to champion purity among young girls as a vital way of safeguarding cultural values and traditions.
Speaking to TNN, Toto Akaliait said purity, respect for heritage, and the protection of girls from moral decay must remain central pillars of society.
“As Iteso, we are known for rich traditions. If we fail to safeguard purity and moral discipline among our girls, we risk losing a whole generation to modern distractions. Let us embrace purity as a symbol of our heritage,” she emphasized.
Her remarks come just weeks before the official launch of the Akaliait Development Foundation (AKADEF), a new initiative aimed at promoting virginity, moral discipline, cultural pride, and mentorship for women in Teso.
The foundation is scheduled to be launched in October in Bukedea District, with several cultural and religious leaders expected to attend.
Founded by Toto Akaliait Juliet Among, AKADEF (Akaliait Development Foundation) is a community-driven initiative focused on empowering women and girls through cultural awareness, mentorship, education, and health support.
According to the foundation’s mission statement, its primary objectives include: Promoting purity and virginity among young women as a way of instilling discipline and self-respect, Strengthening cultural identity by reviving traditional values such as respect, unity, and moral integrity and Mentorship and education support for girls to enable them pursue academic goals without being derailed by early marriages or negative peer influence.
The foundation is also expected to handle issues related to Community health and social support programs, especially for vulnerable women and girls.
So far, AKADEF has carried out community awareness campaigns, reaching more than 3,000 young people through school visits, church gatherings, and women’s groups.
Toto Akaliait noted that the foundation is not merely about enforcing discipline but also about equipping girls with life skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed.
In Iteso tradition, purity was once regarded as an important rite of passage for young women.
Girls who kept their purity until marriage were celebrated as symbols of respect, pride, and honor for their families.
However, elders and cultural leaders say this value has been eroded by modern pressures, exposure to negative media, and economic struggles that push girls into early relationships.
Church leaders in Bukedea and Ngora welcomed Akaliait’s efforts, noting that the message of purity is aligned with biblical teachings.
Rev. James Okiror, a local pastor, said the church has been working with youth fellowships to promote abstinence and discourage teenage pregnancies, which remain high in Teso.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report, the teenage pregnancy rate in Eastern Uganda stands at 27%, with Teso sub-region among the most affected.
Leaders believe initiatives like AKADEF will play a significant role in reversing this trend.
The official launch of AKADEF in October 2025 is expected to draw thousands of community members, religious leaders, cultural heads, and government officials.
“This is not just about girls, it is about the whole community. When we raise disciplined, empowered young women, we are building a stronger Teso,” Toto Akaliait said while rallying the faithful.
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