Soroti City East Division MP aspirant Isaac Orego has applauded His Royal Highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot, Etomeileng, the Emorimor of Iteso, for his visionary leadership and commitment to tackling the rising school dropout crisis in Teso through education-centered cultural initiatives.
Speaking during the Emorimor Third Coronation Anniversary Charity Run held at Soroti Sports Ground on Saturday, Orego described the event as a transformative effort that not only promotes unity among the Iteso but also seeks to uplift struggling learners who have been forced out of school due to financial hardship.
“I want to thank so much our Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot for organizing this run. This run has helped us raise money to support children who are stranded, those who cannot raise tuition for themselves,” Orego said.
He noted that the Emorimor’s initiative aligns with the broader national development goals of the Government of Uganda, particularly in promoting education, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction.
Orego, who is also the NRM Flag Bearer for Soroti City East Division, said the activity showcased how culture can be harnessed to complement government programs.
“This run is not only about fitness or celebration, it is about hope and action,” he added. “It is a chance for us as leaders and citizens to stand together to support the education of our children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
The Emorimor Run was part of a series of activities organized by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) to commemorate the Third Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Highness, Papa Emolot, scheduled for October 25, 2025, in Bukedea District.
The event, themed “Run for the Child: Supporting Girl and Boy Child Education,” attracted hundreds of participants from across the Teso sub-region, including youth groups, community leaders, and political aspirants.
Proceeds from the charity run will go toward the Emorimor Education Fund, an initiative aimed at providing scholarships to bright but underprivileged learners and establishing the Ateker Skilling Institute to equip school dropouts with employable skills.
Orego hailed the initiative as a model of community-driven development, emphasizing that it addressed one of Teso’s most pressing challenges, education access.
“We all know that many of our young people drop out of school due to lack of tuition or early pregnancies. What our Emorimor is doing gives these children another chance at life,” he said. “When we invest in education, we are investing in the future of Teso and Uganda.”
He also commended the Government of Uganda under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining peace and stability, which he said had enabled communities to freely organize such activities that unite people for a common cause.
Orego further noted that the event provided an opportunity to strengthen unity within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) fraternity and mobilize citizens toward continued support for government programs.
“This run has helped us mobilize the votes for the NRM government, especially for the President and all NRM flag bearers within Soroti City East,” Orego said, adding that the peaceful environment in Soroti was a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring development through stability.
He praised the youth and elderly who turned up in large numbers, saying their participation signaled renewed hope for collective progress.
“What we have seen today shows that the people of Soroti are ready to work together, regardless of political differences, to uplift our communities. This is the spirit of Ateker that our Emorimor continues to preach,” Orego emphasized.
The MP aspirant called upon corporate organizations, government agencies, and development partners to support the Emorimor Education Fund and other cultural-driven development programs.
He pledged his personal commitment to continue working with the ICU and the Emorimor’s office to promote education and youth empowerment across Soroti City East Division.
“As a leader, I will ensure that education remains a priority in my agenda. Every child in Soroti deserves a chance to go to school and achieve their dreams,” Orego said passionately.
He further encouraged parents to take advantage of available government programs, such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), while also supporting local fundraising efforts to assist those left behind.
Orego concluded by reaffirming his gratitude to the cultural institution and to His Royal Highness for his vision and inclusive leadership.
“Our Emorimor is showing us that leadership is about service, compassion, and action. We are proud to have him as a guiding light for Teso. Together, we shall end school dropouts and build a generation of educated and empowered Iteso,” he said.
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