The Emorimor of the Iteso, accompanied by Toto Akaliait Juliet Among, on Sunday expressed deep concern over the continued mistreatment and congestion faced by traders at the small border gate between Uganda and Kenya.
The remarks came during the Papa Emorimor and Toto Akaliait Returns Home Special Mass held at St. Jude Catholic Parish in Malaba, an event that drew hundreds of Christians, local leaders, and clan representatives.
Speaking during the Mass, the Emorimor thanked the parish leadership for warmly welcoming him, noting that the hospitality he received was overwhelming in the Catholic Church, even after years of service as head of laity in the Anglican Church.
“There is a lot of milk and honey flowing in my heart today,” he said gratefully. “The welcome I have received here is awesome, and I thank my wife for initiating this visit. It is the first of its kind since I became Emorimor.”
He commended the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kamiza, for accepting his request to share fellowship with the Christian community and hailed the leadership of Malaba for supporting the growth and development of the church.
In his address, the Emorimor delivered a strong message regarding the challenges faced by small-scale traders who rely on the border crossing for their livelihoods.
He described the situation at the small gate as “disturbing,” highlighting both congestion and unfair treatment attributed to security and customs personnel.
He revealed that despite holding engagements with security operatives on the matter, their response had remained inadequate.
“I have asked security to explain what the people of Uganda and Kenya have done to deserve this mistreatment,” he said. “Those who plan for the customs area knew why the big gate was placed. It now looks like using it has become a crime. The leadership of customs and security has all the apparatus to open that gate.”
The Emorimor stressed that resolving the congestion does not require him to raise the matter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, arguing that local authorities have sufficient power and responsibility to act.
“This is a matter the people of Malaba can sort. I ask customs and security: please act,” he urged.
The Emorimor also highlighted initiatives undertaken under his leadership, including the promotion of education through an education fund.
He encouraged parents to write to the ICU to access scholarship opportunities, and appealed to clan leaders to actively monitor the academic progress of children in their communities.
He further urged school administrators to desist from sending students home over fees, adding that responsibility lies with parents, not children.
“Let schools summon parents instead. A student is not responsible for paying fees,” he emphasized.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kamiza, the Parish Priest of St. Jude Malaba, welcomed the Emorimor and described his visit as a beautiful symbol of unity across faith communities.
“We are brothers and sisters,” he said. “Let us be generous and support our Christian community.”
Fr. Kamiza also urged the public to maintain peace and gentleness during the coming election season.
“Speak what you want to speak, but do not raise your voices against each other. After elections, we shall remain here together to take our ajon,” he said, drawing laughter from the congregation.
On a more serious note, he too condemned the ongoing mistreatment of Iteso traders at the small gate.
“It is disappointing to see People of God being denied access to trade by security and customs teams. Government must respect the people,” he said.
Fr. Kamiza concluded by praying for the Emorimor and his queen, asking God to “keep their seats warm” so that their subjects may continue to feel the warmth of their leadership.
Toto Akaliait Juliet Among in her heartfelt message emphasized the importance of church, family, and values.
She urged parents and youth to love the church, saying that a child rooted in Christ is easier to guide and discipline.
She also spoke about the ongoing work of AKADEF, a foundation focused on empowering the Ateker people through family strengthening and household income improvement.
She thanked the Christians of St. Jude for supporting AKADEF’s initiatives, noting that their contributions had enabled the foundation’s continued work.
She encouraged women to model themselves after the “virtuous woman” of Proverbs, to become vessels of life, and to support their husbands in promoting unity within families.
Representing the Parish Pastoral Council, Esamai Henry commended the Emorimor for fostering unity among the Iteso.
He highlighted the Emorimor’s people-centered leadership approach and thanked his office for promoting education by offering bursaries and safeguarding the Ateso language.
Esamai further praised Toto Akaliait for “remembering her roots” and for championing the promotion of virginity among girls.
In his closing remarks, the Emorimor emphasized the importance of preserving Ateso culture and identity.
He advocated for continued use of the Ateso language in Mass and other community activities, saying it strengthens cultural pride and unity.
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