The Iteso community is mourning the death of one of its most influential cultural figures, Joyce Asekenye, a founding member of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU).
Asekenye passed away on Monday night at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where she had been admitted for treatment.
She was 68.
Asekenye, a revered cultural icon, played a pivotal role in the formation and growth of the ICU since its inception in 1995.
Her passing marks the end of an era for the cultural institution that spans across Uganda, Kenya, and the diaspora.
Born in Kumi District, Asekenye dedicated much of her life to the preservation and promotion of Iteso culture, language, and values.
She represented Kumi District in the ICU and was one of the first women to rise to prominence in the institution’s leadership, serving for years as the Minister for Culture.
Her work helped shape the ICU’s strategic direction during its formative years and beyond.
As a founding member of the ICU, Asekenye was instrumental in crafting the union’s mission to unite the Iteso people under one cultural umbrella and promote pride in the Ateso identity.
Through her leadership in the Ministry of Culture, she championed programs to preserve the Ateso language, promote traditional music and dance, and revive oral traditions that were fading among younger generations.
“She was a strong pillar in our cultural renaissance,” said Solomon Opio an MP Aspirant for Kumi County. “Her passion for our heritage and her dedication to the youth and women of Teso has left a mark that will not be erased.
Beyond her cultural work, Asekenye was also known for her fierce commitment to upholding the rule of law and the constitutional integrity of the ICU.
In 2022, following the death of Emorimor Augustine Osuban Lemukol, Asekenye joined other founder members including; William Alloch Akol, Stephen Enokokin from Serere, Joseph Okadapao, Pauline Apio, Lydia Agoda Acom and Alfred Aruo, the former Mayor of Soroti Municipality in petitioning the Soroti High Court to block the installation of Paul Sande Emolot as interim Emorimor.
The petition challenged the legitimacy of the succession process, citing violations of the ICU Constitution of 2019.
The court issued an interim order barring Emolot and other interim leaders from performing any duties on behalf of the institution.
This legal intervention underscored Asekenye’s belief in transparent governance and proper cultural succession.
Despite the tensions, Asekenye later reconciled with His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot before her death, a move that signified her enduring commitment to unity and peace within the ICU.
She was also a Coordinator Teso Karamoja Women Initiative for Peace (TEKWIP) and the chairperson of an Interest group working on conflicts around borders – within Teso & with other districts with support by GIZ-CPS for over 10 years.
TEKWIP is a member of other Interest Groups e,g TeCoDLAM (Teso Conflicts around dual land management systems, then TEKWIP is a member of AWOLARIP – Ateker Women Land Rights Partners.
Asekenye’s legacy extends beyond cultural preservation.
She was a tireless advocate for education and youth empowerment in the Teso sub-region.
Over the years, she participated in policy forums and community dialogues pushing for the establishment of a cross-border education fund for Teso students in Uganda and Kenya.
“She believed that a strong cultural identity needed to be backed by knowledge, skills, and access to opportunity,” said Sarah Akol, a former youth leader in Soroti. “Her vision for the youth was grounded in empowerment through education.”
She also encouraged young women to participate in cultural and public leadership, mentoring several who have since taken up roles in the ICU and local governance.
Asekenye’s influence extended into community development projects.
One of her most celebrated initiatives was the commissioning of a solar energy project at Serere Health Centre IV.
The project, executed in partnership with AIDO Network International and the Global African Diaspora Kingdom, improved access to electricity in the health facility, greatly enhancing maternal and emergency care.
“She had a heart for her people,” said Peter Emuron a resident of Kumi Municipality. “Joyce was not just a cultural leader; she was a servant of the community. Her legacy will live on through every child vaccinated under proper lighting at Serere Health Centre.”
Throughout her lifetime, Joyce Asekenye remained committed to the core values of unity, tradition, and progress.
Her dedication to preserving Iteso identity, promoting social justice within the ICU, and empowering future generations has left a deep imprint on the cultural and social fabric of Teso.
“She was the voice of reason, a bridge between the old and the new, and an unwavering guardian of our values. Her passing is a profound loss to the entire Iteso nation.”
Funeral arrangements are underway. However, the ICU Council is yet to announce plans to hold a special cultural farewell ceremony to be held in ICU Headquarters.
Another Prominent ICU Founding Member who passed on recently was Papa Vance Omome the former ICU Prime Minister who had resigned before his death.
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