Agule Institute of Health Sciences and Management was the only institution from Pallisa that participated in the Teso 2026 Run organized by the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF) ahead of the 4th Emorimor Coronation Anniversary.
The run, held on Saturday in Soroti City, attracted over 2,000 athletes and sports lovers.
Hon. David Ochwa, former Member of Parliament for Agule County and Executive Director of Agule Institute of Health Sciences and Management, said the institute had to participate in the remarkable event because it not only set the mood for the 4th Emorimor Coronation Anniversary scheduled to take place in Kenya — where all Ateker communities across the continent will converge — but also delivered benefits to Teso including HIV awareness spearheaded by Uganda AIDS Commission under the theme “Run for Hope, Act for Life” and strengthening of PLU mobilization through “Kazi ni Kazi” and “Pamoja” led by Dan Mulalu.
Ochwa said the institute took 100 students talented in athletics to participate because it exposes students, helps them explore, builds love for culture, and cements the institution’s ties with the Iteso Cultural Union.
Mr. Opolot Sam, Dean of Students at Agule Institute, however raised concern over why organizers only awarded first-place winners and left out second and third place. He said in any competition, even beauty contests, runners-up are recognized.
Dr. Peter Emmanuel Eriaku, Director of ICUDEF, lauded all organizations, institutions and individuals who supported and participated in the event whose theme was ‘Run for the Child’ — aimed at supporting children.
Responding to concerns raised, Dr. Eriaku said all gaps will be fixed. He noted that what should be appreciated is that the event achieved its set objectives as preparations for the 4th Coronation Anniversary of His Highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng gain momentum.
After hanging over one million shillings each to Cathbert Opio a second year student of Mbarara university and Martha Akurut of the ministry of justice and constitutional affairs ,he recognized sponsors including Pearl Bank, ICUDEF, Eastman Coffee, Nivana Water, Mobility Tours and Travel, and Uganda AIDS Commission.
On behalf of Uganda AIDS Commission, Mr. Otai Charles represented Dr. Nelson Musoba, the Director General.
Hon. James Otim, LCV Chairperson of Ngora District who represented the 12 local governments in the Teso sub-region, said the activity was a double-edged sword that promoted both physical health and ethnic identity.
“This kind of event crisscrosses tribal lines because even some people who are not Iteso got involved, just like it happens with the Kabaka of Buganda run,” Otim said
He in a special way recognized Hon. Ochwa for loving culture.
“It is unusual for a person to bring over 100 students, pay for each running kit at UGX 30,000, feed them in hotels which boosted business in Soroti City, transport them, and make those who are not Iteso admire our values,” Otim said.
Mr. Dan Mulalu, the Ngariam County political actor in Katakwi who led the PLU top squad in the region, urged all Iteso to travel to Kenya for the 4th Coronation, which President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed to attend alongside his counterparts President William Ruto of Kenya, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and President Salva Kiir of South Sudan.
Toto Diana Esele, Chairperson of ICU who represented Papa Emorimor, flagged off the run and closed the event at Soroti Sports Club. She said the 4th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Highness Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng will take place at Amagoro Comprehensive School, Busia County, Kenya.
She said activities will start on 29th October with the main celebrations on 31st October 2026. The events include Emorimor Cup semi-finals/finals on 29th and 30th October 2026 and the Ateker Business Symposium on 30th October, which will gather all Ateker communities including Iteso, Karamojong, Turkana, Toposa, Langi among others.