The Paramount Chief of Teso, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etimeileng, has called for stronger relations between the Teso and Lango communities, saying their shared historical and cultural ties should be used to promote unity and development.
Emorimor made the remarks on Friday, September 25, during his visit to Lira City, where he met the Lango Paramount Chief, Won-Nyaci Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, at his residence in Senior Quarters, before the two cultural leaders proceeded to Uganda Christian Institute School of Nursing and Midwifery in Gwengabara-Boroboro for a cultural gala competition.
Emorimor thanked the Won-Nyaci for what he described as efforts to foster unity and strengthen relations between the two communities, saying Teso and Lango share common origins, clan ties, traditions and cultural practices despite differences in language. He cited the 2024 gathering of Ateker people in Soroti as one of the initiatives that helped bring the communities closer and deepen their friendship.
Emorimor also commended the environment created by Lango leadership for Teso people seeking education in Lira. He said about 300 Teso students were admitted to one of the schools in Lira last year, with the number expected to rise to more than 800 this year.
He further praised Lango leaders for promoting peace and development, saying some of the issues that previously divided communities are being addressed, creating room for development.
Emorimor called for continued cooperation between the two cultural institutions, saying closer ties would benefit their people. He also invited Lango leaders to attend Teso’s 10th coronation anniversary and heritage celebrations scheduled for October 31 in Amagoro, Kenya.
The Won-Nyaci said Lango and Teso are historically one people and should continue strengthening their relationship. He described Lango as a cultural meeting point between the Luo and Ateker communities, saying the region’s dual cultural identity is a God-given characteristic.
The Won-Nyaci welcomed the Teso community to Lango, declaring the Lango Palace their home and saying Teso people should feel free to visit or meet their community members there without seeking special permission. also welcomed the cordial relationship between the two communities and called for efforts to strengthen it further.
The Queen of Lango, Agong Margaret Odongo Okune, welcomed Emorimor’s visit, describing it as an important moment in strengthening relations between Teso and Lango. She expressed appreciation for the friendship between the two queens and asked Emorimor to extend an invitation to the Queen of Teso for a future visit to Lango.
Agong Margaret said such a visit would provide an opportunity for the two queens to discuss ways of deepening relations between the Lango and Teso communities.
The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by the two cultural institutions to promote unity, cultural exchange, and cooperation among their people.