The Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III, has been petitioned by a member of the Iteso community seeking his intervention over alleged governance and accountability irregularities within the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and its development arm, the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF).
In a petition dated July 6, 2026, George William Ecungu calls on the cultural leader to investigate what he describes as procedural breaches and governance concerns affecting the management of the cultural institution.
Ecungu alleges that a group of individuals who previously sued the Emorimor and the ICU has since been reconciled and reintegrated into the institution and is now exerting influence beyond its constitutional mandate.
He claims the group has participated in discussions regarding the possible removal of the substantive Iteso Prime Minister, an action he argues falls outside the procedures provided for under the ICU Constitution.
The petition also questions adherence to the ICU Constitution within the Ministry of Tourism and Documentation.
Ecungu alleges that although the substantive minister was duly sworn in, the deputy minister, who he claims has not taken the required oath, is carrying out ministerial duties.
Ecungu further raises concerns over the organization of the upcoming Emali Cultural Festival, arguing that although it is being promoted under the ICU banner, its planning and management appear to be concentrated among a small group of private individuals, including some ICU office bearers, rather than through the institution’s established constitutional structures.
He also questions the absence of official communication from the Office of the Minister of Information regarding the festival, despite the office’s mandate to communicate official ICU positions.
According to the petition, the published festival roadmap gives prominence to collaboration with local leaders while making limited reference to the ICU’s constitutional organs responsible for planning and decision-making.
The petition also raises governance and financial accountability concerns regarding ICUDEF, the foundation established to mobilize resources for development projects, including the construction of the Emorimor’s palace.
Ecungu wants clarification on whether all funds raised through the foundation have been properly accounted for and whether its banking arrangements and governance structures comply with the ICU Constitution.
He also questions whether the relocation of ICUDEF offices has affected institutional oversight and whether there is sufficient separation between the foundation’s fundraising role and the administrative functions of the ICU.
The petitioner warns that failure to address the concerns could erode public confidence in the cultural institution and discourage community members from contributing to development initiatives, including the construction of the Emorimor’s palace. Efforts to obtain a response from officials of the Iteso Cultural Union were unsuccessful by the time of publication-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
