SOROTI — The Kumam cultural leadership under the stewardship of His Highness Won Ateker Papa me Kumam Raphael Otaya has opened a new chapter of cooperation with the incoming Soroti District LC5 Chairperson, Bob Owiny, in a move aimed at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
The reconciliation follows tensions and propaganda that reportedly emerged during the recent election period, creating divisions between the Kumam and other tribes, particularly the Iteso community.
During a meeting held in Soroti City over the weekend, leaders from both sides pledged to work together and rebuild trust as the new five-year political term begins.
Speaking during the engagement, Soroti District LC5 Chairperson-elect Bob Owiny condemned the tribalism that surfaced during the elections, saying it had left communities divided and weakened social cohesion in the district.
Owiny particularly expressed concern over tensions between the Iteso and Kumam communities and called upon residents to embrace politics based on merit rather than tribal identity.
“We experienced unnecessary tribal divisions during the election period, especially between the Iteso and Kumam communities. It is now time to move forward and focus on peaceful coexistence and development,” Owiny said.
He explained that the meeting with the Kumam cultural leadership was intended to forge a new path of unity and cooperation regardless of past political differences.
The incoming district chairperson also urged cultural ministers and leaders to avoid engaging deeply in active partisan politics in order to protect the integrity and image of the Kumam Cultural Heritage institution.
“We must preserve the dignity of our cultural institutions by ensuring they remain symbols of unity and identity rather than political division,” he added.
Meanwhile, George William Omuge, the Chairperson of the General Assembly of the Kumam Cultural Heritage, welcomed Owiny’s outreach and described it as a sign of mature and visionary leadership.
Omuge applauded the incoming district chairperson for taking the initiative to reconcile communities and engage cultural leaders in promoting peace and development.
“This gesture shows good leadership. We encourage the new chairperson to become a unifying leader who can transform challenges into opportunities while prioritizing the development of Soroti District,” Omuge said.
On his part, His Highness Won Ateker Papa me Kumam Raphael Otaya called upon the Soroti District Council and political leaders to work together in fighting corruption and promoting meaningful development for all communities.
The Kumam cultural leader emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among leaders and residents as the district begins a new political term.
He also pledged full support from the Kumam Cultural Heritage to the incoming district leadership, saying the institution is committed to opening a new chapter built on love, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
“We are ready to support the new leadership in promoting development and ensuring harmony among our people,” Otaya said.
The reconciliation meeting has been welcomed by residents and local leaders who believe it marks an important step toward healing divisions that emerged during the election period.
Community members expressed hope that the renewed cooperation between cultural and political leaders will strengthen peace, improve service delivery, and promote development across Soroti District.
