Vague reasons as Teso MPs skip national Museum Day celebration in Soroti City

Soroti | In an unexpected turn of events, Members of Parliament from Teso sub-region distanced themselves from participating in the National Museum Day celebration held in Soroti City, despite the presence of Vice President Jessica Alupo as chief guest

The majority of local leaders did not attend the May 18 national event, citing vague reasons for their absence.

Less than five MPs from Teso sub-region, which has 44 MPs and the Minister, attended, despite the presence of national and regional leaders like State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka and Cabinet Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Tom Butime.

This is not the first time the leaders have acted this way. They also demonstrated a similar incident recently at the Iteso Cultural Union Royal Highness Anniversary Celebration, where the Vice President was also the chief guest.

Those in attendance included MP Joseph Koluo from Toroma County, Bosco Okiror from Usuk County, Martin Edakasi from Kaberamaido County, Clement Ongalo from Kalaki County, and James Olobo Dubai from Kioga North County in Amolatar District.

Notably, none of the host MPs attended the event, citing undisclosed reasons, though it is worth noting that the ongoing underground schism between the Speaker and the Vice President has contributed to such practices continuing in the region.

A delegation from Kumam Heritage, including Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot and Moses Emabu, the LC5 chairperson Amuria, and Soroti’s Deputy City Mayor Juliet Ipagi and her Speaker Juliet Agonyo, were in attendance.

Emorimor has observed and criticised such behaviour among leaders in recent addresses, including one at the burial of Tom Okurut, the former Executive Director of NEMA in Kumi district.

Also read: Soroti City to host National Museum Day 2024 

In his speech, Emorimor urged the government to improve museums in order to foster cultural values and norms, pointing out that current characters are realised as a result of leaders’ lack of honesty.

The Minister for Teso Affairs, Ongalo, stated in his speech that it should be noted that just four Teso MPs were present at the event.

By Robert Edwomu.