Won Atekere of Kumam praises Museveni for leadership power to cultural institutions

His Royal Highness Raphael Otaya Won Atekere of Kumam has praised President Yoweri Museveni for empowering cultural institutions with leadership roles in the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as chief guest at the Amolatar Boma Grounds, the Kumam leader urged all elected leaders, government civil servants, political leaders, and cultural leaders to abide by the country’s laws for the benefit of the people they serve.

He warned that any leader who engages in dividing people is breaking the law, and cautioned against using personal resources to promote segregation, division, or propaganda within the community.

The event was a breakfast prayer program for all candidates who contested in the recent elections, from Members of Parliament down to lower local government positions.

HRH Raphael added that a good leader can be identified by their fruits, noting that true leaders must be good listeners and humble toward everyone.

He also thanked the people of Amolatar, especially its leaders, for allowing the Kuman community to settle peacefully in Lango. “This is what we call teamwork,” he said, urging all Ugandans to work hard for developmental progress across their communities.

He revealed that currently 42% of the Kuman population is based in Amolatar district.

Additionally, Won Atekere appealed to those who force themselves into public office to understand that they will neither be respected nor live easy lives in the community. He encouraged both outgoing and incoming elected leaders to reconcile, forgive one another, and work together as they take over office.

Presenting his report, Amolatar Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Francis Okello Rwotlonyo stated that 70–80% of the district’s challenges stem from dirty politics.

He explained that the district local government, together with the office of the head of security, organized this first-of-its-kind reconciliation prayer to reduce high rates of division, fighting, segregation, and propaganda, and to bring everyone together so that hatred among community members must end.

RDC Okello lamented that the theme for this year’s prayers is “The Lord Should Heal the Land of Amolatar.” He quoted scripture: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven.”

He therefore called on the community to return to God and avoid politics of propaganda so they can walk together for the betterment of their local community.

Okello thanked the entire Amolatar community for supporting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM government for their massive contributions to the country.

The RDC also used the forum to announce current challenges of severe water shortage in lakes that have caused displacement of many people.

He cited affected sub-counties including Etam, Arowt Cek, and Namsale, and called for government intervention over this serious matter, which has affected community engagement in markets, schools, healthcare services, and church access.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Amolatar District Local Government, Rodha Oroma, appreciated the office of the RDC for organizing such prayers.

“As someone who loves peace, unity, and forgiveness, I encourage that these prayers continue bringing hope and joy so that all leaders work together for the betterment of our community,” she said.

The CAO also urged the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Professor Alfred Olwa, to keep Amolatar in prayers so that the government listens to their plea to tarmac the Namsale–Ocero–Dokolo road, which would boost business among local communities.

She acknowledged that Amolatar is developing, but the current challenge is roads, pledging to work with religious leaders to bring good things to Amolatar, given its historical position at the center of Uganda.

The outgoing Amolatar LC5 chairman, Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, who is now a newly elected Member of Parliament, noted that they will work together with President Museveni to ensure the government works on the road from Namsale through Amolatar Town to Dokolo, along with many other government programs.

He revealed that in the recent election, Amolatar gave 89% of its votes to President Museveni, and added that if the government tarmacs this road, then in 2031 Amolatar will give the President 99% of the votes.

Meanwhile, while delivering the Word of God, Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese, spoke from 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says if God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven and forgive.

He told the people of Lango, especially Amolatar, that they had gathered not to take any political side but to seek God, because only God can heal what they are facing.

Bishop Olwa further stated that prayer reaches where human effort cannot. “Today we gather here to bring healing, love, forgiveness, unity, and blessings to the people of Amolatar.

“As we have prayed, let us all come together to kick out division in leadership,” he said.

He noted that segregation and hatred are found not only among politicians but also within the community among those who hate one another.

Among the elected leaders who attended the prayers were Members of Parliament (both those who won and those who lost), LC5 and LC3 chairpersons, councillors, and others.