By REUBEN OLITA
October 22, 2026| Teso North MP says preparations are progressing as 80 kings and queens are expected in Malaba for the historic Iteso cultural celebrations.
Teso North Member of Parliament Oku Kaunya has inspected ongoing construction works at Kakapel Cultural Centre and Acunet Stadium in Malaba ahead of the fourth coronation anniversary of Iteso cultural leader Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot.
The celebrations, scheduled for October 31, 2026, are expected to attract President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside traditional leaders from across Africa.
Kaunya said the inspection was aimed at assessing the progress of preparations for the historic event, which will mark four years since Emolot was installed as the cultural leader of the Iteso community in Kenya and Uganda.
Kakapel Cultural Centre is expected to be commissioned during the celebrations, adding to the cultural infrastructure in Teso North.
In a statement, the MP thanked President Ruto for development projects undertaken in the constituency and pledged to continue working with his administration to attract more investment.
He also expressed hope that the President’s development pledges, including the proposed seven-kilometre Amagoro–Kakapel road and other major roads, would be fulfilled.
Kaunya said the anticipated handover of the roads to contractors would pave the way for construction to begin.
“I warmly welcome the President, our Ugandan brothers and sisters, and the people of Teso to join us in witnessing this historic occasion as we celebrate our rich Iteso cultural heritage and strengthen the bonds between our two nations,” he said.
80 Kings and Queens Expected
The anniversary is expected to draw about 80 kings and their queens, giving the celebrations an international cultural dimension.
Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) Minister for Roads and Public Works Okwara Ekirapa said traditional leaders from across Africa had been invited, including the Zulu King of South Africa.
Ekirapa said preparations were progressing well, with a committee chaired by Chris Barasa coordinating arrangements to receive the presidents, traditional leaders and other dignitaries.
The celebrations were initially scheduled for October 22–24 but were rescheduled to October 29–31 to accommodate President Ruto’s diary.
Organisers have planned activities for October 29 and 30, culminating in the main anniversary celebrations on October 31 at Acunet Stadium in Malaba.
The gathering is expected to bring together representatives of Ateker communities from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia, alongside governors, senior government officials and cultural leaders.
The Ateker communities share cultural traditions, customs and ancestral connections, making the anniversary an opportunity to promote cultural preservation and regional cooperation.