By Reuben Olita
The county government of Busia has withdrawn support for the Kakapel Cultural Festival due to the alleged politization of the annual event.
Speaking during the Elalai sports and cultural festival in Kakemer on New Year’s Eve, Culture and Sports County Executive Committee Member Olung’a Ekwenye said they withdrew from funding the Kakapel fete after it was turned into murky political waters.
“We are happy with organizers of the Elalai festivals for not dragging politics into it like the Kakapel one where leaders used the occasion to vilify the county leadership,” Ekwenye said.
He added: ” Instead of continuing to support the festival that leaders have no respect for the county government, we shall sponsor Elalai festivals and the Governor H.E Dr Paul Otuoma invited to attend this year’s event.
Ekwenye said instead of engaging in political machinations, supporters of the two aspirants, Eng Sidai and PAS Arthur Osiya, should back their candidates as people like us rally behind Dr Otuoma and we remain in Ateker.
Emmormor Papa Paul Sande Emolot said supporters of Sidai and Osiya have started early campaigns with three years to the polls, adding that he will invite campaign teams of the two candidates at his Koitangiro residence to share with them a word or two.
Emormor called on supporters of the two aspirants to stop engaging in abusive language and spoling his name, noting that his politics is mature.
The cultural leader thanked Chamasiri location retired chief, Evans Kaunya, for teaching children the iteso culture, adding that he was impressed how the youth articulated cultural issues.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said the fete was devoid of politics with the youth taken through ateso culture and language, adding that the culture is meant to unite the Ateker.
Kaunya thanked Emormor for leaving his busy schedule in Kampala to honour his invitation, which was no mean an achievement.
US based Mr Herman Odionyi urged leaders to put aside differences, and we shall go far as a community. ‘Stop castigating leaders who undermine other leaders.’
” I support others because they are our leaders. There is no room for anti-development, and Emormor should put Teso leaders together. We can go far. Measure leadership for that in the community.
Odionyi added: ” I encourage leaders to unite as a team. Teso South MP is budget committèe vice-chair. She should work with Governor Otuoma instead of forming groups to undermine the governor.
“Leaders should work together and write a memorandum of understanding to the Governor or the Preident. Stop listening to lies. We should not be left behind. That is my prayer. Reprimand leaders who undermine other leaders.”
Eng Vincent Sidai said there is a need to be in the government to get development. You don’t need to undermine other leaders. Some leaders don’t listen, and they need liberation. Otuoma doesn’t listen to peoples’ cries.
He stated that leaders need to talk the truth. We are all in government yo get development or rely on somebody to help. Sidai said he would not back out again, noting that he was tested, likening himself to a shamba, which is ready for planting.
