By Odeke Emma Akol
Soroti Uganda: His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot, the Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), has appointed former Deputy Information Minister Abdallah Ochoggia as the Director of Planning and Strategic Partnerships at the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF).
ICUDEF is the official development arm of the ICU, tasked with initiating and coordinating socio-economic programs aimed at uplifting the lives of the Iteso people. The foundation is currently led by Dr. Peter Eriaku, who works in close coordination with the Emorimor’s leadership to oversee projects spanning across education, health, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.
Ochoggia’s new appointment follows a recent reshuffle within the ICU cabinet, which saw several key positions restructured. His name was among those dropped from the cabinet, sparking speculation. However, insiders now say his reassignment is far from a demotion. One senior ICU official described the new role as “a juicy and influential position,” noting that Ochoggia’s experience in communication and mobilization makes him the right fit to drive ICUDEF’s strategic ambitions.
Speaking to reporters, Ochoggia expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Emorimor and pledged to serve with dedication.
> “I am honored by this appointment, which comes with the responsibility to mobilize resources on behalf of the Iteso Cultural Union and ensure proper implementation of development activities on the ground. This is a call to action, and I am ready to serve,” he said.
In his new role, Ochoggia will focus on strengthening partnerships with development agencies, NGOs, government bodies, and the private sector. His mandate also includes developing strategies that align with ICUDEF’s core areas of intervention, including youth empowerment, access to quality education, improved healthcare services, and income-generating programs to support vulnerable communities.
ICUDEF has already begun implementing projects in various sub-counties, with early successes in cultural education and rural health campaigns. Ochoggia’s appointment is expected to boost the foundation’s visibility and resource mobilization capacity.
The Emorimor’s decision has been welcomed by several leaders within the ICU structure, who see it as a smart move to enhance the foundation’s impact. With Ochoggia’s background and commitment, many believe ICUDEF is poised to take a more active and results-driven role in transforming the Teso sub-region.
“Development is our collective duty,” Ochoggia concluded. “And I am ready to do my part.”
