By Reuben Olita, Busia
The Busia County government has explained why it withdrew its support for the Kakapel Cultural Festival, citing concerns over the alleged politicization of the 2024 event.
Speaking at the Elalai Sports and Cultural Festival in Kakemer on New Year’s Eve, Olung’a Ekwenye, the County Executive Committee Member for Culture and Sports, revealed that the county decided to pull its support for the Kakapel festival after it became entangled in political conflicts.
“We are happy with the organizers of the Elalai festival for not allowing politics to interfere with their event, unlike what happened with Kakapel, where some leaders used the occasion to vilify the county leadership,” Ekwenye said
He added that the county was considering sponsoring the Elalai festivals in the future, with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma invited to attend this year’s event.
Ekwenye expressed frustration over how some political aspirants, particularly Eng. Sidai and PAS Arthur Osiya, had turned the Kakapel event into a platform for early campaign rhetoric, disrupting the cultural event’s original purpose.
“Instead of continuing to support the Kakapel festival, where leaders show no respect for the county government, we are now focusing on supporting events like Elalai, which are free of political machinations,” Ekwenye stated.
Cultural leader Emmormor Papa Paul Sande Emolot also spoke out, criticizing the early political campaigns launched by Sidai and Osiya’s supporters.
“They have already started their campaigns three years before the polls,” Emolot said, adding that he would invite both campaign teams to his Koitangiro residence for a candid conversation about their conduct.
He urged supporters to refrain from using abusive language and discrediting his name, insisting that his politics were mature and centered on development.
Emmormor also praised Evans Kaunya, the retired chief from Chamasiri location, for his efforts in teaching children about the Iteso culture.
He expressed his admiration for how well the youth were able to articulate cultural issues, which he felt was a step towards preserving their heritage.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya also emphasized that the Kakapel festival had become overly politicized, while the Elalai event remained focused on youth education about the Iteso culture and language.
“The culture is meant to unite the Ateker,” he said. He thanked Emmormor for honoring his invitation despite his busy schedule in Kampala, acknowledging that his presence was a significant achievement.
In the diaspora, Herman Odionyi, a US-based community leader, called on Teso leaders to set aside their differences for the greater good of the community.
“We must stop castigating and undermining each other,” Odionyi said. He encouraged leaders to work as a team, particularly urging Teso South MP Mary Emaase, who serves as the vice-chair of the Budget Committee, to collaborate with Governor Otuoma instead of forming groups aimed at undermining him.
“Leaders should unite and form a memorandum of understanding with the Governor or even the President. Stop listening to lies. We need to work together for the development of our people,” Odionyi emphasized.
Eng Vincent Sidai, one of the key political figures in the region, responded by stating that leaders must be part of the government to secure development.
“We need to be in government to get development. We cannot keep undermining one another,” Sidai said. He stressed that leaders should speak the truth and focus on advancing the community’s welfare.
Despite the challenges, Sidai indicated that he would not step back from his political ambitions, likening himself to a plot of land that is ready for planting, symbolizing his preparedness for leadership.
The controversy surrounding the Kakapel Cultural Festival has sparked a wider debate on the role of politics in cultural events, with calls for leaders to focus on unity and development rather than personal political gain.
The Busia County government’s decision to withdraw support for the event reflects growing frustrations over the politicization of what was meant to be a celebration of the community’s culture.
