Iteso Cultural Union Unveils 'Emaali' Festival to Celebrate Heritage and Drive Tourism

The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), also known as the Teso Kingdom, has officially announced the first-ever Emaali Cultural Festival 2026. This significant event is designed to honour the rich cultural legacy of the Iteso people, while simultaneously boosting tourism, empowering youth, and enhancing socio-economic growth.

The festival was unveiled at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala by Charles Eweku, the Minister of Tourism within the ICU, acting on behalf of the cultural leader, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot III. In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the festival is scheduled for October 24-25, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Its theme, “Celebrating Heritage and Building the Legacy of the Iteso People,” reflects its core mission, with the regional slogan being “Teso to the World.”

Eweku highlighted the festival as a crucial step in preserving the Iteso cultural identity and positioning the Teso sub-region as a prime destination for cultural tourism. The name “Emaali” itself carries significant meaning, representing ancestral wealth, prestige, and assets like cattle and land, as well as joy and customary bride wealth.

Organizers intend for the Emaali Cultural Festival to be more than just a celebration; it’s envisioned as a platform to safeguard indigenous knowledge, folklore, music, and historical sites like the Nyero Rock Paintings. The annual event is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists interested in authentic cultural experiences, thereby stimulating the Teso tourism circuit.

Furthermore, the festival will provide valuable market opportunities for local artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their traditional crafts and products. It also aims to strengthen cultural bonds among Iteso communities across Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan, promoting cultural exchange with neighbouring groups and aligning with UNESCO’s goals for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Attendees can anticipate a vibrant display of Iteso culture, including traditional music featuring instruments like the Akogo, the Emaali dance, traditional cuisine such as Eboo, and significant cultural symbols like the Adere calabash. Cultural rites, including the Asapan rite of passage, will also be featured. Organizers anticipate over 50,000 attendees, including government officials, cultural leaders, international delegates, and tourists, making it a grand showcase of Teso pride.

Preparations are underway to ensure the Emaali Cultural Festival becomes a signature annual event, celebrating Iteso identity and contributing to Uganda’s cultural tourism landscape.

Source: Nile Post