A somber mood engulfed Serere district head quarters as thousands of mourners thronged to pay their last tributes to the fallen Teso King Papa Augustine Lemukol Osuban.
Some glad in their traditional wears, both the young and the old could not hide the pain following the passing of Papa Emorimor lo Iteso. Tears freely poured down their chicks, for their hero was no more. He had gone to make peace with his creator.
The occasion was led by the thirteen assembly speakers that constitute Teso regional council, the district chairpersons and the honorable members of council. Various district chairpersons who addressed the mourners urged for the separation of politics from the cultural institution as it bogs it down.
Meanwhile the Kalaki district chairperson Samuel Okello underscored the fact that” they are gathered not for simple item but for a very important occasion, a historic one, one that they have never had, in the history of Teso, paying last tributes to the gallant son of Teso.”
He added that they are gathered to recognize the tremendous work of the late King. He said the late gave his best and his life for Teso and the entire country.
He was described as one who not only preached peace and unity but
it too.
For all the time he held the throne, he asked his subjects not only in Uganda and Kenya but also in the Diaspora to empower and also love one another.
The late Papa Emorimor a British trained agriculture specialist who was a consultant in matters agriculture rose in his career to the position of a commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry and fisheries.
The late Monroe Miles said “The greatest tragedy is not death, but to live a life without purpose.” Indeed the thousands of mourners turned in numbers to celebrate the man who purposely lived his life.
The family led by one of his daughters described their father the King as one who was humble, intelligent and loving father. He always provided council and advice to all his family members. They thank all the health professionals who attended to him as he battled with his life until the last breath.
Meanwhile, Opiyo Joseph Linus the Serere district Minister for Finance, planning and Administration has called on next Papa Emorimor to come from the larger Teso Kenya region but who will have to move and reside at the Palace in Soroti.
Will the next Papa lo Iteso emerge from Kenya? Time will tell.
Papa Emorimor was elected to the throne by the delegates in 1998 and enthroned in April 2000. He has been King for the last 22 years.