In 2003,notorious rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army group invaded Teso sub-region but with the help of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Soldiers and Arrow Boys Auxiliary force, the rebels were immediately repulsed and flashed out of the area.
The LRA rebels then lost a prominent Commander identified as Brig. Charles Tabuley alongside several fighters, thanks to the support of the local leaders including the late, His Highness Emorimor Papa Osuban Augustine Lemukol.
Late Emorimor passed on from Mulago National Referral Hospital at the age of 88 on Saturday 5th February 2022 evening.
It should be recalled that it took UPDF and Arrow Boys a short period of time to defeat and flash out LRA rebels from Teso, unlike other regions.
This was partly due to the critical support of the cultural leaders who mobilized and encouraged their sons and daughters to join the fight against the rebellion.
Musa Ecweru, the current Minister of state for works was at the helm of this war against LRA rebels in Teso. He has since described late Papa Emorimor as a brave peace advocate.
President Yoweri Museveni who jointly hatched the plan to form the Arrow Boys force with the late Teso leader was described as the man of peace and unity.
“I join the people of Teso, and the entire country to mourn the death of the. The Emorimor was a great advocate of peace and unity, his devotion to preaching about moral and cultural values was paramount,” President Museveni said.
President has also declared an official burial for the deceased cultural leader in honor of his contribution.
“I, therefore, in the great memory of Emorimor Papa Augustine Lemukol, declare an Official Burial. My condolences to the Teso Kingdom, relatives, and well-wishers. May God grant his soul eternal repose,” President said.
Captain Mike Mukula, the NRM Regional vice-chairperson for Eastern region who equally fought LRA rebels in Teso described the deceased as a distinct cultural leader who fought for critical societal values including peace, unity, and the health of his subjects.
VP Major (Rtd) Jessica Alupo says the deceased taught his subjects to adore and promote respect for humanity, morals, and cultural values and above all rallied us for development.
Emorimor, 88, died at Mulago National Referral Hospital on Saturday evening where he was hospitalized since January 27.
He was first admitted to the Covid-19 Unit at Soroti Hospital on January 18, but his condition deteriorated and was transferred to Mulago.
Emorimor was installed as the Cultural Head in April 2000. He made his last public appearance on January 3, 2022, during prayers organized by the Soroti Catholic Bishop, Joseph Echiru Oliach.
