Culture Is Not Politics!! Why Our Leaders Deserve Respect, Not Attacks

By now, many people in Eastern Uganda have heard the loud talk from Mukula and his group. They are blaming His Highness Papa Won Ateker Raphael Otaya for “getting involved in politics” just because he went to Mr. Echodu’s homecoming event. But let’s stop and ask: why is it only a problem when Papa Won Ateker attends events for people who are not on Mukula’s side?

Some time back, Mukula himself was seen trying to get support from another well-known cultural leader, His Highness Papa Emorimor. He praised him, took photos with him, and tried to connect himself to the cultural office. No one said Mukula was breaking the rules. No one wrote stories calling him out. So why is it suddenly wrong now?

What wrong did Papa Won Ateker really do? What he said was simple and smart: “Choose a leader who can work for you and your children.” That’s not political. That’s just good advice. Cultural leaders are allowed to speak about values, leadership, and the future of the community.

Now, Mukula’s group is sharing a video clip, edited and not full, claiming that Papa Won Ateker told people to “stand with Echodu.” But even if he did say something kind, does that really deserve all this noise? Wasn’t it Mukula who once stood next to Papa Emorimor, smiling and using that moment to help his own political image? Why didn’t people complain then?

This tells us something important, Mukula and his team are afraid. They can see that Mr. Echodu is gaining support not only from political leaders but also from cultural leaders and the people. And instead of competing in a fair and respectful way, they are choosing to spread fear, twist the truth, and attack others.

Take this example: after former Ambassador Ocheger endrosed Mr. Echodu, Mukula’s media team quickly accused him of corruption. And when Ms. Caroline Angolere, a Special Presidential Assistant, endorsed Echodu, they brought up old scandals to damage her name. Now, Papa Won Ateker simply attends a public event, and they say he broke the law. This is not politics—it’s pressure. And worse, it’s an insult to our cultural leaders.

Mukula’s group is now talking about starting a new cultural group that follows their political wishes. They say it’s about “bringing back pride,” but really, they want to split the Kumam people to serve their own needs. They want a cultural leader who does what they say, not one who speaks truthfully for the people.

We must understand this: culture is not a tool for politics. Cultural leaders are not toys for politicians. They are respected guides for their people. They are allowed to advise, speak the truth, and stand for good values. If Mukula and his group truly cared about culture, they would respect all cultural leaders—not only those who praise them.

The Constitution of Uganda, in Article 246, says cultural leaders must not take sides in politics. That means they should not campaign for any political party. But it does not mean they must keep quiet when the people suffer from poor leadership. It does not mean they should skip events just because certain politicians are there. Being neutral doesn’t mean being silent or blind.

So let’s ask Mukula and his team: why do you attack cultural leaders who don’t support you, but praise those who do? Why are only your rivals accused of breaking the law?

The people of Kumam and Eastern Uganda deserve better. We want clean politics, fair campaigns, and leaders who respect our elders. Mr. Echodu’s team has chosen peace, unity, and respect. Mukula’s group is using fear, division, and lies.

But truth always wins. The people are paying attention. And this time, they will choose not based on threats or noise, but on who can really bring change and help their children.

Let us protect our culture, honour our elders, and keep politics clean and respectful.