Minister Betty Amongi Urges Kumam Clan Leaders to Prioritize Education and Morality
Soroti City, Uganda – June 25, 2025 — The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi Ongom, recently visited the Kumam Kingdom in Soroti City to strengthen cultural ties and gather insights into their strategies, achievements, and challenges. The visit brought together His Royal Highness Won Ateker Papa me Kumam, Raphael Otaya, and over 260 Kumam clan leaders during a meeting held at the Widows Centre.
During the engagement, Minister Amongi emphasized the importance of education and moral values within the Kumam community. She highlighted the Ugandan government’s support for cultural institutions, including an annual allocation of UGX 60 million and the provision of two vehicles to each institution to aid in their development and preservation of heritage.
Minister Amongi urged Kumam cultural leaders to champion education, especially for vulnerable children, and to instill good morals among the youth and their families. She stressed that the funds allocated to cultural institutions should be fully utilized to foster community growth and cultural preservation.
His Royal Highness Won Ateker Papa me Kumam called on parents to abandon child marriage and provide their children with opportunities to pursue education. He lamented that some parents neglect their responsibilities, spending excessive time drinking alcohol in trading centers, which hampers community progress.
James Chemitai, assistant RCC Soroti City, also attended the meeting and emphasized the need for Kumam leaders to remain united and actively participate in government programs aimed at community development.
Samuel Eyenga, Prime Minister of Kumam Cultural Heritage, highlighted the community's recent milestones, including promoting the Kumam language, supporting scholarships for vulnerable children, strengthening cultural practices, and initiating the construction of the Kumam Palace, among others. These efforts aim to preserve the rich heritage of the Kumam people for future generations.
Minister Amongi’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting cultural institutions and encouraging communities to prioritize education and moral integrity. The Kumam Kingdom’s leaders expressed their dedication to working with the government to foster development and cultural preservation.
