Stop The Intimidation!! Why Mukula Should Respect Our Cultural Leaders Not Throw Attacks On Them

By now, most people in Eastern Uganda have heard the noise coming from Mike Mukula and his team. They are blaming His Highness Papa Won Ateker Raphael Otaya for “getting involved in politics” just because he went to the homecoming event of Mr. Calvin Echodu. But let’s stop for a moment and ask a simple question: why is it only wrong when Papa Won Ateker goes to an event for someone not on Mukula’s side?

Not long ago, Mukula himself was trying to get support from another respected cultural leader, His Highness Papa Emorimor. He spoke nicely about him, posed for photos, and wanted to show he was close to the cultural leader. But no one said he was “getting involved in politics” then. No one wrote articles accusing Mukula of going against the Constitution. So why the sudden problem now?

What did Papa Won Ateker really do wrong? In fact, he gave clear and wise advice: “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 talk about values, leadership, and helping the community. What they are not allowed to do is tell people which party or person to vote for. And Papa Won Ateker did not do that.

Now Mukula’s team is sharing a video, which has been taken out of context. They claim it shows Papa Won telling people to “support Echodu.” But even if he said something kind, is that really a big issue? Didn’t Mukula also stand next to Papa Emorimor and use the moment to help his own image? Where were the complaints that time?

This shows one thing clearly: Mukula and his team are scared. They see that Mr. Calvin is getting more support not just from politicians, but also from respected cultural leaders and the everyday people. Instead of having fair and respectful competition, Mukula’s team is now choosing to play unfair, spreading lies, and making personal attacks.

For example, after a former Ambassador publicly endrosed Mr. Calvin, Mukula’s media team suddenly accused him of corruption. Now, because Papa Won Ateker went to a public event, he is being blamed for going against the Constitution. This is not just politics, it’s intimidation. And even worse, it’s a sign of disrespect toward our cultural leaders.

Mukula’s team is now trying to create a new cultural group that supports their political goals. They say they want to “bring back cultural pride,” but what they’re really doing is dividing the Kumam people for their own selfish reasons. They want a cultural leader who follows their political orders, not one who speaks truthfully for the people.

Let’s be clear: culture is not a tool for politics. Cultural leaders are not puppets who must stay quiet. They are the fathers of the community. They have the right to give advice, speak honestly, and help guide people. If Mukula and his team respected culture, they would respect all cultural leaders—not just the ones who agree with them.

The Constitution of this country, in Article 246, says cultural leaders must not be political. That means they should not campaign for political parties. But it doesn’t mean they can’t speak when there’s bad leadership in the community. It doesn’t mean they should stay away from events just because a certain politician is there. Being non-partisan doesn’t mean being silent or blind.

So we ask Mukula and his team: why do you attack cultural leaders when they don’t support you, but happily use them when they do? Why are only your opponents being blamed for breaking the Constitution?

The people of Kumam and Eastern Uganda deserve better. We need leaders who are respectful, compete fairly, and do not insult our elders to win votes. Mr. Calvin and his team have chosen peace, respect, and unity. Mukula’s team has chosen division, fear, and lies.

But the truth always comes out. The people are paying attention. And this time, they will choose wisely—not based on noise or threats, but based on who will truly work for them and their children.

Let us protect our culture, respect our leaders, and keep our politics clean.