The government has gazetted Raphael Otaya as the first Kumam cultural leader, in accordance with section 6 of the Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
in a letter dated August 1, 2023, Aggrey Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, directed the executive director of the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation to have Otaya’s status as Kumam cultural leader gazetted.
Otaya was elected by a group of Kumam elders and community leaders in July 2022. Otaya 66, emerged victorious in an election against three contenders, securing 250 votes during the delegates’ conference held in Kaberamaido Town Council.
His coronation as the inaugural Kumam Cultural Leader in a ceremony known as Won Ateker Papa Me Kumam marked the Kumam community’s formal separation from the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) led by Emorimor.
The event attracted a large audience, including representatives from Buganda Kingdom and Won Nyachi of Lango.
Otaya has said that he is committed to promoting and preserving the Kumam culture. He has also said that he wants to work with the government to improve the lives of the Kumam people.
He was born on March 8, 1957,in Olel Village, Soroti district. He is a retired headteacher who holds a Grade II Teacher Certificate from Bishop Kitching College in Ngora, a Grade III Teacher certification from Buwalasi Teacher Training College, and a Diploma in Teacher Education from the Institute of Teacher Education in Kyambogo.
He taught at Amuucha Primary School was a tutor at the Institute of Education and later as the head of the science department at Soroti Teacher Training College.
The gazettement of Raphael Otaya as the first Kumam cultural leader is a significant event for the Kumam people. It is a recognition of the importance of the Kumam culture and a sign of the government’s commitment to preserving it.
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