By Okwir Haron $ Ouni Jaspher
DOKOLO – Dokolo Town Council came to a standstill on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as thousands s of visitors from across the country mobbed Atama Cell, Atur Western Ward to witness the traditional marriage introduction ceremony of Fred Eladu Omiat, NRM Youth League Chairperson for Dokolo District and younger brother to Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru.
Shops and markets in Dokolo were closed early as businessmen, politicians, cultural leaders and youth leaders boarded vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles to attend the ceremony held at the home of the bride, Akello Patricia Eladu of Atek Enyan clan.
The groom Fred Eladu Omiat of Ikatekok – Ikeratok clan, led the delegation to introduce him.
The host family and residents were thrown into excitement as a convoy of brand new vehicles carrying dignitaries rumbled into Atama Cell throughout the day.
A long queue of people on foot, bicycles, motorcycles and vehicles stretched for nearly two miles from Dokolo Town Council headquarters to the venue as residents hoped to catch a glimpse of the groom’s welcome.
Some NRM Youth leaders from Bata Sub County who trekked to the venue said they came to honour Eladu for his role in mobilizing youth to support President Yoweri Museveni during the 2026 General Election campaigns.
“Our struggle to see him is also to remember his great contributions in rallying young people to support President Museveni while moving with the campaign team,” one youth leader said.
The atmosphere peaked when Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru, arrived alongside Don Wanyama, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group. Thousands of celebrants stood up to welcome them.
In his remarks, Ambassador Amoru hailed cultural marriage ceremonies as an important expression of Uganda’s rich heritage.
He said he continues to promote Ugandan culture while serving in South Africa, citing the development of Kangai Cultural Heritage, which he said received Shs15 billion in support from President Museveni through Parliament.
Ambassador Amoru urged the people of Dokolo to take advantage of growing cultural and tourism opportunities to attract visitors and generate income for local communities.
Hon. Dr. Mercy Lakisa, Woman MP for Alebtong District and Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, urged young people to emulate the couple and become responsible partners.
She cautioned the youth against being selective about employment, saying Uganda offers numerous opportunities, including within government. Dr. Lakisa pledged to support efforts to connect young people to available opportunities.
Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, challenged parents to shift from merely leaving wealth for their children to investing in them through education, discipline and skills.
He warned that children who regard their parents’ wealth as their own may lose the motivation to work hard and build independent lives.
On behalf of the NRM government, Obua commended Eladu Fred Omiat for his mobilisation efforts, which he said contributed to President Museveni’s success in the 2026 General Election.
The ceremony was attended by political leaders, religious leaders, the business community, and Old Boys and Old Girls associations, turning Atama Cell into a hub of celebration throughout the weekend.
