His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emoloto Papa Iteso III, the King of Iteso, has reaffirmed the Iteso community’s commitment to supporting Alupe University’s growth and development, describing the institution as a treasured child of the community that must be protected and nurtured.
The King made the remarks on Friday, October 30, 2026, when he visited Alupe University during the Iteso-Ateker Business and Economic Transformation Symposium, held as part of the celebrations marking his Fourth Coronation Anniversary and Heritage Festival.
His Royal Highness was received by the University’s senior management, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Research and Student Affairs), Prof. Margaret N.B. Orina, representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter L. Barasa, alongside the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Development), Prof. Mahero Toboso. The King’s delegation included the Member of Parliament for Tororo South, Uganda, Hon. Fredrick Angura, among other dignitaries.
In his address, the King expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Barasa, for supporting the coronation anniversary celebrations and thanked the University Management for providing a platform to host the symposium. He commended the University’s leadership for recognizing the importance of community engagement and creating opportunities for dialogue on regional economic transformation.
The King described Alupe University as a vital institution to the Iteso community, emphasizing that its development was close to his heart. He noted that he consistently speaks positively about the University whenever opportunities arise and called upon the community to take collective responsibility for safeguarding and advancing its interests.
“Alupe University is like a baby of the community, and we must protect it,” he observed, reaffirming his commitment to championing the University’s growth. He further pledged to engage the President of the Republic of Kenya to advocate for additional development projects and investments at the University.
The King also assured the University of the Iteso Community’s Continued Support, noting that the relationship between the institution and the community should be strengthened through shared responsibility and a common vision for development.
Welcoming the King, Prof. Orina reaffirmed Alupe University’s openness to meaningful partnerships with communities and institutions in both Kenya and Uganda. She emphasized the University’s readiness to collaborate in areas such as academic training, research, innovation and other mutually beneficial initiatives that contribute to regional development.
Prof. Orina also appreciated the King for his continued goodwill towards the University, describing him as a valuable ambassador whose advocacy and support strengthen Alupe University’s visibility and relationship with the wider community.
On his part, Prof. Toboso thanked the King for visiting the University and commended him for consistently honoring invitations to University events. He noted that such engagements demonstrate the importance of sustained partnerships between academic institutions and traditional leadership in advancing community development.
Other University officials present included Dr. William Okedi, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Dr. Isaac Manje, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Relations and Marketing, who joined the University’s leadership in welcoming the royal delegation.
The visit underscored the important relationship between Alupe University and the Iteso community, highlighting the role of traditional leadership, academia and regional stakeholders in advancing education, research, investment and socio-economic transformation.
As a fully chartered public university situated in the heart of the Iteso community, Alupe University remains committed to strengthening partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries, promote shared prosperity and position higher education as a catalyst for regional transformation.
