Thousands Mourn Kumam Cultural Heritage Defense Minister Derry Erupu in Kalaki

Thousands of Kumam tribe members gathered to mourn the late Derry Erupu, the Defense Minister of the Kumam Cultural Heritage community, during his burial ceremony held at Atapar Village, Lwala Parish, Otuboi Sub-county in Kalaki District.

Rev. Fr. Robert Ecogu, the Vicar General of Soroti Catholic Diocese, who led the funeral mass, urged Christians to avoid being consumed by worldly desires, emphasizing the importance of living spiritual lives. 

He encouraged believers to support church activities materially and financially to advance the work of God.

Fr. Ecogu also called on married couples to embrace church weddings and to avoid domestic violence and divorce, stressing the importance of strong families for community development.

Kenneth Ongalo Obote, the Member of Parliament for Kalaki District and Minister of State for Teso Affairs, paid tribute to the late Erupu and applauded His Highness Papa me Kumam, Raphael Otaya, for his role in nurturing and uniting the Kumam people, placing them prominently on Uganda’s cultural map.

Samuel Eyenga, the Prime Minister of the Kumam Cultural Heritage, also appreciated the Paramount Chief for his dedication to the leadership and development of the Kumam community.

In his address, His Highness Papa me Kumam, Raphael Otaya, emphasized unity and social harmony among the Kumam and Ateso communities. He called for mutual love and humanity to foster peace and security in the region.

Dr. Capt. Mike Mukula, the NRM Eastern Region Chairperson and chief mourner, described the late Erupu as a staunch NRM supporter and a prominent businessman whose contributions to the Kumam and Teso regions have left a lasting legacy. 

He urged the people of Kalaki and Kaberamaido districts to unite for the development of their communities.

The late Derry Erupu was born on November 7, 1956, and passed away on April 3, 2025, at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, Kampala. 

He served as the Defense Minister for the Kumam Cultural Heritage for two years, following the enthronement of the Kumam Paramount Chief, also known as "Papa me Kumam."